This story appears in ESPN The Magazine's May 25 Pitchers Issue. Subscribe today!
OH, SURE, Frank Kaminsky is a little goofy. And yeah, he stayed in college all four years. So sue him! His on-court production rivals any prospect's in the nation. Why, then, is he projected to be a late lottery pick? We had an NBA scout break down his game, then had our Insiders, and Big Frank himself, respond.
FRANK KAMINSKY
Height 7-0
Weight 242
Age 22
PPG 18.8
RPG 8.2
3PT% 41.6
THE SCOUT
You actually don't want to like a kid like this. He's old (22), his game doesn't translate and he doesn't fit the traditional model in terms of NBA strength and athleticism.1 But the more you watch him, the more he grows on you. He is so skilled and has found a way to succeed against elite-level college competition.2 Kaminsky does two intriguing things. One, he can really shoot the ball; he's one of the best pure shooters in this draft, and he's a legit 7-footer.3 And two, he's figured out how to attack a defense. He has a good pump fake, and he can put the ball on the floor.4 I don't love his post game, but he can finish at the rim.5 And he might get killed on D.6 I don't know whether he'll ever be a good rebounder or shot blocker.7 But I think he's got a chance to be a Channing Frye-type player.8
1. Frank Kaminsky
What does "traditional" even mean? And old at 22? I see staying in school for four years as an advantage. It made me more conscious of what I need to work on.
2. Kevin Pelton, ESPN Insider
That's true. Kaminsky led all NCAA players last season with 9.8 win shares, per Sports-Reference.
3. Chad Ford, ESPN Insider
He's a great shooter for a player his size, but one of the elite shooters in this draft class? That's a bit of hyperbole.
4. Amin Elhassan, ESPN Insider, former NBA scout
With quicker defenders, I don't know how much ground he'll cover in the NBA. But he'll at least create space off overzealous closeouts.
5. Pelton
I actually like his post game. According to Synergy Sports, Kaminsky ranked in the 92nd percentile among college players on post-ups last year. And he shot 53.6 percent on those possessions.
6. Kaminsky
Doubt it! Check the tape. When elite opponents match up against me, how do they fare? I take pride in that.
7. Ford
He's a solid rebounder and shot blocker, but for teams looking for elite rim protection? He's not going to provide that.
8. Elhassan
To me, he is a better Spencer Hawes: good shooter, skilled big, slender frame. He needs to get stronger, but if he puts in the work, he can be a very good pro.