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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) brings the ball up court against Texas Southern Tigers forward Chris Thomas (2) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) brings the ball up court against Texas Southern Tigers forward Chris Thomas (2) during the game at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Malik Newman, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Position: Guard

Age: 18

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 179 pounds, 6’5″

Slash Line: .415/.371/.733

Season Averages: 27.9 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.4 3PM

New Year’s Resolution: Define Position

Malik Newman can be defined by one word: fearless. He’ll shoot from anywhere on the court, whether off the bounce or off the catch, and will not refrain from taking it down low amongst the giants to draw contact or finish around the rim.

Newman isn’t the most explosive leaper, and he must improve his consistency on defense, but he can score as well as any player in this draft class.

Newman has a lightning quick first step and an uncanny ability to collapse a defense—a skill he uses to find open shooters on the wings. He’s a rangy shooter who can and will pull up from anywhere on the court, which is something that will both intrigue and alienate those considering him in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Newman cannot control the fact that he’s a shooting guard in a point guard’s body. Thus, his New Year’s Resolution is a vital one: he must define which guard position he will play in the NBA.

Given his style of play, size, and abilities, Newman could be anywhere in between Stephen Curry and Jimmer Fredette.

Next: The Senior Sensation