The 2017 NBA Draft boasts many small forwards who have the potential to be great. Here are the top five.
1. Jayson Tatum
Measurements
Height: 6-8
Weight: 205 lb
Wingspan: 6-11
Stats
Points: 15.8
Assists: 1.8
Rebounds: 6.4
Steals: 1.7
Blocks: 1.5
FG percentage: 43
3FG percentage: 29.8
(All stats are as of 29 January)
Having missed the first eight games of the season with a foot injury, Jayson Tatum has wasted no time in impressing NBA teams. What makes him an impressive prospect is how easy and effortless he makes scoring look like. Although his three point shot is somewhat underwhelming, his elite mid range game is one of the main reasons as to why he’s getting this much attention.
Despite having a few rough games here and there, Tatum has managed to score double digits in every collegiate game he’s played; not bad for a freshman who missed the first quarter of the season.
His most impressive game to date was his second game for the Duke Blue Devils, against the Florida Gators. Coming off of the bench, Tatum put up 22 points on 64 percent shooting, as well as grabbing eight rebounds. Given that this was second game removed from his injury, and he came off the bench, this is an incredible game for the freshman. Tatum is definitely one of, if not, the best scorer in this draft.
Furthermore, Tatum’s excellent 6-11 wingspan gives him incredible potential on the defensive end. He has already shown in capability of getting in the passing lanes with his 1.7 steals a game. His length is also a threat down low, he is sending back 1.5 shots a game, which is fairly impressive for a small forward.
Tatum is also able to slide to the power forward in when a team goes small, he definitely has the length to play the position. Furthermore, Tatum could also play shooting guard given his versatility offensively and defensively.