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2018 NBA Draft: Kevin Hervey arrives with injury prone reputation

By Tamberlyn Richardson

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Kevin Hervey poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Kevin Hervey poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Hervey #25 of the Texas-Arlington Mavericks drives around James Banks #4 of the Texas Longhorns at the Frank Erwin Center on November 29, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Skills:

Hervey’s shot is NBA ready wit the proper mechanics and range. Because of this he projects to be a solid floor spacer who can be utilized as a fourth or fifth scoring option.

That said, he’ll still need to improve from range since his best shooting season from deep was 34.3 percent. He regressed this past season down to 33.9 percent.

The issue with Hervey is his position since he’s slated as a small forward, but ideally suited to become a stretch four. Inside the paint he’s shown the ability to finish with either hand. However, it’s difficult to project if he’ll be able to manage inside facing the larger bodies of the NBA.

Nor has he shown to be capable of out-jumping opponents so he’ll need to improve on these areas to offer a more versatile offensive skillset.

Weaknesses:

The injury questions persist given two separate knee injuries. They say modern surgeries can result in the knees being stronger post surgery. Then again, Jabari Parker is testament to that theory not being true.

Hervey showcases a broad range, but hasn’t spent time developing much else offensively. Therefore his propensity is to rise up and shoot instead of reading the defense to decipher when drives would be the better bet. This is relevant since Hervey may be utilized in a small ball lineup — meaning he’ll need more than a jump shot to fit in as a power forward in these circumstance.

Defensively, there are numerous areas for Hervey to work on. He’s turnover happy, doesn’t have the size to guard above the small forward players and his footwork and lack of lateral speed limit his ability to guard his own positions or backcourt players.

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