NBA Comparison: James White

Strengths: Long, agile guard with solid burst and good elevation who took a major step forward offensively during his junior season at Wake Forest … Measured with a 6’10” wingspan, 31.0″ no-step and 37.5″ max vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine — physical tools that give him potential on both ends … Averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 36.0 minutes per game … Has a quick first step and uses his stride length to get downhill in isolation or pick-and-roll situations … Comfortable creating offense off the dribble, especially in the mid-range or with hesitation moves in the half court … Solid ball handler with some creativity off the bounce … Capable defender when engaged — covers ground well with his length and closes space quickly on closeouts … Posted 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, and has tools to defend both guard spots with more strength and consistency … Made a significant leap in confidence and production after transferring from Gonzaga, where he struggled to carve out a consistent role … Strong free throw shooter (80.4%) with previous success from three (40.5% as a junior), suggesting there’s shooting potential despite this year’s dip … Embraced a lead scoring role at Wake Forest and proved capable of creating offense against ACC defenses …

Weaknesses: Still physically underdeveloped at 181.4 lbs — lacks strength to consistently finish through contact or battle through screens … Can be bumped off his driving lanes and struggles to convert against length in the paint … Despite good vertical numbers, doesn’t always play explosively in traffic … Took a step back as a perimeter shooter this season, hitting just 27.7% from three after a promising 40.5% mark as a junior — raises concerns about his confidence and shooting mechanics under pressure … Not a reliable spot-up threat — more comfortable creating his own shot than spacing the floor off the ball … Assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8 to 2.4) is below ideal for a player who often has the ball in his hands … Still developing his feel and decision-making in the half court — can miss open reads and force plays when pressured … Surprisingly inefficient in transition given his speed — often rushes or struggles to finish through contact … Defensively, tools are there but consistency wavers — can lose focus off the ball and struggles against more physical opponents … Played under 5 PPG in two years at Gonzaga before emerging at Wake Forest — questions remain about long-term trajectory and reliability as a contributor at the next level …

Outlook: Sallis is an athletic, long-armed guard with flashes of scoring and defensive upside, but remains raw in key areas … His production leap at Wake Forest will catch evaluators’ attention, but the regression in his outside shooting and lack of strength are notable red flags … Still more of a developmental piece than a plug-and-play rotation player, though he has the tools to grow into a contributor if his shot stabilizes and decision-making sharpens … Projects as a second-round prospect with upside if placed in the right development system …

Notes: Measured 6′ 3.75” barefoot, 181.4 lbs, 6′ 10.00” wingspan, 8′ 4.00” standing reach with a 31.0 no step vertical and 37.5 maximum vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. … Measured 6′ 3.50” barefoot, 8′ 4.50” standing reach, 179.4 lbs, 6′ 9.75” wingspan, 29.5 standing vert, 36 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine …Averaged 18.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.4 TO in 32 games at Wake Forest in 2024–25 … Shot 45.7% FG, 27.7% 3PT, 80.4% FT … Posted a 31.0″ no-step and 37.5″ max vertical … Played first two college seasons at Gonzaga … Born March 26, 2003 …

Aran Smith 5/24/25