Kendall Marshall to Phoenix Suns: Scouting Report, Video Highlights and Analysis
With point guards dominating the NBA, it is no surprise that Kendall Marshall was one of the most talked about players in the 2012 NBA draft class.
Marshall was one of the most exciting players in college basketball last season, and arguably the best pure passer in this year's draft class. His command of the offense at UNC makes him one of the most intriguing pro prospects.
Athletes like Marshall don't come along too often, so he has the opportunity to do something special with his new team.
What Marshall Brings to the Team
The biggest asset that Marshall brings is his ability to see the entire floor and distribute the ball anywhere at any given moment. He is a true point guard who is able to make everyone around him better, even if he isn't at 100 percent.
Unlike a lot of point guards in today's NBA, Marshall is not looking to shoot first and pass later. In fact, the one weakness in his game is his shot. He has gotten better in two years at North Carolina, but is still trying to find the consistency with his release point.
What Experts Are Saying
According to the scouting report from NBA Draft Blog, Marshall's scoring ability isn't really as big a problem as some might have you believe.
"Marshall is going to be picked apart by many for his lack of scoring ability, but that is a poor assumption. He can score once he gets into the lane, and made teams that thought differently pay for it during this past season. However, he is going to be chosen for his passing ability and how well he runs an offense.
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Point guards have to be evaluated differently than any other position on the court. The ability to lead an offense, which Marshall does very well, is the true measuring stick of a great point guard. Everything else is secondary.
Rookie Impact
Even if Marshall doesn't come in and light up the scoreboard with 15 points each night, his command of the offense and passing ability should make him a valuable starter right away.
He will likely hover around 8-10 points per game, while contributing 7-to-9 assists and three rebounds in his debut season. Teams are looking for more point production from the 1 in today's NBA, but Marshall could develop into a Rajon Rondo-type player.
As long as Marshall isn't asked to be a scorer, he should be able to shine right away. He is a rare talent who will not take long to adjust to the NBA game.
Pick Analysis
Marshall is an ideal pick for Phoenix, which must feel fortunate nobody nabbed him a bit earlier.
If point guard Steve Nash doesn’t re-sign with the Suns, they’ve got a rookie who is already a mature floor leader. If Nash does come back, all the better: Nash can mentor Marshall, or at least lead by example.
If Nash does stick with the Suns and can teach Marshall how to score, that would be a bonus.
The Suns could use a swing player with scoring skills, too. But Marshall was the way to go.
