There’s a lot to like about Matthew Hurt as a potential complementary piece. He’s a deadeye shooter at 6-foot-9, boasting smooth mechanics and a knack for buckets. His intelligence as a passer and team defender is also positive for an incoming freshman.
Where Hurt’s stock gets — you know it’s coming — hurt is his athleticism. He lacks explosion, which might create problems against more athletic defenders. He’s also weak in build, a common issue for young frontcourt prospects.
If Hurt can add muscle and translate his mobility into passable defense, he should find NBA success. But his athletic limitations are real, and it might cast a well-defined ceiling on his career. Nonetheless, shooting and a high basketball I.Q. at his size are valuable.