Pistons draft: Is Bennedict Mathurin worth the 5th pick?

Detroit Pistons draft: Bennedict Mathurin’s weaknesses

As lethal of a shooter and slasher as Mathurin is,  he struggles to create off the bounce. Mathurin was able to find various ways to score in college due to his cutting, and off-ball movement, but he’ll have to continue to work on scoring in isolation situations, or scenarios as the sole shot creator.

Defensively, Mathurin is a solid on-ball defender, but his off-ball defense will need extra attention upon his arrival to the NBA. At Arizona, when Mathurin’s guy didn’t have the ball, he often suffered lapses in staying attached to his man. Under an NBA coaching staff, this tendency should be fixed, and Mathurin’s physical traits and athleticism, along with improved discipline and building better defensive habits, should give him a solid chance at becoming a plus defender, both on and off the ball.

In addition to his shot creation struggles, Mathurin’s playmaking abilities will require continued improvement. Last season for the Wildcats, Mathurin averaged a mere 2.5 assists per game, to go along with three turnovers a night. Even if he projects as a wing who can score in bunches, Mathurin’s ability to read defenses, and to find shot opportunities for his teammates has to improve. At the next level, the All-American will need to utilize his slashing ability to create kick-out opportunities, and capitalize on making defenses pay for overplaying him when he gets into the lane and attracts multiple defenders.