NBA Draft Scouting Report: Missouri's Kobe Brown
Kobe Brown
Forward | Missouri
Height: 6'8” | Weight: 250 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 23.47
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Although he’s an older prospect entering this draft cycle, the experience and versatility Brown brings to the table is impressive. He’s played every single position at the college level effectively and has essentially been a starter since he stepped on campus over four years ago.
Part of his breakout senior season was a function of improved perimeter shooting. While he shot below 30% in each of his first three seasons at Missouri, he knocked down over 45% of his 3-point attempts in the most recent season. With that in mind, there has to be some consideration on whether he truly improved that much or if it was a small sample size of inflated numbers. NBA teams will have to determine if they buy stock in Brown’s perimeter jumper.
Even without the perimeter scoring upside, Brown does much more on offense. For starters, he’s extremely strong with his 250 pound frame that he likes to leverage against smaller defenders. He’s able to back down guards to generate good looks closer to the rim.
Furthermore, Brown has a unique skillset for a combo forward. Given he played point guard in high school, he has facilitation and passing skills that are rare for a prospect of his size. While he doesn’t play lead guard full time, he’s certainly capable of ensuring an offense runs smoothly and he surveys the floor well. He isn’t an offensive hub but can be a catalyst of success on that end even when he’s not scoring himself.
Brown has no problem pulling down a defensive rebound and pushing the break. This is where the point forward upside shines as a versatile prospect. He’s also great at things teams need from frontcourt players, like rebounding and interior defense. The Tiger isn’t an elite defender or athlete, but can hold his own against a variety of positions.
Overall, Brown plays with a ton of energy. He makes plays that others wouldn’t simply due to effort and IQ which results in him often being in the right spot.
The question for him will be around fit at the next level. While it’s great that he can play any position at the college level, that will change in the NBA. He’ll likely lack the quickness to be effective on both ends against guards, but also be too small to play in some frontcourt situations. Some prospects similar to Brown in the past have ended up being extremely valuable players, while others ended up being tweeners that can’t find a fit at the next level. It could come down to the right team and system for Brown to make it work in the NBA.
Regardless, the former four-star just plays smart, which is why he’s continued to emerge as an NBA talent over the past few months.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
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