Bucks select Rashad Vaughn with No. 17 pick in 2015 NBA draft
The Milwaukee Bucks selected Rashad Vaughn with No. 17 pick in 2015 NBA draft on Thursday night at the Barclays Center.
The UNLV shooting guard averaged 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in his freshman year. He made an immediate impact for the Rebels, scoring 26 points in his college debut against Morehead State on Nov. 14.
Vaughn hit double figures in 21 of his 23 games played and also shot 38.3% from three-point range.
Vaughn was a McDonald’s All-American after transferring to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., from his hometown of Golden Valley, Minn. A five-star recruit in the class of 2014, he chose nearby UNLV over Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and others.
Vaughn's season was cut short nine games after tearing the meniscus in his left knee in February against Fresno State. The 6'6" guard was still named the Mountain West Conference freshman of the year.
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Mannix's analysis: Vaughn has inched up draft boards in recent weeks. He’s a pure scorer with great size. Khris Middleton will likely be back in Milwaukee, but Vaughn is a talented player who can be developed behind him. He is also protection against a trade that moves O.J. Mayo, who I’m told is very available.
Grade: B+
Strengths: Vaughn is 18 years old, making him one of the draft’s youngest players. And at 6’6”, he has good size for his position. He’s a natural scorer, with the ability to make shots from anywhere on the floor, over any level of defense. As a freshman, he scored in bunches and excelled as a shooter especially in catch-and-shoot scenarios. He also does well in isolation and can create off the dribble. With his size and relative athleticism, he has potential to be a capable defender, if not better.
Weaknesses: Vaughn shot 43.9% from the field last season and will need to be more efficient at the next level. That means improving his shot selection, resisting contested shots and also becoming a more willing passer. His low assist rate in 2014-15 underlines his resistance to find the open man or create opportunities for others. He’s not particularly long or strong, so he’ll have to work to become a good rebounder and defender. He’s not the most athletic player in the draft, so he’ll need to be crafty at getting to the rim and improve at finishing when he gets there. Otherwise, he risks becoming solely a spot-up shooter.
