A Royal Pain
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A Royal Prospect: Dwayne Bacon

By Michael Dugger

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Royal Pain gives its analysis on NBA prospect Dwayne Bacon and whether he would be a great addition to the Sacramento Kings.

A Royal Pain continues its draft coverage by taking a look at guard Dwayne Bacon. The 21-year old Florida State product stayed for his sophomore season to improve his draft stock but maintained his status as a likely second round pick making him in play when the Kings select at the 34th spot.

Statistics 2016-17 season: 17.2 PPG/51eFG%/4.2 RPG/1.2 APG/1.0 STL (Basketball Reference)

Measurements: 6’6 1/4″ with shoes/222 lbs./6’10” wingspan/8’7 1/2″ standing reach/36.5″ max vert (Draft Express)

Strengths

Bacon is very productive when attacking the basket in transition with a full head of steam. He finishes through contact at the rim due to his size advantage over most guards. Bacon can also pull-up instantly for a jumper and has a crafty array of moves to create space in the paint.

In Tallahassee, he led FSU in scoring both seasons and suits the NBA sixth man role perfectly. He is a capable rebounder with his frame, averaging five boards a game in college. Bacon can also play the two or the three but is best suited at the two-guard spot where he can out-muscle guards.

Weaknesses

Dec 31, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Seminoles won 60-58. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) dribbles the ball as Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Seminoles won 60-58. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite his scoring numbers in college, Bacon’s offense still needs some polishing. He sometimes forces shots and also struggled to set-up his teammates over his two seasons (1.6 APG). Bacon is also hesitant to use his left-hand which has him highly dependent on his strong right hand.

Bacon did improve his three-point percentage from 28% last season to 33% this year, however, there are still concerns if he’ll be a viable spot-up shooter at the professional level.

In terms of his defense, he loses focus sometimes and he stands too narrow when guarding the ball. Guards will blow by him unless he learns to sit in his stance. His overall game isn’t good enough for him to be a below-average defender.

Fit

The Kings are pretty set at the shooting guard position, believe it or not. Buddy Hield is the clear starter moving forward with Malachi Richardson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, if he comes over from Fenerbache, providing support off the bench. Bacon’s bench scoring is an asset, but Sacramento’s second unit doesn’t have a problem putting points up (12th in bench PPG).

As previously mentioned, his ability to score in bunches makes him an exciting sixth man prospect. There’s always a place in the NBA for players who put up points and Bacon will find a team that will utilize his skills.

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