A member of the All-SEC team as a sophomore, DJ Stewart had a successful breakout sophomore season. As a sophomore, Stewart averaged 16 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, and 3.1 TOPG on shooting splits of 41/34/81. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: DJ Stewart
Height/Weight: 6’6 / 204
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0 ½ / 8’9
Hand size: 9 ¼
Position: Wing
Pre-draft team: Mississippi State
Tools: Shooting, athleticism, defensive upside
Pros:
- Quick first step with long strides
- Projectable shot with a high release
- Good shooter off the dribble
- Excellent athlete
- Reliable floater
- Excellent frame with long arms and NBA ready strength
Cons:
- Iffy motor at times
- Needs to speed up game
- Averaged more turnovers than assists
- Must quicken and tighten handle; struggles to create space
- Needs to be able to shoot over defenders
- Must become more consistent as a shooter
- Poor finisher at the rim
Overall:
DJ Stewart is a 3&D candidate with good athleticism. His shot form is fluid and is difficult to block due to a high release. The major concerns for Stewart are regarding how he uses his athleticism in game, shooting consistency, and potential motor issues. While Stewart has good explosiveness and overall athleticism, his game is very slow, from his dribble speed/handle, to how long he takes to get to his spots. As a shooter, Stewart only shot 34% from 3, and struggled on spot-up attempts. While it is promising that he hit a lot of off the dribble jumpers, being able to hit spot-up shots as an off-ball player remains the number one skill Stewart will need offensively. Defensively, Stewart has the tools to be a good defender, but doesn’t always give 100% effort, giving up on plays at times after being out of stance. This could have been a product of a poor team season, but regardless this is not something you want to see defensively for arguably the most important position to defend top-end players at. If Stewart’s off the dribble scoring can translate to the NBA, he will see NBA minutes in any capacity. If he can’t speed up his game to adapt to NBA tempo, he will be quickly phased out.
NBA Comparison: Mario Hezonja, Semi Ojeleye, Marcus Derrickson
Projected draft range: Undrafted
Expected role: 3&D wing
Unplayable if: Slow pace holds him back, and his shooting doesn’t translate.
Exceeds expectations if: Off the dribble shooting turns into a projection that helps his spot-up shooting translate. His motor will also be a non-factor in this scenario, where he is engaged defensively with good size and athleticism.
Shot chart:
