Our very own Brother Kirk gives his thoughts and analysis on some of his favorite floor generals to be featured in the NBA Draft this June.
D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State
DOB 2-23-96
PG/SG
6’5
180 lbs
6’9 Wingspan
Biggest Strength – Scoring ability
Russell is able to look over the defense and make a move right away with his 6’5 frame. He has great size for a point guard. Russell can get the ball up and down in transition, his change of pace allows him to get to the cup with ease. If you close out hard on this guy, he has a quick first step to blow right by you. He’s a great slasher off the pick and roll, and you have to respect his underrated passing ability which makes it easier for Russell to score the rock.
Biggest Weakness – Athleticism/Off Hand
He can struggle against lengthy defenders at the rim and tries to second guess himself too much against length. When Russell goes to the rim against length, he relies on his floater too often. Russell is a lefty, uncomfortable driving to the right and finishing with his right. Russell will have to develop an off-hand against the NBA’s elite defenders.
Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
DOB 10-9-92
PG
6’5
205 lbs
Biggest strength – Good Passer
Grant is great in transition and off the pick and roll. The offense stays flowing around him because his teammates know they will receive great looks. He’s great attacking off the dribble to dish to a big or kick out to an open shooter off the bounce. He’s very unselfish and a willing passer. NBA players will love competing with this kid.
Biggest Weakness – Shooting
Fails to knockdown open shots and needs to work on following through his shots more often. Very inconsistent as a shooter off the dribble, but hard to stop when he’s on fire. Grant will need an in-between mid range game to survive in this league.
Tyus Jones, Duke
DOB 5-10-96
PG
6’1
191 lbs
6’5 Wingspan
Biggest Strength – Basketball IQ/Skills
Tyus Jones has to be the smartest PG In the draft, great floor general, early transition passer and will play at his speed the whole entire game.looks for players In their sweet spot every time (main reason Quinn Cook had an monster year) Very damgerous PG off the pick and roll, will find shooter, deliver to the big man or use his high efficient floater.Best court vision out of all PGs In the 2015 draft.
Biggest Weakness – Upside/Potential
What you see is what you get! Tyus Jones is the most skilled point guard, but that can be good or bad. Jones will be the type of guard who will be good at everything, but not great. He can be a good back up guard for a good team for a long time or he can have a role like Mike Conley Jr., which is still a pretty good career if you ask me.
