Nearly a two-time SoCon DPOY and a certified two-time SoCon POTY, Jalen Slawson had an impressive career at Furman, topping it off with a major upset over Virginia. As a fifth senior, Slawson averaged 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG, and 2.6 TOPG on splits of 55.6/39.4/77.5. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Jalen Slawson
Height/Weight: 6’7.5/222
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0/8’10
Hand size: 9
Position: SF
Pre-Draft team: Furman
Tools: Athleticism, defense, finishing
Pros:
- Explosive athlete
- Intelligent defender with great defensive stats
- NBA ready body with good size
- Great in quick offense
- Great finisher at the rim
- Convincing pump fake
- Good rebounder
- Creative playmaker that is willing to get others involved
Cons:
- Needs to speed up jumper
- Needs to get stronger to defend 4s and 5s in small ball lineups
- A bit stiff athletically, especially in recoveries on-ball defensively
- Can telegraph difficult passes at times, especially out of the post
- Needs to reduce turnovers and keep tightening handle
- Lacks self-creation ability at a high level
- Fifth year senior; will be 24 shortly after opening night
Summary:
Jalen Slawson is an athletic two-way forward that can play several roles on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Slawson’s explosive athleticism, particularly off of pump fakes, makes him an outstanding catch & drive threat. He doesn’t have the best first step, but with his ability to get his defender out of position, he easily negates that weakness to help him get to the rim with ease. In general, Slawson’s driving ability is appealing because he is such a good finisher at the rim, being able to both finish around and through contact, and he is able to play both below the rim and above the rim off of drives.
As a shooter, the percentages indicate his shot translating, but he does need to speed his jump shot up to be able to consistently and successfully shoot over NBA defenders. As he develops his jump shot, his already lethal pump fake will become even more dangerous.
Jalen Slawson’s playmaking is impressive, being able to find shooters and cutters well at any speed, but will need to reduce his turnover count to fully translate as a passer. With good floor vision, Slawson should be able to be a strong connector piece offensively in the NBA. The main area to help give Slawson a boost in the playmaking department will be to improve his ball-handling, which will help his self-creation ability. Slawson’s handle right now is simple, and he doesn’t break defenders down from the perimeter with much ease.
Defensively, Slawson is a statistical darling, averaging 3 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. His ability to guard multiple positions with his size, length, and strength will allow him to be among the most versatile defenders in the draft. In general, Slawson’s versatility on both ends make him one of the most appealing hidden gem wings in the draft pool.
Similar to: Lamar Stevens, more athletic Kyle Anderson
Projected draft range: 50-undrafted
Expected role: Do-it-all forward that can be a swiss army knife off the bench.
Unplayable if: Slow jumper hinders shooting success, thus making him difficult to find spot minutes.
Exceeds expectations if: Jumper translates, and he is asked to do a minimal amount of self-creation/self-creation improves.
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