Kris Joseph: Highlights, Analysis and Pro Projections

Kris Joseph was the most productive player for a very good Syracuse team last season, but in the NBA, he'll have to find his niche to make an impact. Joseph led the Orange in scoring as they reached the Elite Eight, but he's not really a scorer.

He is 6'7" with a near 7' wingspan, and the 23-year-old from Montreal has displayed a high basketball IQ. There are still some strong concerns about how his game will translate in the NBA.

He is from a basketball family. His brother Maurice played for Michigan State and his cousin Cory plays for the San Antonio Spurs. This could explain his advanced understanding of the game. ESPN's Chad Ford criticized Joseph's basketball IQ, but I would disagree with his assessment.

Joseph excels in transition, and he struggles in half-court sets. I believe he felt the need to press in some situations because he was the leader of the team at Syracuse. Despite the team's great record, they didn't have a ton of offensive weapons.

I think this caused Joseph to press, and this resulted in some bad shots. 

Here is a scouting report on Joseph highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.

(Height, weight and stats per statsheet.com)

Profile:

Height: 6' 7"

Weight: 210 pounds 

School: Syracuse

Date of Birth: December 17, 1988

Best NBA Position: Small Forward

College Stats: (Key Stats Underlined) 13.4 PPG, 32.2 MPG, 42.1 FG%, 32.5 3FG%, 74.5 FT%, 1.5 APG, 4.7 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.4 SPG

Skill Grades:

Athleticism - A

Size - A-

Intangibles - B

Rebounding - A-

Ball Handling - B+

Defense - A-

Shooting - C

Passing - B-

Post Game - C+

Basketball IQ - B

Upside - B+

Strengths:

Joseph is a very good athlete. He has quick springs, and the ability to hang in the air. He is strong enough to absorb contact, and he has solid body control. At 6'7," he has adequate height for the SF position, but the length of his arms could make him a standout defender. 

He's already a solid defensive player, and with more attention paid to that area of his game it could become his niche. Joseph goes to the glass hard, and he can handle it fairly well in transition, which is where he's at his best.

Joseph hustles every minute that he's on the floor, and this gives him a real shot at making a NBA team. Coaches will love this trait, and with his length and athleticism he has a future in the NBA.

Joseph's athleticism is on display in this highlight reel:

Weaknesses:

Joseph is not a good shooter. He must improve in this area if he has aspirations of being anything more than a slasher on offense. He doesn't have a lot of shake to his off-the-dribble game, so he'll need to develop the jump shot.

If he does that, he'll at least be able to utilize the pump fake and drive. As of now, defenders would give him the jump shot.

NBA Player Comparison: 

Ronnie Brewer

Brewer is a defensive specialist that doesn't offer much on the offensive end of the floor. This is primarily due to his inconsistent outside shooting. In his seven year career, Brewer is a 24 percent three-point shooter.

He is a very good athlete that loves to work the baseline area, but he depends heavily on others to create offense for him. He has career averages of nine points, three rebounds and just over a steal per game.

Joseph could produce similar production. Both are listed at 6'7" and just about 210 pounds, and both play with excellent motors.

If Joseph locks in defensively he could be very similar to Ronnie Brewer, if he adds a dependable jump shot he'll be even better.

Draft Projection:

Mid-Second Round or Undrafted

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