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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Boom Or Bust Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Malachi Richardson, Syracuse Orange

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (1/5/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.25″, 200 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .369/.353/.720
Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.1 3PM

The Syracuse Orange were the most pleasant surprise of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. A No. 10 seed, Syracuse made a run from a Field of 68 encounter with the Dayton Flyers to the Final Four against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

No player benefited more from that improbable success than shooting guard Malachi Richardson.

Richardson is the physical prototype for an NBA shooting guard at 6’6″ and 200 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan. He’s a weapon from beyond the arc, with a solid and consistent stroke from 3-point range that keeps teams and defenders honest.

From that perspective, it’s very easy to see why scouts are so intrigued.

The concerning aspect of Richardson’s game is that he shot 36.9 percent from the field and 72.0 percent from the free throw line. He struggled to finish against length, too easily lost control of his handle when on the drive, and got by more on his athleticism than his skill.

Richardson could be developed into a special NBA player, but he could also be a bust if he enters a situation without structure.

Next: Does Size Matter?

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