Scouting Report: D'Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State
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This is what it looks like when sleepers deliver on their promise.
Entering his freshman year as the No. 13 recruit, D'Angelo Russell was somewhat off the draft radar. His otherworldly freshman season, one that impressed from buzzer to buzzer, saw him slowly climb boards, first appearing as a late lottery pick in December and now, here in June, a potential No. 2 overall pick. Russell has battled Emmanuel Mudiay from across the world for the mantle of top point guard in the class, and a strong pre-draft campaign has Russell behind only Karl-Anthony Towns on most boards. It's been a meteoric rise, and if he can keep improving, he has superstar potential.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 3 | 2 | 6' 5" | 193 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 9.75" | 8' 6" | N/A | 8.75 | 8.3% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 19.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 | 44.9% | 41.1% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: There's a reason we've taken to calling him "Voodoo" Russell, and it's not because R&B singer D'Angelo's best album was titled "Voodoo." Russell has magical, otherworldly passing ability, seeing lanes and openings that few can spot while delivering crisp, creative passes through them. Because he has a good handle and a strong attack game, he's going to be an asset breaking defenses and creating offense for himself and others from the hop. Even without the ball in his hands, he could be dangerous and could even play shooting guard, as he projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, an enormous asset in a modern point guard.
Weaknesses: He'll need to bulk up and add strength in order to improve his finishing at the rim. He does well to draw contact, but without superior athleticism, he may initially struggle to score inside without a few weight room sessions. There aren't many more nits to pick beyond the normal point guard development path, with some additional experience operating the pick-and-roll against more advanced defenses that will be geared up to contain his drives.
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What to Expect on Draft Day
There are few boxes Russell fails to check off. He's got size, is a terrific playmaker and lights-out shooter, and is said to interview incredibly well as a person and potential leader. He also grades out as maybe the best prospect in the draft analytically. He's a perfect all-around player for a current NBA offense and has the length and attitude to at least be serviceable on defense. Taking him at No. 2 wouldn't be a bad move for the Los Angeles Lakers, and I'll eat my shorts if he slides past No. 4.