Scouting Report: Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin
Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
No underclassman has ever won the Naismith Player of the Year award, entered the draft, and not been selected in the top-10. Meanwhile, Frank Kaminsky could be set to join a growing list of seniors to win the honor with little impact on their draft stock - no senior to win the award has gone higher than No. 10 since Shane Battier in 2001.
A team could certainly justify taking Kaminsky higher given how terrific his last two seasons have been, nearly commencing with a national championship this year. But "senior" is generally a bad word at draft time, synonymous with a lack of upside, and Kaminsky's unique profile makes him an obvious choice for only some teams.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 9 | 14 | 7' 0.75" | 231 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 11" | 9' 1.5" | N/A | 8.5 | 9.4% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 18.8 | 8.2 | 1.5 | 54.7% | 41.6% |
| 2013-14 | 13.9 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 52.8% | 37.8% |
| 2012-13 | 4.2 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 43.9% | 31.1% |
| 2011-12 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 41.1% | 28.6% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Kaminsky stands over 7-feet tall and shot better than 40 percent from long-range for Wisconsin this year. Everything you need to know about him lies within that one sentence, as he exists on an incredibly short list of players that size with that kind of stroke. He's not just a spot-up threat, either, as he possesses a nice touch and solid footwork inside and can put the ball on the floor if an open look hasn't presented itself. He improved as a passer with higher usage, too, and while he's never going to be a good defender, he can help protect the rim with his length.
Weaknesses: Kaminsky's size is less impressive if height is ignored in favor of wingspan and reach, as he measures more like a power forward on those scales. That's fine, and it's likely he'll see time as a four in an NBA offense, though his relative lack of athleticism and strength could render him a defensive liability at either frontcourt position. And of course, teams don't see much development potential here, despite Kaminsky taking enormous strides in each college season.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
It sounds as if most teams like Kaminsky, if not as a franchise centerpiece, at least as a person. He's a smart, affable guy with a fairly clear role at the next level. There's something to be said for consistently hitting singles in the draft and free agency, but teams with early picks generally want an extra-base hit to turn things around, and Kaminsky's unlikely to go yard. Instead, he'll go off the board when the very best prospects are gone, and when the draft moves to the teams with more clear, specific needs. That probably starts around No. 10, and it would be a minor shock to see him last past the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 17.