The prospect every team in the upper-half of the lottery is afraid to pick is Nate Ament, from the Tennessee Volunteers. He has concerns, primarily because it appears he’s still developing the handle, jump shot, and defensive skills needed to prosper in the NBA. So, if the LA Clippers were to trade down to specifically take him, loads of questions would arise, with people wondering why Lawrence Frank did such a thing, especially with other high-level talents still on the board.
But due to his crazy-good measurements (height of 6'9.5, weight of 210 pounds, wingspan of 6'11.5), flashes of absurd athleticism, and growth mindset, Ament will pan out. And, once he does, the same doubters of Frank on draft night will change their point of view on why he went about the lottery the way he did.
Nate Ament will thrive in the NBA, contrary to popular belief
Though it’s understandable why there is a caution sign when evaluating Nate Ament as a prospect, the measurements are simply too good, and his numbers for the Tennessee Volunteers back up how great he can be with the keys in his hands.
In fact, through 35 games, as a one-and-done talent, Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Regarding the Volunteers’ season, they reached the Elite 8 and lost to the eventual champions, the Michigan Wolverines, with Ament as the first option, which speaks volumes about his capabilities.
So, all things considered, there’s definitely more to be excited about than not; he is a gamble, as he logged concerning shooting splits of 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, yet one that has a good chance of paying off.
Now, specifically with the LA Clippers, Ament is perfect. He’ll have John Collins (if he resigns) and Kawhi Leonard to learn from, a coaching system that’ll work well with him, and a guard in Darius Garland, who loves to make plays, to get him the ball.
This is all Ament could ask for through his rookie season at just 19 years old.
Additionally, Ament’s player comparisons of Jonathan Isaac and Jaden McDaniels inspire a lot of optimism, keeping fans excited and eager to see the peak version of who he can become.
He has work to do to live up to the names these two guys made for themselves, but the tangibles are there, making it clear that he will, one day.
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