Chris McCullough: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

Jan 11, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) shoots the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) shoots the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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Chris McCullough
Nov 25, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) drives to the basket against the Loyola (Md) Greyhounds during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Loyola 70-37. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths

As you probably inferred from his measurements, McCullough has a ton of length for his position. He likes to run the floor, which makes him a good theoretical fit for a team like the Suns that thrives when it gets out in transition. Even better, he has the speed, athleticism and jumping ability to finish on the break as well.

Exhibit A:

On the defensive end, McCullough’s numbers are impressive, but they don’t tell the full story either since at the college level, he averaged 28 minutes per game. Once he gets that conditioning up, he has the potential to block shots and hold his own on the boards.

Most importantly, McCullough has the potential to become a stretch-four. His range doesn’t extend anywhere near NBA three-point territory (he made his one three-point attempt of the season with the Orange), but he’s got a smooth looking shot and with the right mindset and development at the NBA level, it should translate to pros.

He needs to bulk up, but he’s still extremely young and the promise he showed at Syracuse in his lone collegiate season has a few teams interested in his future and his potential of being a draft steal later on down the road.

Next: Weaknesses