2022 NBA Draft Profile: Keon Ellis
This low-key wing prospect would become a fan favorite in the A.
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: Keon Ellis of Alabama.
Measurements
Height: 6-5
Weight: 167 lbs
Wingspan: 6-8
Draft Age: 22.5 y/o
Statistical Profile
The Basics: 30.9 minutes, 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Efficiency: 57.9% on twos, 36.6% on threes, 88.1% on free throws
Advanced: 17.1% usage, 10.2% assist rate, 3.4% steal rate, 1.9% block rate
Misc: 12 dunks, 8.4 box/minus, 13.8% turnover rate
The Intrigue
Fluid outside shooter with impressive touch on free throws, despite a narrow base; mostly projects as a spot-up threat, but there’s some creation juice from within the arc.
Versatile defender capable of defending ones, twos, and lighter threes; he uses his length & anticipation to stunt at the nail, defend at the point-of-attack, and rotate/contest shooters in a switchable NBA scheme.
Scalability at its finest: Ellis’ low-maintenance approach allows him to fill whatever is asked of him. One interesting stat is he missed zero games or practices during his two seasons at Alabama — so expect availability, similar to Mikal Bridges.
Efficient finisher at the basket that uses angles to make up for his weight & find openings as a cutter.
Areas of Improvement
His thin frame is an obvious issue that could cause him to slip into the UDFA field; Ellis is unlikely to put on serious mass so it is what it is.
Conservative ball-handler (very uptight, close to his body) that rarely makes mistakes, though this can be a detriment when you need him to power through & finish at the rim.
Nothing spectacular as a passer, but you can expect him to keep the ball moving.
Team Fit
Should the Hawks draft him at 44? Yes
The Hawks will look for shooting and defense in wings, both of which Ellis provides. If Ellis was 20 pounds heavier, we’d be thinking about a Top 20 prospect — weight aside, he’s the perfect rover on defense to pair with Delon Wright in a second unit backcourt, and even just alongside Young. The No. 44 pick is perfect value for a player that could yield immediate impact as a wing-stopper & floor-spacer.