2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Ben Saraf, Crafty Left-Handed Playmaker from Ratiopharm Ulm

In the world of basketball, there are players who stand out due to their unique skills and abilities. One such player is Ben Saraf, a 6-5 guard for Ratiopharm Ulm, who is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork, and body control. Despite his limited shooting and athleticism, his positional size and skill make him a player to watch in the NBA draft.

Strengths:

• Pick-and-roll playmaking: Saraf has advanced poise for his age when using ball screens. He controls tempo, utilizes fakes to manipulate defenders, and delivers both creative and fundamental passes with precision. As a lefty, he has ambidextrous passing skill.
• Scoring craft: He drives into the paint with immaculate footwork and uses subtle deceleration moves before laying in or floating up the ball with a soft touch. However, he's a below-the-rim lefty finisher.
• Positional size: Listed at 6-6, he has combo guard potential if his shooting off the catch continues to progress. This season, he's making 37.5% of spot-up 3s, though it's on a low volume due to his on-ball heavy role.

Concerns:

• Shooting: He's never been a productive shooter. This season, he's making only 15.6% of 3s off the dribble and 41% of dribble jumper 2s. He's also below average from the free throw line, making just 71.8% of his free throws this season.
• Athleticism: Though he has a good first step, he doesn't have the speed burst on his drives, so many of his shot-creation opportunities are contested. He's a below-the-rim player who is too lefty-dominant.
• Defense: He has average lateral quickness and isn't too strong, making him a target on defense. Over time, if he gets stronger and focuses more energy into defense, he could tap into some versatility at his size.

Overall, Ben Saraf is a player to keep an eye on in the NBA draft. While he has some concerns in terms of shooting and athleticism, his pick-and-roll playmaking, scoring craft, and positional size make him a player with potential to develop into a valuable asset for an NBA team. For more information on Ben Saraf and other players in the draft, check out my NBA Draft Guide for a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports.