[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Jordan Hawkins
Frame: 6’5 195 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Connecticut
2023 draft age: 21
Stats via ESPN.com, Barttorvik.com

Offense

Hawkins may not top draft boards (projected to go 27th overall based on Jonathan Wasserman’s mock draft via Bleacher Report in January), but his ability to stretch the floor, come off screens, and get his shot off will add value to any franchise.

One of the best pure shooters in the draft, Hawkins is currently hitting 39 percent on over seven attempts per game. Over half of his 16.6 points per game come from beyond the perimeter. Moreover, of the current 16 players who have attempted over 200 three-point field goals this season, Hawkins ranks sixth in percentage and fourth in offensive rating.

Only Brandon Miller is a fellow underclassman among the players ahead of Hawkins in the previously mentioned rankings. While Hawkins shot creation leaves much to be desired, his ability to get open off screens and utilize a quick release has enabled him to become the second-leading scorer on his highly-ranked squad.

Still shooting just 41.4 percent from the field, Hawkins’ ability to create must improve; his deep two percentage is just 32.1 percent (18-56). Hit offensive repertoire is catch and shoot from the perimeter, run off screens, and lace-up from deep. However, converting eight of 10 dunk attempts dunks ranks third in attempts and makes amongst NCAA division-one players who have attempted over 200 threes, showcasing low-key athleticism and the potential to score from the perimeter, get to the rim, and finish strong in the paint, despite a slender build. 

 

  • At the 0:23 second mark, Hawkins can get to the rim and finish strong in the paint, capping off an early eight-point explosion by him against St.John’s.
  • Hawkins proves he can get to his spots at will and fire above closing defenders. 
  • At 1:30, Hawkins starts a fast break, gets to the wing perimeter, and drains a three.
  • At 2:00 minutes, Connecticut runs the offense through Hawkins, setting up a double screen, where Hawkins hits a top-of-the-key three.

Defense

Not only is Hawkins proficient from three, but of the 16 players who have attempted over 200 threes, Hawkins ranks third in block percentage. Furthermore, of the 76 high-major players who have attempted more than 150 threes, Hawkins’ 93.9 defensive rating ranks 16th. While his defensive stats will not jump off the page, just 0.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game,  Hawkins’ advanced numbers back up his defensive efforts. With a 6’5″ frame and what appears to be a longer-than-height wingspan, Hawkins can become a solid perimeter defender at the next level. 

That said, Hawkins’s defensive intensity does not match the aggression he delivers on the offensive end. His wiry frame may leave him prone to being backed down against bigger wings, and he may struggle to fight off screens. Hawkins’ athleticism may be average-at-best at the next level, so he must show a defensive commitment to establish a spot in the rotation. 

  • At the 4:48 mark in the video above, Hawkins allows the opposing player to skate by him off a screen, but he utilizes his wingspan to make the block from behind. 
  • Again at 5:20, we can see the opposition driving past Hawkins off the dribble, but Hawkins doesn’t give up on the play, blocking the shot. 

Hustle plays like this showcase Hawkins can defend as long as the intense effort remains constant. 

Looking Ahead

Coming in as ESPN’s 59th-ranked recruit last year, Hawkins’ college career took time to develop. As a freshman, he shot just 35.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three in 14.7 minutes per game. Anticipate a similarly slow start to Hawkins’ NBA career. Upon entering the league, many rookies take time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game, and Hawkins will need that time.

The leap from Hawkins’ freshman to sophomore season shows an ability to adapt against better competition and a willingness to improve. Projected to go late first-round, Hawkins may see limited minutes early in his career, whether a contending team selects him or a lottery team with a late-round pick. Nevertheless, as Hawkins’ career progresses, he should make a name for himself on the offensive end with his three-point shooting. Hawkins can become a valuable 3-and-D guard off the bench, provided his defensive intensity improves.