[vmendi123Participant]

My question is simple: Why is Adriean Payne not rated higher? This site has him as the last pick of the first round. This is what he is:

– 6-10, 240 lb Junior with very long arms (7 foot wingspan)
– Tremendous Athleticism for a 6-10 player
– Excellent rebounder and great toughness
– Great post defense

And, here’s the kicker. He’s a great shooter!! He shoots 85% from the line and 38% 3pt FG!

He also has the ability to add more weight to his frame and definitely get stronger. But, a 6-10, athletic, big that can shoot?!?! Why is he not a lottery pick?

Here’s what this site had to say about him coming out of high school:

Strengths: Payne is an intriguing athlete that shows flashes of brilliance, but much of his ability is unharnessed due to lack of focus…He has decent size at 6’9” with a 7’0” wingspan, but his athleticism makes up for his average size in the post … Somewhat slender at 215 pounds, but he has a good frame and will likely add weight … Primarily plays in the post with his back to the basket, likely a PF at the professional level … Displays offensive skill by spinning off of either shoulder and finishing with right and left-handed hook shots … Uses his athleticism and strength to outrebound his high school peers … Effective defender with excellent shot-blocking ability and is not afraid of contact in the post … Has the ability to run the floor, but often takes plays off …

Weaknesses: Has tremendous raw talent, but a questionable motor … Payne has the tendency to disappear for stretches and for entire games … Displays poor shot selection as he often settles for lazy, forced jumpers instead of using his strength and athleticism to attack the basket … Does not possess much of a perimeter game with an inconsistent jumper and limited ball-handling skills … Needs time in college to develop his skills and understanding of the game …

[vmendi123Participant]

That scouting report said he doesn’t possess much perimeter game, but that was coming out of high school:

Freshman Year: 48% FT shooting and 0 3’s attempted all year
Sophomore Year: 70% FT shooting and took 1 3 pointer every 10 games
Junior Year: 85% FT shooting and took 1-2 3’s a game at a 38% clip

As you can see, he seems to have worked hard on his game and tremendously improved his shooting since high school. Thoughts?

[417basketballfanParticipant]

reminds me of taj gibson but a little more athletic. I could see him potentially averaging a double double in the league. The chances of him doing that aren’t good, but he is an good athlete, and he’s got a lot better due to him being a hard worker so who knows…

[Professor RozayParticipant]

Payne has a lot of upside and if he stays in school and continues to work on his game I think he will be a late lotto to mid first round pick.

[HobbyOGParticipant]

He will go higher in the draft.

[Professor RozayParticipant]

This years draft?

[Scotty5000Participant]

MSU and Izzo havent been putting any guys in the L. Last look I believe there were 5 MSU guys currently. Whats the deal with that? Its not like Izzo is getting complete off the radar players, I know he has had a handful MCD’er types.

[vmendi123Participant]

I can see the Taj Gibson comparison a little bit. That’s at least deserving higher than the 30th pick.

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