NBA Comparison: Ryan Kelly

Strengths:  Sweet shooting stretch-four who hardly needs any space to knock down perimeter jumpers thanks to his size, quick release, confidence and inability to be fazed by close-outs and contests … Built for the modern game as a pick-and-pop shooter with incredible consistency as a 38% shooter with high volume in five collegiate seasons … Solid rebounder who makes up for lack of athleticism with tremendous effort and energy on the glass … Incredible stamina for a big man as he is averaging close to 35 minutes per game in his last 19 games. He is averaging 17 points per game on 51% shooting from the field and 42% from the perimeter in this time period … Spark plug rotational player who can provide shooting, scoring and space for offenses with his range … Showing signs of great court vision and accuracy late in the season as teams present more on-ball pressure and send help defenders his way … Takes care of the ball effectively, ranking 1st in the Big 12 in turnover percentage during two of his four seasons at Oklahoma … While not a standout athlete, possesses solid fluidity and mobility …

Weaknesses: Was recently labeled as a defensive liability by opposing coaches, which is a tad harsh, but not far from the truth … Opponents will attack him at the next level in isolations and in the pick-and-roll and his team will need to be able to live with this if they take a chance on his offensive skillset … Shot selection leaves a lot to be desired, but his tendency to make these difficult shots gives him the leeway to take them … Average athlete lacking great physical strength and speed who will likely struggle defensively because of it … Only a 70% free-throw shooter, but he rarely gets to the line anyway with little to no effectiveness getting to the basket and scoring off the dribble … One of the oldest players in the draft class who will turn 24 in early September

Notes: Four-year starter at Oklahoma and started the second half of the season in his graduate season with North Carolina … Will finish in the top-20 in total games played in a college basketball career … Turns 24 on September 4th … Measured: 6’8.25” barefoot, 6’9.25” in shoes, 8’10.0” standing reach, 218.4 lbs, 7’1.25” wingspan at the 2022 NBA G-League Elite Camp …

Derek Bast 4/4/22