The Final Take: Russell vs Mudiay

I’ve seen tons of articles all over the internet comparing D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay. I’ve seen hundreds of opinions on this topic. Many I found to be quite idiotic, while some had good points. I decided to write my own comparison of the 2 prospects, which is resulting in The Final Take. We’re comparing the 2 candidates the Sixers might take with the 3rd overall pick in the NBA Draft. Today we will be breaking down and examining D’angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay. Russell is who the fans want the Sixers to take with the 3rd pick, assuming he will be available. However, I believe Mudiay is someone the upper management has to consider as well.

D’Angelo Russell

Pros

Almost everything. Russell is basically a perfect fit for the Sixers. His game includes a very NBA-friendly style of play, as he’s a great offensive threat. Russell can take it to the rack and finish because of his athletiscm, as he stands at 6’5″ and weighs 193 lbs of muscle. What seems to seperate his offensive game from Mudiay’s is his ability to knockdown the three pointer. Russell shot 41% from deep as the main option on Ohio State. He averaged 19.3 points and 5 assists on 44% shooting from the field, and 41% from beyond the arc. Russell is a combo guard who will really fill it up at the next level. Just imagine him throwing alley-oops to Noel and Embiid for 48 minutes.

Cons

Defense. Russell lacks instensity on the defensive side of the ball. He lacks the effort needed to be an above average defender. Russell tends to not really fight around screens. It seems like whenever he doesn’t have the ball in his hands, he’s just coasting until the ball finds him again. Hopefully Coach Brown and other established players on the Sixers could help him make a change. He needs to value defense more. The difference between a really good and great player at the next level more times than not is their defensive ability. Another con is his poor shot selection. From time to time Russell takes contested long mid-range jumpers early in the shot clock. I think that will change with time, however, that being said, that’s his lone weakness with the ball in his hands.

Emmanuel Mudiay

Pros

Physicality. Emmanuel Mudiay uses his body to his advantage. The 6’5″ 200-lbs point guard is a physical speciman worth noting. He sems to glide to the rim and finish with ease. Mudiay averaged 18 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game in the CBA (China). Something that Mudiay does really well is running in transition with the ball. He makes good decisions, and can weave through defenders to get to the cup. He also creates his own offense. He has nice offensive moves that he can use with the shot clock winding down. Mudiay plays with his head up, and is an extremely unselfish player. That’s something that can seperate he and Russell. Something else that seperates him from Russell is his defensive intensity. Mudiay uses his size and freak athleticsm to his advantage. He never takes a play off, and rebounds extremely well for a point guard. He has a knack for always finding the ball.

Cons

China. The Chinese Basketball Association currently helps many former NBA players continue playing the game of basketball professionally. Some of the CBA’s biggest recent stars include: Andray Blatche, Gilbert Arenas, Yao Ming, Stephon Marbury, Errick MucCollum, Arnett Moultrie (HAHAHA), Will Bynum, ect. Sense a general pattern? The best players of the CBA are washed up guys who the NBA chewed up and spit out, who are averaging close to if not above 30 PPG in the CBA. Considering that information, 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in only 10 games of action doesn’t look all that impressive. Mudiay also lacks a consistent jumper. His great driving skills was enough to be successful in the CBA, but that won’t be enough in the NBA. He needs to develop a good shot to be a great player.

Conclusion

After fully comparing both prospects, I believe D’Angelo Russell is the best choice. However, I think both could be very successful in the NBA. Russell is a much better shooter, and Mudiay is a better defender. I think Mudiay’s physical style will fit the NBA well. However lacking something as big as an outside jumper is extremely concerning.

Projection

The Philadelphia 76ers will select D’Angelo Russell with the 3rd pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.