Dallas Mavericks: Paul Reed 2020 NBA Draft Prospect Profile

Dallas Mavericks: Paul Reed draft weaknesses

Today, players without a consistent jump shot can hurt a team’s offense. Reed shot 33.0 percent from 3-point range over his NCAA career. There are questions about his form because of a hitch in his shot that causes an unnatural release. Reed’s shot slightly resembles MKG’s, but the hitch is less exaggerated. The 21-year-old will need to improve his shooting to become a consistent contributor in the NBA.

Reed’s 7’2 wingspan helps him contest shots, but his size and weight limit his ability to play effective post defense. Against the best big men in the league, Reed would be completely overwhelmed down low. He still has time to bulk up and teams won’t be too concerned about his post defense since the majority of NBA teams do not exploit it much.

Age often plays a factor in a team’s decision to draft a prospect. Being 21 years old could be held against him. Teams may be worried about his ceiling, and that could be the reason they pass on him in the draft.

Reed’s decision making has been criticized by the media and deemed one of his bigger weaknesses, however, his teammates at DePaul also played a part. Only one player scored more than him. Reed had to take on a larger offensive role in college, but do not expect that in the NBA.

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