Overview: A smart, role-playing combo forward who is smarter than he is athletic. Unique player with an abnormal skill-set. Excellent size for the small forward position, and will see some minutes at times at the power forward spot. Not very explosive or quick. Very high basketball IQ. Gets by on his feel for the game and passing skills, but has developed some offensive game as well. Very good moving off the ball, posting up, and finding garbage baskets. More comfortable as a facilitator than as a shooter or scorer. Great court vision, anticipation, and decision making abilities. Average rebounder for his size. Capable of creating turnovers due to his ability to read and react. Had a well decorated career at Arizona under Lute Olsen. Cant underestimate his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Could be a nice weapon if his jumper improves to match his innate feel for the game. Son of the NBA great Bill Walton.
Offense: Gets about one third of his offense as a spot up shooter. Hasnt improved that part of his game enough since entering the League. Below average in catch and shoot situations and particularly off the dribble. Can make a 3-pointer if he has significant time and space to get it off. Does a good job in post up situations and will make some plays by moving off the ball as well. Decent finisher at the rim. Displays very good touch at the basket. Tremendous feel on the offensive end. Gets recognition for setting up his teammates with incredibly creative passes. Makes plays with his head. Shows great court vision. Knows how to be in the right place at the right time. Average ball-handler, doesnt get to the free throw line at a great rate. Needs to improve his free throw shooting.
Defense: An average defender who will make a few plays by virtue of his basketball IQ, but isnt athletic enough to match up with most players at this position on a regular basis. Has a poor wingspan relative to his height (6-9 in shoes) at just 6-8 ½. Will strip shooters and make plays on the ball by anticipating and reacting. Doesnt always have the lateral quickness to keep up with more athletic small forwards. Competes, but can get overpowered by many power forwards. Does a solid job using his body to deny penetration, but wont always get the job done. Will box out and grab rebounds, but wont grab many out of his area.
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