Feb 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) brings the ball up court during the 1st half of a game at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
3. D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State Buckeyes
NBA Comparison: James Harden, Houston Rockets
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 18
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 176 pounds, 6’9″
2014-15 Slash Line: .460/.427/.757
2014-15 Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 18.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.7 3PM
Ohio State Buckeyes star and Big Ten Player of the Year candidate D’Angelo Russell is the premier shooting guard in the 2015 NBA Draft. He’s also a dynamic ball-handler with the potential to run point full-time at the next level.
With his positional versatility and lights-out shooting stroke, Russell would be an excellent addition to the New York Knicks.
Statistically speaking, Russell has been the most complete and dynamic prospect in the 2015 NBA Draft. Beyond the numbers, he excels in most fundamental phases of the game with the frame to potentially develop a post-up attack.
The best upside comparison here is James Harden of the Houston Rockets.
Much like Harden, Russell is a ball-dominant guard who can get to the basket with the best of them. His thin frame will limit his finishing ability early in his career, but a paralyzing floater enables him to relentlessly drive the lane.
With the ability to shoot off-the-bounce and work off-ball, Russell is the perfect player to play a hybrid guard position in the Triangle Offense alongside Carmelo Anthony and, potentially, another star.
Next: A Bit of Everything, Part II