2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Payton Sandfort, a Shooting Threat with Room for Improvement

In the 2023 NBA Draft, one player to keep an eye on is Payton Sandfort, a 6-8 senior forward from Iowa. Despite playing through a fractured wrist and torn labrums on both shoulders as a senior, Sandfort is a beautiful shooter off the catch, capable of knocking down shots from anywhere. When healthy, he could provide a spark as a member of the Clippers' bench.

Strengths:

• Shooting: Sandfort is an elite spot-up shooter who relocates into open space and hits from deep with quick, confident mechanics. Defenses can’t lose track of him as he’s also capable of hitting side-step jumpers and midrange pull-ups with a smooth release.
• Passing: As a good decision-maker with the ball in his hands, Sandfort never plays outside of himself. With a growing role each season, he showed he’s more than just a basic decision-maker, with a feel for passing to open teammates off drives.
• Effort: He brings consistent intensity on defense and rebounds well for his position.

Concerns:

• Shot creation: Sandfort is not a primary creator and can struggle generating clean looks against length.
• Defense: He has limitations defending in space and doesn’t change direction too well. He could be hunted in switches at the next level.

Overall, Payton Sandfort is a player to watch in the 2023 NBA Draft. With his shooting ability and passing instincts, he could provide a valuable contribution to a team's bench. However, he will need to improve his shot creation and defense to reach his full potential. For more information on the 2023 NBA Draft, including a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.