OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Jaden Springer – the energetic guard

Jaden Springer strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

The young Tennessee guard provides energy and grit when he hits the court and while he doesn’t necessarily excel in any one offensive area he delivers checkmarks as adequate in most categories.

With a concerted effort to developing he could blossom into a reserve role as a glue guy. Unlike Sharife Cooper for example he invites contact and will aggressively attack the paint to score.

While he doesn’t attempt many perimeter shots (1.8) he completed them efficiently shooting 43.5 percent. He’s also an efficient free throw shooter (81 percent). Perhaps his drafting team can convince him to attempt more 3-point shots since the mechanics are fine.

Where Springer shines is on the defensive side of the hardwood. Energy, focus, communication, and grit are all commonly on display.  He gets in the grill of opponents and displayed a knack for blocking shots, getting steals, and forcing turnovers. Springer doesn’t shy away from defending larger opponents.

Weaknesses:

As per above, offensively Springer doesn’t showcase any single elite skillset. He’s capable of doing everything but it would be good for him if he could grow into a solid perimeter shooter or add a few go-to scoring moves.

If he doesn’t he’s likely sealing his fate to become a reserve contributor for his career.  His physical frame and lack of explosiveness may limit what position he plays as he’s not large enough to play at forward and not skilled enough to run the offense at the point. Turning the ball over 2.4 times per game compared to 2.9 assists speaks to these limitations.

This fact was compounded by his inability to create his own shot and struggles running the pick and roll or connecting from the mid-range. Nor could you call him a selfish player as his preference (even when open) is to pass up shots to teammates.