2022 NBA Draft Profile: Andrew Nembhard
Andrew Nembhard's dexterity & pick-and-roll wizardry would be a match-made in heaven to pair with Trae Young.
Welcome to The Hawks Collective newsletter! Atlanta had a disappointing yet promising season led by the continued stardom of Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu’s development as the center of the future, and plenty more. The NBA draft takes place on June 23, so we’ll be profiling several players who the Hawks may consider selecting with its No. 16 and No. 44 picks. Today’s subject: Andrew Nembhard of Gonzaga.
Measurements
Height: 6-4
Weight: 195 lbs
Wingspan: 6-6
Draft Age: 22.4 y/o
Statistical Profile
The Basics: 32.2 minutes, 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists
Efficiency: 50.3% on twos, 38.3% on threes, 87.3% on free throws
Advanced: 18.6% usage, 26.3% assist rate, 2.7% steal rate, 0.4% block rate
Misc: 61% at the rim, 6.7 box plus-minus, 1.4 assist/turnover rate
The Intrigue
Floor general guard with experience out of ball screens & proficiency against ball pressure; ranking in the 94th percentile as a pick-and-roll passer. Combine that with his craftiness as a ball-handler and we’re talking about a point guard wizard.
When thinking about backup point guards, it’s unique to see a player that’s close to 6-foot-5 in stature; this allows him to see over the defense, finish over smaller guards, and be a disruptor on defense.
Nembhard’s shooting has taken many strides over his four-year college career; there are many similarities in his jumper to rising star LaMelo Ball — a low-release shot with impressive touch and dexterity.
Areas of Improvement
Not the quickest or most athletic; this is evident on defense where he struggles to defend moving laterally and recover at the rim. You can also use his near-even wingspan to sight more concerns with his lack of versatility on defense, Nembhard is likely only a guard defender, but not a great one.
As mentioned earlier, Nembhard is a crafty ball-handler, but also not a bursty one. He’s going to beat you with instinctive decisions, rather than blowing past & finishing about the rim. These issues will make it be tough for him to be a starting-caliber guard in the league, albeit there’s still intrigue in a solid backup guard.
Team Fit
Should the Hawks draft him at 44? Yes
Nembhard might be gone before the Hawks’ pick at No. 44, although if he falls, the team should absolutely snag him to pair with Young in the backcourt. His size will allow him to play alongside Young (similar to Delon Wright in this way) and behind him in the second unit. Although there are concerns with Nembhard as an athlete, his impressive decision-making, spot-up shooting, and capabilities out of ball screens are a match-made in heaven in Atlanta.