Our Sixers draft series takes us to Seton Hall. Where Myles Powell wrapped another phenomenal season in South Orange. A season that saw Powell earn Big East Player of the Year honors. Becoming the first Pirate to win 1st Team AP-All American accolades since 1953. 

OVERVIEW

Myles Powell entered the 2019-2020 season with massive expectations. Much was levied on the 6’2 guard after a junior year that saw Powell average a healthy 23 points per game. However, things did not get off to a smooth start. An ankle injury against Stony Brook followed by a serious concussion vs Rutgers, put Powell’s season at serious risk in December. Undeterred, Myles Powell pushed thru the injuries. And in doing so, strung together some phenomenal performances. Games that included a 37 point showdown vs Michigan State and a 32 point outburst vs Oregon.

For much of the season, Powell was the guy. Constantly carrying Seton Hall across the finish line. But growing shooting inconsistencies raises some questions about his projection into the NBA. And deciphering how injuries factored into those struggles will go a long way into making that projection.

STRENGTHS

  • Comfortable shooting off motion and rising off screens
  • Subtle shot creator. Creates space with sneaky push-offs and great body position.
  • Plays extremely well off the gravity he brings as a shooter. Great feel as a passer when defenses hedge aggressively towards him.
  • Above average handle. Can expose forwards off the dribble and attack the rim.
  • Does not shy away from the big moments. A high usage scorer, specially in crunch time.

WEAKNESSES 

  • Lacks vertical explosion and length to finish at the rim. Runners and floaters will likely not translate at the next level. 
  • Below average foot speed and inability to harness quick ball handlers on defense.
  • Struggles to see over defenses. Forced into turnovers when pressured with length.
  • Does not possess a quick shooting release.  
  • Adds limited value off the glass. 

FILM HIGHLIGHT

Much of what Myles Powell brings can be defined by his willingness to move in the half court. It is easy to focus directly on Powell as a traditional on-the-ball play-maker. But in the NBA, it is off the ball where Powell’s game projects in a greater capacity. Both as a scorer and passer. Here is how this relationship played out at Seton Hall.

What immediately projects out on both clips is the attention he receives at the three point line. Defenders understand the threat and are quick to collapse on Powell. Natural shooters love to shoot. And Myles Powell is no different in that regard. However, what stands out here is his ability to see the next play and thread the pass to his rolling teammate. It is from sucking the defense out of the paint where these cutting lanes appear. Powell sees the entire court and displays tremendous basketball IQ to generate an easy scoring opportunity. 

POSSIBLE FIT

While Myles Powell will never be mistaken for JJ Redick, his fit in Philadelphia can resemble one close to the Sixers now departed sharpshooter. Assuming the shot translates, Powell can add an element of gravity that is severely lacking in Philadelphia’s half court offense. Previous offensive sets such as the famous Embiid-Redick dribble hand-offs could be one way to integrate Powell into the offense. Providing a significant release valve for the Sixers current big man. 

Having an extra ball handler on the court can also help. And the Seton Hall product has proven capable of attacking slower forwards (and centers) off the dribble. The Sixers have the capability of going small in future. Lineups that could possibly feature Simmons at the 5 and Harris at the 4. In those instances, Powell gives the team the option to exploit mismatches and use his play-making to get his teammates easy looks. 

STAT NUGGETS 

  • Shot 26% on 181 attempts from three after November (40% on 77 attempts in November).
  • 6th most three point attempts over the last two seasons (33% on 553 attempts).
  • 2,252 career Big East points (9th all-time). 
  • 7.5 OBMP over the last two seasons (4th among all college players with over 1,500 mins).
  • 2nd in the Big East in steals during the 2018-2019 season (68).

SUMMARY

Myles Powell will likely head into June with a mid to low 2nd round grade. For teams looking for a microwave scorer off the bench, Powell may turn out to be that guy. His physical limitations will show on both ends of the court. But Powell is a savvy basketball player. One who understands the subtleties of creating his own shot and playing passing lanes on defense.

The key question in June will center on if Powell sees a bigger opportunity by testing the UDFA market. Where he will have the option to chose his destination. The ingredients are there for a back of the rotation NBA player. A full year in the G-League may just be the ticket to ease concerns about his shooting. And give Powell an entire season to acclimate to professional basketball speed. 

To check out our most recent breakdown of Sixers draft target Payton Pritchard, click below!

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