A coveted 5 star freshman, Josh Christopher had a short season due to injury and the Covid season. As a freshman, Christopher averaged 14.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, and 1.7 TOPG on shooting splits of 43/31/80. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Josh Christopher
Height/Weight: 6’4 ½ / 215
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’9 / 8’5
Hand size: 8 ¾
Position: SG
College/ country: Arizona State
Tools: Scoring, athleticism
Pros:
- Plus athlete
- Good body control
- Plus finisher at the rim
- Quick hands and can play the passing lanes well
- Should adjust to fast-paced NBA well
- NBA ready body with long arms
- High motor and student of the game
Cons:
- Averaged more turnovers than assists
- Mild playmaker
- Needs to become a more consistent shooter
- Needs to improve shot selection
- Needs to keep getting stronger
- Must get better at fighting through screens defensively
Overall:
Josh Christopher is a high-upside wing with 3 level scoring potential and defensive potential. Christopher possesses outstanding shot creation and scoring skills, as well as a strong physical profile with NBA-level strength. As a shot creator, Christopher has a quick handle, quick change of speed, and a healthy variety of dribble-moves to beat his man to his spot, or leave his man in the rearview mirror. Christopher also can rise up and shoot over defenders, making the tough shots that become valuable in the playoffs. However, Christopher does need to tone down his shot selection and learn to better play under control. He often forced difficult shots instead of keeping the flow of the offense alive, which could be a detrimental trait in the NBA. To stick at the NBA level outside of his scoring, Christopher needs to prove he can make his teammates better by becoming a more willing and effective playmaker. Defensively, Christopher lacks great size on the wing at 6’4 ½, but makes up for it with athleticism, body control/recovery ability, a high motor, strength, and length. He does need to learn the intricacies of defensive schemes, especially in pick & roll, but his one-on-one defensive skills are projectable. Look for Christopher to be targeted as one of the first post-lottery options on draft night.
Similar to: Dahntay Jones, Terrence Ross, Ricky Davis, Joe Johnson
Projected draft range: 15-30
Games seen: Rhode Island, Oregon State 1/16
Expected Role: Volume scorer with some defense
Unplayable if: Jump shooting doesn’t translate and his scoring doesn’t make the team or his teammates better.
Exceeds expectations if: Playmaking develops and jump shooting, particularly 3 point shooting, translates.
Shot chart:
