Ranking the 10 best shooting guard prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft
By Rowan Kent
Shooting Guard #7: Colby Jones, Xavier
When it comes to underrated players, Colby Jones fits that bill well for a draft prospect. Despite his great size for a wing, all-around game that fits right into many modern offenses, and a clear track of development at Xavier, Jones hasn’t gotten as much draft buzz as expected.
That’s a shame, as he could be one of the few late first-round players who are primed to start early for their respective teams. It’s hard to find 6’6” players who can stripe shots from deep, contribute on the glass, and dish to their teammates within the flow of the offenses, all of which are part of Jones’ bag.
Colby Jones 29-9-4 game last night. Missed once from the floor, 3-3 3PT, 0 TOs
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) March 2, 2023
Ultra adaptable game to play on/off ball. Efficient PnR skills/decision-making, 46% catch-shoot, 51% on floaters, alert cutter, defends ball-handlers + wings at 6-6. Feel like NBA teams can't go wrong pic.twitter.com/upWRgFr7od
So why isn’t he higher? Simply put, his poor perimeter defense and lack of upside knocks him down a few pegs. Even still, any team after the twentieth pick or so should be overjoyed to have the chance to add Jones to their roster and immediately gain a rotation player.