A Royal Prospect: Jordan Bell
A Royal Pain continues our draft coverage with Oregon’s Jordan Bell. The junior forward was the 2016-2017 PAC 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a key contributor during the Ducks’ Final Four run. He’s a fringe first-round prospect but has the physical tools to anchor modern NBA defenses. His continued growth on offense will determine if he reaches his full potential.
2016-17 per game stats: Minutes averaged: 29.1/Points averaged: 11.0/Effective Field Goal Percentage: 64.2%/Rebounds averaged: 8.7/Assists averaged: 1.8/Blocks averaged: 2.3/Steals averaged: 1.3
Measurements from 2017 NBA Draft Combine: Height w/ shoes: 6’8 ½”/Weight: 224 pounds/Wingspan: 6’11 ¾”/Standing reach: 8’8 ½”
Strengths:
Bell should have an immediate impact on the defensive end. He’s quick enough to handle guards when switched on the perimeter and was an elite shot blocker in college, utilizing a blend of athleticism and timing to protect the paint. This versatility will translate to the modern NBA with him being able to guard at least four positions.
His offensive game is predicated on finishing lobs and attacking the glass for putback dunks and tip-ins. Bell has shown the ability to score from close range using an array of jump hooks in the post. He should find easy looks rolling to the rim as a screener. He’s strong enough to finish through contact and score with both hands and roams the baseline waiting for an opening. Bell runs hard in transition which opens lanes for teammates and provides him easy looks at the rim.
Weaknesses:
Despite having his best season offensively this past season, Bell’s offensive game remains a work in progress. According to Draft Express, Bell was 10-31 on jump shots this year. I’m not saying every big has to develop a respectable jumper, but it is important for maximizing space on the offensive end. Improving his handle/passing will help him evolve as a small-ball five, as well.
Defensively, he’s not the strongest interior player and could be troubled by bruisers at the next level. Bell depended on his athleticism to dominate the boards in college, so cleaning up his box-out mechanics will help keep defenders off the glass. He’s mature and doesn’t have much room to grow physically, although his height and length are nothing to worry about.
Fit:
Jordan Bell’s defensive versatility has a place on any roster, but the Kings should look elsewhere with their second-round pick. With Cauley-Stein and Skal being focal points moving forward, there is little room for another athletic and non-floor spacing big on the roster. He could be a high-energy player off the bench but combining him with Georgios Papagiannis limits floor space for the 2nd unit.
Despite not fitting in with the Kings’ future plans, Bell remains one of my favorite prospects in this draft. The NBA is moving towards positionless basketball and players that can provide defensive versatility are vital to building a winning team.