DeShawn Sims Profile

NBA Comparison: N/A
RECENT 4/2010
At Posrtsmouth Predraft Camp - Displaying a terrific mid-range jumper, Sims continuously punished defenders who left him open in order to rotate and help on the weakside. Showing a great knack for spotting up to open space, his smooth jumpshot made him a very efficient scorer. On a number of occasions he stepped out beyond the arc and looked very comfortable shooting from the (partially) extended three point line. His stroke is very smooth and his high release allows him to get shots off even when closely guarded. He also took his game down in the low post, using a turnaround jumper and mini jump hooks to both shoulders to score inside. He doesn’t have great size or strength to muscle his way in the paint, but his agility and quickness allow him to beat defenders to the spot and get into good scoring position. His biggest issue for the next level is the question of who he can defend - not nearly strong enough to push power forwards off the block or quick enough to contain wing players on the perimeter. He matched up mainly with inside players at Portsmouth, but aside from a couple guys, there was very little depth at the position in this setting, which did not put his ability to the test all that much. He has springy legs and a live body and he may have just enough athleticism to be able to adapt, but he will need to use the workouts to prove his case more.


DRAFT EXPRESS - COLLEGE

DeShawn Sims had a somewhat inconsistent junior season, but compared to what he gave in the two years prior, his play was a welcome improvement for the Wolverines, as his stats improved across the board, both in regards to production and efficiency. Sims played a major part in Michigan’s turnaround season, and helped lead them to multiple top-25 victories and a win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

As an offensive player, Sims has a versatile skillset for a power forward, being able to score inside and out with a variety of weapons. In the post, Sims has a deadly turnaround jumper he can finish over either shoulder, and at times it looks like it can’t miss. He uses his jumper moving to the baseline or back into the lane, with range out to at least 15 feet, and it doesn’t matter if there’s a hand in his face. In addition to this, Sims shows flashes of other moves, including a right-handed hook shot and a rangy dropstep, but he can be inconsistent with them as his post awareness isn’t always great, specifically when dealing with double teams. To his credit, when he gets into his comfort zone, his coordination and footwork actually look quite good, but he doesn’t seem to consistently be able to make full use of his repertoire.

As a face-up player, Sims has no problem shooting his mid-range jumper right in his defender’s face, but he struggles when trying to go off the dribble, looking uncomfortable with his left hand and while he’s better with his right hand, he still can't muster more than a few awkward straight line dribbles. His first step is pretty good for his size, however, and he takes long strides with the ball, so this is something he could further develop.

As an outside shooter, Sims has the foundation of good shooting mechanics, with a high release and solid enough release speed, but he’s prone to not holding his follow through at times, and he’s still inconsistent from behind the arc.

While Sims is a skilled player with pretty good physical tools, he doesn’t always take full advantage of these things, showing an inconsistent energy level in all areas of his game. At times he will be fighting extremely hard for post position, moving all around the floor to get open, and making hard, decisive moves with the ball, but just as often he’s content to just let the game come to him, and doesn’t show much physicality or assertiveness. While he isn’t a great athlete, you get the feeling he doesn’t always play to his athletic potential, being very much a below the rim player who doesn’t try to create much contact or finish through people around the basket. This lack of energy shows in other areas of his game as well, as he clearly doesn’t rebound the way a player with his size, mobility, and hands should.

Defensively, Sims has solid lateral quickness to defend opposing 4’s on the perimeter, but he doesn’t deal with quick changes of direction very well, being somewhat stiff in his movements. Sims’ biggest problem on defense seems to be constantly staying focused and sticking with his man off the ball, as he’s prone to lapses.

Looking to the next level, Sims should get some looks in the second round and will definitely have chances to improve his stock throughout the season, at pre-draft camps, and in workouts, but scouts would probably like to see more consistency and killer instinct from Sims, who even after making big strides in his junior season, still isn’t playing at his potential on a nightly basis. Adding some base strength, working on his explosiveness around the basket, and continuing to develop his outside jumper should be among his priorities, all of which could help his stock in the draft.



OVERALL PROFILE

DeShawn Adrian Sims (born January 21, 1988) is an American professional basketball forward with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League. He played previously in Greece for PAOK BC after a career with the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.[2] In high school, he became Associated Press Class A Player of the Year, a Jordan Brand All-American and a fourth team Parade All-American.[1] At Michigan he became a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection. He had signed a free-agent contract with the Boston Celtics for whom he played in the Orlando Summer League in addition to playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League. He became a 2011 D-League All-Star.
During the 2008-09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Sims ranked among the leaders in the Big Ten Conference in rebounds per game, points per game and Field goal percentage.[3] He led the 2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team in rebounding and scoring in victories over two top-five ranked teams as a college junior, which enabled them to earn a place in the national rankings for the first time in nearly three years.[4] In addition, while the team was on the proverbial bubble, he led the team in scoring in each of the last five games before the 2009 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, including the only other regular season victory of the season against a ranked opponent.[5][6][7][8] At the conclusion of the 2008–09 Big Ten Conference men's basketball season he was named to the second team All-Big Ten team by the media and the third team by the coaches.[9]
Prior to the beginning of the 2009-10 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Sims was one of two members (along with Manny Harris) of the 2009–10 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team named among the 50 preseason Wooden Award watch list nominees. At the conclusion of 2009–10 Big Ten Conference regular season he was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media. Sims concluded the season as the Big Ten Conference leader in offensive rebounds.