Los Angeles Clippers: Draft Prospect – Semaj Christon
By Adam McGee
Defense
What most NBA coaches want as a base for their players is a great work ethic, and strong defensive instincts. If their players can provide that much, they at least shouldn’t be a liability to have on the floor. Where defense is often an area of weakness for rookies, this is not the case for Christon.
Although he’s not exceptionally tall, his 6’6″ wingspan is significant enough to bother opposing point guards. His lateral quickness makes it very difficult for opponents to get to their spots on the floor, while even when they do, he’s enough of a pest to try to bother them and strip or knock the ball loose.
Christon’s hands are always ready and active when guarding his man in on-ball situations, meaning his opponent can’t lapse in concentration, even for a second. Christon is good at stealing the ball, and you’d think he will continue to improve. For his two years in Xavier, Christon averaged 1.5 steals per game, and once he does force a turnover, like a light he’s attacking in transition.