Scouting Report: Jordan Adams, SG, UCLA
Jordan Adams showed up in shape. That has been the biggest takeaway from Adams' pre-draft workouts, with the portly shooting guard dropping a reported 22 pounds between the end of the UCLA season and the draft combine in Chicago. While that doesn't mean he's now suddenly an athlete - he may be the least athletic player taken in the first round on June 26 - it does show a commitment to improving that teams are sure to appreciate, allowing them to focus on his exceptional scoring ability instead of his exceptional snacking ability.
Background
| Position | DX Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/o Shoes | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG | 26 | 45 | 6' 3.5" | 209 |
| Wing | Vert (in.) | Standing Reach | Hand Length (in.) | Agility (sec.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 10" | 29.5 | 8' 6" | 8.5 | 12.13 |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 17.4 | 5.3 | 2.3 | 48.5% | 35.6% |
| 2012-13 | 15.3 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 44.7% | 30.7% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Adams can score with the best of them, ranking among college basketball's best point producers on a per-minute basis and flashing an inconsistent but rangy stroke. While his solid build is used against him at times, it allows him to finish strong at the basket, an important ability given his propensity for attacking defenses. He also piled up steals in college despite not being a great defender, possibly portending some defensive potential. Believers in analytics tend to be high on him.
Weaknesses: Adams lacks the athleticism of most guards and wings in the class, limiting his long-term upside - an issue exasperated by his conditioning problems as a sophomore. On a related note, he wasn't a great defender as a Bruin, but strong measurements at the combine and the weight loss suggests that could improve in time, especially under an NBA training regimen.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Concerns about Adams' commitment and athleticism were such that he didn't appear to be a first-round pick until mock drafts in early June. Now, his draft position hinges more on team needs late in the first round instead of his own shortcomings. Teams seeking bench scoring out of a player who can contribute quickly will be enticed, while a team looking for a high-upside lottery ticket late will probably look elsewhere. As such, his range probably begins at No. 26 and extends to the first 10 picks of the second round.