From: Purdue
Age: 20
Measurables: 6-4, 200 pounds
Key 2021-22 stats: 17.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 46.0 FG percentage
NBA.com consensus mock draft position: 4
OVERVIEW
The son of Notre Dame women’s head basketball coach and former WNBA player Niele Ivey, Jaden Ivey has generated many glowing projections about his future, with USA Today noting that the guard “is as explosive as they come with the ball in his hands, something that can fit in with any NBA team. The 20-year-old projects to be a dynamic player at the next level who can eventually develop into a franchise cornerstone.” Basketball News on Ivey: “He is a phenomenal athlete, alpha, and promising on-ball defender who has flashed elite potential in numerous facets of the game.”
DRAFT RANGE
Based on the vast majority of mock drafts across the Internet, the Indiana native should be prepared to relocate to either California’s capital city or the Motor City. Among the dozen websites surveyed by NBA.com, every projection has Ivey being picked by Sacramento at No. 4 or Detroit in the following slot.
PRO PLAYER COMPARISONS
Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant or Dejounte Murray?
Mitchell (44 percent) and Morant (36 percent) were deemed the best comps for Ivey in a Twitter poll. Coincidentally, Ivey’s mother was a Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach during Morant’s rookie year. A scout from another NBA team agreed with Mitchell as the most fitting comp for Ivey.
Scout’s take: “His athletic ability is reminiscent of Donovan Mitchell. High-level athlete who can get anywhere on the floor. His motor runs hot and cold. Shooting is still a question. The background will be the key part of his evaluation. Donovan’s incredible work ethic allowed him to improve every year – does this kid have Mitchell's care factor? If so, he might be the best prospect in the draft. Best physical tools in the draft.”
Other Big 10/Big 12 backcourt prospects:
Ochai Agbaji, Kansas
Desmond Bane, Jae Crowder or Quentin Grimes?
Scout’s take: “I like a Reggie Bullock comp the best. High-level shooter who will be an average to slightly above-average defender. His game isn’t flashy but every competitive team needs role players like him.”
Malaki Branham, Ohio State
Caris LeVert or Khris Middleton?
Scout’s take: “His pure scoring ability along with his smooth mid-range game are similar to Khris Middleton at Texas A&M. Like Middleton, he is also a shooter off the catch. The big difference is that Middleon is three inches taller – that makes a huge difference in terms of getting your shot off against NBA athletes. Middleton’s size has also allowed him to become an above-average defender. Branham’s defensive profile in college leaves a lot to be desired.”
Christian Braun, Kansas
Alex Caruso, Kevin Huerter or Wesley Matthews?
Scout’s take: “Possesses a lot of similar traits to Alex Caruso. Athletic guard, good defender, glue guy. Will probably get drafted lower than he should. Does a lot of little things that impact winning. Shot 38 percent in his three years at Kansas. If the shot translates, he is definitely an NBA rotation player.”
Bryce McGowens, Nebraska
Spencer Dinwiddie, Zach LaVine or Latrell Sprewell?
Scout’s take: “McGowens’ body type, athleticism and scoring ability remind me of Jeremy Lamb. Super talented with the ability to create his own shot at a high level. Like Jeremy, his biggest issue is his motor. He does not consistently play hard. His body language can appear overly negative at times.”
Max Christie, Michigan State
Evan Fournier or Landry Shamet?
Scout’s take: “Landry Shamet is a good comparison. Christie is a good shooter, but has not yet shown how he can affect the game in other ways. Needs to be an excellent shooter to be a solid NBA rotation player.”