While he may not have put up eye-popping numbers, B.J. Raymond did a good job in Portsmouth exhibiting the very distinct strengths that made him such a valuable college player at Xavier. Raymond has good size for either wing position at 6-6, to go along with a chiseled frame. Hes a below average athlete, though, showing very little quickness and leaping ability, something that was very much evident in all the games he played at the PIT.
Raymond is an extremely efficient offensive player, shooting over 50% from inside the arc and over 40% from outside it. 56% of his field goal attempts come from beyond the 3-point line, and 77% of his offense comes in the form of jump-shots (according to Synergy Sports Technology), which tells you quite a bit about the type of player he is, and how he was used in college. He is an excellent shooter with his feet set, and is also capable of making shots off the dribble, as long as hes not being too heavily contested, as he doesnt do a great job creating separation from defenders.
Raymond is capable of using his strength at times to bully his way into the lane methodically and finish after lowering his shoulder, but hes not the type of player who will get up and finish over the top of anyone, as he lacks any type of real explosiveness. His ability to create his own shot, dribble with his left hand or change directions with the ball is limited, which is why he rarely got to the free throw line at Xavier, and only tallied a single attempt from the charity stripe in three games at Portsmouth. He rarely turns the ball over on one hand, but also isnt much of a passer either, acting mostly as a spot-up shooter for his team this past season.
Defensively, Raymond is as tough and fundamentally sound a player as youll find, getting in a low stance and really competing on each and every possession. He does a great job moving his feet and staying in front of his matchup, utilizing his 6-9 wingspan very effectively to contest shots as well. Raymond rarely gets in the passing lanes, coming up with just half a steal per game this year and last, which is an indication of both how rarely he gambles, as well as his limitations as far as his quickness is concerned. He is nonetheless an excellent off-ball defender, constantly reading the floor and talking with his teammates, and doing an excellent job making accurate rotations. Xavier was one of the best defensive teams in the NCAA this year, and Raymond played a big part in that. While hes not much of an offensive rebounder, he does a good job hitting the defensive glass.
Raymond looks like a long-shot to be drafted, but hell likely get some looks from teams in workouts, the summer league and possibly training campas some may view him as a candidate to fill a Keith Bogans-type role, making shots when called upon and locking down his matchup. Considering his size, perimeter shooting ability, strong intangibles and excellent defensive skills, he would likely have a successful career in Europe if thats the route he chose to take.
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