Watch CBS News

Schmeelk: 2015 NBA Draft Profile -- D'Angelo Russell

By John Schmeelk
» 
More Columns

The NBA draft is less than a month away, and with the Knicks picking fourth they'll have a number of options available to them. Over the next four weeks, we'll take a look at the 10 players that could come into play for Phil Jackson if he stays put or trades down.

So with that, let's move on to a realistic target for the Knicks.

D'Angelo Russell – Guard, Freshman, Ohio State, 6-foot-5 (with shoes), 193 pounds, 19 years old

*13th ranked college recruit by ESPN in 2014

Russell stormed through college basketball this year, winning the Jerry West Award as the nation's best shooting guard and leading the Buckeyes to the NCAA tournament. For the season, he averaged 19.3 points, shot 45 percent and 41 percent from 3-point range. He also averaged 5.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

What we know he can do: This kid can flat out shoot. With his sweet lefty stroke he would hit jumpers from all over the court with even a hair's breadth of space in the NBA. He can catch and shoot, and elevate and shoot off the dribble. Even more impressive than his shooting is his passing. I believe he will be a point guard on the pro level because of his superior court vision, anticipation, and unselfishness. He passed well in transition, whether throwing it ahead, popping it out for open jumpers, or finding teammates going to the rim. He is a fantastic decision maker and always creates open shots for others. In terms of pure basketball skills, instincts and feel for the game, Russell might be the best player in the draft.

What he might do someday: With his length (6-9-plus wingspan) and instincts, Russell should be able to develop into a good defensive player. At Ohio State he was asked to carry so much of the load offensively that his defense was sometimes seen as lackluster. The question remains whether at 6-5 and without top-end athleticism if he will be able to guard some of the quicker jitterbug point guards in the NBA.

What we are worried about: Russell may not be the best athlete, but he is crafty, has a good handle, and can use hesitation and change of pace to outwit defenders. He doesn't have that blow-by-ability of the explosive guards in the NBA. He doesn't have the quick-twitch change of direction or that explosive jump that can get him to the rim and finish above elite rim protectors. The hope would be that he can find ways to create his own shot without those assets the same way James Harden and Stephen Curry do, but scouts don't seem to put him on their level athletically either. Being able to create your own shot is an essential skill if you want to be a special NBA playmaker at the guard position and there are questions as to whether or not Russell has it.

Off the court: By all accounts he's a good kid and a hard worker

Floor: A great passing point guard that can hit the open shot, but struggles creating his own shot and defending his position.

Ceiling: James Harden or Stephen Curry – a high-scoring combo guard that can shoot, pass and get to the rim.

Fit on the Knicks: He has the size and varied skill set to be the primary ball-handler in the triangle. Putting him in more pick-and-roll scenarios than the Knicks ran for most of the season wouldn't be a bad thing either. He can initiate the offense and finish after the team kicks the ball out of the post. He can pass, shoot, and make the types of good decisions Derek Fisher needs his players to make if the triangle (or any system) is to be successful.

How do the Knicks get him: Word has it the Sixers absolutely love him and won't allow him to get by them at No. 3. Perhaps they fall in love with Emmanuel Mudiay after a workout and they change their mind in the next three-plus weeks, but that remains to be seen. The Lakers are also in play for him with the second pick, which would move the Sixers attention (likely) to another guard. I honestly believe there is a better chance Jahlil Okafor gets to the Knicks than Russell. The only chance the Knicks have to get him is if a team decides they like Mudiay more than him. Right now that seems unlikely.

Prediction: Third overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Next time, this draft's mystery man: Emmanuel Mudiay. I will also start looking at potential NBA free agents, and start with Marc Gasol.

See Also: Profiles on Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor

Follow John on Twitter at @Schmeelk

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.