A Royal Prospect: P.J. Dozier
Former South Carolina defensive ace enters the draft as a sophomore, P.J. Dozier could be a target for the Kings in the second round of the 2017 draft.
A 6′-6″ shooting guard out of South Carolina, P.J. Dozier has substantial upside on the defensive end and is projected as the 50th overall pick, per DraftExpress, despite his offensive limitations.
Background Information (via Draft Express)
Height- 6’6
Weight- 200 lbs
Position- SG
Age- 20 (Born: October 25, 1996)
College- South Carolina
Hometown- Columbia, South Carolina
College Stats (via Sports Reference)
2016-2017: 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 1.2 three-pointers made in 28.7 minutes per game over 36 games. Shooting percentages: 40.7% field goal, 29.8% three-point, 59.7% free throw
2016-2017 Highlight video
Strengths:
Dozier has tremendous size and the physical tools to be an impact player in the league. At 6′-7″ in shoes, with a 6′-11″ wingspan, he has the size to be successful in the NBA. Dozier also has an 8′-5″ standing reach, allowing him to play above the rim.
Dozier has offensive upside with the capability to be a big point guard or secondary ball handler. DraftExpress is quick to mention that he is not yet at that level of a lead guard. He’s shown flashes of being a playmaker and has solid court vision. Leading scouts to believe he could function as a point guard in the NBA.
Related Story: A Royal Prospect: Lauri Markkanen
Dozier’s calling card is his defense. He is a versatile defender who can defend guards and wings. His length makes him disruptive on the defensive end, and he averaged 2.3 steals per 40 minutes last season. Dozier is also an impact player on the offensive glass, giving his team numerous second chance opportunities.
Weaknesses:
Dozier is a major liability on the offensive end coming out of school. His game is there but needs refinement to be effective in the NBA. He isn’t an elite ball-handler and has an assist to turnover ratio of 3.8 to 3.1. He ranked just 20th in isolation offense, showing some struggles in a halfcourt offense.
His mid-range jump shot is inconsistent at best and struggles to finish attempts on floaters. Dozier’s perimeter shooting leaves you wanting more as well. He hit just 28.5% of his three-pointers last season and posted a free throw percentage of just 59.7%.
DraftExpress notes that he will likely never be a primary ball-handler for any team in the league. Aside from this, he still has plenty of potentials. Dozier can contribute off the bench and be a solid utility player in the NBA.
Fit With Sacramento:
P.J. Dozier is an odd fit in Sacramento though. The Kings desperately need a facilitator for their offense, and Dozier doesn’t fit that mold. He has the tools to be an elite defender in the league, a trait which any team would love in a draft pick. His offensive limitations, however, make him an odd target for a young rebuilding team.
Short-term, Dozier will likely find himself a late second round pick for a playoff contender. Something that would allow him to develop his game while still making an impact defensively. He needs to improve his game and could find himself in the D-League during his rookie year. His upside is there, however, and whatever team drafts him could find themselves a solid rotation piece.
Next: A Royal Prospect: Lonzo Ball
Long-term, he could transform into 1st or 2nd team All-Defense type of player. His offense could stunt his growth early in his career, but he will be an impact role player in the league if he can develop his offense. If he winds up in Sacramento, the Kings would likely develop him into a combo guard type player. The Kings need more players capable of running an offense and drafting Dozier is a move that could pay dividends down the road.