Post by jhb on Mar 11, 2021 13:38:49 GMT -5
Raymond Felton
PG
6'1"
205
21
UNC
The first thing you'll notice when you turn on Raymond Felton's tape is the quickness. The Latta, SC product is lightning fast on the court and moves well with or without the ball. He routinely beats defenders off the dribble and pushes past everyone on the floor in the open court. His change of direction ability is unparalleled and he shockingly combines that with a full frame with adequate strength for his position. He has shown the ability to play above the rim because of his above average vertical and he's all around a quality athlete.
Felton is a floor manager and a pass-first point that scouts say that he is the best ball handler in the draft. That skill coupled with his athleticism means that he can get himself to anywhere on the court and really pressure the defense into some tough situations that opens up tons of great looks for his teammates. Defenses can't key on him to one side because he's strong with both hands and he always keeps his head up to look for opportunities to dish to an open man. He'll occasionally get a bit sloppy with is passing but the looks he creates makes up for that. Felton is not a willing scorer but has shown he can when necessary. He doesn't go out of his way to make a lot of offense in the interior (preferring to use his drives as opportunities to bait defenders before kicking out to the open man), but he has shown tremendous improvement in his shooting mechanics, working his way up to 44% from 3 in his final season after making tremendous strides there. Scouts wonder how sustainable that is at the next level as a career 73% free throw shooter (which was sometimes a liability in late-game situations where he dominated the ball) but the improved form appears to be real from distance.
Scouts call Felton a tireless worker on defense and his ability to create turnovers for the Tar Heels displays that. He has great energy and anticipation and his hands are nearly as quick as his feet. He plays incredibly aggressive defense (a Roy Williams trademark) but manages to do so without fouling and has no problems staying in front of his man. His height will probably limit his versatility as a defender as he would likely be exposed switching onto rangier wings, but he should defend his position fairly well.
Felton gets rave reviews for his intangibles and leadership which some scouts seem to think will play well for his upside, but other scouts disagree and point to his being one of the older and more seasoned prospects in this class. Many scouts have also vocalized concerns about his frame and question if the quickness and athleticism will last long-term already at 205 at his height and worry if he adds any more weight that he may not have the signature quickness that sets him apart.
