A Royal Prospect: Davon Reed
A comprehensive breakdown of the University of Miami’s Davon Reed’s strength and weaknesses, and whether or not he would be a good fit in Sacramento.
Coming off an excellent season at the University of Miami(Fl.) in which he averaged 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists (ESPN) per game, Reed could be an intriguing prospect for the Sacramento Kings to grab in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Reed is an effective two-way player who plays solid defense at a high level and can knock down threes, 39.7% last season.
Strengths:
Reed is an excellent shooter from all over the floor (47.4%/39.7%/83.3%) and has shown the ability to be a solid passer. NBA Scouting Live describes him as “…a smart skilled basketball player that could potentially excel as a two-way player in the NBA.” A sentiment that is in line with their evaluation on him as well. They pegged him as a good athlete, an adequate rebounder and defensive player with long arms. With his size, however, 6’6″, 208lbs he has the raw potential to be a more than a serviceable role player in his NBA career.
Reed provides efficient scoring and passing from the shooting guard position and has shown the ability to run the point for this Miami squad effectively. All in all, he will be a hidden gem for whatever NBA team selects him on June 22.
Below is a highlight video from Davon Reed’s 2016-2017 season to give you a glimpse at his on-court production. Enjoy!
Weaknesses:
Reed’s biggest weakness is that he’s not elite at anything he does. He played the Swiss Army knife role at Miami well, but he lacks any one ‘elite’ trait. He displayed some defensive lapses, passivity on offense, and racks up quick fouls.
Another knock on him is his injury history. Davon missed considerable time last season due to a torn meniscus. He has apparently recovered well, but teams will still be wary.
Reed is also leaving UM as a senior, having played four seasons for the Canes. He will turn 22 before his first NBA game. Age could be another potential knock on Reed, similarly to Buddy Hield last season. All of these things contribute to his low draft projection of 2nd round to undrafted.
Fit:
Sacramento has a couple of solid SG’s already on the roster in Hield and Malachi Richardson. The logjam wouldn’t seem to be an issue as Davon could play a combo guard role off the bench. For a team lacking any point guard on the roster at the moment, Reed could be a welcome addition.
Short-term, he is a bit of a developmental player. He could likely go the Skal Labissiere route and play in the D-League before getting his opportunity in the NBA. Reed must polish up his decision making and defensive skills before he gets meaningful playing time.
Long-term, Reed could potentially be a franchise role player for Sacramento. Draft Express has him as a similar player to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Moe Harkless. Reed can play a Garret Temple type role on the court. Given his positional versatility and length, with a 7′ wingspan and 8’6″ standing reach.
Davon Reed has all the tools to make a marked impact on the Kings in the long run. Reed could likely make a career out of being a ‘3 and D’ player off the bench for any squad, and Sacramento could use that. I see Reed as a poor man’s version of Luol Deng. Deng made a dang good career out of playing hard defense for the Bulls under Tom Thibedeau. Reed could easily become the type of player Deng is now, albeit in a lesser role.
Next: A Royal Prospect: Malik Monk
A Royal Pain will be running draft prospect profiles on all the players you want to hear about before the NBA Draft, so please check back with us often.