Jekabs Beks

Jekabs Beks, 6-8, C, German/Latvian, 2001

Strengths
-6' 8” center with a nice frame that will fill out in time. Strong legs. Should still have another couple of inches in him.
-Very mobile. A bit pigeon toed, but can really run the floor and dive out of ball screens. Nimble.
-Good instincts on the glass. 15.2 rebounds per 40. Always around the ball. Solid length. Taps rebounds to himself and teammates.
-Soft touch from the free throw line – 77%. Could turn into a reliable mid-range shooter in time.
-Can make a jump hook when he's able to establish position in the post. Soft hands and nice touch around the rim.
-Shows flashes as a rim protector. Not overly physical but decent compete level. Uses his size and length to alter shots.
-Very intelligent young man who speaks perfect English.

Weaknesses
-Nice frame but lacks core strength, especially in the lower body. Gets knocked off spots too easily. Hurts his ability to have an impact in the post.
-Plays mostly below the rim in the half court. Relies more on touch than physical tools.
-Not all that advanced in the post. Footwork is very raw at this stage. Struggles when his space is taken away and he has to play through physicality.
-Decision making has room to improve on the perimeter and out of the post. Plays with his head down at times. Shows flashes as a passer but not all that instinctual right now.
-Very upright guarding the perimeter. Not great laterally. Struggles defending ball screens. Fundamentals have a long way to go.
-Timing as a weakside defender is a bit off. Either rotates too quickly or is a split second too late.
-Not a threat as a mid-range shooter or face up driver at this stage.
-Needs to grow a couple of inches to become a more interesting NBA prospect

Outlook
Beks is far from a finished product, but at 15 years old with a nice frame, mobility, instincts on the glass, touch and growth potential he's certainly a prospect to keep an eye on. Born and raised in Germany (father is German, mother Latvian).