NBA Comparison: Keion Brooks / Dorian Finney-Smith

Strengths: Long, wiry wing with NBA length and a steadily evolving skill set … Stands 6’7″ with a lean 210-pound frame and fluid athleticism that translates well in the open floor … One of the more efficient senior scorers in the draft — averaged 17.6 points per game on impressive splits (51.1% FG, 38.2% 3PT, 77.6% FT) in his final year at Miami … His scoring output showed similar year-over-year growth, climbing from 11.5 as a freshman to a career-best 17.6 points per game by his senior season (11.5 → 13.8 → 13.7 → 17.6) … Shot the ball confidently and consistently, particularly off the catch — excellent spot-up shooter with clean footwork and mechanics … Wasn’t tasked with scoring in isolation often — did most of his damage efficiently via spot-up shooting, transition, and smart movement without the ball … Flashes a reliable mid-range pull-up and improved elevation on his jumper … Capable three-level threat when in rhythm … Uses his length well around the basket and finishes through contact … Strong rebounding presence for a wing (4.4 RPG, and 6.1 and 7.4 the past two seasons) and consistently contributes on the glass … Defensively, shows good positional awareness and the ability to switch across 2–3 positions … Long arms help him contest shots and disrupt passing lanes … Has improved as a ball-mover and decision maker (1.7 APG) … Career arc suggests a player who continues to develop and expand his game

Weaknesses: Lean frame may struggle with physicality at the next level — not particularly strong and can be bumped off his spots … Doesn’t create his own offense consistently — lacks a tight handle and isn’t a dynamic shot creator off the bounce … Primarily a straight-line driver and limited in isolation … While improved, still a work in progress as a passer — can miss reads under pressure and doesn’t manipulate defenses … Can be turnover-prone (1.3 TO per game) when forced to put the ball on the deck … Despite athleticism, lacks elite quickness or burst — may struggle defensively against shifty guards or explosive wings … Effort on defense can waver off-ball — must stay more consistently locked in on rotations … Shooting stroke improved but was average over career (34%) will need to prove consistency with NBA range … Slightly older for a prospect (will be 22 on draft night), which may limit perceived upside.

Outlook: Cleveland enters the draft as a polished, efficient wing with ideal positional size, improved shooting touch, and a strong finishing kick to his senior season … His ability to score without needing the ball in his hands, combined with reliable rebounding and switchable defense, gives him a solid foundation to fill a 3-and-D role early in his NBA career … While not a self-creator, his steady development curve and late-season surge suggest real potential as a solid complementary piece. Projects as a second-round pick with plug-and-play value and the upside to become a rotational mainstay if his floor spacing and defensive engagement continue to improve … Ended the season on a scoring tear — dropped 25, 29, and 32 points in his final three games, flashing legit shot-making upside at all levels …

Notes: Born September 15, 2002, in Atlanta, GA … Wingspan in the neighborhood of 7′ feet … Began his college career at Florida State, where he earned ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors as a freshman … Transferred to Miami for his senior season and posted career highs across the board … Averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 51.1% FG, 38.2% 3PT, and 77.6% FT … Improved free throw shooting dramatically after shooting just 55% as a freshman … Closed out his senior year with three straight 25+ point games … Majored in Sport Administration … Coming out of high school  was the14th ranked recruit in the nation by rivals…the No. 15 overall recruit in the Top247 rankings …

Aran Smith 4/12/25