Scott Machado: Highlights, Analysis and Pro Projections

Scott Machado is a solid playmaking point guard from Iona. He led the Gaels to a 25-8 record and a NCAA tournament berth.

Machado led the nation in assists, with 9.9 per game, as a four-year college player that played 30-plus games in each of his seasons at Iona.

Machado is 6'1", 180 pounds and has improved in almost every aspect of his game since his freshman season. He has impressed in workouts, and his pure point guard abilities could increase his draft stock.

ESPN's Chad Ford has Machado listed as the sixth best point guard in the NBA draft, but I'd place him above players like Marquis Teague and Tyshawn Taylor, so I'd have him in my top five.

Here is a scouting report on Machado that highlights his strengths and weaknesses.

(Height, weight and stats per statsheet.com)

Profile:

Height: 6'1" 

Weight: 180 pounds 

School: Iona

Date of Birth: June, 8, 1990

Best NBA Position: Point Guard

College Stats: (Key Stats Underlined) 13.6 PPG, 35.5 MPG, 49.5 FG%, 40.4 3FG%, 81.1 FT%, 9.9 APG, 4.9 RPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.6 SPG

Skill Grades:

Athleticism - A

Size - B-

Intangibles - B-

Rebounding - A

Ball Handling - A-

Defense - B+

Shooting - A-

Passing - A+

Post Game - D

Basketball IQ - A

Upside - C

Strengths:

Machado is very quick with his first step and in the open court. He keeps his head up at all times, and shows great vision and patience. He is always looking to set teammates up and plays very unselfishly. 

Machado is also a very good rebounder for his position and size. He grabbed 4.9 rebounds per game as a senior, and this is an extra-added plus from your point guard.

Machado has worked to improve his overall shooting. He made almost 50 percent of his shots from the field, 40 percent from three and 81 percent from the line. These numbers speak to his overall efficiency and desire to improve.

He was subpar in each of those categories as a freshman.

Machado runs an offense properly in the half-court set, and that is an underrated skill. He shows a great feel and understanding of the game.

Take a loot at Machado's patience and playmaking abilities in this video:

Weaknesses:

At 6'1" Machado is a bit small, but it shouldn't be a huge issue. He will have some problems when playing against bigger point guards. Machado is a floor general but he doesn't possess that trait that compels him to take over the game for stretches.

The best point guards know when to do that, but Machado is more of a game manager at all times.

His lack of size will make him a defensive liability at times, but he is an active defender, especially in the passing lanes. Machado can be a valuable reserve point guard, or a starter for a team with a wealth of scorers.

He is a safe and dependable pick, especially in the second round.

NBA Player Comparison: 

Smaller Ramon Sessions

Sessions isn't a spectacular point guard, but he's solid and he knows how to run an offense. In his five-year-career he has averaged 11 points and five assists per game. Sessions almost always plays under control, he looks to setup teammates and he has improved his jump shot.

Machado brings a similar skill set to the team that drafts him. He's a little quicker than Sessions, but their approach is similar. Machado's improved shooting from the outside gives him a slight chance of cracking the first-round, but he may be overlooked because he didn't play in a major conference.

The players that have led the nation in assists in college haven't exactly had great NBA futures.

The last player with the distinction to have a decent pro career is T.J. Ford, who did it for Texas 10 years ago. Still, Machado's ability to knock down an open shot is huge for his chances.

I think he will have a decent NBA career as a solid reserve point guard.

Draft Projection:

Late First Round - Early Second Round

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