Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Jaron Blossomgame

The OKC Thunder need to add a player ready to contribute immediately in this year’s Draft. Jaron Blossomgame is a second round option who could fit that bill.

A name like Jaron Blossomgame deserves to be drafted in the NBA whether or not there’s legitimate basketball skill. It just so happens that Blossomgame also happens to have a really nice game. The former Clemson product is a physically dominant forward that could carve out a nice little niche as a two-way player in the league.

Specifics

Height: 6’7

Weight: 214 Ibs

Position: Small Forward

Age: 23

College: Clemson

Statline: 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, .8 steals, .9 blocks

Current rankings

Please note that rankings are the most up-to-date at the time of writing this. They are subject to change at any moment and for any reason.

Draft Express: 50th overall prospect

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 59th overall prospect

CBS Sports: 43rd overall prospect

Skills

Blossomgame has all the makings of a lite version of Andre Iguodala. In fact that’s who he recently compared himself to. Blossomgame is a hybrid forward who has the potential to guards positions 1-5 with a little work. He’s incredibly strong yet quick for his size; his physical improvement during his college career highlights the 23-year old’s incredible work ethic.

That work ethic translates perfectly to the court. Blossomgame is a grinder who has a knack for making the little plays that win games. He averaged nearly two offensive rebounds a game as well as a block and steal a game, a rare site for college prospects. Blossomgame’s offensive potential limits his upside, but he has a clear role to fill on almost any NBA team.

Weaknesses

It turns out Blossomgame’s potential limits his upside a lot. Although he averaged over 17 points a game in college, most of that came from being more physically imposing than everyone else on the court. In the NBA Blossomgame won’t be able to shoot over his opponents nor beat them off the dribble so he’ll be relegated to second chance points and catch-and-shoot opportunities.

His other major weakness is something that can’t be fixed: age. Blossomgame will be 24 by the start of his rookie season, the same age as Steven Adams. The forward is likely to find a role somewhere in the league, but his age detracts how much he’ll be able to grow as a player.

Honors and awards

All-ACC Third Team (2017)

All-ACC First Team (2016)

ACC Most Improved Player (2016)

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Naismith Trophy Player of the Week (2016)

The fit

If Blossomgame’s defense was more refined he would be a solid fit for the Thunder. It’s looking more likely that Andre Roberson won’t return, and Blossomgame’s defensive potential could eventually replace Roberson. That’s the problem – it’s all potential.

Blossomgame wasn’t a lockdown defender at Clemson because he was tasked to do too much on offense. He showed flashes, but never enough to believe he can step right in and defend NBA players right away. The 23-year old’s offensive deficiencies would only hinder the Thunder’s spacing problem.

Ultimately Blossomgame pans out to play a Jerami Grant-like game; Oklahoma City isn’t looking to add a player they already have.