[JNixonParticipant]

 34: Tomas Satoransky, 6’7 210, PG/SG, Banca Civica Sevilla (Spain), 20 years old

Satoransky is a prospect who has been on the rise for about 4 years now, and he has developed fairly well, but maybe not like teams wanted. Has had to play both guard spots and never seemed 100% comfortable playing the limited minutes and role he had last season. But at his age, he will have time to show he’s worthy of playing in the NBA. Physically, Satoransky has good overall size for a combo guard, but some things stand out. Despite being more of a PG than SG, he’s got good height at 6’7 and weighs 210 lbs, and has filled out his frame a bit since he was younger, now filling his frame out nicely. Despite that, he still isn’t quite strong, and has a 6’7 wingspan, which is short for his height and isn’t very good for an NBA 2 guard. Athletically, he’s decent. He has underrated explosiveness as a leaper, but isn’t particularly quick or fast and can show stiff hips.

Offensively, Satoransky isn’t a scorer at all really, but he is an unselfish guard who can create for teammates. Is a real good passer and has the floor vision that comes with being his height at the guard spot. Takes care of the ball. Is good at getting the ball to his teammates who run the floor, and even though he’s not a jet like most other guards who excel in transition, he is a precise passer to guys on the move. Could develop into a nice pick and roll PG with the NBA’s spacing. Not bad driving and dishing. Probably not going to get to the rim a lot in the NBA, lacks a quick 1^st step and will have to depend on his handle to break down defenders. Even though he has a good handle for his size, he isn’t good enough to consistently break down the defense. As a shooter, Satoransky struggles. He isn’t terrible with his feet set, and has had good percentages in the past (probably due to small sample size), but he doesn’t shoot well against contests or when he has to use dribbles to set up his shots. Teams will dare him to shoot more often than not. As a slasher, he isn’t great but when he does get to the rim, he can play above the rim and he generally finishes well with some slept on explosiveness when he gets a running start. Has good body control and plays the game at his own pace. Could be more aggressive than he is. Not going to get to the foul line much. Pretty cerebral.

Defensively he will struggle. He works pretty hard due to his limited role and having to do whatever to stay on the floor, but I think speedy guards will give him trouble, and bigger guards will be able to use his lack of strength and quickness against him. Not strong enough to get through screens quickly. Isnt going to be a threat pressuring the ball or jumping in passing lanes. Doesn’t rebound well for a guard his size.

Satoransky has the option of pulling his name by mid-June and it could be his best option. He has upside because of his size, passing skills and IQ, but his lacking athleticism and strength limit him now. If a team picks him its not for immediate help at all. But there is value for a tall combo guard, Im a sucker for that myself.

 

33: Marcus Denmon, 6’3 190, SG/PG, Mizzou, Sr.

Denmon is coming off a very good season and career at Mizzou where he really stepped his game up to be one of the best perimeter players in college hoops as a Jr. and Sr. Played great under Mike Anderson in his 1^st 3 seasons due to his ability to play great defense, and then adjusted seamlessly to new Coach Frank Haith’s style in his last year. 1^st Team All Big 12 as a Jr & Sr., and 2^nd Team All-American as a Sr. Physically, Denmon is small for the tweener guard he will be and the SG he plays like. At 6’3 with a 6’4 wingspan, he’s below average for an NBA combo guard. He does have a fairly strong build though, which helps him some. Athletically, Denmon is decent but not great. He’s got decent quickness, leaping skills, and speed, but not more than average for an NBA guard.

Offensively, Denmon’s best skill is his jumper. He is real efficient with it (shot 40% from deep his last 3 years), and he’s great with his feet set. Has a real quick release and can get shots off against tight contests, even though he will not be as efficient when guarded by bigger NBA guards. Can get shots off screens. Can hit shots from NBA range easily. Can shoot well off the dribble, but is much more likely to let it fly when spotting up. Shows superb shot selection, and rarely takes bad shots or shots early in the shot clock. Shoots the same shot every time. Denmon isn’t great as a slasher at all. Doesn’t have the kind of handle or wiggle you’d expect from an undersized guard. Not shifty at all, and when he does slash goes exclusively north and south and wont break anydown off the bounce. Doesnt create for himself very much. In the event he does get to the rim, he is a good finisher who does a nice job using his off-hands to score and keep the ball away from shot blocker. Mostly gets to the rim on cuts by working off the ball or in transition. Really good getting transition opportunities and is capable of playing above the rim on runouts, generally a great finisher in these situations. As a passer, Denmon is basic but effective. Only averaged more than 1 topg as a Sr. (!!), with 1.2 a night. Just a smart player who plays within himself and doesn’t make mistakes a lot at all. I think he’s capable of setting an offense and playing off the ball when he finishes, despite not playing PG at all at Mizzou really. Will have to show he can handle quick guards pressuring him though. Makes no mistakes at the foul line, but doesn’t get there a lot.

Defensively, Denmon is an outstanding on the ball. REALLY gets after his matchups and doesn’t give much room at all. Pressures the ball as well as any guard in this draft. Very tough and physical, going at wings that have a lot of size on him but still not backing down. Can be beat by the quickest guards, but it is not easy to get many steps on him slashing. Will pick your pocket if you don’t handle the ball strong and carefully. Effectively uses his steals and deflections to get transition buckets. Shows good lateral quickness. Great fundamentals. Also a willing rebounder for a guard.

Denmon isn’t the most flashy player, isn’t the best athlete, and isn’t physically gifted. He understands the game and is super efficient. His jump shot is real nice, he doesn’t make mistakes, and he’s got great ability on the defensive end.  He will always have to fight to stick on a roster and he will need to find the right team for him to be successful (a team with a ball-dominant wing) but there is no guarantee a team will do all of that just for Denmon. I think he will be successful overseas definitely, but he could have an NBA future too.

[HaleParticipant]

Interesting to see Denmon on your list, I haven’t seen him on the few mocks I looked it.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

 Really like Denmon as a 2nd round pick. Best shooter in the draft.

[Author]

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