NBA Scouting Report: Kevin Huerter
The former Maryland Terrapins sharpshooter has all the tools to be a high-end rotation piece for a three-point needy team
School: Maryland
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6'7
Weight: 195 pounds
Wingspan: 6'7.5
Pro Comparison: Nik Stauskas, Danny Green, Nick Young
Kevin Huerter’s name has been buzzing throughout NBA draft circles after a very strong showing at the combine, making him a potential lock to go in the mid-20’s of the first round.
His mix of size, shooting, and playmaking enamored NBA executives at the combine where he was able to show his offensive skillset during individual drills and 5-on-5 scrimmages. It’s easy to see how translatable his skills were in such a high stakes environment such as the combine because he has had plenty of experience during his two years at Maryland. During his freshman year, Huerter was thrown into the ringer and averaged 29.4 minutes in his first year, while also averaging 9.3 points, 2.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds with 37% three-point field goal percentage. During his sophomore year, Huerter continued to show strides of his game by playing 34.4 minutes per game, while averaging 14.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting an unreal 42% from beyond the arc.
It’s easy to fall in love with what Huerter brings to an NBA team, as having as many shooters on the court as possible is at a premium in today’s NBA. Huerter’s measurements don’t scream 3&D wing to anyone but he provides the tools needed to provide bursts of scoring while promoting ball movement on whichever team drafts him. He is an efficient scorer as evidenced by his field goal percentage in his two years at Maryland and he has a high basketball IQ when it comes to court awareness and not forcing low percentage shots on the offensive end of the floor.
As I mentioned before, a knock on Huerter’s game is that he doesn’t have the wingspan or the athleticism to be a 3&D defender in the NBA. This is especially noted with his combine measurements which had him listed at a near 6"8 wingspan. This partly makes him a liability on the defensive end of the floor, where opposing offenses will find simple ways to blow past him for an easy bucket.
Nonetheless, Huerter is still 19-years-old and has time to develop an NBA body while still being able to provide a scoring boost off the bench. He may not have the highest defensive upside, but his offensive presence gives him a good chance that he will have a job in this league for years to come. Overall, Huerter has a spot on an NBA rotation if he can keep up his shooting prowess and playmaking skills.
