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Jason Kapono

retired
Drafted #31 in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers
RCSI: 11 (1999)
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
Position: SF
High School: Artesia High School (California)
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
College: UCLA
Current Team: UCLA
Win - Loss: 15 - 17

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Atlantic Division (Part Three)

Jonathan Givony
Jonathan Givony
Matt Williams
Matt Williams
Feb 03, 2009, 03:03 am
Overview: One of the game’s top shooting specialists. Doesn’t bring much to the table physically. Has very good height for a small forward (6-6 ½ without shoes) which helps his ability to get his shot off, but has extremely short arms (6-6 ½ wingspan). Lacks athleticism. Has passable strength, but is not quick, fast, or explosive. Possesses arguably the purest stroke in the NBA. Had one of the best three point shooting seasons in NBA history in 2007. Brings essentially nothing to the defensive end. Was a prolific four year player for the UCLA Bruins. Named the PAC-10 Freshman of the Year in 2000 and garnered All-PAC-10 First Team honors during all four of his collegiate seasons. Earned a spot in the early second round for his potential as a three point threat. Was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft. Parlayed his tremendous 2007 season with the Heat into a big contract. Has seen his shooting efficiency decline in recent seasons, with teams doing a better job contesting his shots.

Offense: One of the game’s elite shooting specialists. Isn’t having the best season of his career, but still lands amongst the most proficient shooters in the game. Pretty effective as a role-player, but should be considered just that rather than a major offensive option. Gets the vast majority of his touches in catch and shoot situations from the perimeter. Has one of the purest jump shots in the game. Has the size to get it off over most defenders. Used to be almost as good with a hand in his face as he was when wide open. No longer hits shots as consistently with a hand in his face. Has improved his midrange game significantly since his college days. Pretty capable off the dribble. Doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off. Supremely confident. Not an awful ball handler, but isn’t agile enough to create separation with his crossover. Likes to drive left and pull up for jumpers. Doesn’t turn the ball over at a high rate. Works hard off of screens and shows great footwork out on the perimeter. Poor finisher. Lacks the athleticism to get open looks at the rim. Not going to make plays above the rim either. Needs to be a lot craftier around the basket. Shoots a good percentage from the line, but only gets there once in a blue moon. Takes great care of the ball, but isn’t a playmaker by any means. Has everything you look for in a shooter, but his lack of slashing ability makes it tough to consider him anything more than a shooting specialist.

Defense: Lacks the athleticism to be a factor on this end. Will actually give some effort, but isn’t quick enough to defend many small forwards one-on-one. Lacks the recovery speed to close out shooters or contest shots when he’s out of position. Has a very hard time defending faster players. Becomes a major liability when he sags into the paint when defending off the ball. Gets beaten off the dribble too frequently when he has to jump back into position. Uses his body relatively well against players with similar physical gifts. Won’t produce many turnovers, grab many rebounds, or commit many fouls. A liability on the defensive end who does show some effort, but can’t compensate for the fact that he lacks the physical gifts to make any impact.