Signature game: Richmond v Duquesne

Tyler Burton is an energetic, Small Forward.  Burton is a three level scorer with positional size and skill for the NBA.  His production impacts winning but his below average functional athleticism at the next level is a question mark.  Burton makes up for this deficiency with cunning, craft and determination.  He consistently makes plays others are NOT WILLING to make.  Winning teams have players like Burton on their team.  2022-23 will be Burton’s senior season for the Richmond Spiders.

 NBA skill:  Shooting, IQ, Dirty Work

Note:  Prospects compared to statistical averages of drafted NBA players (2017-2022), by position, from their last college season.

Guards = Below 6’5″

Wings = 6’6″ to 6’9″

Posts = Above 6’10”

Blue      Comparable to average drafted NBA players by position.

Green  Exceeds the average drafted NBA players by position.

Red      Below the average of drafted NBA players by position.

Darker color signifies a greater statistical variance.

Offense:

Tyler Burton is an efficient scoring wing with positional size and skill.  He plays with a high basketball IQ, manipulating defenders with changes of pace and back door cuts.  He plays angles very well and attacks the rim relentlessly.  Burton is the rare wing that comfortably plays off the ball very well.  This is important to playing at the next level where young players who are used to being ball dominant struggle to play off the ball effectively. Burton’s movement keeps constant pressure on the defense.  When combined with his shooting efficiency, 45 / 36 / 79,  Burton’s movement creates shots for himself and for his teammates. 

62% of Burton Play Types are the plays that NBA teams run most (see table).  Spot Ups, 1.1 Points Per Play.  Very Good.  Pick and Roll Handler, 1.0 PPP.  Excellent.  Transition, 1.2 PPP,  Excellent.  Cut, 1.3 PPP.  Very Good.

Burton has slightly below average functional athleticism but makes up for it with IQ and determination.  Burton is not a shifty player and has only a functional handle.  However, all of Burton’s measurables and stats are comparable to previously drafted NBA wings.  Burton’s production may be discounted because he doesn’t play in a power six conference.  Age may play a factor in diminishing his upside.  However, his dominance over 2 years should alay most of the apprehension about his potential to be a productive NBA player.   

Wanna sees:

Improved athleticism and shiftiness

Improved handle

Assist and Decision Making

Burton’s role on the Spiders is to score.  They run action specifically for him and he plays with a bright green light to shoot.  As a result, Burton’s assist numbers are low.  Despite a relatively high Usage of 24.9 Burton’s turnover rate is low.  Burton is a good decision maker on the court.

Rebounding and defense.  

Rebounding is another area where Burton shines.  He grabs a full 1.3 rebounds more than previously drafted NBA wings.  Rebounding is where the Dirty Work shows up.  Burton crashes the boards relentlessly.  It is an advantage he has over other wings in his class. 

Defense is the area where Burton’s below average functional athleticism show up.  Playing over 30 minutes a game and getting only one block every two games is very very low.  Burton does get 1.1 steals per game which is solid but he could probably do more.  

Wanna sees

Continued rebounding consistency

Increase in blocks

Increase in steals

Tier of 2023 draft prediction:  Second round