Scouting Report: Jarell Martin, PF, LSU
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.
The dreaded "tweener" label has become somewhat less harrowing over the last several years, as the NBA places an increased emphasis on playmaking power forwards who can shoot. An undersized four is now a valuable commodity, so long as they do certain things well.
Jarell Martin is spending the pre-draft process attempting to convince teams he can do those things - shoot, pass from the elbows, act as an offensive fulcrum from the block - because he didn't measure all that well at the combine. He's still big enough to play the four, but without a consistent 3-point shot, there are questions about what role he'll fill in the NBA, enough so that he's on the first-round bubble.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PF | 27 | 31 | 6' 9.25" | 239 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 9.75" | 8' 10.5" | 34.5 | 8.25 | 10.1% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 16.9 | 9.2 | 0.7 | 50.9% | 26.9% |
| 2013-14 | 10.3 | 4.6 | 0.7 | 47.1% | 33.3% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Martin posted strong rebounding numbers as a sophomore thanks in large part to his terrific athleticism and his ability to bully smaller post players, especially on the offensive glass. That athleticism carries him a long way, and he makes the most of it by playing hard and getting out into transition. If he can hone his jump shot - a major "if" at this point - it's possible to picture him as a regular rotation piece, providing energy and rebounding off the bench.
Weaknesses: If he doesn't develop that outside shot - he shot an unsightly 29.5 percent on 3-point catch-and-shoot opportunities this year - his future is less clear. He possesses some nice moves to score up close, including a solid jump hook, but may not be big enough to get those looks off near an NBA rim. Factor in that he's an occasionally spacey defender, and it's just as easy to see him flaming out as a positionless player without one elite skill.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Martin has hung around the periphery of the first round for two seasons, and while his game could use some additional refinement, the addition of Ben Simmons to the LSU frontcourt made his departure a logical move. The benefit of getting picked in the late 20s is that many of the contending teams in that area can afford to let him develop, either on the bench or in the D-League. The San Antonio Spurs are probably Martin's best-case scenario at No. 26, but there's a strong chance he slides into the second round.