2022 NBA Draft Profile: Blake Wesley
Blake Wesley would bring a diverse raw spark to the Hawks wing group but is he worth the longer term investment for a team that could benefit from instant impact?
Measurements
Height: 6-4
Weight: 187 lbs.
Wingspan: 6-9
Draft Age: 19.3 y/o
Statistical Profile
The Basics: 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals
Efficiency: 40.4% from the field, 30.3% on threes, 65.7% from the line
Advanced: 31.3% usage (highest in ACC), 17.4% assist rate, 2.4% steal rate
Misc: 32.4% free throw rate, 42.4% at the rim, 100.1
defensive rating
The Intrigue
Shot creation/shooting off the bounce. Body control is a concern except for when he is shooting off the dribble, especially in the mid range. Playing at such a high usage rate (1st in ACC) let his confidence grow & helped develop his on ball ability. Additionally enhanced his natural guard skills as a p&r handler.
Speed & burst with the ball. Getting into the lane is where he is the biggest threat. Combine speed & agility tests were low but his burst in game with the ball is a different level. Had a high FT rate (32.4%) because of it.
On ball perimeter defense. Combination of quick feet, natural athleticism and a long body allows him to defend 1-3 pretty handily. Becoming more polished in an NBA defensive system will come with time.
Defensive pass anticipation. Wesley is a relatively raw prospect all around but he has a keen eye for picking off balls in passing lanes. With his long legs & speed, very often takes it the other way for an easy deuce.
Athleticism. Had a max vertical of 36” (18th of 51) at the combine. In games, he seems like the best athlete on the floor. Plays above the rim, grabs rebounds well & has raw upside because of his natural athleticism. True danger for opposition in transition with his speed, bounce & knack for getting to the rim.
Areas of Improvement
3 point shooting. Wesley shot 30.3% from 3 on the season on 5.1 3PA per game at 40% 3 point rate. His release on catch & shoot is unbalanced, causing inconsistency in his shots. I’d go as far to say he is a better shooter off the dribble which suggests his form is very fixable.
Finishing at the rim. Wesley is so good at getting to the lane & drawing FTs, but finishing plays is an area for growth. Shot 42.4% at the rim. Already has a FT rate (32.4%) but I still think he avoids contact a little too much at times and makes things difficult. Adding on more weight to his frame will help him finish through contact more as well.
Body control. Similar to Jaden Ivey, Wesley plays with a lot of speed but minimal control. Can lead to a lot of wild attempts in the lane. As already mentioned, his 3 point shot gets effected too often by lack of control.
Decision Making. Averaged 2.2 TOs on only 2.4 apg. He had the ball so often at such a young inexperienced age that this isn’t a major concern rather an area I am confident he’ll grow in. Slowing down attacking the rim at times, smarter passes - these things will come in due time.
Team Fit
Should the Hawks draft him at 16? Not my first choice but wouldn’t be mad at all.
Blake Wesley is one of the rawest prospects in the class and there is an aspect of “win now” for the Atlanta Hawks to focus on. Wesley would undoubtedly add a diverse skill set to the current wing group with his athleticism which could offer good balance. He is a plus defender with even more room to grow & would definitely help DeAndre Hunter on that end who gets caught defending opposing guards too often. Knowing where the Hawks are likely headed, Wesley is a prospect I fear wouldn’t get the burn he needs right away to properly develop, similar to Cam Reddish and no one wants to see that route again for a prospect in Atlanta. He could get the Jalen Johnson treatment and tear up the G League but do we really want to use another mid 1st rounder for future development? Long term, every team should be intrigued by Wesley but I prefer the Hawks to go another route at pick 16 on draft night.