NBA Comparison: Rashad McCants

Strengths: Natural scorer (18.1 points per game) and capable of scoring in a variety of ways … Does a really good job of finishing and making tough shots around the rim … Can finish through contact … Runs the floor well in transition … Court vision is improving (2.7 assists per game in sophomore year; 3.2 assists per game in junior year) … Handles the ball well for a shooting guard … Has a pretty smooth release on his shot … Not a guy you want to leave open from 3-point range (38.0% last season) … Does a good job shooting off the dribble … Knows how to gain separation from defenders … Really good foul shooter, making opponents pay when he gets to the line (86.5%). Good form on his shot … At times, especially earlier in his career showed excellent explosiveness …

Weaknesses: Needs to do a better job fighting through screens on defense … Tends to reach in a lot on defense without producing turnovers (.6 steals) … Loses his man too often … Lateral quickness on defense needs to improve … Needs to defend guys tighter and not worry about helping too much … Gives guys too much space … Needs to do a better of job of closing out shooters … Unclear if he can hang with NBA guards, especially point guards … Defensive IQ needs to improve … While he handles the ball well for a shooting guard, he doesn’t have point guard level ball handling … At 6’5”, 200 pounds, with a 6’7" wingpsan, 8’2" standing reach, Trier has just below average length and size for an NBA 2-guard and would really increase his value if he could run the point … His assist numbers are going up, but they’re still way too low for a point guard … Also needs to add weight and more physical strength … Got suspended to start the year for the use of banned substance … "While capable of finishing through contact, he doesn’t really seek it … Physicality needs to improve … Needs to have a better nose for the ball (3.0 rebound per game) … Has drawn some critism for not being a team player, not always putting out the right body language and being supportive of teammates …

Overall: Trier’s ability to score is what puts him on the NBA radar … His shooting percentages are very encouraging … The major concern is whether or not he’s going to be too much of a defensive liability at the next level … If he can improve his defense and figure out how to guard NBA guards, he has the potential to stick in the NBA and find a permanent home …

Notes: Measured: 6′ 3.75” barefoot, 6′ 5.25” lbs, 198.0, lbs, 6′ 6.75” wingspan, 8′ 2” standing reach, 4.95% body fat,  and 8.25 inch hand length at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine … Measured 6’3.25, 193.5 lbs, with a 6’6 wingspan and 8’4 reach at the 2014 USA U18 tryouts … Measured 6’3 without shoes, 6’4 with shoes, 200 lbs, with a 6’6 wingspan and 8’4 standing reach at the 2014 USA Junior National Team Mini Camp … Was a 5 star recruit coming out of high school and a McDonald’s All American …

Ben Parker 6/10/18