Big Board Rankings

Strengths

• "Good finisher in the paint; he knows how to use his thick frame to carve out space and has soft touch with either hand

• which is necessary since he lacks explosiveness."

• "Decisive passer who makes rapid reads accurately all over the floor. He would fit best alongside an elite point guard

• which would activate his secondary playmaking to pick apart defenses."

• "Pick-and-roll threat: He sets excellent screens and rolls with a veteran’s feel for the game. If his shooting improves

• he’ll also be a weapon on the pick-and-pop. He’s a good ball handler who can attack closeouts and make smart decisions."

• "Solid rebounder who uses his strong body to box out; also an aware outlet passer."

• "Smart defensive player who communicates well and is usually in the perfect position to disrupt a play."

• "Stout interior defender; he’s strong defending the post

• and though he’s not an explosive shot blocker

• his high-level awareness and technique allow him to effectively alter shots."

• "Defensive mobility: He’s not a lockdown defender

• but a coach can be comfortable with him switching on the perimeter."

• "Savvy

• strong defender who smartly leverages his size to his advantage; capable of guarding bigs and switching onto wings on the perimeter"

• "Good playmaker out of the short roller; high IQ passer who can make quick

• smart reads"

• "Efficient scorer in and around the paint whose range should in time reliably extend to the 3-point line"

Areas to Improve

• "Shot only 27 percent from 3 and 70 percent from the line in college; his form isn’t bad

• so there may be room for improvement."

• "Undersized for a big man at only 6-foot-8

• though in today’s NBA that’s less of an issue in small-ball lineups."

• "Lack of explosiveness around the rim could become problematic against NBA athletes; his shots tend to get altered by lengthier defenders."

• "He dramatically cut down on his fouls as a junior

• but still bites on too many pump fakes

• making him foul prone."

• "Made just 21 of 77 3-point attempts (27%) during three-year career at MSU

• and 196 of 282 (69.5%) of free throw attempts; his smooth

• fluid release suggests his shooting range should extend and improve

• but those metrics aren''t encouraging"

• "Plays above his size

• but at 6-foot-8

• is physically undersized for his position; his lack of athletic explosiveness only exacerbates that concern against NBA athletes"

Traits

Scouting Sources

"Kevin O''Conner", "CBS Sports"