NBA Draft 2013: San Diego State’s Jamaal Franklin Player Profile

San Diego State’s Jamaal Franklin. (Photo credit: SD Dirk)

Jamaal Franklin, G, San Diego State, 6’5”, 205 lbs

2012-13 Collegiate Stat Line: (stats courtesy ESPN.com)

17.0 points, 41% field goals, 28% 3-point field goals, 78% free throws, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 3.4 turnovers

The Skinny:

Jamaal Franklin’s presence under coach teve Fisher has helped propel San Diego State back into the national spotlight, helping to make the Mountain West part of the “which conference is the best” conversation. Franklin propelled the Aztecs to the NCAA tournament in 2012 and 2013 with a combination of consistent play and aggressiveness on the floor.

Strengths:

For his size, Franklin plays a very solid small/power forward position. He controls the paint well for only being 6’5”, making him a solid threat both from inside and outside the paint. His body control and aggressiveness is uncanny as it allows him to dominate opponents on a consistent basis. Take nothing away from the level of competition in the Mountain West. The conference as a whole is solid from top to bottom. Franklin’s numbers should not be scoffed at.

Because of his size for ability, Franklin’s isolation skills are top notch. He finished at a 39 percent clip on shot attempts in isolation situations. Franklin also thrives in transition, finishing nearly 60 percent of his shot attempts on fast breaks. If he can get his defender in a one-on-one situation, Franklin has the advantage. Whether or not this translates to the NBA, however, remains to be seen.

Franklin is a decent defender when it comes to closing out on opposing shooters. He’s quick on his feet which allows to to make opposing shooter uncomfortable when he’s in the area. He’s good at making shooters uncertain in their shot selection.

Potentially, Jamaal Franklin’s biggest asset will be his energy. You can’t measure energy, especially with a guy like Franklin. His motor is always running and works at a high level whenever he possibly can. Few people will question whether he is interested in the game.

Weaknesses:

Averaging nearly four turnovers per game is not good for the top playmaker on a team. That’s exactly what Jamaal Franklin did last season for the Aztecs, his highest turnover margin during his collegiate career. For a man who demands the ball frequently, he has a problem holding onto it.

There are scouts that wonder whether or not his skills will translate to the NBA. They question his lack of size as well. Being 6’5” makes him more suited for a combo shooting guard/small forward role, but Franklin played more of a power forward while at San Diego State. While he should possibly transition to more of a 2-3 combo guard, his outside shooting will need to increase before that can be considered. Franklin only shot 28 percent from 3-point range and his jump shot lacks fluidity–major concerns for someone looking for a long-term gig in the NBA.

Potential Landing Spots:

Jamaal Franklin is being projected as a late-first to early-second round selection. Some teams are very high on him but others aren’t so sure about what position he will play. He’s slotted as a wing but spends a fair amount of time playing like a power forward.

Teams That Make Sense:

Phoenix Suns: The Suns are going to be looking for any sort of value they can get out of this draft. They have the fifth pick but could look to trade that one away for established talent. However, they also own the No. 30 pick, meaning Franklin could be a nice choice for them there. If Franklin develops his outside jumper, the Suns would be more than happy to part with Michael Beasley in the near future as well.

Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets were one of the best teams in the Western Conference this past season, but Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors exposed them during the playoffs without Danilo Gallinari. The scoring threats just weren’t there for the Nuggets and the Warriors outran the fastest team in the league. Denver needs some more role players to make them a more viable threat in the playoffs and bringing in Franklin would be a nice way to help build the youth movement in full force for the Nuggets.

Overall Synopsis:

There are those who are strongly behind Jamaal Franklin but just as many people aren’t sure about the now-former Aztec. Where his NBA career leads him is a curious question right now. Franklin has the motor for the NBA, but will his skill set adapt? That’s the big question he will need to answer.