Kris Joseph, Second Round Pick

NBA Comparison: Desmond Mason
Strengths: Excellent frame and length for the small forward position- measured in with a 6’11 wingspan and 8’7.5 standing reach at the pre-draft combine. Looks the part of an NBA swingman, with well above average physical tools and agility. He bulked up significantly during his four years at Syracuse without adding much extra weight. Primary scoring option on a balanced elite eight team during his senior season (13.4 PPG). At his best in the slashing game where he can gather momentum without the dribble. Improved strength, body control and right/left hand aptitude allows him to complete plays around the rim. Dramatically improved in the mid-range game knocking down pull jumpers after a few power dribbles. Needs to get his legs underneath the shot and go straight up- not efficient when forced to drift horizontally. Solid base, good elevation. 35% three-point shooter, most of the standstill variety. Accuracy from deep is night and day from two short years ago (22%). Confident dribble/driver with dominant right hand. Long strider. Smooth repertoire with just enough herky jerky to keep opponents off balance. For better or worse, does not step out of his comfort zone on the court. Committed under a turnover per game last season. Length wreaked havoc in 2-3 zone, consistently getting deflections and jumping passing lanes (1.4 SPG). Projects as a versatile defender possessing size, athleticism and lateral quickness.

Weaknesses: Despite leading Syracuse in scoring, Joseph rarely showed the willingness, or the skill set, to dominate. Vibe of passivity, satisfied to be another piece in the puzzle. His shot creation with the rock in his hands is limited. 38% of his field goal attempts came from distance, which is hard to fathom given his physical canvas. As a result, his FG efficiency dropped to 42% when asked to carry more of the offensive load. Too many settles. While his ball handling has developed, he stills maintains a high dribble with an extreme favoritism to his right side. When he starts left he either pulls up or spins back right. Picks up his dribble at the first sight of congestion. Off the dribble moves are highly predictable. He seems to tighten up rather than be free-flowing with his movements, serving as a detriment to his first step. Lost some explosion in quickness and leaping departments with added bulk—stiffness. Deliberate jumpshot mechanics. Does not have wrist strength to convert off balance opportunities. Projecting his defense at the next level is exactly that; projection. He sat in a zone for nearly four full seasons, albeit, that zone did have man principles. Never quite fulfilled the promise he displayed during an eye catching sophomore campaign. At 23 years of age he’s old for his draft class placing real boundaries on further growth in his skills.