Kennard’s emergence as one of the country’s most dominant offensive players is among the most unexpected revelations this season has brought us. After playing a largely complimentary role last last season, Kennard has seperated himself from a loaded backcourt as Coach K’s most reliable weapon on offense, scoring at all levels in an incredibly efficient manner while improving his all-around game in the process.
The sophomore doesn’t wield great athletic tools by NBA standards, but — as I’ve touched on with the last handful of big men — that doesn’t always signify the end of a prospect’s appeal. Kennard possesses a feel fore game that few swingmen possess, and provides the NBA-specific skills needed to carve out a significant role at the next level.
First and foremost comes Kennard’s shooting. He boasts a great sense of space and has been able to find ample success both off the dribble and off the catch as the season has transpired. He makes quick, decisive moves off the ball, and is surprisingly crafty when searching for looks from midrange. He’s hitting from three at a 45.4 percent clip on over 5 attempts per game from deep, and ups that to 49.7 percent on 2-point jumpers. His shooting alone makes him an asset in a space-driven league, but his ability to move so fluidly both with and without the ball, and thus open upp more options around him is what vaults his stock this high.
Previous Ranking: 17
Here’s a prime example of such. He loses his man in the interior, using a screen to make a quick cut back out to the perimeter. He then uses a quick up-fake to clear out the oncoming defender and drills the wide open mid-ranger.
Alongside his scoring, though, Kennard is also a gifted playmaker. He likely won’t play outright point guard at any point given his utility as an off-ball scorer, but his ability to contribute as a secondary initiator is one that gives his stock a significant boost in today’s NBA.
He’s a skilled pick-and-roll threat, with the pull-up a[tmess and accurate passing touch needed to keep the offense off balance when doing so. He has emerged as the ACC’s most dangerous all-around threat thus far in 2017, and that’s an impressive feat given the talent level gracing that division.