SHANE LARKIN
5-11, 176 lbs.
School: Miami (FL)
Class: Sophomore
Selected with by 18th overall pick by Atlanta Hawks
STRENGTHS: Larkin is a lightning-quick, water bug-like guard who has a tremendous handle and good court vision. He’s got NBA range on his three, and isn’t afraid to take–and bury–big shots. His improvement over the past year was remarkable. Larkin went from a backup who averaged 7.4 points per game on just 36 percent shooting to one of the nation’s best point guards, putting up 14.5 points and 4.6 assists per while shooting 47 percent from the floor. He’s a tremendous floor leader and knows how to run a team.
WEAKNESSES: He’s too small. At 5-11, 176, Larkin is going to be a man among giants in the NBA. Can he get his shot off in the league? Is he quick and shifty enough to find spots to shoot the ball? Can he develop a runner and midrange game that will make him a threat at the next level? All of these questions remain unanswered. There are plenty of talented guards who just don’t have the height to play in the league.
BOTTOM LINE: Larkin could have used another year in school, but with the weakness of this draft, he was almost forced to come out. He could be a late first-round pick. To succeed in the league, Larkin is going to have to develop a deadly mid-range game or play his heart out off the bench like a JJ Barea or Nate Robinson. His size is a big obstacle, and scouts aren’t sure he’s talented enough or has that one elite skill that will separate him from the pack.