Pacers Draft Prep: Luke Kennard can shoot the lights out
By Jacob Breece
The Indiana Pacers held their fifth pre-draft workout Monday and among the prospects was former Duke standout, Luke Kennard.
A former five-star recruit from Franklin, Ohio, Luke Kennard dominated at the high school level. Although not overly athletic, Luke stood out as one of the most lethal sharpshooters in the country. Kennard was unanimous as the Ohio player of the year in 2014- 15 after averaging north of 35 points per game. Even more impressive, Kennard overtook the King in all-time scoring in the state of Ohio .
From there, Kennard joined the defending champion Duke Bluedevils and contributed immediately. Two years in Durham was enough to prove to the NBA that Kennard can be an impact scorer in the league.
He consistently flashed an impressive stroke from deep while being a supremely crafty player off the dribble. After being the go-to scorer on a team with NBA talent across the board, it’s obvious Kennard can translate to the next level.
Strengths
Arguably the best shooter in the draft, Kennard is a sniper. As a sophomore, he launched almost 5.5 triples per game while hitting close to 44 percent of his attempts. He has a smooth form that should most certainly look just as nice behind the extended NBA line.
The most underrated aspect of Kennard’s game are his driving and finishing skills. Although he’s not extremely athletic or long, Kennard can get to the rim with his crafty body positioning and ball handling. Not only can he get into the lane with these traits, but he’s also an impressive finisher with multiple ways to score around the rim.
Weaknesses
Concerns over length and athleticism are the only things holding Kennard back from being a high lottery pick. The length concern is well warranted, as he measured at just over 6-foot-5 with an even smaller wingspan. As well as minimal length, Kennard may run into trouble with NBA quickness and length all around him.
Another concern I have with Kennard are his defensive capabilities. This directly coincides with his less than stellar athleticism and short arms. But, he should be fine if can use basketball IQ and good size at the off-guard position.
NBA comparison: Manu Ginobili
Maybe it’s a little generous to compare to a Hall of Famer, but I continue to see a lot of Ginobili in Luke Kennard’s game. Although not quite as athletic as the great Manu, their old-school scoring mentality and skill will work in any setting.
Kennard’s ability to make shots at a high clip and use his court awareness and savvy to get into his spots on the floor are what make him a lethal scorer. These traits remind me a lot of the current San Antonio Spur and four-time NBA champion.
Projected by many to go anywhere from late lottery to late teens. Kennard would look nice in the blue and gold. He should fit in either plan for Indy. As he is still only 20 years old and would be a nice piece in a rebuild. Or, could step in as a scoring punch off the bench for a Pacers squad in win-now mode. Providing outstanding shooting and scoring, Luke Kennard could be a real steal at pick 18 for the Pacers.
Next: What should the Pacers do with their rotation players?
Should Kennard fall to the Pacers at No. 18, I imagine it would be a tough pass for Pritchard and co.