Jaden Springer Scouting Report

Jaden Springer was a big part of Tennessee’s season, posting a usage rate of 25.94 percent along with 26 minutes per game. He has a high motor and great potential as one of the younger prospects in this draft. Springer was a member of the All-SEC Freshman Team last season, averaging 12.5 points on 46.7 percent from the field, 43.5 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the free-throw line to go along with 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.  He finished in the top 10 of the conference for free-throw percentage, assist percentage (23.3), defensive rating (92.1), and player efficiency rating (PER of 21.5).

Springer has the ability to take over games, which is a great skill to have especially as an 18-year old. He had six twenty-point games last season, including a 30-point barrage against Georgia on February 10th. In that contest, he was 9-of-12 from the field, 3-of-4 from long range, and 9-of-12 from the free throw line. He was also assigned to guard Sahvir Wheeler, Georgia’s top scorer, and held him to 4-of-11 from the field and 11 points. This game showed Springer’s full potential as a perimeter defender and a bucket-getter, seemingly getting what he wanted when he wanted it.

Springer’s defensive abilities are very prevalent on film. He is aggressive on the ball, and can switch on to multiple positions, especially on the perimeter. He has a solid body as well, which will help him when switching in the post. The Tennessee guard has very good lateral quickness and can stifle ball-handlers with his ability to cut off drives without fouling (two PF per game). His high motor is key on this end of the court, as it has helped him to improve getting around picks throughout the season. The best example of his motor can be seen in the Georgia game from February 10th in which Springer attempted to take a charge from Cam McDowell, was knocked towards the baseline under the basket, and then returned to play in time to contest McDowell’s shot, resulting in McDowell passing the ball out. The IMG Academy product is also very aware when playing help defense, knowing when to be where.

Springer’s offensive game is mostly efficient but limited. The Charlotte native uses his solid frame combined with jab steps, spins and other moves to create space for himself and/or get his defender on his hip. Springer has a great ability to adjust in the air and finish through contact around the rim; he actually seeks contact while constantly attacking the paint. This past season, he was a force in transition, shooting 66.7 percent, not to mention that he also shot 43.5 percent from three-point range. Being more of a driver and slasher, he shot only 1.84 threes a game, an aspect of his game that needs to change. Instead, he shoots a lot of close-range pull-up jumpers, but this can be corrected with the help of NBA experience and coaching.

In my opinion, Philadelphia got a steal at pick No. 28. Springer will only be 19 years old when the season rolls around, and he is a great defender for his age. His offensive game will need some work, especially his ball-handling and shooting from deep, but when the whole package is put together, Springer has NBA-starter potential and will carve himself out a nice career in the best basketball league in the world.

Strengths  

• Great overall defender
  • Ranked at the 90th percentile for overall PPP allowed (0.667)  
  • Ranked seventh in the SEC for defensive rating (94.2)
  • Stays vertical on shot contests
  • Great at cutting off and staying in front of ball-handlers 
  • Good at tracking shooters and negotiating screens; ranked at the 85th percentile when defending off-screen action (0.556 PPP)
  • Has quick hands on defense; ranked 12th in the SEC for steal percentage (2.7%)
• Lethal in transition; ranked at the 84th percentile (1.256 points per possession)
• Solid finisher with good body control; ranked at the 66th percentile (1.222 PPP) around the basket (no post-ups)
• Seeks contact, draws fouls, and converts at the free-throw line 
  • Among players with at least 100 possessions this season, ranked at the 82nd percentile with a foul rate of 17.4, and averaged four free throws per game
  • Ranked tenth in the SEC with a FT% of 80.1
• Passing ability gives Springer point guard potential
  • Ranked at the 78th percentile for pick-and-roll passes (1.111 PPP), and at the 56th percentile (0.869 PPP) in pick-and-roll overall offense, including passes
  • Averaged just under three assists per game (2.92), which is good for someone who is not a point guard or primary playmaker
  • Ranked 5th in the SEC for assist percentage (24.1%)
• Very good all-around athlete; tested well at the NBA Combine
• Upside — won’t turn 19 until September 

Weaknesses

• Not the most fluid or explosive with the ball in his hands:
  • Ranked at the 12th percentile in isolation (0.5 PPP) 
  • Ranked at the 16th percentile as a scorer via the pick-and-roll (0.62 PPP)
• Needs to improve shot selection by choosing catch-and shoot opportunities over driving into traffic for guarded close- and mid-range shots:
  • Took 71 half-court shots off the dribble, but ranked at the 25th percentile (0.62 PPP).
  • Took 63 half-court jumpers within 17 feet but ranked at the 14th percentile (0.508 PPP).
  • Took 34 half-court threes; ranked at the 77th percentile (1.147 PPP).
• Needs to improve fluidity and speed of his jumper; off the catch, shot much better unguarded (52nd percentile, 1.111 PPP) than when guarded (31st percentile, 0.8 PPP). 
• Turnover-prone, likely due to putting the ball on the floor more than your average shooting guard; of players with at least 100 possessions last season, Springer ranked at the 36th percentile with a turnover percentage of 17.4.

Sources, Credits, and Acknowledgements  

Stats used in our scouting reports come from Synergy Sports Technology, RealGM.com, and Sports-Reference.com.  Other outside sources are noted with links to the source.  Click here to see the statistical abbreviation key.