Height/Weight: 6’8/238
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0 ¼ / 8’7
Hand size: 7 ¼
Position: PF
College/ country: Kentucky
Tools: NBA frame, post scoring
Pros:
- One of the strongest players in the country; good frame
- Excellent low post scorer
- Growing jump shooter
- Adequate athlete with a 36 inch vertical
Cons:
- Small hands
- Old for class
- Jump shot isn’t very effective right now
- Average defender 1-on-1, but subpar team defender
Overall:
Reid Travis joined Kentucky as a grad transfer, and helped solidify a talented frontcourt next to PJ Washington. Travis’ role as an interior player helped allow for PJ Washington’s game to advance and for Washington to more comfortably take corner 3s. Travis feasts on the low block and does a great job of finishing at the rim. In each of the last 3 seasons, at both Stanford and Kentucky, Travis shot 70% or better at the rim. His frame and elite strength play a large part in his finishing ability, as well as good touch. The question for him becomes: how will he get the chances to finish at the NBA level? Can he finish down low by operating as a faceup 4, and is he athletic enough to be an aerial threat? These are questions that will largely determine his NBA success, since his defensive woes at Kentucky stood out as large negatives. He was often late on rotations and gambled too often for a center. While he has plus length and NBA strength, his defensive intangibles are often lacking.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Arnett Moultrie; Ceiling: Richaun Holmes
Projected draft range: Undrafted
Fit with the Mavs:
Travis likely would be a two way player, spending a majority of the time with the Legends. He could then focus on becoming an offensive minded 4 / 5 combo while developing his jump shot consistency. If he improves on that end, he could potentially transform into a Dwight Powell level of a role player as an energy big that may sacrifice some defense, but will crash the offensive glass and could stretch the floor with a 3 point attempt once a game. Reid Travis’ defensive development would be a welcome addition to his game, but whichever team takes him on should fully embrace and develop the offensive side of his game.
