Frank Mason can do it all at the point guard position but his lack of size will drop him to the second round. A lead guard with Mason’s talent will be exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers are looking for in the second round.
Frank Mason turned 23 this past June and finished a successful senior year at Kansas. Playing as the Jayhawks’ starting point guard since his sophomore season, Mason has improved every aspect of his game and will turn his eyes towards the NBA — and perhaps, the Philadelphia 76ers.
A Royal Pain
Boasting an impressive line of 20.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 47.1 percent from three on one of the nation’s top teams, Mason can expect to hear his name called during the NBA draft this June. These stats typically represent a player drafted in the first round. That will not be the case for Mason, as he lacks the ideal height and length for and NBA point guard prospect at 6-0.
Mason understands that he is typically the shortest player on the court and he has adjusted his game accordingly. When driving to the rim, Mason will never take the ball straight up against a defender, utilizing a variety of fakes and hesitation moves to get his shot off. If a rim protector is present, Mason will challenge the big in the paint, creating space for his teammates who he finds with ease.
Mason does possess a 41 inch vertical, allowing him to hang in the air and decide what to do with the ball. His athleticism is a strength and shows on both sides of the ball. Mason’s lateral quickness will allow him to defend opposing lead guards. His aggressive style and great understanding of defensive principles make him a solid defender that will only struggle against opponents with a clear size advantage.
What makes Mason an interesting prospect is his shooting ability. Making 47.1 percent of his three pointers on 4.8 attempts leaves little question about how effective of a shooter he is. Mason ranked in the 95th percentile in catch and shoot situations and is equally effective off the dribble. He thrives in the pick-and-roll and will make defenders pay for going under. Mason increased his use of his floater in his senior year and had success getting quick shots over taller defenders. If given any space to get a shot off, Mason will take it. His lack of size and tremendous efficiency off the shot will make this a valuable asset at the next level.
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The concerns about Frank Mason’s size will drop him to a mid-second round selection but the concerns about his height are invalid. We have seen firsthand this year that the height of a point guard is not directly related to their success. Mason has three inches on Isaiah Thomas and has a similar stature to Kyle Lowry, both all-star point guards. His NBA level shooting and his ability to lead a high-caliber offense make him worth the risk and a must draft if he is available when the Philadelphia 76ers select at 46 or 50.