Detroit Pistons Draft Dreams: Josh Selby

Proponents of the ‘this draft is weak meme’ should look no further for their proof than Josh Selby. A McDonald’s All-American, Selby had a disappointing season on the court for Kansas, some questions off the court and he’s still virtually a lock for the first round. Selby has talent, but if more stars had decided to enter this draft, he’d be in danger of falling into the second round.

Info

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, freshman G from Kansas

Key stats: 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game while shooting 37 percent

Projected: Late first/early second round

How would he help the Pistons?

The upside with Selby is that he could be a point guard, one who happens to be 6-foot-3, one who happens to shoot 36 percent from 3-point range and one who is strong and athletic enough to go up and over bigger players to finish inside.

If you haven’t noticed, that style and build has become the prototype for elite NBA point guards of late, and Selby’s athletic ability and size alone will intrigue teams in need of dynamic playmakers.

A knock on Selby was his lack of production at Kansas despite his much-hyped recruiting, but if you look at his season, he actually started off strong, scoring in double figures in nine of his first 13 games before seeing his production slip. Selby is just a year removed from being thought of as one of the top high school players in the country, and even with an up and down college season, that potential is still there and could reward a team handsomely if they draft him in the late first or early second round.

How wouldn’t he help the Pistons?

The downside with Selby? He might not be a point guard. His decision-making with the ball wasn’t great in college and although he shot well from 3-point range, his 2-point shooting was abysmal. Although his size and athleticism are major plusses if he can become a full-time point guard, his measurables become more pedestrian if he’s only capable of playing shooting guard at the next level.

What are others saying?

From DraftExpress:

"Selby did lose the ball in traffic on occasion, and he’s still working on his decision-making from the midrange and point guard skills, but it was hard not to be impressed with the raw tools and natural scoring ability he brings to the table. Considering he shot 37.3% from the field as freshman, there is going to be an inevitable adjustment period for Selby at the next level, but the 6’3 guard has as high a ceiling as nearly any player projected in his draft range."

From ESPN:

"Kansas guard Josh Selby also drew positive reviews for his quickness and interviews. “He’s rough around the edges, but interviewed much better than we expected,” one NBA GM said. “I don’t think most of our guards in the league can stay in front of him. He’s not a point guard, but the Monta Ellis comparisons are right on.” From everything I can gather, I think the Knicks are his floor right now."

From The Dagger:

"He’s turned himself into the most impressive prospect among the 30 currently training at Impact under the watchful eye of Joe Abunassar, who works out draft hopefuls each spring and also trains several NBA veterans each summer, including Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.A couple of those veterans — Corey Maggette and Al Harrington — are already back to start their offseason workouts and have spent some time helping their potential NBA opposition.“[Selby] has been the most pleasant surprise,” said Abunassar, a former NCAA Division-I assistant coach. “I don’t think anyone knows really how good he is.”"

Hickory High’s Similarity Scores

Here’s a breakdown of how Ian Levy from Hickory High came up with his similarity scores.

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