2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Bruce Brown Jr., rough around the edges
The Bad
Rebounding is great from a guard. That is an added bonus for the position. But it is only a bonus if he can do the other things a guard can do. And these are the rough edges that Brown will have to smooth out if he wants to make it in the NBA. The things that will justify playing a defense-only player.
Brown has great athleticism and can get to the basket. But it is hard to call him a point guard, even if that is the position he primarily played at Miami. He was not a smooth driver and not able to put together complex moves.
In fact, his dribble seems a bit loose. Especially going up against smaller players, his 6-foot-5 body had him bringing the ball up to high and seemingly a bit loose. Smarter and craftier defenders will be able to poke the ball away from him and force him into defensive traps and holes.
Brown averaged 2.7 turnovers per game last year. That is not a bad number for a player with the ball in his hands as much as he was, but it was also clear stronger defenders will be able to force him into difficult spots and to make difficult decisions.
Perhaps the biggest knock on Brown is his shooting. And that skill is a premium from any guard in the NBA.
Brown made most of his scoring right at the basket in transition or off the dribble. His outside shooting leaves a lot to be desired.
Brown shot just 26.7 percent from beyond the arc last year and was a 31.6 percent shooter in his two-year career. His freshman year showed he can be a lot better shooter than he showed last year with the Hurricanes.
His free throw shooting does not provide much evidence he can improve that mark very much. Brown shot just 62.9 percent from the foul line. That is not a good mark for a guard and shows there is not much room to improve his poor jump shooting.
Guards who can not hit jumpers are not in demand in the NBA. Not in the least. And that is a clear reason why Brown hovers between the first and second round in this Draft.