NBA Draft Profile: Jordan Adams
Mar 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jordan Adams addresses the media after practice for the south regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA Draft this Thursday, Go Joe Bruin will be looking into a few of the UCLA Bruin’s potential draft selections. Today we look at Jordan Adams.
About Adams
6’5″, 209 lbs., Shooting Guard, 2 years in college
His Time at UCLA
2013-14 Averages (per game)
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Steals | Assists | FG% | 3pt FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30.1 | 17.4 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 2.3 | .485 | .356 | .836 |
Adams was the second leading scorer for the Bruins in his freshman year, but took over as leading scorer this past season. He also lead both UCLA and the Pac-12 in steals. Those kind of stats earned him All-Pac-12 First Team Honors, including an All-Defensive Team honorable mention. To add, he lead the Bruins in free throw percentage (attempting more than five throughout the season) and second in rebounds per game.
Why Adams Will Be An Asset
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Adams is a pure scorer. He can make shots from everywhere on the floor as well as drive to the hoop. He has a big body and uses it to move around in the paint. He is not explosive, but can get down the court as fast as anyone on the break. If he is left alone with an open shot, he is almost automatic for the score. And even when the shot is not there, he always looks to create one. He has good passing skills and can find an open man when needed.
His defense was inconsistent but good. He is not an on-ball defender, but plays patiently. He isn’t the Pac-12 leader in steals for nothing. Adams is like a snake in the grass in the sense that he waits for the right time to strike. Whether it is snatching the ball from an opponent’s hands or intercepting a potential pass, Adams is really quick when he makes his move.
What Adams Has To Work On
One of Adams’ biggest weaknesses is his physicality. He is not an athletic sort, depite being able to get down the floor when needed. He could also benefit from trimming down as much as possible to get into peak professional shape. He is not very long either which may give him trouble against some of the larger talent in the NBA. He is often good in driving the lane, but if their is no opening, he may opt for the circus shot. When it goes in, its pretty. When it misses, it is anything but. And have you seen him dunk? Not many have.
Projection
Adams is projected to go late in the first round, potentially selected by:
#23-Utah Jazz, #24-Charlotte Hornets, #25-Houston Rockets, #26-Miami Heat, #27-Phoenix Suns, #28-Los Angeles Clippers, #29-Oklahoms City Thunder
Summary
If a NBA team wants a guy that is determined to win and can score in almost any situation, then Adams is your man. He did well playing on a team that ran an up-tempo set and highly benefitted from a legitimate point guard. A team like Houston or Oklahoma City, with some proper development, would be an ideal place for him.