Arturs Strautins, 6'6", 18.1 years old, SG/SF, Reggio Emilia, Latvia
Strengths:
-Aggressive offensive player with natural scoring instincts. Averaged 22 points per-40 at this tournament.
-Showed the ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, be it via straight line takes off closeouts, attacking the paint to draw contact and free throws, or throwing the ball in the basket from the perimeter
-Has nice timing on his drives. Has a solid first step and the ability to change speeds. Gets to the rim powerfully going left. Shows good footwork and body control weaving around defenders smoothly.
-Can create shots in the mid-range using sharp step backs
-Throws in catch and shoot jumpers with some volume. Capable of making spot-ups in rhythm with feet set. Ball comes out of hand nicely.
-Has a solid feel for the game. Makes post entry passes with pinpoint entries.
-Shows flashes of competitiveness defensively. Rebounds at a high rate
Weaknesses:
-Frame is very mature. Doesn't have a lot of upside physically. Thick upper body and wide hips. Will likely struggle to play anything besides the forward spots
-Very streaky shooter. Doesn't shoot it the same every time. Displays somewhat of a big windup and slingshot action at times, with side-spin rotation. Converted 29% of his 3-point attempts at the U18s. Career 22% on huge volume in 60 games in DX database
-Doesn't always let the game come to him. 4.6 turnovers per-40 at U18s.
-Lacks the length and explosiveness to finish around the basket at times against better competition. Converted 40% of his 2-pointers at the U18s. Career 37% 2P%
-Not clear who he defends at the pro level. Lacks a degree of lateral quickness to guard slashing wings and doesn't have great size/length for the forward spots.
Outlook: Saw the first pro minutes in First Division Italy as a 16-year old, despite his import status. Still trying to crack through and find a consistent rotation place with the pros now. Had an up and down tournament at the U18s, scoring with nice volume but being unable to do so efficiently on a team that barely escaped relegation. Will likely have a good career in Europe but may lack ideal physical tools or upside for the NBA.
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