NBA Comparison: Ivan Rabb

Strengths: A long (7’1 wingspan), lean 6’9 233 lb C/PF who brings bouncy athleticism and energy, and the physical tools to be a big in today’s NBA…Powerful leaper off 2 feet, his explosiveness stands out when watching him play, and he has the wiry strength to finish dunks with force amongst the trees…Excellent partner for a PG to have as a screen and roll finisher…Runs the floor very well and will make his presence felt in transition at the rim…Does a good job of keeping his hands high and ready for dump-off passes, where he can explode quickly into finishes without wasting motion…Nice defensive upside, projects to be able to guard 4s & 5s at the NBA level; high motor and flashes the quick feet & hands (1.5 spg as a Sr.) to be a factor forcing turnovers and applying pressure to his matchup when guarding in the frontcourt…Uses his length and leaping skills to be an effective shot-blocking threat (1.6 bpg as a Sr.), often showing good timing erasing shots from the weakside or sometimes at the point of attack as a last line of defense…Gradually became more than just a catch and finisher player throughout his career, improved ball skills have made him a threat to create offense off the dribble with some success against traditional bigs…Not much more than a straight-line slasher, but has a quick 1st step to attack a bad closeout or flat footed defense…Encouraging strides in his feel for the game and skill also showed with his passing in “hi-lo” offense as a Sr., making good timing passes to cutters and low post flashers…Showing some development in his pick and pop ability as well, has growing confidence as a shooter who began to show adequate touch and made enough open shots to keep the defense honest last season (41% 3FG on a 1.2 attempts/g as a Sr.)…Solid overall rebounder (nearly 8 rpg the past 2 seasons), but can especially be a factor on the offensive glass at times with his activity level and physical tools…A late bloomer who had 2 breakout seasons back-to-back as an upperclassman after mild production to begin his career, has been said to have a strong work ethic

Weaknesses: Despite some encouraging strides in production (17 ppg on 53% FG) and skill, Wright is still a bit unrefined overall, especially for a 4-year player…Confidence grew, but sometimes he can get away from his strengths by rushing into some questionable jumpers that bail out the defense…Lack of offensive polish can show when looking to create for himself at times, plays with a high center of gravity that makes him ineffective breaking down the defense or handling the ball in traffic…Not much of a back to the basket game, almost exclusively faces up on offense…Had good efficiency from 3 as a Sr., but on a small amount of wide open shots and doesn’t show the natural touch to be a factor from mid-range or the shot mechanics to hold up well against contests from either distance…Struggles from the FT line (career high 65% as a Sr.) adding to concerns about his actual shooting touch…His high center of gravity also can effect his ability to get out on the perimeter and switch against quicker guards at times…Inconsistent defensive awareness, will take false steps or hedge plays too aggressively and give up easy baskets…Can rely on his athleticism too much gambling for blocks and steals, which at times collapsed the entire defense, made him somewhat foul prone (2.6 fpg) or left himself out of position…Adequate Not exactly a seamless fit at either PF or C, is a work in progress in some key components offensively and defensively at both positions at times…Will be 23 years old as a rookie, wont be on as short of a leash as other younger prospects

Overall: Moses Wright’s emergence as a potential draft choice came following a Sr. season that saw him win ACC Player of the Year on a Georgia Tech team that made its first tournament appearance in 10 years thanks largely to Wright’s strong end to his last season and overall impact & production on an experienced team…A perpetually improving player, the game seemed to slow down for Wright his last 2 collegiate seasons, and he would bring length and explosive athleticism to a team’s frontcourt, with developing skills as a stretch big and mobile defensive playmaker…He works best on the court with teammates who can get him the ball in space to take advantage of his leaping ability, and doesn’t project to be a shot creator in the NBA, but he has intrigue as a high motor frontcourt prospect that can be fun to watch in the open floor…Has the type of game that could see him become a fan favorite at his best

Notes: Measured 6’7.75 barefoot, 6’9.0” in shoes 8’11.0” standing reach, 225.8 lbs, and 7’0.75” wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine …

Jorrye Nixon 7/29/21