Draft hopefuls (guards) who would benefit from time in the D-League
The D-League is a guard-oriented league where relatively unknown and known prospects alike can showcase their talent in the hope of earning a shot on the NBA’s big stage.
Last season, 29 of the 47 players called up from the D-League were guards. While players with size have a greater opportunity of teams taking a waiver on them early in their careers, guards often find themselves having to prove their worth and show on a consistent basis that they can contribute.
Earlier this week, we looked at three big men who would benefit from time spent in the D-League next season. Now, we shift towards the guards.
J.P. Tokoto | 6-6 Shooting Guard/Small Forward | 21 years old
Tokoto surprised many by entering the 2015 NBA Draft after posting averages of 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists as a junior at the University of North Carolina. However, he has all of the tools to become a quality player in the NBA down the line.
Tokoto was second on UNC in assists per game (Marcus Paige barely beat him out) — impressive considering he spent most of his time in Chapel Hill at the small forward position. His versatility and extreme athleticism are his main selling points. Tokoto’s on ball defense is better than most and his athletic ability allows him to gamble in the passing lanes.
However, despite living above the rim and possessing Gerald Green-like athleticism, he won’t stand out from the crowd as much in the NBA, where almost everyone is on an equal playing field (See: Bonner, Matt).
While he has plenty of qualities to be enamored with, the reason Tokoto is slated as a second round pick is the lack of consistency in his jump shot. He converted on 32.4 percent of his 2-point jumpers in 2014-15, according to Hoop Math, which accounted for over half his offense. Many times defenders simply backed off Tokoto, almost daring him to shoot the ball.
Tokoto needs to remedy that to be an effective player in the Association, and the D-League is the perfect platform for him to improve his mechanics and grow his confidence.
Joseph Young | 6-2 Point Guard/Shooting Guard | 22 years old
Young can flat out score the basketball. Whether or not that ability can translate to the bright lights of the NBA remains to be seen.
Young is a dead-eye shooter, who not only has success from beyond the arc but also boasts a 51 percent clip from 2-point range. He has a quick first step, which is enhanced by his ability to space the floor (defenders were often caught closing out too hard, allowing him to get to the basket).
The book is out on Young’s point guard abilities, however. With a slight frame of 6-2, 180 pounds, he is best suited to play the one at the next level. If a team drafts him in hopes of finding a rotational guy, assigning him in the D-League to improve his facilitator skills is certainly an option.
Young is pegged as a mid-to-late second round pick and is likely to spend the majority of his rookie year in the D-League or overseas.
Terry Rozier | 6-2 Point Guard | 21 years old
Rozier is an electric guard who averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and three assists for the Louisville Cardinals last season. With his lightning quick first step and impressive leaping ability, Rozers attacks the rim with ferocity and finishes well around the basket. His handle is adequate and, as he continues to grow into the pick and roll style of the pros, his game will undoubtedly improve.
Rozier has the size and strength to defend almost any point guard, too. His defensive tenacity should translate to the NBA game as his hustle knows no bounds.
Given all these accolades, you might wonder why Rozier is included in this write up. The main reason: His jump shot just isn’t there yet.
Rozier shot just 41 percent from the field last season and only 31 percent from 3-point land. Both of those numbers will need to improve for him to be effective at the next level. Draft Express has Rozier in the mid-second round range, which likely puts him in the D-League next year depending on which team selects him.