The 2021 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Corey Kispert 2021 NBA Draft Profile.
Corey Kispert Background
Position:Â Forward
Size:Â 6-foot-6, 224 pounds
School:Â Gonzaga
Class:Â Senior
2020-21 stats: 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.9 steals, 52.9% FG, 44% 3PT, 87.8% FT
Corey Kispert improved a lot over his four years in college and became one of the most efficient offensive players in college basketball history. Following his collegiate career, he has declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2017, Kispert decided to go to Gonzaga for college. He played mostly as a reserve as a freshman, starting in just seven games and averaging 6.7 points per game. Kispert moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and upped his game with 8.0 points per game. His development continued into his junior season, as he averaged 13.9 points and helped the Bulldogs go 31-2 before the postseason was cancelled due to COVID-19. Kispert decided to return to Gonzaga for his senior season and led the team to the National Championship Game. Although the Bulldogs fell short of winning it all, Kispert had a great season that saw him average 18.6 points per game and be named a consensus All-American.
Kispert developed into a solid NBA Draft prospect during his four years at Gonzaga. Now, he is projected to be a mid-first round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Strengths
Shooting is what NBA teams will get out of Kispert. He has great range and shot 44 percent from 3-point range last season for Gonzaga. His lowest 3-point percentage came during his freshman year, when he shot 35 percent. He has consistently improved and for the last two seasons has shot over 43 percent. He has shown the ability to shoot off of the catch very well. Shooting off the dribble doesn’t come as easily, but he can still hit a decent number of shots. In addition to shooting well from deep, Kispert has a nice touch in the mid-range and from the free throw line, where he shot 87.8 percent last season.
Kispert does shoot a lot, but he is a smart offensive player. He doesn’t take many bad shots and finds ways to get himself open shots. When the ball is passed to him, he will make a move, shoot or keep the ball moving. He had a 1.8 to 1.3 assist to turnover ratio last season. While he may not have great playmaking abilities, he can fill his role in an offense by having good shot selection.
His understanding of the game also helps him on defense. He locks in and plays hard on the defensive end. Kispert’s length has helped his man to man defense. At 6-foot-6 he is often tough for guards because of his size, but is also able to guard bigger players, as he played the 4 a lot at Gonzaga. With his understanding and effort, Kispert is able to play good team defense.
Weaknesses
Kispert is not a player who will create his own shot a lot. He simply doesn’t have the ball-handling or athleticism to do so. His ability to knock down shots will be best used by him running off of screens at the next level. He can use some moves to get semi-open jump shots, but he will struggle at the NBA level to consistently create his own shots.
His athleticism could hold him back at the next level. He doesn’t have great footspeed, which impacts his ability to create his own shot, but also could hurt him on the defensive side of the floor. Kispert will likely struggle guarding NBA-level athletes at the beginning of his career.
Because of his height, Kispert could be a tweener. At 6-foot-6 he may struggle playing in the post or at the 4 if teams go small. He may struggle out on the perimeter where he is bigger, but not as quick. Teams will have to find the best way to maximize Kispert’s talents, whether that be at the 4 or another position.
Projected Draft Range:Â Mid to late first round pick
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