Tyrese Proctor has emerged as one of the intriguing prospects leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 183 pounds, the Duke guard has showcased a blend of skills that make him an appealing option for NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters. With a solid collegiate career behind him, Proctor’s stats from the 2024-25 season highlight his potential: he averaged 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and an impressive 40.5% from three-point range over the course of 38 games.
Strengths
Proctor’s skill set is multifaceted, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. Here are some of his standout strengths:
– Elite Passing Ability: Proctor is an exceptional passer with remarkable touch and timing. He has a keen ability to read plays early, delivering accurate passes with either hand, particularly in pick-and-roll situations and during drive-and-kick scenarios.
– Shooting Proficiency: He has proven to be a knockdown shooter, posting impressive shooting percentages—43% on spot-up attempts and 47.1% on pull-up threes. His shooting mechanics are smooth and repeatable, whether off the catch, on the move, or off the dribble.
– Midrange Game: Proctor excels in the midrange area, shooting 52.9% on pull-up twos. His ability to score from this zone adds a significant dimension to his offensive game, making him a threat on multiple levels.
– Playmaking and Decision-Making: He plays with poise as a secondary ball-handler, demonstrating strong decision-making skills. His career assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.0 to 1.3 reflects his ability to manage the game effectively without forcing plays.
– Defensive Skills: On the defensive end, Proctor is a locked-in team defender. He rotates early, closes out under control, and adheres to defensive schemes. His length and footwork allow him to effectively check smaller guards, and he has shown improvement in navigating screens throughout his time at Duke.
Areas for Improvement
While Proctor possesses many strengths, there are areas where he can improve to enhance his draft stock:
– Physicality: At 183 pounds, Proctor is undersized by NBA standards, which can make it challenging for him to hold his ground against more physical guards and wings. Adding strength will be crucial as he transitions to the professional level.
– Athleticism: Proctor has shown limited burst and an average first step, which can hinder his ability to create separation from defenders. His vertical leap is also lacking, making it difficult for him to finish around the rim, where he managed only 50.9% on 55 attempts during the season.
– Scoring in Isolation: While Proctor excels as a playmaker, isolation scoring is not a strong suit for him. He struggles to create his own shot and often relies on looping crossovers and wide angles to navigate defenses.
– Off-Ball Movement: Proctor’s off-ball activity is another area for growth. He has a low volume of cuts and often remains static when not in possession of the ball. Increasing his movement could help him become a more dynamic offensive player.
– Collapsing Defenses: Rather than collapsing defenses, Proctor tends to function more as a ball-mover. Developing the ability to draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates will be essential for his success at the next level.
Conclusion
Tyrese Proctor is a player to watch as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. His elite passing, shooting ability, and defensive skills make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams. While he has areas to improve, particularly in terms of physicality and off-ball movement, his year-over-year growth at Duke speaks to his potential. As he prepares for the draft, Proctor’s performance in workouts and interviews will be critical in determining his future in the NBA. Fans and scouts alike will be eager to see how he develops in the coming weeks and months.