2019 NBA Mock Draft: Tankers beware
93. . G. St. John's. Shamorie Ponds. 28. player
Ponds was a real candidate to enter this year’s draft before ultimately heading back to St. John’s following the NBA’s decision not to invite him to the draft combine in Chicago. As a Brooklyn native and St. John’s standout, maybe the Knicks are ultimately the team to give him a chance in the league, but the Sixers’ need for microwave scoring and Northeast connection could win out too.
The real knock on Ponds’ game from his freshman to sophomore season is his 3-point shooting. Ponds has a remarkable ability to stop on a dime and pull up from anywhere on the court, which most of the time allows him to rise over the top of defenses and unleash an easy shot. As a freshman, he made 38 percent of his 3s, but that number fell to 25 percent in his second college season.
That surely frustrated NBA teams who appreciated the rest of his game — quick-twitch athleticism, tons of steals and decent passing numbers. In fact, it was almost as if improved playmaking came at the expense of his freshman shooting efficiency. While he feel to 25 percent from distance, he upped his assist rate from 19 percent to 29 percent, showing a real confidence dishing assists to his teammates that did not exist in his first college season.
If he can put it all together and show a balanced offensive game next year for St. John’s, with more scouting eyes on him than ever, one could imagine Ponds finally getting that combine invite and an opportunity to go as high as the first round.