NBA Comparison: Gary Trent Jr.

Strengths: A lean 6’5 wing who possesses solid physical ability, quickness and the frame to continue to put on muscle … Has the look of a potentially skilled shot-maker early in his development, possessing a sweet shooting stroke (38% 3FG) that he lets fly with good confidence and a quick release … Most effective at finding open spaces along the perimeter when the defense breaks down, and is a reliable floor spacer especially when in rhythm … Also showed encouraging flashes of being able to create and stick shots from mid range and from deep, making defenders pay for sagging off him during dribble hand off or pick and roll action … Decent handle, has some wiggle to free himself and create space … A fundamentally sound young player who, at his best, makes concise moves and wastes little motion when operating off the bounce to take advantage of driving lanes when he has daylight … Developing floater, has the touch for this to be effective when he can’t get all the way to the rim … Also has underrated finishing ability (converted 50% FG inside the arc), particularly in Alabama’s up tempo transition offense, and a nice command of scoop shots & runners when he gets in the paint amongst the trees … Very good patience, basketball IQ and feel for the game, usually takes what the defense gives him and doesn’t force the action much … A pesky defender who had some nice moments containing dribble penetration with active feet and forcing tough shots using his length … Projects to eventually be able to comfortably defend any perimeter spot at the pro level … Not bad awareness when off the ball either, making good rotations and generally being active throughout possessions … Unselfish, contributed important minutes whether he started or came off the bench as a Fr., playing on a veteran team with depth on the perimeter … Likely wasn’t able to show what he was fully capable of last season, in time could prove to be a more productive secondary creator than his role allowed at Alabama … Just scratching the surface, early entree who played a good bit of his lone college season as a 17 year old and will still only be 18 at the start of his rookie campaign … Solid length with a 6’9 wingspan …

Weaknesses: Not a particularly explosive athlete, doesn’t play above the rim much and can have trouble getting into the paint in the half court if his initial move doesn’t work … Though his handle is good, he is somewhat predictable at the moment with his array of moves due to him being very right hand dominant … Also has trouble converting in the paint with his left, usually trying to go across his body even if it gives the defense an easier way to alter his shot attempt … Not very strong at the moment, can struggle at times on both ends of the court when matched up with more physical or similarly sized wings…Has a nice jumper but he was too streaky as a Fr to be considered a true marksman … Has the groundwork of a well-rounded scoring threat, but until his shot creating and jumper get more consistent he could be categorized as a “Jack of all trades, master of none” type … Prefers to step back and side step to create space for shots as opposed to getting north and south as a ball-handler, which can limit the pressure he puts on the heart of the defense while also limiting how often he gets to the foul line (75% FT shooter) … While he isn’t opposed to making the extra pass to an open teammate and the glimpses he showed in combine scrimmages and workouts are encouraging, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to keep making strides to prove he has the instincts and passing skills to potentially be a complementary playmaker after virtually never being asked to do so in college (0.8 apg/1.4 topg) … Teams should be patient and understand there will be a learning curve with Primo, he is not yet the sum of his parts …

Overall: Primo, an early entry into the draft previously looked at as a potential 2022 choice, decided to keep his name in this years class after a strong NBA Combine performance in scrimmages and drills that exciting teams with his promising physical tools, offensive potential and youth…Another skilled Canadian prospect that is looking to make a name for himself in the NBA, and there are plenty of encouraging signs…Beyond his natural shooting ability and defensive versatility, he played in a free flowing NBA-style offense filled with talented, experience perimeter players at Alabama and held his own, often earning starter minutes while playing solid in his role as a floor spacer…He also was trusted to defend all over the perimeter and even at times against college PF’s, performing admirably…He will need time to add strength to his frame and get more consistent as an overall offensive player but if the team who selects him is patient, the potential is there for him to develop into anything from a spot up 3-and-D wing or Anfernee Simons-esque spot up shooter and opportunistic scorer …

Notes: Measured: 6’4.0” barefoot,  6’5.0” wingspan, 8’6.5” in shoes, 189.0 lbs, 6’9.25” wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine … Toronto, Canada native …

Jorrye Nixon 7/15/21