As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one player drawing attention is Kobe Sanders, a promising guard from Nevada. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Sanders has showcased a blend of skills that make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, demonstrating his potential as a versatile player.
Player Overview:
– Name: Kobe Sanders
– Position: Guard/Wing
– Height: 6’8″
– Weight: 210 lbs
– College: Nevada
– 2024-25 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
– Shooting Percentages: 46.0% FG, 34.2% 3P, 79.5% FT
– Draft Ranking: Best rank 43, Worst rank NR
– Agent: On Time
Strengths:
Kobe Sanders possesses several strengths that could translate well to the professional level:
1. Playmaking Ability: Sanders is a crafty secondary creator with solid size and good court vision. He effectively sees over defenses and can deliver skip passes in rhythm when given time.
2. Midrange Proficiency: He has a strong midrange game, utilizing turnarounds, runners, and pull-ups. His length and footwork allow him to create space inside the arc.
3. Poise Under Pressure: Sanders operates with a calm demeanor, playing at his own pace. He makes solid reads against set defenses, which is crucial in the fast-paced NBA environment.
4. Ball Screen Playmaking: He flashes a strong playmaking feel out of ball screens, showing comfort in hitting rollers and finding cutters when defenders collapse.
5. Rebounding Skills: As a guard/wing, he is a capable rebounder, positioning well and not shying away from contact on the glass.
6. Defensive Versatility: Sanders is a defensive Swiss Army knife, able to guard multiple positions. He can defend off the bounce, close out on shooters, and provide help-side presence. His ability to guard full-court and disrupt plays could make him a valuable asset on defense.
Weaknesses:
Despite his strengths, Sanders does have areas of concern that teams will need to consider:
1. Lack of Burst: He struggles with quickness and foot speed, making it difficult for him to beat defenders off the dribble or turn the corner in pick-and-roll situations.
2. Finishing Ability: As a below-the-rim finisher, Sanders has limited vertical pop in traffic. He often gets walled off by rim protectors, leading to tough, low-percentage shots.
3. Shooting Consistency: His shooting has been inconsistent, particularly from beyond the arc. He made only about 30% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, and his mechanical release can limit his off-ball effectiveness.
4. Off-the-Dribble Shooting: While he can create space for his jump shot, his off-the-dribble jumper is shaky due to inconsistent balance and lower-body mechanics.
5. Minimal Off-Ball Impact: Sanders struggles to contribute without the ball in his hands, often failing to cut or relocate with urgency.
6. Role Translation: As he turns 23 at the time of the draft, there are questions about how well his skills will translate to the professional level.
Conclusion:
Kobe Sanders is an intriguing prospect with a mix of skills that could make him a valuable addition to an NBA team. His playmaking ability, midrange proficiency, and defensive versatility stand out, but teams will need to address his weaknesses, particularly in terms of quickness and shooting consistency. As the draft approaches, NBA fans will be watching closely to see where Sanders lands and how he can develop at the next level.
For more insights and updates on the NBA Draft, follow Cyro Asseo on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Blue Sky.