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Pacers Draft Prep: Dillon Brooks can score

By Luke Parrish

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) shoots the basketball against Iona Gaels forward Jordan Washington (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) shoots the basketball against Iona Gaels forward Jordan Washington (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon forward Dillon Brooks has the ability to light up the score sheet with his pure stroke. For NBA teams looking for bench scoring, he just might be the guy for the job.

A dominant scorer with the clutch factor, Dillon Brooks was an exciting player in college basketball last season. After forgoing his senior season, Brooks is set to enter the NBA draft. He may not have the prototypical NBA size (6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-6 wingspan), but the kid can score.

Strengths

The Oregon product knows how to score the ball. He averaged over 16 points per contest in each of the past two seasons. For his career, Brooks shot 47.2 percent from the floor, 36 percent from deep, and 79 percent from the charity stripe.

Brooks has the scoring capability to thrive at the next level. While his size is not necessarily ideal, his athleticism and strength can translate to the NBA. His build and strength also provide upside and potential on the defensive end of the floor if he continues work on his craft.

He’s got the clutch factor. Brooks came up big for the Ducks twice last year with two game-winners, one against UCLA and one against Cal. He has shown that he can hit the big shot with the game on the line, and that is what teams are looking for.

Weaknesses

Although his strength and overall build are good enough, his length may be an issue. The 6-foot-6 wingspan does not resemble a true NBA forward, so Brooks may have to play a small-ball three.

Another aspect to touch up on is the turnovers. Brooks averaged over two giveaways per game each season he spent at Oregon. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they could still use improvement.

Perhaps the biggest flaw in Brooks’ game is his rebounding shortage. As a forward, four rebounds per outing is unacceptable. To make things worse, Brooks only average 3.2 boards during the 2016-17 season. His height and rebounding woes may force him to move to a shooting guard in the pros.

Pro comparison: Wesley Matthews/Allen Crabbe

NBADraft.net has linked Brooks to Indiana with the 47th pick. He has huge upside on offense and defensive liabilities.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who will the Pacers select at No. 18?

Middle of round two seems to be the trend for Brooks in mocks, and the Pacers could be a good landing spot, given he’s already played with Joe Young.

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