G: Nik Graves (JR)
Height/Weight: 6’3”/195 lbs.
Previous School: Charlotte
2024-25: 17.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 41.7% FG
Offensive Impact
More of a combo guard than a true point guard. Graves is looking to find his own shot before finding the open man.
Most effective out of pick and roll, handoff actions, and in isolation. 84th percentile or better shooting efficiency wise in all 3 actions.
His efficiency from the field surprisingly isn’t great for how well he grades out in these areas, especially as a P&R handler, but his ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line can be considered elite. Attempted 231 free throws last season and has a career FT rate of 58.7% which is almost unheard of for his size. 77% shooter for his career.
Remains to be seen how well his foul drawing ability will translate to power conference basketball, and his smaller frame makes this factor even more difficult to determine, but Graves is always seeking contact near the rim.
Patient in the painted area and can give undisciplined defenders a tough time.
Outside of his ability to get to the free throw line, there are concerns with how his game will translate. He has been an inefficient shot creator (on a bad Charlotte team FWIW) and doesn’t profile as the greatest secondary action player (39th percentile in spot up efficiency).
Has potential to be more efficient playing with better spacing.
Doesn’t have great burst for a guard either, so he could struggle to get into the lane against better defenders.
Not a great playmaker, but he takes care of the ball at a high level. 9% turnover rate with a 26% usage rate is rather impressive.
Graves won’t be asked to do everything for this offense, as there are plenty of other pieces that can handle the scoring load (Dix, Harper, Freeman), but for what he will be asked to do within this offense, I think Graves could have a very difficult time seeing his game translate.
If Zugic can handle more PG duties, Graves could slide into a 20-25 MPG role and be fine, but his overall style of play is a concern for me.
Defensive Impact
Moves fairly well laterally when guarding the ball.
Doesn’t have super active hands or bring a ton of physicality, so there is only so much value he can provide as a PG defensively. Won’t be asked to disrupt opposing ball handlers in coach McDermott’s passive scheme.
Average Big East guard defender at best.