PistonPowered
Fansided

How Detroit Pistons Luke Kennard compares with J.J. Redick and Kyle Korver

By Ash Vanclay

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons /

Luke Kennard

Strengths:
Positional Size – Gets to his spots vs smaller defenders, shoots over the top, Good sized combo guard, can see over defences as a facilitator,
Scoring Versatility – Skilled guard that can score on or off ball, game built around his jumper, great off pin downs has sharp footwork and a nice handle, pick and roll threat thanks to good pull up jumper and floaters.
Feel for the game – score first at Duke but has vision and can play point guard, capable pick and roll and dribble hand-off passer, quick decisions, not a ball stopper, smart off ball defender, instinctual.
Productivity – Huge jump from freshman to sophomore year with a bigger role, second in ACC in scoring, efficient .530/.440/.860 shooting splits. Hit 34+ points three times, double figures in 35 of 37 games, clutch moments, plays with confidence

Weaknesses:
Defensive Upside – 6’5″ wingspan, not overly physical, up-and-down effort, solid frame but lacks degree of toughness, not quick enough for point guards and struggles with big wings, will have to rely on instincts.
Creating vs NBA defense – lacks degree of burst and relies on skill and savvy play. He has to kill his dribble in the paint too often, leans on his fakes and floaters vs smaller guards. Will 53 percent two-point shooting translate?
Finishing in Traffic – Below the rim finisher with short arms, 52.1 percent at rim, ambidextrous with floaters but struggles in a crowd, poor extension around the rim, length is bothersome, 5.7 free throw attempts per 40 minutes as a sophomore with a 38.6 percent free throw rate not really translatable.

Related Story: Pistons impressed with Luke Kennard so far

Scouting:

Kennard was one of the most skilled guards in the draft. He knows how to score in a variety of ways and he is good at it. He has the ability to play on or off the ball, but will function better off ball. He is best utilised in a movement based offense coming off screens and side pick and rolls, as opposed to camping in the corner for the dish. He is an outstanding three-point shooter 38.2 percent for his career (but 43.8 last season!), and an excellent mid range shooter also, shooting at 52.7 percent. He has a tremendous feel for the game, understanding when to use his big repertoire of fakes and understands when to pass.

The biggest question mark with Kennard is going to be his defense. He has short arms and his lack of athleticism doesn’t help him account for this. However he did improve his defensive rating in his second college season from 108 to 104.4.

Initially I was slightly disappointed with the Detroit Pistons choosing to select Kennard (I was leaning towards Donovan Mitchell), however after researching and watching tape for this article I actually think he’ll lock down the back-up shooting guard spot and is a great pick for the Pistons.

Home/Pistons News