NBA Comparison: Dakari Johnson

Strengths: While not overly tall at 6’10’’, Gudaitis’ impressively wide shoulders and sturdy frame make him stand out from the other players whenever he’s on the floor. Knows his role and always plays within himself, which has led to terrific efficiency: 73.2% from the field and just 12 turnovers in 19 games so far this season in the Euroleague.  Strong offensive rebounder with good touch around the basket. Can score in the post with a hook shot or close-range jumper if he establishes good position before getting the ball. Can make a midrange jumper but almost never attempts them (3-5 on the year). Makes 70% of his free throws.

Weaknesses: Not athletic by NBA standards … Has gotten bigger and stronger but seems to have lost some of his quickness … Virtually never puts the ball on the floor or tries to make a play for his teammates (has 3 assists in 19 games). During the 2017 Eurocup with the Lithuanian national team, Gudaitis had more freedom to create with the ball and really struggled, forcing shots and turning the ball over on passes that had no chance to get through. On defense is just an average defensive rebounder, as he sometimes struggles to box out opponents’ big men, which is inexcusable with his size and strength. Not much of a rim protector, sometimes jumps for pump fakes but is getting better in that area.

NBA Outlook: Prior to the draft, Gudaitis was seen as a face-up Power Forward with three-point-shooting potential and the ability to put the ball on the floor … 3 years later, he is now much more of a traditional center who operates almost exclusively in the paint (94% of his shot attempts this season are from that area) and struggles when forced to make decisions with the ball in his hands … Since Gudaitis is not a great rim protector and doesn’t look like he ever will be one, he needs to show a much more versatile offensive game if he ever wants to make it to the NBA … 

-Anton Morzhakov 1/31/18

Strenghts: Standing 6-10, he has good size for the role also from the muscular standpoint, he’s strong and athletic with solid leaping abilities … Furthermore, he shows great mobility and explosiveness, being really effective in P&R situations, where his footwork and speed allow him to be a threat after the cut, closing often with dunks … His game is based facing the basket, with an above the average ability to put the ball on the floor for a big man … In addition, he shows a remarkable shooting range – beyond the three point line – which makes him a difficult miss match to manage for the typical big men. Defensively he’s a good intimidator especially with the help defense thanks to his ability as a shot blocker.

Weaknesses: Even if he’s solid and well developed from the muscular standpoint he needs to become better at withstanding contact when opponents body him … His post game needs improvements, he’s not effective as a creator in the post with the ball in his hands … He needs to work on his shooting mechanics, as he has a slow and unorthodox release, lacking fluidity,  that will prove difficult to get off, and also limiting his range … He has to work on his moves and fakes, and footwork with his back to the basket, and these limitations often lead to turnovers … He’s more effective with momentum to the basket after the cut … His team has been giving him a rather limited role this year: work in the paint, screens, rebounds, therefore he still needs to be tested as a reliable offensive option …

Davide Bortoluzzi 6/4/15