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2016 NBA Draft: Deyonta Davis Player Breakdown

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State Spartans star Deyonta Davis is one of the most heralded defensive players in the 2016 NBA Draft. How will his game translate to the next level?

Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Few players are quite as important in the modern NBA than rim protecting big men. The standards for such players have changed—more so in the public eye than in NBA circles—as it’s no longer enough to be able to block shots and intimidate slashers.

Rim protectors must be able to switch onto perimeter players when defending the pick-and-roll—a virtue that’s far more uncommon than it seems.

That’s a tall task, but the select few who excel in doing so tend to experience long and fruitful careers. That’s what makes the prospect in question such an intriguing option in the 2016 NBA Draft.

As a potentially elite defensive player, Michigan State Spartans big man Deyonta Davis has the potential to develop into a genuine impact player.

Davis finished his freshman season with averages of 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, and 1.8 blocks in 18.6 minutes of action per game. He showed a lot in his brief time on the court, thus earning the respect of the draft masses.

The question is, how good of a player could Davis become in the NBA?

Next: Draft Projection

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