2023 NBA Draft: Get to know Cason Wallace
Overview
Cason Wallace declared for the NBA Draft following his freshman year at Kentucky. He started 31 of 32 games, averaging 11.7 points on 45/35/76 shooting, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.1 minutes – landing him on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Shortly before Christmas, on Dec. 21, Wallace had a monster performance against Florida A&M, where he posted 27 points (10-15 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 2-5 FT), nine assists, four steals and two rebounds in 32 minutes. Leading up to college, the combo guard attended Richardson High School in Richardson, Texas and was the Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year in the state while averaging 19.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He also played in the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games, where he combined for 22 points, seven assists and three steals in 45 minutes.
Analysis
The 6-foot-4, 193-pound Wallace dropped plenty of dimes for Kentucky but projects as more of a combo guard at the NBA level, especially since he has a smooth catch-and-shoot jumper. The assists should come though, as he has the vision to pump fake, drive and find the open man. The real standout of his game, however, is his defense. He can make life difficult and wall off opposing ballhandlers, and he’s good at finding opportunities off the ball for help-side blocks or jumping in the passing lanes. He should be able to switch onto NBA wings if needed.
Projection
Wallace has drawn understandable comparisons to Bucks’ Jrue Holiday, another bullying two-way combo guard that can hit open threes. Wallace’s ability to disrupt opposing point guards and make the right play offensively should provide him with a significant NBA role to start his career. If his great spot-up three-point shooting becomes even more reliable, a starting role for a team that needs a 3-and-D jolt could be in the cards sooner than later.
2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Cason Wallace
— Profile by RotoWire