I know AZCATSFAN has gone through some effort to explain his belief that Budinger will be drafted based upon potential and overlook his inability to move laterally.I didn't say scouts would overlook his lateral movement or inconsistent defense and leadership.
Budinger with his 6'7" frame will be an average sized shooting guard or a smaller small forward by NBA standards.Budinger will play shooting guard in the NBA, but I wouldn't say he'll be an average-sized player at that position. His height and length are a big part of his value.
While he does have a nice shot from the collegiate 3-point range, there is no telling how effecient he will be another 3' back. He won't be able to out maneuver other NBA guards at this pointIt might seem strange, but a lot of longer players find more success with their shot in the NBA. The two games have great differences, and one of them is the spacing allowed in the NBA.
Budinger is strictly a spot-up shooter with a great leaping ability.I think his shot will be fine, possibly outstanding on the next level, and he has a good handle for a player his size and should be able to get to the rim even easier than in college. He's already shown the ability to drive to the rim or pull up for a mid-range shot, which along with his three point range, makes him a scorer at all three levels. He's also a good passer, which is a valuable attribute in the NBA.
because of that I don't see anybody taking him in the first round this year.I don't know about that.
Budinger won't receive the level of attention that he wants and won't get any projection to go as high as he would like. He'll be back next year, imo.He'll get plenty of workouts. I don't think we have a firm grasp on how high he would like to be drafted, but I do think he'll find enough people telling him he can be a certain top 10 pick next year if he goes back and improves his defense and intensity. As of right now I think he would get drafted in the middle of the first round. I have his long-term value projected as eighth-best among his peers. I don't know if I would move his value up next year, but I think some scouts and GMs might. Who knows what he will do. I'm done worrying about it until he makes a decision.
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