The ACC’s Most Improved Player in 2021, Matthew Hurt became one of the nation’s top shooters. As a sophomore, Hurt averaged 18.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, and 1.2 TOPG on shooting splits of 56/44/72. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Matthew Hurt
Height/Weight: 6’9 ½ / 232
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’9 ½ / 8’10 ½
Hand size: 9
Position: PF
College: Duke
Tools: Shooting
Pros:
- Excellent shooter from a standstill with high release
- Outstanding footwork out of triple threat
- Comfortable shooting from any angle off the catch
- Good rebounder
- Doesn’t turn the ball over or make mistakes offensively
Cons:
- Underwhelming athlete
- Low defensive upside; slow laterally
- Needs to add strength
- Doesn’t have much of a handle
- Bit of a tweener
Overall:
Matthew Hurt is one of the best shooters in the class, with a unique blend of size and shooting ability. While Hurt offers virtually nothing outside of shooting, he plays mistake-free basketball with an elite skill at the most coveted department in the NBA: jump shooting. Hurt is going to be a liability on the defensive end due to slow lateral movement, short arms, and an inability to alter possessions. He also needs to add strength for his rebounding to translate, and to score at any point inside. Hurt’s entire value comes from his efficient and unblockable shot with excellent footwork to get square to the basket on jump shots.
Similar to: Damjan Rudez, Ryan Broekhoff, Luke Babbitt, Ryan Kelly
Projected draft range: 45-undrafted
Expected role: Shooter off the bench
Unplayable if: Jump shot is not falling. He has a short leash due to his inability to guard at the next level, so he needs his 3 point shot to fall to stay on the floor.
Exceeds expectations if: He can stretch defenses and shoot 40% from 3 with lineups that can make up for his lack of defense and overall presence inside the 3 point line.
Shot Chart:
