Syracuse forward Tyler Lydon has a lot of the offensive skills to become the perfect NBA stretch-4. But there are warning signs about how he translates.
Athletes are a dime a dozen in the NBA.
Distinguishing one of the most athletic people in the world from another of the most athletic people in the world is a difficult task. They all have been able to get by on this supreme athleticism. It is their skills that differentiate them.
Athleticism can win at lower levels. But in the NBA, with some of the most athletic and gifted basketball players in the world, skill ultimately wins the day.
Making this differentiation harder is the fact these are mostly 18- and 19-year-old boys coming into the league. These are not fully formed players the Draft is trying to project into the future.
In steps Tyler Lydon, a somewhat unique take on the uber athlete coming into the NBA.
Lydon spent two years with the Syracuse Orange, putting up solid numbers and wowing with his ability to soar above the rim. He averaged 13.2 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game, shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc on 3.7 attempts per game. His game continued to expand and he showed plenty of skills that look like they might be able to translate.
Lydon spent last year proving he was more than just an athletic forward and high leaper. He was someone with something to contribute. Something that the NBA desperately wants in its players. This is an athlete who can shoot. Those eyes are clearly widening throughout the league.
Clearly enough to catch the Orlando Magic’s interest. He reportedly was in Orlando for a workout earlier this week.
According to his agent @Tyler_Lydon14 will work out for the @OrlandoMagic Thursday his 4th NBA visit #nbadraft #magic
— Mark Larson (@MLarsonSports) May 27, 2017
It is hard not to see that interest with what he produced with the Orange last year.
Lydon has the size and instincts that tantalize scouts. He has the numbers to back up that production too. And plenty of room to grow.
Lydon certainly has his weaknesses. He must still grow into a stretch-4, rather than someone who tries to attack off the dribble. But unlike most stretch-4s, Lydon has the athleticism to work around the basket. He is not one-dimensional.
And that is how Lydon stands out.