Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
Far, far down the list of things an NBA team will look at when evaluating prospects, but still surely an important factor, is their suitability as a roommate for the team's superstar.
If Rashad Vaughn has his way, he'll be sleeping at Kobe Bryant's house nightly as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. But Vaughn may have effectively played his way off the Lakers' draft radar, slowly pushing his stock from a second-round pick to one that could reach the late teens on draft night. It's been a nice bit of reputation recovery after a torn meniscus in February threatened to send him back to school for a sophomore season.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG | 43 | 23 | 6' 5" | 199 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 7" | 8' 5" | 34.0 | 8 | 6.2% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 17.8 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 43.9% | 38.3% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Vaughn's talents didn't quite get the chance to be put on display during a down year for the Rebels, one that saw him miss the team's final nine games. Prior to the injury, he was sure to leave little doubt about his primary asset - scoring. Vaughn can score, with the strength and athleticism to carve into the lane, an attack-first mentality, and, completing the package, a dangerous outside shot that makes him a tough weapon to contain once he gets the ball. He's also said to be an incredibly hard worker, one who may be able to iron out the somewhat inefficient and out-of-control habits in his game that may have, in part, been a product of environment.
Weaknesses: Vaughn scored prodigiously, but he did so against Mountain West competition within a team system that afforded him the freedom of a star. He can't really do much about competition, but there are concerns offense may be difficult for him at the next level, as he lacks elite length and has struggled with shot selection at times, a fact made worse by an inconsistent stroke from outside. That length shortage could make him a questionable defender, too, but he has good footwork and is quick enough laterally that it's not a death knell for his potential.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Vaughn is an 18-year-old who had a top-40 usage rate and acquitted himself well enough before an injury cut his freshman development off some. Reasons to be excited about him are obvious, especially in a draft thin on shooting guards and on scorers by the time the late-teens roll around. There's still a chance Vaughn slides back into the second round, where he spent part of the season, but his range begins at No. 20 and could even inch higher through pre-draft workouts.
