NBA Mock Draft: DeAndre Ayton joins the Hawks

Trier reminds me a lot of Grizzlies rookie Dillon Brooks, a high-octane shooter and scorer who can take over games. However, the concerns with him are similar to the ones bubbling up during Brooks’ rookie season in Memphis.

The junior from Arizona gets to the line consistently, making it easier to live with his high-volume shooting approach. And he’s aggressive driving to the rim, rarely settling for inefficient shots. Finally, he is a capable playmaker when the pass is open, making good decisions for the most part throughout his years next to next-level lottery picks.

Altogether, that is a recipe for a 20-point scorer and an elite offensive player in the NCAA. Arizona’s offense is 14.5 points better per 100 possessions when Trier is on the floor, and he’s gotten better each year.

I saw him in early December against Texas A&M during his worst scoring performance of the season against a solid Aggie defense. Wildcats coach Sean Miller continuously went to Trier despite his struggles, and the junior eventually rewarded his team with seven tough points in the second half. Arizona won, and that game went a long way towards getting their season back on track.

Unfortunately, there is a simplicity to his game that caps his value. He teeters between shooting guard and small forward, but needs the ball in his hands. It’s unclear who he could defend at the next level. If he develops point guard skills and impacts the game as a defender, his value soars. I don’t think we’ve seen that yet.