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LJ Peak -Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

By Tony Heim

Feb 28, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) looks to pass during the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Seton Hall won, 62-59. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) looks to pass during the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Seton Hall won, 62-59. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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LJ Peak is part of a large cluster of guards the OKC Thunder have to consider in the late second round. Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
LJ Peak is part of a large cluster of guards the OKC Thunder have to consider in the late second round. Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The OKC Thunder need to find a guard of some sort in this draft. It’s possible LJ Peak is the answer because of his versatility.

There’s a lot to like when it comes to Georgetown guard LJ peak. At 6’5 (with a 6’9 wingspan) and 215 pounds he has the perfect size for an NBA shooting guard with an already solid skillset. So why is he so far down expert’s draft boards? Let’s take a look.

Specifics

Height: 6’5

Weight: 215 Ibs

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 21

College: Georgetown

Statline: 16.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, .4 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: 46th overall prospect

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 47th overall prospect

CBS Sports: 55th overall prospect

Skills

L.J. Peak is a poor man’s Sindarius Thornwell at this stage of his career; that’s not a bad thing considering he’s a year younger and much more athletic. Peak’s an all-around player that’s best asset is his ability to drive at the rim and finish through contact. He averaged 16.3 points this past season at Georgetown while shooting nearly 55% from two-point range.

A consistent jumper is in the near future for Peak, assuming he puts the work in. He only shot 32.7% from deep this season yet his mechanics don’t need much work. The 21-year old hit 79.6% from the line on 6 attempts a game; it’s about building up his confidence on shots in-game.

On defense Peak showed potential of an above-average wing defender as well. His 6’9 wingspan combined with his quick feet could help Peak turn into a suffocating defender for opposing point guards, but he’s got to sharpen up his instincts for that to happen.

Weaknesses

Peak can do a lot of things on the basketball court, but he can’t do anything exemplary right now. His biggest asset in college was his strength and ability to finish through contact – he won’t have that advantage in the league.

Teams drafting Peak would have to understand that he’s a couple years away from actually playing rotational minutes. While he is an all-around talented player, none of his skills are true NBA quality just yet. If a team trusts the work ethic is there, however, he could be worth the wait.

Honors and awards

Big East All-Freshman Team (2015)

Gold Medal FIBA U-19 World Championship (2015)

The fit

Peak is the type of player the Thunder need – if he already had a more refined shot. Oklahoma City is looking for a player who can contribute right away, not someone who needs a couple years to develop. Throw in the fact that Daniel Hamilton is currently being groomed for this exact role makes it even harder to believe that OKC will end up with L.J. Peak.

Ultimately some smart team with the ability to wait for Peak to progress will use a late second pick on him.

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