D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State | Freshman | Guard)
HT: 6'5" | WT: 175 lbs. | Wingpsan: 6'8.5" | 19 years old
2014-15 NCAA Stats: 19.3 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 5.0 APG | 41.1 3P%
Take one glance at this year’s MVP voting to understand why D’Angelo Russell is universally considered one of the 2015 Draft’s truly elite prospects; offensive-minded guards like Steph Curry (first place), James Harden (2nd), Chris Paul (3rd) and Russell Westbrook (4th) are dominating at the highest level of the game, and the way Russell carved up the Big 10 during his one season at Ohio State left little doubt that he has the potential to join that class as he develops.
He certainly believes he can; unlike some of the other potential top picks, Russell showed up at last week's NBA Combine and he took the opportunity to declare himself "the best player in the draft."
Floor general
Many “combo guards” are classified as such because they possess only some of the necessary abilities required to play either guard spot on a full-time basis. What sets Russell apart is his ability to control the game both on and off the ball.
As a freshman who didn’t turn 19 until February, his passing wizardry and explosive scoring displays earned him consensus first team All-American honors and propelled a Buckeye team with otherwise average talent to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Most players’ efficiency would suffer if asked to shoulder a 30 percent usage rate, but Russell consistently delivered, shooting 45 percent from the field and 41% from 3 despite being the focal point of every opposing defense.
When he was in Los Angeles to receive the first inaugural Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year award, he told Thru the Lens that he models his game after Manu Ginobili (“Just his passing ability and his thought process throughout every game”) and Curry (“He’s like an icon to me. I look up to him. Everything he does is right."). By taking parts from so many great players' games, he's made himself into one of the Draft's most dynamic offensive players, regardless of position.
Knicks Fit
The Triangle Offense runs on ball movement and quick decisions, so a player with Russell’s size, skill level and basketball IQ would seem like a perfect fit.
Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson have seen first-hand what big guards can do in their system, from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to Ron Harper and Glen Rice. Like them, Russell is adept at moving without the ball and gifted at creating his own shot. He can come off screens or create off the dribble and he’s deadly from the midrange out to 3-point land. He also has the confidence to pull the trigger, attempting 6.6 3s per game as a freshman.
Russell uses his size to hit the glass (5.7 rebounds per game), which allows him to ignite the fast break. He’s dangerous in the open floor, keeping opponents off balance with his vision and feel for when to attack. When the pace slows down, he plays with poise and lets the game come to him.
Like all rookies, he could struggle defensively when he gets to the NBA, but his size and instincts can make up for a lot if he can fit into a team concept. Being able to guard 1s and 2s will provide valuable flexibility for the team that drafts him, as will his willingness to help on the boards. Scouts rave about his competitive makeup, so that should help ease his adjustment period at the next level.