NBA Comparison: Wade Baldwin

Strengths: Combo guard with solid athleticism and ISO scoring ability … Handles the ball well for a shooting guard; capable of bringing it up the floor like a point guard … Knows how to move without the ball. Use screens to free himself up …  Pretty alert on defense … Knows where to be … Does a good job forcing turnovers (1.3 steals per game) … Confident shooter (16.2 points per game on 44.0% from 3-point range) … Capable of hitting tough shots … Good shooting motion … Very athletic … Can throw it down easily and excels on the break … Very dangerous in the open floor … Knows how to get to the rim and finish … Creative and crafty finisher … Rebounds well for a guard … Has a good nose for the ball … Plays with a lot of energy … Has a solid motor …

Weaknesses: He’s undersized for a shooting guard at 6’4”, 200 pounds … Will need to prove he can overcome his lack of size in the NBA … His ability to make tough shots is a double edged sword … Sometimes he’ll take shots that are a bit forced … Needs to improve his shot selection … Ball security needs to improve (2.9 turnovers per game) … Averaged a modest 3.1 assists per game … He would boost his stock if he could become a better facilitator and play some point guard … Free throw shooting is good, but he regressed from his freshman year (80.0%) to sophomore year (77.9%) … It would be nice if he could get back in the 80% territory …

Overall: Jaylen Nowell is a talented player who can score in a variety of ways … He’s not afraid of the moment and is willing to step up under pressure … He’s also a pretty solid defender and has the athleticism to play in the NBA … The big concern with him is he’s a bit undersized and doesn’t have point guard skills …  If he can overcome his size and prove he can expand his game to play a little bit of point guard, he has the potential to find a permanent home in the NBA …

Notes: Measured: 6′ 3.25” barefoot, 6′ 4.25” in shoes, 202.4 lbs, 6′ 7.25” wingspan, 8′ 2” standing reach at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine …

Ben Parker 6/1/19