As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one name that has been garnering attention is Vladislav Goldin, a 7-foot center from Michigan. With his impressive physical attributes and developing skill set, Goldin is poised to make an impact in the league. Below is a comprehensive scouting report that outlines his strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in the NBA.
Player Profile
– Height: 7’0″
– Wingspan: 7’5″
– Weight: 253 lbs
– Best Rank: 48
– Worst Rank: Not Ranked
– Agent: Klutch Sports
– 2024-25 Season Stats: 16.6 points per game (ppg), 7.0 rebounds per game (rpg), 1.1 assists per game (apg), 0.5 steals per game (spg), 1.4 blocks per game (bpg), 60.7% field goal percentage (FG), 33.3% three-point percentage (3P) across 37 games.
Strengths
1. Physical Attributes: Goldin possesses a massive frame ideal for an NBA center. His hand size ranks among the largest recorded in combine history, giving him an advantage in rebounding and shot-blocking situations.
2. Finishing Ability: He excels as an at-rim finisher, boasting a 69.3% success rate in half-court settings, 79.4% from the dunker spot, and 57.4% in post-up situations. His soft touch on hook shots and runners (52.8% over his college career) demonstrates his coordination and footwork in the paint.
3. Effective Screener and Roller: Goldin is an effective screener who sets solid, contact-heavy screens. He has a knack for slipping into space, particularly in high-low or dribble handoff (DHO) sets, making him a valuable asset in pick-and-roll situations.
4. Emerging Shooting Skills: While still developing, Goldin’s shooting has shown promise. He shot 33.3% from three-point range on 1.0 attempts per game as a senior, and his 73.1% free-throw percentage suggests potential for floor stretching in the future.
5. Defensive Awareness: Goldin has a good understanding of positioning and leverage, likely influenced by his wrestling background. He carves out space effectively and absorbs contact well, making him a reliable drop defender who can contest shots at the rim.
6. Motor and Effort: He plays with a high motor, showcasing visible emotion and effort on the court. Goldin runs the floor well for his size, contributing hustle plays through put-backs and transition rim runs.
7. Role Player Potential: Goldin thrives in a garbage-man role, excelling in clean-up duties with an average of 2.4 offensive rebounds per game. His ability to contribute in transition adds to his overall value as a potential role player in the NBA.
Weaknesses
1. Lateral Quickness and Athleticism: Goldin has limited lateral quickness and leaping ability, which can be problematic against stretch bigs and in perimeter switches. His lack of explosiveness may hinder his effectiveness against faster-paced NBA offenses.
2. Finishing in Traffic: While he is a strong finisher at the rim, Goldin struggles to finish above the rim in traffic due to a lack of vertical pop. This could be a concern when facing more athletic defenders in the NBA.
3. Defensive Coverage Limitations: His drop coverage can lead to open mid-range shots if he plays too deep, and he may struggle in scramble situations against mobile bigs who can stretch the floor.
4. Rebounding Concerns: Goldin has been a below-average defensive rebounder throughout his college career, never averaging over 5 defensive rebounds per game. This raises questions about his ability to secure boards at the next level.
5. Playmaking and Passing: One of Goldin’s significant weaknesses is his passing and playmaking ability. His career assist-to-turnover ratio is concerning (95 assists vs. 236 turnovers), indicating a lack of feel in high-speed situations.
6. Shooting Release: His slow shooting release makes it unlikely he will become a volume three-point shooter, despite his improved percentages. This could limit his offensive versatility.
7. Age Factor: At 24 years old, Goldin’s developmental runway is limited, suggesting he may be closer to reaching his ceiling compared to younger prospects. This could affect his draft stock and long-term potential.
Conclusion
Vladislav Goldin presents an intriguing mix of size, skill, and potential as he enters the 2025 NBA Draft. His strengths, particularly as a finisher and rebounder, could make him a valuable asset for teams in need of a center. However, concerns about his lateral quickness, defensive rebounding, and age may raise red flags for some franchises.
As NBA teams evaluate their needs and potential fits, Goldin’s unique skill set and physical attributes will undoubtedly keep him on their radar. With the right development and coaching, he has the potential to carve out a niche for himself in the league. NBA fans should keep an eye on this promising prospect as the draft approaches.