A member of the Big 12 All-Freshman team and one of the youngest players in the draft, Kendall Brown lived up to his top 20 recruiting status at Baylor. As a freshman, Brown averaged 9.7 PPG, 5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 1.7 TOPG on shooting splits of 58/34/69. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Kendall Brown
Height/Weight: 6’8/205
Wingspan/ standing reach: N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Forward
Pre-Draft team: Baylor
Tools: Basketball IQ, defense, versatility
Pros:
- Effortless athlete
- Sharp basketball IQ
- Makes good reads defensively and can see plays before they happen
- Plus off-ball defender; plays defensive back on the perimeter to avoid touches
- High motor
- Great cutter
- Elite in transition
- Comfortable passing with both hands; should be able to grow as a ball handler with both hands
Cons:
- Hesitant shooter
- Needs to make shot more fluid; low release, guide hand isn’t smooth
- Lacks explosiveness with his left hand at times
Overall:
Kendall Brown is a defensive-oriented wing with versatility on both ends. Kendall Brown should be an automatic positive defender for most of his career. His ability to lock players down both off-ball and on-ball make him easy to project as a positive team-defender. His length, size, athleticism, and instincts also make him easy to project off-ball, and in being able to guard multiple positions.
A big connecting piece that Kendall Brown does so well at such an advanced age (he turns 19 just days before the draft lottery) is turn defense into offense, especially in transition off of turnovers he forced.
Beyond transition scoring, Brown has strong offensive value, even without a reliable 3 point shot. His ability to time cuts while going to the perfect spot for the passer to cleanly deliver the ball is impeccable for an 18 year old freshman, which furthers his elite understanding of the game. His athleticism also helps him finish above the rim as a cutter, making him a lob threat from baseline cuts or off of screens. Brown can also create for others, running pick & roll at times with good pass accuracy and minimal turnovers.
The areas Kendall Brown needs to improve offensively are 3 point shooting and left handedness. As Brown learns to be as explosive with his left hand as a slasher, his game will open up – even if his 3 point shot doesn’t evolve. As for his said 3 point shot, the form is workable, and his touch is satisfactory, indicated by his 69% from the line (70% in the regular season).
Overall, Kendall Brown’s basketball IQ and incredible understanding of where to be at the right times make him a lottery-ranking prospect that should safely have a 10+ year career in the NBA.
Similar to: Isaac Okoro, Josh Green, Shane Battier, taller Ruben Patterson, Warriors Andre Iguodala
Projected draft range: 10-23
Expected role: Lockdown defender with off-ball prowess offensively.
Unplayable if: Jump shooting fails and teams don’t even guard him on the 3 point line.
Exceeds expectations if: Jump shot comes along to even near league average 3P%, and he can become a bit of a secondary creator.
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