NBA Comparison: Josh Minott

Strengths: Elite and versatile defender who developed into an impressive three-level scorer for a high flying Furman offense … Developed into more than just a reliable 3-point shooter, posting a 39% percentage from beyond the arc on three attempts per game this season … One of the most productive defenders in the country, averaging a steal and a half or more in both blocks and steals over the last two seasons … Can guard any player in the frontcourt effectively and should instill confidence in his coaches when he switches onto guards. Could obviously struggle in these matchups, but won’t be a liability by any measure … Instinctive off-ball defender who generates steals and projects as a solid help-side rim protector from either the 3 or 4 position … Impressive downhill driver who uses his physical frame to earn trips to the foul line, where he shoots at a solid 78% over the last two seasons. Averaged nearly five free throw attempts per game … Impressive playmaker from the wing as well, averaging over three assists per game the past two seasons … Powerful, versatile screener who can pop out for 3-pointers, slip to the basket and finish with strength or create for others in the short roll. Sacramento’s system of ball screens and floor spacing should play to all of Slawson’s strengths as a second-unit playmaker who should gel perfectly with De’Aaron Fox. Proved he can play with a skilled lead guard with Mike Bothwell at Furman … Extremely physical on ball defender, which can lead to foul trouble, but does show he can hang with NBA athletes … Long arms (6’11.75” wingspan) and lateral quickness allow him to recover defensively and block shots from behind even when he loses a step off the dribble … Runs the floor well in transition, sometimes as a ball-handler, always keeping his head up and reading the floor …

Weaknesses: The largest gripe with Slawson is the lack of true competition he played against in the Southern Conference and a very old draft age (turns 24 on October 22) … While he looks the part of an elite slasher in his tape, he will find far more difficulty winning off the dribble at the next level. Boasted elite efficiency around the rim, but rarely had to go up against even average shot blockers … Long release to his outside jumper. Almost pushes it at the top of the release instead of going in one fluid motion … Staying on the floor has proved difficult throughout his career as he tends to miss large stretches of the game through foul trouble. Will be difficult to carve out a role if this continues at the next level … Right-hand dominant who is almost guaranteed to spin back to his right if he drives left … Smarter scouting will lead to heavy forces to his left, daring him to make a play going to his weaker side … Turnovers were a consistent problem with more than two per game in his final three seasons … Upside is low with his high draft age and glaring weaknesses from a foul trouble and left hand driving perspective that never improved despite his experience … Many of his assists were system dependent, but his accuracy and timing both in transition and in the half court are admittedly impressive

Notes: Measured 6′ 6.5” barefoot, 8′ 10” standing reach, 221.6 lbs and a 6′ 11.75” wingspan and a 29 inch standing vertical and a 33′ inch max vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine … Five-year player, four-year starter at Furman … 2021-22 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year … 2022-23 SoCon Player of the Year … Two-time All-SoCon First Team selection … Helped lead the Paladins to their second NCAA Tournament win in school history … Selected 54th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2023 NBA Draft …

Derek Bast 6/22/23