Branden Dawson

*If the videos do not appear, please “refresh” the webpage once

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic (2 Games)

November 22-23 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

Branden Dawson – G/F, 6-6, 225
Junior, 21 years old

Season: 11 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG

Outlook: Branden Dawson is a physical forward with a strong motor. He has an NBA body at 6-6 (with a 6-9 wingspan), and is versatile to defend three positions on the college level. His constant activity results in many “hustle plays.” He averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

Dawson has maintained supreme explosiveness despite tearing his ACL at the end of his freshman year. He needs to improve his ball handling and shooting touch, but you can’t teach the natural physicality and toughness Dawson possesses. If he can improve his perimeter game to a semi-adequate level (and that’s a big “if”), he has a chance to carve out a role as a complimentary player in the NBA.

Dawson is shooting 60% this season, but 85% of his shots are “around the basket.” That overly reliant post game won’t suffice in the NBA; he needs to develop some semblance of a jump shot. Also, what position can he guard in the NBA? Is he quick enough to stick with guys on the perimeter?

STRENGTHS

Put-Backs/Offensive Rebounds

Nearly 22% of Dawson’s scoring attempts this season have come in the form of offensive rebounds/put-backs, where his 1.3 points per possession on such attempts ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally. He can crash the glass from the wing (averaging 3.6 offensive rebounds per game), and also establishes solid position to compete for rebounds down low. Dawson is one of the best high-energy rebounders in the country.

Scoring Around the Basket

Dawson’s motor elevates his impact in the paint, as many of his points and rebounds are a result of sheer hustle.

Defense

Dawson has the length and defensive instincts to contest shots from anywhere on the court. He has a high motor, and seems to focus early in possessions. I’m waiting to observe him again before appraising his defensive potential, but early impressions—stifling Julius Randle in the first half in Chicago, and extending to his play in Brooklyn—are very positive.

Transition Attempts

At this point, Dawson is an average transition player. But his upside is obvious. He can take off from virtually anywhere in the open floor. Alley-oops and easy dunks—yes, sure—but Dawson needs to develop his handle to maximize his physical tools in the open court.

MUST IMPROVE

Poor Shooting

Dawson connected on only 28% of his jump shots last season. He has a long release on his shot; if he can refine his jump shot, he will be able to play small forward in the NBA, which could open up the floodgates in terms of using his athletic gifts. Again, it’s easy for me to write that Dawson needs to fix his jump shot; improving it in real life is the real challenge.

OVERALL

Dawson has admirable resolve to come back from a serious ACL injury unscathed.

The scouting report is simple in my opinion: a 6-6, high-energy athlete who can rebound and defend anywhere on the court. Offensively, Dawson can score inside the paint or accumulate points via hustle plays. The next step is extending his jump shot to at least 18 feet.