Jamaal Franklin

[Balkman32]

What are the thoughts on Franklin coming in and backing up Thabo and Lamb @ the 2 Guard Slot?

[sonictecture]

Franklin reminds me a lot of D'Andre Liggins. Does a lot of things well, but isn't great at anything good defensive potential. Inconsistent shooters.

Liggins is on a cheap, non guaranteed contract which is hard to beat.

I'm leaning more towards an international prospect with 29 and or 32.

[Old Man Game]

Franklin reminds me a lot of D'Andre Liggins. Does a lot of things well, but isn't great at anything good defensive potential. Inconsistent shooters.

Liggins is on a cheap, non guaranteed contract which is hard to beat.

I'm leaning more towards an international prospect with 29 and or 32.

Respectfully, I can't get behind that comparison at all. Franklin was the centerpiece of San Diego State's entire offense. Look at the usage numbers. I think the win shares and PER back up that Franklin was a much better college player than Liggs. About the only thing I think they have in common is both have a reputation for playing really hard. If Franklin gets better with the jumper he could be a very nice SG at the next level. Not all star caliber but at least very good.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jam ... 500/stats/

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/DeA ... 098/stats/

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... lin-1.html

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... ins-1.html

[sonictecture]

I think this is how statistics can work against the evaluation process. Franklin had a more productive collegiate career, but what does that mean? Let's go a further step and evaluate what Franklin was able to do at San Diego St, and what is likely to transfer to the NBA?

Franklin was the best player on his team and had the offense run through him. Is this going to happen in the NBA? His skill level seems to indicate that it will not, that he will be asked to fit a role and play off the ball.

I'm referencing the fact that Franklin shot just over 40% from the field. When you look at his FT% you can see he has a decent shot, but struggles when he's asked to create for himself because his ball handling is ok, but not really good enough, resulting in bad shots. Franklin's turnover rate also helps bare this out. Franklin averaged 9 rebounds a game and even played a lot of PF in a weak conference. Franklin should be a good rebounder due to his length, but he doesn't project to average much more than other SG's.

So in my view what were left with is a guy who doesn't have a big weakness, but also doesn't have a skill level high enough to make him more than a role player. How hard he works on his game would seem to decide on what level of role player he would become.