Jordan Bell has been drawing a lot of attention
Jordan Bell’s exceptional athleticism and size make him a second round target for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jordan Bell anchored Oregon’s defense during their NCAA tournament run to the final four. Despite being only 6-9, Bell was able to display hyper-athletic style performing highlight block and tip-in dunks. Bell’s athleticism prevented any team from utilizing the pick and roll as guards were unable to beat him to the rim or get the shot off over him. This defensive versatility along with his freakish athleticism for someone his size is why Bell projects to be drafted early in the second round.
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Bell’s athleticism for someone his size will be elite even in the NBA. At the combine this past week, Bell finished fourth overall in the shuttle run and the third best lane agility time of any power forward recorded. During his junior season at Oregon, Bell showed that he could do everything on the defensive end and received the 2017 PAC 12 Defensive Player of the Year award. His 38-inch vertical made Bell a looming threat on any shot taken in the paint, even in transition where he can keep up with the speed of guards. His jump does not require much preparation allowing him to heavily contest unexpected shot.
Bell works relentlessly to deny entry passes to the post and get to loose rebounds. He always has an eye on the ball allowing him to get into passing lanes on the perimeter, which led him to average 1.3 steals per game. Bell will struggle against traditional centers that have both size and length over him. For this reason, Bell projects to play the four in the NBA, where he can effectively guard the perimeter and work as a weak-side shot blocker. His only weakness on the defensive end is his defensive rebounding. Bell chases blocks that he looks to send into the 7th row, allowing his man to grab an uncontested rebound under the basket. He also needs to look to box out opponents instead of following the shot and hoping it comes to him. This is what cost Oregon their season, as Bell gave up two late defensive rebounds off of free throws against UNC in the final four, allowing them to secure the victory.
On the offensive end, Bell is going to be a project. His back to the basket game lacks any advanced moves and he kills his dribble quickly. He has a slow, inconsistent release and his ability to shoot from distance is essentially non-existent. His ball-handling is average but he is unable to create his own shot and does not utilize any specific move to create space for himself. As we would expect, Bell’s athleticism make him a threat in transition as he could beat his man down the floor and then dunk over any defender in his way.
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He also operates well in the pick and roll where he can catch a lob for the dunk. When receiving an early pass out of the pick and roll, Bell surveys the floor to find any open player on the perimeter. Most collegiate teams would double in this situation which Bell would comfortably make them pay with an assist on an uncontested three.
Bell’s athleticism for his size make him an early second round target. During the 5 on 5 session of the NBA combine, Bell had a strong showing where his team was plus 3 with him on the court and negative 21 while he was on the bench. It is important to understand that this part of the combine does not involve any offensive schemes or coaching. This style typically benefits the tall, athletes which is why these types such as Bell and the 7-1 center Jonathan Jeanne (who was unable to get any playing time in France) where able to have great performances. For that reason I do not expect Bell to be available when the Philadelphia 76ers make their selection at 36 but he does not fit their needs.
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Bell lacks the offensive abilities to play the four and the size to play the five. The position Bell will play will be determined by the situation he is drafted into, but the Sixers do not need a player that cannot shoot.