NBA Draft 2016: Unheralded Prospects with Pro Potential
James Blackmon Jr., Indiana Hoosiers
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (4/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 184 pounds, 6’8.5″
Slash Line: .480/.463/.852
Season Averages: 24.5 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.8 3PM
James Blackmon Jr. can score. He’s averaging 25.8 points per 40 minutes on an obscenely efficient slash line, which comes as a product of his ability to score on the drive, in transition, off the catch, or by pulling up from 3-point range.
It won’t be easy for him to find a consistent role in the NBA, but if the Indiana Hoosiers star is willing to accept the long road to development, he can carve out a strong career.
Blackmon Jr. is a below-the-rim shooting guard, and lacks the court vision and athleticism for a point guard. His tweener status does hurt, but it isn’t to the point where he can’t have a successful NBA career.
Undersized is a fair label, but it’s also one that ignores a near 6’9″ wingspan.
Blackmon Jr. is an outstanding shooter with deep 3-point range. He’s elite in catch-and-shoot situations, moves well without the ball, and is comfortable attacking off the bounce when given a chance in isolation.
Undersized or otherwise, Blackmon Jr. can have a solid career at the next level if he improves defensively and maintains his elite shooting stroke.
Next: Undersized and Thriving