Post by Majic on Aug 30, 2021 12:32:30 GMT -5
Devin Booker
SG
6-6
205
19
Kentucky
One of the youngest players in this draft, scouts are eager to see what he can do in TMBSL. Booker, playing alongside fellow lottery hopefuls Karl Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley Stein, played one year at Kentucky where earned SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors. A star studded team, Booker helped fill a special role as the Wildcats team made it to the final 4 before losing to Frank Kaminsky and his Wisconsin Badgers team.
Booker didn't necessarily fill up the stat sheet playing in a specialized role for the Wildcats but scouts are drooling over the potential that he has.As a starting point for Booker he has an outstanding jump-shoot and can hit from almost anywhere on the court. He also has a lightning-fast first step that helps him shake off defenders to get open shots. While he prefers to stay on the perimeter on offense, he will drive the lane occasionally to keep defenses honest but doesn't do it as much as he could.
On defense, he pairs that explosiveness with a high basketball IQ to be a steady defender. Generally he is able to stay in front of defenders and his length helps in creating occasional turnovers but he is not a lockdown defender. As he gets stronger, and grows into his body, scouts hope that he can increase his impact on that end of the floor.
Overall, you shouldn't expect Booker to be a plus rebounder. As mentioned, he prefers to operate on the perimeter more often than not, so he doesn't get many easy rebound opportunities. His strength is a bit of a detriment to that as well, although his length should help make up for that a bit.
He is not a willing passer, which is probably a good thing as most consider him an average ball handler. In an increased role he could have a tad higher turnovers. Additionally, while he has a fast first step he has a lower vertical jump, measuring only 35.5 inches at the combine.
Overall, Booker impressed in limited minutes while at Kentucky and scouts are excited about what his future looks like. He has a great foundation to build from and his ceiling is extremely high. He has the motor and attitude that could really propel him to stardom in the league.