The NBA Draft is in June, and Syracuse has two players that will potentially get drafted. Today, we take a look at Tyler Lydon, who was one of SU’s most valuable players. He finished the season with averages of 13.1 points, 8.6 assists, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.
Here is The Juice Online’s scouting report on Lydon:
Strengths: Prototypical NBA stretch four… NBA ready range on his jumper… High release and excellent stroke… Good footwork for a big man… Possesses reliable hook shot in the paint… Able to put the ball on the floor and create for his teammates… High basketball IQ… Always willing to make the extra pass… Despite thin frame, isn’t afraid to rebound inside, leading SU with 8.6 RPG… Capable help side defender on blocks… Can play multiple positions.
Weaknesses: Good, but not great athlete… Despite offensive talent, doesn’t have a scorer’s mentality… Too often deferred to teammates and disappeared for long stretches on offense… Wiry frame will hurt him as a 4 at the next level… Struggles to create his own shot… Lack of improvement from freshman to sophomore year can be concerning to upside… Lacks the strength to be an interior scorer… Lack of lateral quickness to guard small forwards.
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NBA Comparison: Ryan Anderson. Anderson has made a career out of being a stretch 4, shooting a career 38.1 percent from beyond the arc. Last season in Houston’s open offense, he averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, mostly on par with his career stats.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: April 9, 1996
- Hometown: Elizaville, NY
- Position: Forward
- School: Syracuse ’20
- Height, 6’9″
- Weight, 223 lbs
Projections:
- NBADraft.net: 1st round, 23rd pick (Toronto Raptors)
- Draftexpress.com: 1st round, 26th pick (Portland Trailblazers)
College Highlights: Lydon was named an honorable mention All-ACC Selection and was also named to the USBWA All-District II team after leading the Orange in rebounding and finishing second in scoring. In his sophomore season, he was named to the preseason watch lists for the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Award, the Karl Malone Award and the Lute Olson Award.
Overall: In the right system, such as Houston, Lydon could be a perfect fit. There are few players of his size that possess the ability to shoot it as well as he can. Syracuse fans know that Lydon’s biggest impediment to stardom was himself. A slightly more selfish version of Lydon may end up having an 8-10 year career in the NBA.
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