Pros:

• Finishing

  • one of the best in college, he utilises his change in pace to create space and get to the rim, he can finish with both hand, pivots are interesting, definately Brunson like in terms of his finishing moves and ability, but he's taller so he has a lot more potential on that end for me. His efficiency is absolutely incredible would be great to see that fully translate but really have to compare it to Brunson

• Offensive Production

  • his incredible offensive stats, OBPM of 9.3 (JAN 1st) Offensive win shares of 1.9 (JAN 1st). Puts him with elite company **e.g, Michael Beasley and Trae Young at the guard positions. just incredible production

• PnR Ball Handling and Playmaking

  • Harper makes great reads coming off the pick and roll, unlike Flagg, he splits players and gets to the basket a lot easier and is just more confident at making the right reads at a similar USG% of 29.5 (JAN 1st), he combines that well with his finishing and gets to the cup. The reason I added his PnR play is hes running it at an elite level and is useful for NBA teams to build with. He also doesn't turnover the ball too much, uses his dribble to create space for others can find passes on the perimeter and that has lead to some nice passing stats. Again he doesn't turnover the ball much, he's got a very secure handle and although he isn't very accurate as a passer, he does a good job at it. And remember he's young so good IQ like this means quite a lot for his own innate ability.

• 3 ball

  • he is shooting 45% on catch and shoot 3s and in general he's shooting 37.3% (JAN 1st) from deep and its improving over time, I think it will keep improving but hes been one of the better 3 point shooters who primarily creates for himself

Cons:

• Moving shot

  • Doesn't seem too fall, his form isn't the best and just seems off balance, but this is just off the dribble. but if he is going to be your main ball handler like he should be he needs them to start falling more or just stop taking as many. It's a very high volume and I really don't believe it's something he should prioritise in his game, especially in the mid-range.

• Lack of Defensive identity

  • just passable on defence, not a terrible one or a negative but you really want to see a bit of development such as getting in the passing lanes, something he can add defensively to a team rather then just being there. he also isn't totally consistent as well so it think this is actually the biggest swing factor for him.

Interesting factor:

• Combo Guard

  • Im not a big fan of combo guards, prefer it if he had one position he could play point guard or the 2. I much prefer him at point guard, he doesn't have to be an old school point guard but he can be Jamal Murray, Jalen Brunson etc. who can pass pretty well but that isn't what stands out. But i'd like to see a bit more definition in what that is and if that's what he wants to be.

    • Elite Production

      • Playing at a top level putting him with elite company as said earlier, can he keep this up or improve further maybe he can move up to 1st. you've got to work out if this top tier production is going to translate as their has been a wide range of outcomes for players like this who put crazy numbers as a college player. Will this translate and are you confident hes a 1A Franchise guy because of that. My main thing is can he keep it up or can he add to this.

Conclusion:

Prospect Ceiling: All NBA 2nd - 1st team Ceiling

Pick Range: 1-3

NBA Comp: Taller Jalen Brunson

Best Fits: -

• Toronto

• New Orleans

• Washington