By Nick Brinkerhoff
As NBA teams continue to search for unicorns throughout the draft process, read more about Chet Holmgren here, Wisconsin’s sophomore guard is a unicorn in his own right. Davis is a player that lasted more than a year in college basketball, so maybe this draft does have it all. There are the one-and-done players, the unicorn in Holmgren, the guy who hasn’t played since high school in Shaedon Sharpe, the G-League pathway players, and the old school college basketball player in Davis.
Background: The Wisconsin native was only a three star recruit out of high school and unlike most players in modern day NBA Drafts, Davis did not start right away. In fact, he played in 31 games during his freshman year and started in none of them. Davis broke out this year though, completely flipping the script and started in all 31 games this season, playing a key role for the Badgers. He proved to be a key cog in year two, averaging 19.7 points and 34.2 minutes per game, up from 7.0 points and 24.4 minutes the year before.
Strengths: When looking for strengths in Davis’ game, you would be surprised to learn he is one of the most complete players in the draft. The former Badger averaged 8.2 rebounds per game as a guard, something that many teams would surely love to in a league dominated by its infatuation with small ball. His willingness to battle for positioning is a coach’s dream and could be something brought on by his desire to become a starter as a sophomore. Davis has good size and thrives on the defensive end whether he is in on-ball or off-ball situations. After all that, you’d be left to wonder whether there is anything offensively, but Davis thrives there as well. He is the complete package and certainly someone a team drafting in the back half of the lottery would covet. Offensively, Davis will not blow you away with speed, but instead use size and his basketball IQ to get to his spots. His midrange game will be the thing he relies on most, shooting 47% on attempts inside the arc. Perhaps most importantly for teams, Davis is someone used to having the ball in his hands late in games, never shying away from the moment. He was the closer for the Badgers and any NBA team would welcome another clutch, late game option to their roster.
Weaknesses: Any knock on Davis, who has been described as an old school player by many scouts, starts with his lack of three point shooting and top end speed. Teams can get around the lack of speed, but the three point shooting in today’s NBA will be cause for concern, especially as a 31% shooter from downtown. Davis took 352 shots inside the arc, compared to 104 outside of it. For Davis to truly become a consistent impact player at the next level, he will need to improve his outside shooting.
Prediction: Davis should enjoy plenty of success at the next level as a guy that can thrive anywhere. To me, he seems destined for the Washington Wizards, who, based on the rumors out there, will be preparing potentially for life without Bradley Beal relatively soon. Exit Beal. Enter Davis with the 10th pick.