[JNixonParticipant]

52: Jamine “Greedy” Peterson, 6’6 230, SF/PF, New Mexico Thunderbirds (D-League), 22 years old

Peterson has had an interesting story. In 2009-2010, Peterson was the most productive player in the Big East conference and the leading scorer expected to return for his Senior season. He was dismissed from the team during the off-season prior to this year for (relatively recently released news) entertaining a recruit by making girls do sexual favors for them. After he was dismissed he tried his hand at EuroLeague ball, playing for a Greek team. That experiment failed largely, as he was released mid-year. He caught on with a team in the D-League and had a decent level of production (13 ppg, 6 rpg on 45% from the field, 36% on 3’s in only 23 mpg). Now, he’s back on the radar as a draft prospect.

Physically, I think Peterson is below average for the combo forward position. He’s a hair under 6’6, but he does have a 6’10 wingspan and a 240 lb frame so he can play bigger than he is. Still, his lack of height is a limitation for either forward spot. Peterson isn’t a special athlete either. He’s got alright leaping ability and he’d obviously be quicker than most PF’s he’d face, but with his size and the fact that he’d have to play a lot of SF, he’s not more than average for an NBA guy.

Peterson has an unorthodox offensive game and was a mismatch in college and in the D-League for SF and PF’s. Has a quick enough 1^st step to provide problems facing up with bigger guys, and he has the strength to slash against wings and just enough shooting ability to keep them honest too most times. Not a great ball-handler for a wing, and very much will be a straight-line slasher. As a mismatch PF, he shows a nice 2-dribble and spin combo that works as a change of pace move. Rangy strider. Has a basic post game that can be effective sporadically. Finishes extremely strong at the rim, as his length is a huge factor. As a shooter, Peterson is not great. He is capable of making some shots at NBA range with some effectiveness, but teams will definitely dive screens on him. Has a pull-up jumper, but not a main weapon in his arsenal. Not likely to pass the ball at all. Pretty good offensive rebounder. Plays with a solid motor.

Defensively, Peterson isn’t good. He won’t be able to defend most PF’s in the NBA, and he definitely isn’t ideal for defending SF’s either. Lateral quickness isn’t great. Lacks awareness. Will be limited in straight-up post up situations, as he’ll simply be too small for NBA PF’s. Will be able to defend the pick and roll with some effectiveness, likely hedging. Not a shot-blocker. Won’t force turnovers. Can rebound well.

Peterson’s journey has been interesting to say the least. He’s certainly a good mismatch scorer with a high motor, solid rebounding ability, and the length to finish strong at the rim. There are questions about his slow and methodical shot translating against NBA closeouts and the fact that he’s a bad defender though, and he’ll certainly have questions to answer about his college dismissal. Has a legit chance at the 2^nd round though.

 

51: Jimmy Butler, 6’7 215, SF/PF, Marquette, Sr.

Butler was a sleeper prospect I mentioned before the season, and he definitely lived up to it. He has an outstanding Senior season for a Marquette team that was gritty and took on the fiery personality of Coach Buzz Williams. Butler has average physical tools, particularly for the combo forward he is. Has more than sufficient size for the SF position he’ll see the most time at though, at a shade under 6’8 with a strong frame, but below average length. Athletically Butler isn’t a guy who will jump out of the jump, or surprise someone with a super explosive 1^st step. He’s middling, but he’s not slow or unathletic by any stretch.

On offense, Butler isn’t very talented, but he plays the game the right way and makes the most of his ability. He is effective with or without the ball and displays good unselfishness. As a slasher, he doesn’t project to be anything special. He takes what the D gives him and does have good enough ball-handling ability to create offense, as he keeps it simple and nothing he does requires more than a handful of dribbles. Has an effective mid-range game, which wasn’t always the case. Has worked hard to become a better shooter, as he’s gone from a liability to a guy who is at least a threat to make shots. Doesn’t possess much range yet, and only took 1.6 3’s a night for Maquette (made 34.5%), but if his improvement over the last 3 years is a sign he will be able to extend his range. A pretty good and underrated passer. Takes care of the ball. Very high IQ. Plays within himself and does little things to compensate for some of his average physical and athletic ability. Good offensive rebounder.

On D, Butler is strong. He doesn’t have the length to create a bunch of TO’s or block that many shots, but he is as fundamentally sound as they come. Should be able to hold his own in the NBA in time. Not quick or long enough to make up for mistakes when beat by good athletes. Works hard and fights through contact. Contests everything. Can rebound pretty good for a wing.

Butler is a winner and a highly intelligent player. He’s an average athlete and physical presence, but he’s strong, tough, and unafraid of contact. On offense he’s not a big talent and probably won’t be more than a 4^th or 5^th option, but he’s unselfish, has improved over the last few years with his shot, and possesses a basic understanding of what he can and cannot do on the floor. Also is a reported gymrat by Coach Williams in college. His main value is on D though, were he is very good. I think he’d be a good pick in the 2^nd round, and I will say this: I wouldn’t be surprised if a team snatched him up at the end of the 1^st, much like they did former teammate Lazar Hayward in last year’s draft.

[JNixonParticipant]

I apologize for it being so jumbled up. I spaced it out better than that. :/

[Scottoant93Participant]

Great Job man! not worries about spacing its happened to me a few times too.

[KayjayParticipant]

I like these.

[AaronMck91Participant]

Great post . Very underrated players. Petersen could be a good spark plug off the bench in the future. Butler could develop into a lockdown defender in a rotation.

[scoutguruParticipant]

I feel in the right situation, Jimmy Butler can be an impact rookie, kinda like the way Landry Fields was. Just a self-made, solid player, who’ll be ready to contribute on a number of diff fronts. His improvement year to year was great to watch in his 3 yrs at Marquette. Nice write-up.

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