Larry Nance Jr.: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

Weaknesses

There are still some areas of his game that will need a considerable amount of work for him to be playable at the NBA level, however, starting with his perimeter skills.

“I think for him the next step will be developing away from the basket, some of the ball handling skills, some of the perimeter skills,” Suns general manger Ryan McDonough said.

Live Feed

Sir Charles In Charge

Though Nance was a more than serviceable catch-and-shoot threat, he made only 38.8 percent of his jumpers, per DraftExpress — and that was an improvement. Combine that with his 33.3 percent touch from three-point territory and he might need to fine-tune that funky shooting stroke of his to earn rotation minutes in the pros.

His catch-and-shoot ability seemingly slots him into that pick-and-pop role, but Nance actually struggles with his decision making when operating out of the pick and roll. He’s not a good ball handler or shooter off the dribble, two areas that will need to improve whether he’s working screen sets or having to play spot minutes at the 3.

“Obviously I’m a 4 first, but I’m hoping that teams see that, ‘Hey, maybe in the future we can move him to 3s,'” he said at his pre-draft workout in Phoenix. “I’ve been working on perimeter skills and mainly my jump shot, that’s what’s come around.”

Nance clearly has the right frame and skill base to build upon for the NBA level. But he’ll need to tweak and improve a few elements of his game — his perimeter shot, ball handling, rebounding numbers and post moves, specifically — to maximize his potential.

Next: Potential Fit