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

Pro Comparison:

After going through Springer’s weaknesses it might have fans thinking – PASS- but then consider the NBA players cited by analysts he compares to – – Kyle Lowry, Malcolm Brogdon, Jerryd Bayless, and Marcus Smart.

It’s clear the pundits were probably thinking of defense with these talents but it also speaks to where Springer could grow into if he dedicates time in the lab.

OKC Thunder fit:

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Ultimately, he doesn’t project to be a star yet his strong work ethic, consistency, efficiency, and scrappy defense bode well for him to develop into a core bench contributor.  No one thought Brogdon would win Rookie of the Year and both Lowry and Smart have redefined what it means to be a scrappy defensive guard.

In the right system and with dedication Springer should aim to evolve into that type of contributor. With his high efficiency rate from behind the arc, his best bet might be to try to emulate a combination of Smart and Norman Powell.

While the Thunder would welcome his defense they already have a player in Kenrich Williams who provides the defensive scrappiness and is better across the board in every category. Nor does Springer fit the positionless system Mark Daigneault runs.