06-30-2024, 07:43 AM
(06-28-2024, 01:47 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: Mark Followill (@MFollowill)
Some notes on Melvin Ajinca, taken by the Mavs at 51 on Thursday in the NBA Draft:
Turned 20 years old Wednesday...cousin of former Mavs center Alexis Ajinca.
Mock draft spots for reference: ESPN (47), The Athletic (48), The Ringer (50), Bleacher Report (44), Yahoo (58), NetScouts (39), NBA Draft Room (53), NBA Draft Net (37)
In int'l competition - 2nd overall in scoring at 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup for silver medalist France at 19.3 ppg in 7 games. Shot 53% FG, 49% on 3s, 83% FT. Had 18 pts in SF win vs USA. On same team, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr avg 7.4 ppg, FWIW.
Club level - in 22-23 helped Saint-Quentin earn promotion from 2nd division to top flight in France. Played 33 of 34 games on team that went 25-9. 8.5 ppg & shot 39.4% on 3s. 61% of shots were 3s. Voted best young player in French 2nd Division.
In 23-24 played 30 reg season and playoff games in top flight for Saint-Quentin. 9.5 ppg & shot 32.3% on 3s (missed some games w/ sternum injury). 66% of FGA were 3s. 4 games 15+ pts, 1 double-double, season highs -
19P/12R/4A/3S.
Combine notes: 31 inch max vertical...wingspan, not negative as reported by some but barely positive. Height 6'7.25", wingspan 6'7.5". Weight 213.8 lbs.
His FIBA performance looked amazing on both the score board and highlights, 2nd in scoring in the overall tournament as you mentioned, 2nd All tournament team as a guard, leading scorer in the final, some dribble and many step back 3's. He looks like an elite prospect in those.
Then you look at the measures and you feel underwhelmed. Looks like a guy with talent but not the physical profile. If his defense translates he will have a chance here.