One of the youngest players in the draft, Jaden Springer was a member of the SEC All-Freshman team. In his lone year at Tennessee, Springer averaged 12.5 PPG, 3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 2.4 TOPG on shooting splits of 47/44/81. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Jaden Springer
Height/Weight: 6’4 / 202
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’8 / 8’3
Hand size: 9 ¾
Position: SG
College: Tennessee
Tools: Defense, slashing, creation
Pros:
- Crafty finisher
- Excellent in transition
- Plus feel for the game and instincts
- Good cutter
- Strong finisher at the rim
- Good post game
- Strong defender with quick feet
- NBA ready body
- Good vision
Cons:
- Needs to improve shot fluidity
- Needs to be more creative of a shot creator; relies too much on his hop step
- Mediocre athlete
- Bit of a tweener offensively
- Must become a better playmaker/reduce turnovers
- Needs to get better at defending without fouling
Overall:
Jaden Springer is an off-guard that can play both guard spots, but might end up being a tweener at both spots. While not a primary creator, he also is not a true shooting guard due to his pass/score balance and mid-sized frame. Tennessee hid a lot of what Springer brings to the table, both as a playmaker and a perimeter player. Springer’s cutting ability and basketball IQ were on full display under Rick Barnes’ offense, but the lack of shooting was a clear area Barnes intentionally hid. Springer took just 46 three pointers on the season, albeit shooting 43.5% on them, which led to forcing Springer to get most of his looks within the 3 point line. If Springer can be a spot up shooter and hit more creative pull-up jumpers, he will find more clear-cut success as a scorer in the NBA. A lot of Springer’s early success, as one of the youngest players in the class, will come from cutting and using his body and strength to his advantage on both ends.
As a defender, Springer uses his NBA ready body, both his length and strength, combined with his instincts and quick feet to stop his man. While he may never be a pure stopper, it’s unlikely Springer ever ends up a negative on the defensive end. Springer offers a unique blend of floor & ceiling, making him an intriguing first round talent.
Similar to: Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Willie Green
Projected draft range: 10-26
Expected role: Starting off-guard next to a lead guard that provides both offensive and defensive value.
Unplayable if: Jump shooting does not translate; this wouldn’t make him unplayable, but likely prevents him from being more than a role player.
Exceeds expectations if: Jumper approaches league average success & his defense elevates from his already strong ability.
Shot chart:
