Strengths
- Long and Strong
- Post Up: Can throw it to him on the block and good things happen
- Face Up: Shoot over smaller players, drive past bigger ones (see gif)
- Off-Ball: Good spot up shooter, footwork is developed, cuts/screens
- Efficient Scorer: Could thrive as main option in bench units
- NBA Range: High release, worked hard to improve form
- Defense: Fundamentally sound, uses length for steals and paint protection
Concerns
- Will he ever be able to creator for anyone but himself?
- Solid athlete but not entirely fluid
- D: Mental lapses during rotations, but this should get ironed out if he wants to see consistent minutes
- Tough enough to defend NBA 4s?
- Handles: Not diverse, line drives only
Pro Comp
- Omri Casspi
- Jonas Jerekbo
Tier and Picks
- Tier 4/5
- Picks 20-30
Physical
- 6’8�?
- 225 lbs
- 7’3�? Wingspan
Outlook
Does anyone have a read on KBD?
I certainly don’t. Sometimes I see a guy who looks like T.J. Warren traded his mid-range game for a three. The efficiency in production is easy to see. Bates-Diop can work from the post, face up around the FT Line-ext, and drain threes. Plus, his meteoric rise to fulfill his potential is indicative of his work ethic. What confuses me about KBP is his fit on the next level. Can he start at the 3? Probably not. At the 4, he lacks toughness to bang with bigger guys. When Blake Griffin is playing alongside Andre Drummond, who does KBP guard? Plus, the Ohio State product hasn’t shown an ability to create for others. He projects as a combo forward who is the recipient of offense, not the creator. And that is okay! I see KBP as someone who can occasionally be plugged in as starter when needed but could truly thrive in a bench scorer role.
GIFS YOU MUST SEE!
1. Face-up jab step jumper
2. PnR switch then block
2018 NBA Draft Big Board
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