Ashton Hagans Scouting Report 2020
Ashton Hagans Player Card
Measurables: 6’3″, 198 lbs
College: Kentucky
Stats last season: 11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.9 steals per game; 3.6/8.8 FGs (40.4%), 0.5/2.1 3FGs (25.8%), 3.8/4.7 FTs (81%)
Prospect Overview
Ashton Hagans has been one of the best defensive guards in college basketball during his two years at the University of Kentucky. He’s a willing passer who looks to create shots for others within the offense before searching for his shot. Hagans’ unselfishness hurts him at times, and he can be too passive instead of forcing the defense to treat him as a scoring threat. At 6’3″, 198 lbs, and possessing a 6’6″ wingspan, Hagans has an excellent physical profile to make an impact at the NBA level. Hagans is one of the more athletic point guards in the class, but to maximize his effectiveness at the next level, he will need to improve his decision-making and jump shooting. If he becomes a more confident jump shooter and looks to score more, a team could find themselves a steal in the second round of the draft.
Strengths
Defense – Lightning-quick hands lead to steals, plays the passing lanes well
Transition Scoring – feeds off of defensive plays in the open floor
Playmaking – Excellent vision in transition, drop-off opportunities
Intangibles – Team-oriented player, mature beyond his years
Weaknesses
Jump Shooting – Lack of confidence in a jump shot, poor mechanics
Offensive Assertiveness – Plays too passive at times, defense plays him as a passer
Turnovers – Unwillingness to shoot can lead to forced passes
Shot selection – Can force the drive on occasion, unwilling to shoot open threes
Best Landing Spot
Portland Trailblazers. Outside their star backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Blazers lack any sort of playmaking or defense on the perimeter. Hagans will provide the team with just that. He’s one of the better defenders at his position in the draft and will provide Portland with a nice boost of playmaking off the bench. I don’t see him playing a ton of minutes in Terry Stott’s offensive-oriented system, but if he can improve his jump shot and offensive arsenal, he could find himself in Portland’s rotation. He’s more of a defensive stopper and project on offense, but he has a ton of upside if he improves his consistency as a jump shooter.
Worst Landing Spot
Boston Celtics. I don’t like the fit between Hagans and the Celtics, being that the roster has a ton of players who are primary ball handlers. This would force Hagans into a role as a spot-up shooter, and he is nowhere near ready to shoot the NBA three at a high volume. I’m not sure if his game is suited for Brad Steven’s system either, and the Celtics already have a similar player in Hagans with Marcus Smart. He lacks the shooting potential even to be considered as an option for Boston, and I wouldn’t say I like the fit at all.
Ratings Breakdown
Basketball IQ: 7. Overall IQ for the game is solid on both ends. Hagans knows how to space out the floor and move without the ball on offense, but must improve his shot IQ. At times he is far too passive and turns down open jump shots for contested shots in the paint.
Shooting: 6. His mechanics aren’t terrible, and his jump shot isn’t broken, but he is very hesitant and has very little confidence in his jumper. Most of his makes outside the paint come off the dribble, and he isn’t a reliable catch-and-shoot option. He hits the occasional mid-range shot but mainly focuses on attacking the basket. That being said, Hagans is an excellent finisher going to his right and shows the ability to get to the free-throw line and finish through contact.
Passing: 7. Above-average at creating looks for his teammates, is a pass-first point guard. Excellent in kick out and drop-off situations. He must work on making the right reads in the halfcourt and cut down on turnovers. Excels at making reads in transition and is always a threat to look down the floor to find open teammates on the break.
Dribbling: 7. Decent ball security and handle. Lacks creativity and speed with his moves to blow by defenders.
Hustle: 7. Good energy and effort on both ends, battles for the occasional loose ball and will fight for rebounds.
Rebounding: 4. Most rebounds come off of long jump shots. He tends to hover around the perimeter after shots but will battle for rebounds occasionally.
Defense: 8. Probably his best attribute. Is a pest in the passing lanes and off the ball, but must work on staying in front of ball-handlers. He gambles far too much resulting in weak team defensive possessions.
Leadership: 8. Values team success and feeds off of teammate success.
Athleticism: 8. A very fluid athlete but isn’t overly explosive but has solid athletic ability and excellent speed.
Upside: 8. Has a ton of upside if he can improve his shot mechanics and offensive IQ. He will contribute right away as a defender and player who can initiate offensive sets for the second unit.
Total Rating: 70/100
Ashton Hagans NBA Comparison
Patrick Beverley. If everything works right, Hagans has much more potential as an offensive player than Beverley. He’s much more athletic and has a more versatile offensive game than Beverley does. Like the Clipper’s point guard, Hagans will begin his career as a defensive player. I’m not sure if Hagans has the same edge to his game as Beverley, but both are similar in stature and playstyle. Hagans must improve his outside shooting, much like Beverley has done to gain a more substantial role on an NBA team.
