Dwight Powell | Stanford | Senior, 22 years old
PF, 6-10, 235
Last season: 14.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 23.3 PER
Breakdown: With great size, terrific shooting range and a quick first step, Dwight Powell is one of the most skilled big men in the country. A top-50 recruit out of high school in 2010, Powell finally “turned the corner” last season, as he stepped up in the role of Stanford’s best player. His 26.5 usage percentage ranked 7th in the Pac-12, and he was one of only two “big men” among the top 10.
Powell was very efficient in the half court, where 96.4% of his offense occurred. He shot 47% from the field, and his .933 points per possession (PPP) in the half court ranked in the top 22% of all college players. Powell isn’t the most athletic player, but he compensates with a 7-foot wingspan and an inside-outside touch. He can face up, catch-and-shoot, and attack the basket off the dribble.
Powell can score rather convincingly on the college level. In addition to scoring, he can also rebound—his 24% defensive rebounding percentage ranked 48th nationally, per Kenpom.com.
Shot distribution: 29.9% Jump Shots | 5% Runner | 40.8% Around the Basket (non Post-Ups) | 24.3% Post-Ups
AROUND THE BASKET SCORING
As mentioned before, Powell can score from all three levels, especially in the half court. Let’s take a look at his post scoring, where he attempted 65% of his shots.
Powell shot a productive .833 PPP in post-ups, ranking among the top 60% nationally, and his 1.281 PPP in “around the basket” situations ranked in the top 18% nationally. Powell doesn’t receive “traditional post-ups” deep on the block, but he can set up in the high post and knows how to leverage for position down low.
While he is effective in the paint, Powell’s best skill is his ability to spot up and shoot from virtually anywhere. His quick release and smooth stroke keeps defenders on their toes, disrupting their timing and giving Powell a split-second edge.
SHOOTING
Powell’s .986 PPP in spot-up situations was a solid mark. Furthermore, he can operate on both sides of the floor (48.1% of offense from the right side of the court; 51.9% from the left side).
However, if you watch closely, virtually every jumpshot attempt was either from a no-dribble or one-dribble stance. While it is efficient to minimize dribbles, Powell’s (lack of) off-the-dribble jump shooting is a cause for concern. His .364 PPP shooting off the dribble ranked in the bottom 6% nationally.
Many praise Powell for his rip-through ability and quick release, but in my opinion if Powell doesn’t develop his off the dribble game, he’ll run into trouble once he starts facing NBA close-out speed and athleticism. Powell’s entire effectiveness is predicated on keeping the defense on its toes; the next step is developing his off the dribble jump shooting.
PASSING
Powell is also a very skilled post passer. His 1.44 PPP on passing out of the post when the defense commits ranked in the top 4% of all college players. As the film shows, Powell has a keen sense of where his double-teams are coming from, and where his open teammates are located. He seems to read cuts before they happen, and is a deft jump-passer. He’s not hesitant to make the correct “basketball play” (i.e. kicking it out to his shooters on the perimeter if their defender slides over to help), and he can pass with either hand.
It’s unclear how much post potential Powell has in the NBA, but his court vision and outside shooting should carry over to the next level.
OVERALL
Powell will be 23 next July, so if he’s going to bring it all together, the time is now. His jump shooting and soft touch have him on the NBA radar. If he continues to rebound and can develop his handle a little further, he has a chance to be a first round pick.