Identifying The Swing Skills In NBA Draft Prospects: Part Three

When evaluating NBA prospects, it’s important to remember that they aren’t finished products. Teams are drafting the foundation of a player and are tasked with developing them to their fullest potential. For a lot of these prospects, their proficiency in a specific skill can single handedly define their outcome as a player. Some swing skills are easier to improve upon than others. Some players have displayed more indicators of untapped potential in a swing skill than others. In part one of this series, I outlined the swing skills of former Arkansas standout Anthony Black and SEC Player Of The Year Brandon Miller. Part two focused on sharpshooter Gradey Dick and former Villanova Wildcat Cam Whitmore. Let’s take a look at some swing skills of even more select prospects:

GG Jackson: Passing

For a number of reasons, Jackson’s stock has dropped a good amount since he last suited up for South Carolina. Rumors of bad workouts and the magnification of his shooting percentages have been the biggest contributors. However, it’s impossible to deny the 18-year-old’s talent. Before reclassifyng up, he was the top player in his class and it is easy to see why. At 6-foot-9, his skillset is wildly impressive and led him to average over 15 points per game. Many worry about his subpar efficiency, but nothing more should be expected of a freshman thrust into a primary creator role on a poor team.

Jackson quietly has a game which screams versatility. With his off-ball play, size, and play finishing he can easily slide into a complimentary role. With his handle, fluidity, craft, and shot-making, he also retains all the star upside in the world. However, the one skill he lacks, which will hinder him in every department, is the absence of high-end passing skill. He has his flashes, but too often he misses crucial passes. The encouraging thing is that most wings develop adequate passing. Whichever team selects Jackson will hope that this trend continues with him.

Dereck Lively II: Touch

After Victor Wembenyama, many would argue that Lively II is the most talented defensive player in the draft. At Duke this year, the 7-foot-1 big man averaged 2.4 blocks. He possesses the mobility, length, timing, and coordination to be the next marquee rim protector in the NBA. Additionally, on offense, he has a knack for finishing around the rim with dunks.

But in the league, dunks will be harder to come by. More touch will be required for Lively II to finish plays, which is currently a work-in-progress for the former Blue Devil.

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