Devon Dotson Scouting Report 2020
Devon Dotson Player Card
Measurables: 6’2″, 185 lbs
College: Kansas
Stats last season: 30 games played, 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.1 steals per game; 6.1/13 FGs (46.8%), 1.3/4.1 3Ps (30.9%), 4.7/5.7 FTs (83%)
Prospect Overview
Dotson was one of the more trusted players over the past two years at the University of Kansas. As a freshman Dotson started all 36 games for the Jayhawks and would start all 30 games, he appeared in during the 2019-20 season. Dotson improved his game in just about every major statistical category. He’s one of the more experienced guards in the draft, and his high IQ makes up for his athletic and shooting limitations. Dotson’s offense feeds off his energy on defense, and he is a nightmare in the passing lanes and transition. He’s one of the quicker players in the class who blows by defenders in the halfcourt, setting him up for shots in the paint. Even as an undersized guard (6’2″, 185 lbs), Dotson is an excellent finisher around the rim. He encourages contact on his finishes, allowing him to get to the free-throw line. Defensively, Dotson was one of the best on-ball defenders in college basketball. He has excellent lateral quickness and hands, which allows him to cut off defenders and get steals. Occasionally, Dotson is inconsistent with his effort in defensive PnR situations, but if he’s locked in, he’s one of the best on-ball defenders in basketball. My concerns with Dotson are with his shooting upside and his ability to control his speed. His limited offensively and lacks a consistent jumper, especially off the dribble. His excellent speed is capped by an inability to control his body. At times Dotson rushes things on offense and results in a high amount of turnovers.
Strengths
Speed/Quickness – one of the quicker players in the draft, gets to the basket with ease
Defense – excellent competitive energy on defense, should be more effective as a defender if strength improves, great lateral quickness, plays the passing lanes well which results in easy transition buckets
IQ/Leadership – started every game in college, floor general, respected and trusted by teammates
PnR Potential – good PnR ball-handler, sees the court well and makes good decisions coming off ball screens, excellent at attacking the rim off of PnRs (great finisher for his size)
Transition Scoring – Disruptive on the defensive end, steals lead to easy buckets in transition, offensive ability feeds off of energy on defense
Weaknesses
Strength/Size/Length – undersized, will have trouble guarding 2s, defensive versatility is limited by lack of length/size
Consistency – at times gets lost off the ball, is a pest when he’s locked in on D
Control – needs to control his speed, rushes things on offense, leads to turnovers and ill-advised shots. Lacks balance and footwork to pull off stepbacks and other advanced moves on offense
Playmaking – predictable in passing situations, inconsistent as a playmaker
Shooting – shot only 30.6% off the dribble in college, hits the occasional shot beyond the arc, doesn’t have bad mechanics but shot is stiff
Best Landing Spot
Sacramento Kings. The Kings already have a franchise point guard in De’Aaron Fox, which puts Dotson in the backup role. Sacramento has a ton of shooters on their roster, including Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic, providing space for Dotson to attack the rim. He can learn from Fox as a playmaker, and focus on his strengths as a leader and quality defender. The Kings are nowhere close to being a contender, giving Dotson time to grow into a backup floor general and improve his jump shooting.
Worst Landing Spot
Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers need shooting, and Dotson is far from being a quality shooter in the NBA. The team also lacks a playmaker behind Ben Simmons, and Dotson’s inconsistency as a passer doesn’t play into Philadelphia’s team needs. Dotson would likely be thrust into the fire right away, and I’m not sure if his skill set would allow him to thrive for an organization that is in win-now mode.
Draft range: late 1st, early 2nd-round pick
Ratings Breakdown
Basketball IQ: 8. Tremendous IQ for a college player, knows the game throughout. The only questions are his shot IQ and control.
Shooting: 5. Has questionable upside in terms of shooting. Shot mechanics are okay, but shoulders are not fluid, and release is stiff. Has a bit of a push shot.
Passing: 6. Good passer in transition and PnR situations, otherwise telegraphs passes and fails to make the advanced read. Needs to work on precision in the halfcourt.
Dribbling: 7. Has a decent handle, uses quickness, and simple moves to blow by defenders.
Hustle: 6. Effort is inconsistent, especially on defense. Has a tendency to get caught on screens, which reduces impact as a team defender.
Rebounding: 4. Doesn’t get that many rebounds and hovers around the perimeter after shots.
Defense: 9. One of his best attributes. Is a true pest on the defensive end when he commits to hustle and effort as a defender. Great lateral quickness and footwork to stay in front of opposing ball handlers. One of the best at playing the passing lanes and coming up with steals, has quick hands.
Leadership: 9. One of the best leaders in college basketball. Heart and soul of the team, respected and looked up to by teammates. Trusted heavily by coaches, indicated by his minutes per game and number of starts as an underclassman.
Athleticism: 6. Has a good first step, relies on speed to blow by defenders. Nothing pops out from an athletic standpoint, but his game isn’t athletically-based.
Upside: 6. Could maybe develop into a starter, backup point guard role perfectly suits his skill set.
Total Rating: 66/100
Devon Dotson NBA Comparison
TJ McConnell. Both are undersized, athletically-limited guards whose games rely on their energy and IQ to make an impact for their teams. Dotson should become a better defender than McConnell is, and he has more potential on the offensive end than the Pacers point guard. I like the comparison of McConnell as a team leader and a gritty player who makes the necessary energy plays for his team. Both players struggle with their shooting, especially from the outside, but a ton of their offensive production comes from PnR situations. Dotson has the potential to grow as a shooter, given his quality mechanics and IQ on offense.
