Strengths
With decent size and an NBA-ready body at age 18, Vaughn already has the physical attributes necessary to compete at the next level. Add that to his evident ability to put the ball in the hole and it’s pretty clear that with the right development he could be something special.
According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Vaughn’s draft stock has risen quite a bit after an impressive workout in front of NBA scouts in Santa Monica, which Ford called one of the best workouts he’s seen in quite some time. Vaughn apparently showed off his shooting ability and opened some eyes with his athleticism in a workout where he seemed to be on a mission to prove something.
Don't think I've ever seen footage of a prospect make as many shots without even touching the side of the rims like Rashad Vaughn seems to.
— Adam McGee (@AdamMcGee11) June 15, 2015
Though he’s not particularly long, Vaughn is a strong and athletic wing prospect who is solid from the perimeter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. But Vaughn also displayed the ability to score off the dribble on midrange pull-ups and when defenders closed out on his shot too fast, he could easily beat them off the dribble and attack the basket with confidence.
Vaughn’s strength and his soft touch around the basket helped him draw contact and finish at the rim. He averaged 4.3 free throws per game as a freshman and was effective in scoring out of pick and roll sets. He’ll need some work defensively, especially when it comes to staying engaged, but he has the right tools and the quick feet to improve with the right development.
If he stays as motivated as his Santa Monica workout would indicate that he is, there’s no question he’ll be worth a look in the mid-teens, right around where the Suns select. It’s still early, but this 18-year-old is already showing signs of becoming a future star.
Next: Weaknesses