NBA Draft Scouting Report: Michigan’s Jett Howard
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Jett Howard
Wing | Michigan
Height: 6’7” | Weight: 220 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 19.78
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Jett Howard, son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, was one of the most fun stories of the college season playing under his father. He’s a jumbo guard that can also play either forward position.
A projected 3-and-D prospect, Howard is extremely versatile on both ends of the floor. He’s got a good balance of size, defensive upside and shooting touch that should translate well at the next level. He’s really not an elite athlete but has an NBA build already.
Especially in spot up situations, Howard is an elite shooter. Like many young prospects, he does dip the ball down during his shooting motion, but there’s still time to fix that. If he able to learn to catch in the shooting pocket and immediately start the upward motion of his shot, he could be even more of a deadly shooter at the NBA level.
On drives, the Michigan wing has great footwork. Since he doesn’t have blow by speed or the ability to overpower defenders, he’s crafty and methodical with his moves getting to the paint. Howard also isn’t an elite ball handler, but that’s fine considering he doesn’t project to be a primary facilitator anyway. He’s a bit loose with the ball, which hasn’t been a glaring issue to this point, but at the next level could arise as a problem.
One underrated part of Howard’s game is the ability to push tempo. He’s always got his head up looking to start the break and is a great outlet passer.
Outside of his shot, Howard is most known for defensive upside. He’s great at the point of attack and is also good at navigating the pick-and-roll. He’s got the size, length and lateral quickness to defend upwards of four positions. Overall, he really understands the importance of defense and could end up being one of the better defenders in the country this season.
Howard obviously has NBA pedigree given who his father and coach is, which is likely why he’s such a smart player. You can tell he’s been around the game his entire life and has been coached well.
Part of an elite high school team at IMG Academy, Howard played his senior season with Keyonte George (Baylor) and Jarace Walker (Houston) who should both go in the lottery of the 2023 NBA Draft. Howard improved as the his senior season went on last year, capping off his high school campaign as MVP of the Iverson Classic.
On an experienced Michigan team that did underperform, Howard was a primary scoring option and one of the best shooters for his size in the country. He could be a player that impacts the game immediately at the next level.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Mid First-Round Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
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