2018 NBA Draft: International prospect scouting reports

Isaac Bonga PG/SF Germany (Franport Skyliners Bundesliga/German Pro B)

Stats: 14.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 3.6 TOV, 45.8 FG%, 25.9 3P%, 93.8 FT% (German Pro B) 

Measurables: Height: 6’9″; Weight: 203 pounds; Wingspan: 6’11.75″ 

Strengths: 

Defensive versatility

Isaac Bonga can plug in and play any position in his team’s Junior League. He can also guard any position in the Junior League. Even though this league does not have NBA-caliber size, Bonga has shown the ability to guard three positions in the NBA. He has the foot speed to stay with wings, along with the length and hopefully strength (eventually) to guard 4s.

Here’s Bonga switching onto a guard off a ball screen. It’s clear that this guard is not the most skilled player as the contact and length from by Bonga force him to pick up his dribble trying to dribble the ball back out.

Now here’s Bonga against Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Championships. He’s guarding Kentucky forward and fellow NBA prospect PJ Washington. Bonga stays with Washington step for step very easily, sliding his feet and drawing the charge.

Passing vision

Bonga is an extremely gifted passer at such a young age, especially in transition, where the floor is simplified for him. He uses his height to be able to see over defense and is also proficient at driving and kicking.

Here’s Bonga in transition against Lithuania in FIBA play. Bonga shows his grab-and-go equity and how valuable he is pushing off of a rebound. He gets the rebound and immediately picks his head up, launching the pass in transition for an easy assist.

Here’s Bonga showing off his passing vision in the frontcourt. The first clip is a beautiful no-look pass from Bonga for an easy layup. The second clip is Bonga against Team USA, again catching PJ Washington sleeping on defense.

Weaknesses

Strength

Bonga is listed at 203 pounds and for his height, that is a serious problem. His frail body is one of the reasons Bonga is not a better rebounder and why he gets stuck on screens. He needs to put on at least 30 pounds for his body to be even remotely NBA-ready. In this clip, Bonga just gets manhandled physically by his matchup with just a tiny arm extension, giving up the layup.

Shooting

Bonga shoots less than 30 percent from the international 3-point line. These atrocious shooting percentages really limit his scoring ability. In the FIBA game against USA, by the second half the U.S. was not even closing out on Bonga. Looking at his jump shot here, his form is very robotic. It is a very slow release and he does not get much lift into his shot. By the time he gets his shot off, the defender has already closed out onto him.

Lack of explosive jumping

This is one of the key factors in Bonga’s long term potential. Playing under the rim as a driving playmaker at his size is not good at all. He’s going to struggle attacking the rim in the NBA if he has to settle for tough layups and won’t be able to jump as high or quick as his defenders.

Overall

Isaac Bonga is a prospect with a ton of potential. However, due to his lack of explosiveness and proven shooting, he is a player with a ton of high-level role player potential. If Bonga does eventually shoot, he most likely will not be a sniper and will still play below the rim on drives.

Firmly expect Bonga to improve his handle and become a better decision-maker with his passing next season. He has great defensive versatility and value, along with being a dependable team defender especially for his age. If Bonga can develop his jump shot and gain some weight over the next two years though, some NBA team will get good value out of a second round pick.