NBA Comparison: Buddy Hield

Strengths: A highly touted recruit who chose to play with the G League Ignite instead of going to college … Technically sound shooter who can score at all three levels … Finishes through contact at an elite level at the rim and really knows how to create space for himself on the perimeter … Can drive to either side and finish with either hand around the rim … His slashing ability is the biggest strength of his offensive game … Impressive lateral movement as a defender who shows instinctive help defense and tremendous recovery ability. Commonly disruptive as a help defender who generates a ton of steals … Streaky shooter who can let it fly from anywhere on the floor when he is in a groove … Great athlete who uses his speed and aggressiveness to his advantage attacking the rim … Shows flashes of good court vision and playmaking ability, but is undoubtedly a scorer first … Good size for a combo guard who knows how to get his own shot. Elite change of pace athlete who can cross up defenders and break ankles with a quick twitch stepback jumper and elite shooting range … Field goal percentage and 3-point percentage jumped from 35/27 to 40/33 from the Showcase to the Ignite Tour showing his improvement as his comfort level increased playing professionally … Nearly an 80% shooter at the line in 25 games indicates his jumper will only improve in time … At worst Hardy will be a streaky shooter and scorer  …  Will only be 20-years old with professional experience on draft night … Sneaky athleticism with the ability to play above the rim at times, when he gets an open lane to the basket …

Weaknesses: A disappointing season with the G-League Ignite has dropped Hardy from a projected mid lottery selection to a likely mid-late first round pick … Offensively can be a bit predictable as a straight line driver, lacking the wiggle and moves to get by opponents in ISO situations … Can over-commit at times trying to create steals leaving his man wide open … Decision making and feel for the game still in need of refinement … Throws up some wild shots at times and can play a bit out of control on the drive picking up his dribble too early at times … His over-confidence leads to a lot of drives without a real plan making him extremely turnover prone … Shooting efficiency left a lot to be desired during his G-League campaign, but his development could be seen as the season went on and he started to improve … Teams on the outskirts of the lottery might be looking for a contributing player instead of an upside prospect/project, which could cause Hardy to stay on the board for longer on draft night …  Appears to be a bit undersized at closer to 6-4, but has a solid wingspan in the 6-9 range …

Outlook: Some question marks arose early in the season revolving around confidence, maturity and dedication, but he seemed to improve, at least from an efficiency standpoint as the season progressed … Whether his issues are simply related to age or something deeper will be something that teams must figure out as he has lottery level talent…

Notes: 2nd ranked recruit in ESPN 100 Class of 2021 before deciding to play with G-League Ignite … Attended Coronado High School in Henderson, NV … Averaged over 30 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists per game in junior year of high school, earning Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year … 2021 McDonald’s All-American and 2021 USA Nike Hoops Summit Team selection …

Derek Bast 5/11/22