NBA Draft Scouting Report: Iowa's Payton Sandfort
Payton Sandfort
Wing | Iowa
Height: 6'7” | Weight: 215 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 21.96
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Over the course of his career at Iowa, Sandfort has shown clear improvement and is now one of the most impactful players in the country. The smooth wing/forward is one of the best jump shooters in this upcoming draft class, which should draw the attention of many NBA teams.
But Sandfort is more than just a spot-up shooter. He’s truly an advanced shotmaker with good size at 6-foot-7. He boasts a quick release with a repeatable motion that allows him to be consistent in many different shooting situations. He is also an elite free throw shooter. Sandfort is best classified as an off-ball threat who spaces the floor and enhances any offense.
He’s not necessarily a self-creator in most situations, but can score on the move when needed. Although he is a high-level shooter, he has much more to his offensive game. He has the ability to finish at the rim and can find the open teammate, which can be seen when watching his well-rounded game on the court. There's certainly passing upside moving forward for the Iowa prospect.
Sandfort is more of a neutral defender, but can at least hold his own. He will likely never be a significant difference-maker on that end at the NBA level, but doesn’t necessarily need to be. He competes, gives effort and plays smart, which is half of the battle.
Originally from Iowa, Sandfort has been a huge contributor for his home state’s Big Ten team and actually has a younger brother (Pryce) who is following in his footsteps with the Hawkeyes. Furthermore, his father played college basketball at Hastings College and his mother played at Simpson College. The pedigree is there, as Sandfort looks to make his way to the NBA.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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