Miami Heat could revamp backcourt by drafting Jalen Hood-Schifino

If the Miami Heat are looking to revamp their backcourt via draft, look no further than Jalen Hood-Schifino. The Indiana guard, born June 19th of 2003 arrives at the draft as one of the best point guards in the class, a floor general with lots to offer in the NBA. Let’s take a look at what makes Hood-Schifino special and why should the Miami Heat at least consider him with their 18th pick.

PHYSICAL PROFILE

Good size at 6’4 and even better length at 6’10. Hood-Schifino impresses with his lower body strength and ability to fight inside with bigger guys and not get pushed around. His upper body though needs some work as he can’t finish with contact and is not much of a vertical leaper to finish above defenders and that affects his inside finishing. Shows great energy and fitness, is always working and making plays.

OFFENSE

Creates shots off pick and rolls, with great processing speed. Doesn’t force anything, reads what the defense gives him and acts accordingly. Really capable in the two-man game, finds little pockets of space to get the ball to the roller, bringing the defensive attention to him. Not as good at finding shooters.

Much more of a mid-range shooter than outside. Pulls up quickly off the pick and roll or uses his dribble to get a little stepback going. Lacks lift on his shot, but has a compact, repeatable shooting form from mid-range. When closer to the rim, he goes to a floater off two feet. Really good at using his body to shield defenders. Can’t finish with contact inside, relying on the spaces he opens up or some artful finishing to score.

When the defense gives him the outside shot he will still take it, seeming more comfortable on pull ups than spot ups.

Has a tendency to stop his dribble too soon, but can hit teammates as a standstill passer with his ability to watch the floor.

DEFENSE

Usually a good on-ball defender, can get beaten off the dribble by quicker guards but is capable of reacting and recovering well. Puts pressure on the ball and is really good at denying passes. Fights through screens, pushing the screener with his leg strength. Has quick hands to swipe at the ball when it seems his man is past him and, as it happens on the offensive end, is a really good defensive playmaker.

Knows how and when to help defending off the ball, swipes at the ball when offensive players drive close by him and can switch momentarily onto bigger players, pushing them out of the paint.

SUMMARY

Stats (per 36): 14.8 PTS | 44.9% 2FG (10.0 ATT) | 33.3% 3FG (3.8 ATT) | 77.6% FT (2.6 ATT) | 4.5 REB | 4.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 3.1 TOV | 0.3 BLK | 26.0% USG

The Heat would love to have a floor general as a rookie, someone who can playmake and get teammates in their positions on both sides, while also being able to get to his spots and score some relief baskets. A steady player, doesn’t impress with his explosiveness but with his patience but can offer organization and get his colleagues involved, while also providing good defense, on and off the ball. As the future of the Heat backcourt has some dark clouds over it, Hood-Schifino would be a great pick up if he falls to 18, whatever path Miami chooses to follow.