Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has the Portland Trail Blazers selecting Asa Newell with the 11th pick in the NBA Draft in his latest mock. The Georgia big has demonstrated a strong motor, nice touch from all distances, and good defensive quickness. He improved as his freshman season went on in the competitive SEC and shows signs that he could play forward, possibly small-ball center in the NBA.
Wasserman writes:
Workouts will give Asa Newell a chance to further sell teams on his shooting, which could unlock a coveted archetype and higher level of upside. He was the only player in the country with 50 dunks and 25 threes, and certain teams will surely be drawn to adding a springy finishing weapon that can stretch the floor and move defensively.
Team Fit: If Newell’s shooting perks up, he could complement Deandre Ayton and/or Donovan Clingan as a floor-spacing, switchable big off the bench. He also creates insurance if the Blazers wind up trading Jerami Grant.
Newell shot 54.3% from the field and 29.2% from deep. Definitely room to improve, but most observers think that he’s likely to become a good to very good shooter for his position. He averaged 6.9 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, and 15.4 points in 29 points per game in his only college season. Newell earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors four times
Position: Forward
Height: 6’ 9” without shoes
Wingspan: 6’ 11”
Weight: 223.8lbs
Birthday: October 5, 2005 (19 years old)
One knock against him before he entered college is that he needed to be more physical. He’s improved in that department but still has work to do. Growing stronger would certainly help.
Most mock drafts have projected Newell lower than the 11th pick, but usually somewhere in the teens. A solid combine performance helps make the case that perhaps he isn’t too much of a reach if the Blazers like what they see.
Enjoy some dunking goodness at the beginning of Newell’s highlight reel.
What do you think of Asa Newell? Good target for the Blazers or too much of a reach? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.