A two-time All-Big East big man and Portsmouth Invitational alumnus, Nate Watson had a strong career at Providence. As a fifth senior, Nate Watson averaged 13.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, and 1.1 TOPG on shooting splits of 55/0/58. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Nate Watson
Height/Weight: 6’10/260
Wingspan/ standing reach: ~7’2, N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: C
Pre-Draft team: Providence
Tools: Interior presence
Pros:
- Strong shot blocker
- Good finisher at the rim; finishes well above the rim
- Good P&R roll man
- Long arms with good frame
- Good screener
- Efficient post scorer
Cons:
- Can’t switch onto guards
- Lacks a jump shot to stretch the floor
- Doesn’t have many post moves
- Limited playmaker beyond give & go’s/back and forth passes
- Needs to get more consistent with his left hand
- Needs to reduce avoidable fouls
Summary:
Nate Watson is a rim running big man that plays with high levels of energy as a roller on the offensive end. Finishing at the rim will be Watson’s calling card as a pro, due to an unlikely jump shooting growth. While he has post scoring abilities beyond P&R finishing, his offense mostly lives at the rim or within the paint. Defensively, Watson struggles to switch against guards and slashers, but he can block shots well at the rim.
Look for Watson to get a shot in summer league, then likely to make his way towards a career in Australia or Europe, where his play style can be more aptly used.
Similar to: Freddie Gillespie
Projected draft range: Undrafted
Expected role: Rim running big man
Unplayable if: Lack of shooting limits his rolling threat, and defensive inefficiency can get him played off the floor.
Exceeds expectations if: Watson becomes a great roll man and finisher, with good defense at the rim.
Videos:
Shot Chart:
