Paul Scruggs is a junior combo guard from Xavier. After testing the draft waters last year and participating at the Pro Basketball Combine (PBC), he returned to Xavier for his junior season where he averaged 12.7 PPG, 2.9 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 2.8 TOPG on shooting splits of 46/37/74. Below is his detailed scouting report:
Name: Paul Scruggs
Height/Weight: 6’3/ 189
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’10 ½ / 8’6
Hand size: 9’
Position: PG
College/ country: Xavier
Tools: Length, defense, shooting
Pros:
- Jump shot upside with NBA range
- Excellent frame
- Good finisher at the rim with both hands
- High defensive upside
- Good rebounder for a guard
- 3 level scorer- good mid range fadeaway
- Advanced footwork on jump shots
Cons:
- Lacks separation ability on the drive
- Needs to smoothen out jump shot mechanics
- Needs to add weight
Overall:
Paul Scruggs is a combo guard with length that can guard multiple positions defensively. Scruggs forces lots of bad shots and turnovers with his active hands, length, and plus ability to stay with his man on the drive. As he continues to add strength, his defensive ceiling should be high in the NBA.
Offensively, Scruggs is a capable 3 level scorer – meaning he can score at the rim, from mid range, and 3 point range. More importantly, he can shoot both from a standstill and on the move. His footwork on his jump shot – i.e how quickly he squares up to the basket – is excellent, and he also has excellent footwork on the drive and in the post. These skills suggest his offense translating well, along with the stats that indicate translation.
His greatest weakness is his inability to easily create separation. Scruggs does not possess a strong first step, but he is able to compensate with his long strides. Finishing at the rim is a strength for him, but it is uncommon for him to leave his man in the dust. Scruggs is capable of finishing at the rim with both hands, which is another advanced aspect of his game.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Shelvin Mack; ceiling: George Hill
Projected draft range: 45- undrafted
Fit with Mavericks:
Scruggs is a near perfect fit for Dallas. He’s a high character player, is not prone to mistakes, can defend multiple positions, and has a reliable jumper. Scruggs is also a good athlete, which is needed for the Mavericks backcourt. He is an NBA-ready player, so Scruggs could very easily be inserted into the rotation as a rookie. As the Mavs seek to soon replace JJ Barea’s roster spot as a 3rd string guard, Scruggs may be a great fit as he can finish near the rim, improve the team’s defense, and continue adding 3 point shooting to the backcourt. Scruggs’ ability to run both guard positions also allows him to easily fit with virtually any lineup the Mavericks roll out.
