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How Detroit Pistons’ Kennard compares to Thompson and Booker

By Braden Shackelford

Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Luke Kennard (Duke) puts on a cap as he is introduced as the number twelve overall pick to the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Luke Kennard (Duke) puts on a cap as he is introduced as the number twelve overall pick to the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Pistons have added sharpshooter Luke Kennard to the roster via the 2017 draft. Many consider Kennard to be the best shooter in the draft, but how does he stack up against two of the best shooters in the past seven drafts in Klay Thompson and Devin Booker?

The Detroit Pistons selected Luke Kennard with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Draft grades from pundits had Detroit doing well by selecting Kennard, but fans are torn on the pick.

Perception is everything, and those who didn’t like the pick point towards Kennard’s lack of upside and athleticism–even if that isn’t entirely true.

This article aims to compare and contrast Kennard to two other shooting specialists coming out of the draft in the last decade, players who had similar perceived limitations in Klay Thompson and Devin Booker, who have turned into exceptional pros.

In an effort to be as objective as possible, scouting reports were pulled from DraftExpress, a generally accepted and credible site for college basketball scouting.

A brief summary of the ensuing slides:

  • Slide 2–Klay Thompson scouting report, strengths and weaknesses
  • Slide 3–Devin Booker scouting report, strengths and weaknesses
  • Slide 4–Luke Kennard scouting report, strengths and weaknesses
  • Slide 5–Combine and sophomore year statistical comparisons (freshman year for Booker since he left Kentucky after one year), including regular stats, PER 40, and advanced, plus concluding thoughts for Thompson, Booker, and Kennard.

*Stats were compiled using DraftExpress.com and Sports-reference.com.

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