Kyle Kuzma, a 3 year player from Utah, has been pegged by some as a sleeper second round prospect. Here’s what you need to know about him:

Name: Kyle Kuzma

Height/Weight: 6’9.5/223

Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0.25/ 8’11.5

Hand size: 9.5

Position: F

College/ country: Utah

Tools: Versatility

College stats (per 40): 21.3 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.8 TOPG; 50% shooting, 32% from 3, 67% from the line, TS% of 56.5%

Pros:

• Stretch 4 potential
• Solid rebounder
• Can be effective in the P&R
• Possesses some quality playmaking traits (put the ball on the floor, passing)
• Defense is good, but likely won’t net box score defense- good team defender. 
• Good at going vertical against the drive
• Moves laterally well and has good quickness- quick feet; quick recovery- The best example.
• Mismatch ¾
• Can guard the perimeter
• High basketball IQ- Makes good plays.

Cons:

• Hesitant to rotate into help defense / defensive decision making can be improved
• 3 point shot is inconsistent
• Lack of steals/blocks/forced turnovers- makes opponents take tough shots or tough routes to the basket
• Could improve strength

Overall: Kuzma has some push and pull stats- pushes including high turnover rate, low block and steals, and mostly poor efficiency stats. His pulls are very strong- he is capable of being a playmaker, his shot at least has a presence, and he can rebound very well. Kuzma’s success is dependent on his 3 point shot improving. If he does not improve his jumper, he may be similar to Dwight Powell. If his 3 point shot does improve, or his game proves to work without an effective jumper, he can be Thaddeus Young with slightly better defense. Kuzma has a great frame, which should allow for defensive upside. As a 3 year college player, expect Kuzma to have an immediate role on whichever team drafts him. His high basketball IQ and defensive skillset will allow him to be more easily playable than other rookies.

NBA Comparison: Thaddeus Young/ Dwight Powell

Projected draft range: 26-40

How he’d fit on the Mavs: Realistically,

he’d just be Powell, but with less opportunities to play the 5. I think Kuzma would be a better 3 than a 5, as he’s primarily a 4.