NBA Draft: Who is Tyler Harvey?

Final Take

Harvey can score. It dos not seem doubted he is going to find a way to put the ball in the basket. He is a good enough shooter from the start that defenses will have to respect and pay attention to him.

With the ball in his hands at the college level, Harvey could create space for his shot and get to the rim enough to force defenses on their heels. He has a lot of skill that should give him a good look in the NBA.

The big question though is how does it all translate to the NBA level? Does he have the quickness and dribbling ability with both hands to get to the rim and make those step backs and dribble moves work? Can he be a successful shooter and player without the ball in his hands?

This is not a guy you just plop in the corner and tell to shoot only 3-pointers. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. He could very easily be your Nate Robinson-type of spark plug off the bench.

NBA defenses are going to test him.

They are going to test his ability to go right and attack off the dribble. They are going to test his release and how quick it is (his shot looks funky, although it works well for Harvey when he is in tight spaces too). They are going to test just how much he can translate into a role player.

Harvey is an intriguing player. It is a rare skill being able to score in the way he can. But he is quite clearly not good enough to play like he did at Eastern Washington as a pro. That transition is always a difficult one for players as they come to the NBA.

Like early in his career, Harvey will have to prove himself all over again. History shows he will, but this is a much different level.

At the very least, the Magic acquired someone willing to take on the burden of scoring and who can shoot from almost anywhere on the floor. That is at least a start for a solid second round pick.

Next: The effects of having a pure shooter like Mario Hezonja