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Pacers' Draft Possibilities: Marshon Brooks

By Ian Levy Updated
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With the Draft Lottery complete, the Early Entry List set, and the NBA Draft fast approaching, it's time to examine more in depth some of the players who could be available for the Pacers. Over the next few weeks I'll be trying to put together as many profiles as possible. Instead of identifying players as specific targets for either Pacers' pick, I'm just going to cover a pool of players I think are possibilities. You'll find some players who the Pacers would likely have to trade up or down for. I've also expressed my opinion that the Pacers need to be focused on talent as much as fit so players at all five positions will be included.

These profiles are not intended to advocate for one player over another, just examine their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss in some detail what they have to offer. For each profile I provided Ten Important Statistics to guide the discussion. Today we'll be looking at:

Marshon Brooks - SG - 6'5.25" 195 lbs. - Providence College

Ten Important Stats - Marshon Brooks

Pts/40

Reb/40

Ast/40

Stl/40

2PT%

3PT%

FT%

FT/40

TO/40

USG%

25.0

7.1

2.5

1.5

55.9%

34.0%

77.2%

6.9

3.1

28.9

 

Current DraftExpress Projection: Round 1, Pick #15

Strengths:

  • Natural scorer, excellent at creating shots off the dribble and attacking the basket
  • Has improved his ability to finish through contact and get to the free throw line
  • Solid length, average athleticism, has the tools to be a capable defender

Weaknesses:

  • Shot selection can be very poor at times, more likely to force a tough shot than look for an open teammate
  • Questionable decision making means some problems with turnovers
  • Is not a consistent outside shooter, although he's hampered by shot selection in this regard
  • Played mostly zone in college, will need to adjust to man-to-man defense

Impressions:

A key for Brooks and his professional career will be learning to fit into a role and a system and finding ways to contribute without dominating the ball. He should also focus on becoming more proficient on catch-and-shoot opportunities as well, as he likely won't have the ball in his hands and the freedom to create like he does at Providence.

Although Brooks's name wasn't found on many draft boards prior to this season, he's been far too productive to ignore in 2010-2011. And while his upside may be perceived as somewhat limited since he's a senior who will turn 22 this month, his physical tools and continued improvement suggest that there is still room for growth.

- Walker Beeken, DraftExpress.com

Comparables:

How he can help the Pacers:

If the Pacers are looking for a perimeter player who can get his own shot, Brooks is one of just a few available players who fit the bill. He has great scoring instincts and has the tools to get points in a variety of ways. A crowded wing rotation in Indiana would likely have him coming off the bench next season to provide a scoring punch with the second unit. This will give him a chance to ease more slowly into the lower usage role he will play in the pros. To truly maximize his potential he will also need to put a lot of work into becoming a consistent outside shooter. There are only a handful of attractive options for wing scorers in this draft, and Brooks is definitely near the top of the list.

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