2016 NBA Draft: Breaking Down NBA Future of Oregon State’s Gary Payton II

May 4th, 2016 by C.J. Moore Leave a reply »

Gary Payton II has an NBA body and put up some of the most impressive all-around numbers in college basketball last season.

After leading Oregon State in points, rebounds, assists and steals, the 23-year-old (6'3", 190 pounds; 6'6.5" wingspan) is physically ready to be a pro.



But for Payton to make it in the league, he's going to have to embrace a much different role than that of his legendary father.

"You almost look at him as a defensive specialist/athlete, and you're hoping that he can improve his ball-handling and other stuff he struggles with," an NBA scout told Bleacher Report.

Said another scout: "He tops out at a backup, but he should play in the league."

Payton played point guard for the Beavers but lacks what NBA teams want in a point guard from a skills perspective (shooting, elite ball-handling and creativity). Still, his body and physical tools will earn him a look.

 

Relevant stats

While Payton isn't known as a creative playmaker, his assist numbers did go up in college—from a 22.7 percent assist rate as a junior to 32.7 perc ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
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