NBA Comparison: Etan Thomas

Strengths: Has solid NBA length at 6’10" with a 7’2" wingspan … Possesses tremendous physical tools at his size … Very fluid and athletic big man … Quick and powerful second jump … Has a big frame and moves very well for a guy carrying his bulk … Is already a force in the paint as a rim protector … Can stay in front of smaller players on the perimeter … Advanced pick and roll defender for his age … Fluid in the open court … Capable playing in an uptempo system … Can extend his range to about 15-20 feet at the moment … Effective at scoring around the rim on lobs and post ups close to the basket … Shows the ability to finish with either hand and shoot out to 5-8 feet using both left and right … High-ceiling potential, just beginning to scratch the surface of what he could become, if he stays hungry and continues to develop … Versatile enough to play either the four or a small ball five at the next level … Wiry strong player who can pound with players bigger than him …

Weaknesses: Far from a finished product … If he’s not finishing at the rim he’s not able to impact the game much offensively at this point … For a rim protector he suffers too many lapses in defensive awareness … Didn’t always stand out when on the floor for Michigan State this year … Showed flashes, but often went long stretches without impacting the game … Could stand to add more muscle to his 240 pound frame … Only shot 63 percent from the free throw line as a freshman … Stretch fours had their way with him when he guarded them … Foul prone when given more minutes … Too eager to block shots and in turn bites on pump fakes too often … Can be overly aggressive and pressure the ball too high when switched into a guard … Lack of confidence can sometimes be perceived in his timid approach to game … Post game is too predictable as his moves seem very premeditated and he hasn’t learned how to counter his defender when his first move is contested …

Notes: 6’9.5 (in shoes) 212 lbs, with a 7’1.5 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Big Man Skills Academy … Selected to 2015 McDonald’s All American and Jordan Brand Classic … 2015 Michigan Mr. Basketball recipient … 2015 Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year … Finished second on Michigan’s career blocked shots list … 

Outlook: Davis is a prospect that offers an NBA-ready skill, rim protection, but is still raw in other areas of his game … Declared for the draft and intends to sign an agent … Figures to get looks in the lottery based solely off of potential and the lack of high-quality big men … Another year, with steady playing time, could mold him into a more complete player … Best case scenario is he becomes a small-ball five that brings rim protection and the ability to guard on perimeter …

Brandon Jefferson 4/12/16

September 23, 2013