Overview:

Drew Peterson is a sharp shooting Small Forward.  Peterson has good length but is undersized compared to previously drafted wings.  Peterson does not have functional athleticism but could find value in the NBA as a floor spacer.  2022-23 will be Peterson’s senior season for the USC Trojans.

NBA skill:  3 point shooting, 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:

Drew Peterson is a floor spacing Small Forward.

As expected, Peterson’s shooting technique is fundamentally sound.  Good footwork, balanced feet, high release, consistent hands, consistent follow through.  He also shot efficiently

For a “thinish” wing (185 lbs.) Peterson does get to the free throw at a steady rate 33% which is in line with inline with previously drafted NBA wings at 35%.  Surprisingly, Peterson shot just 71% from the free throw line which will certainly need to be improve during the coming season.

Peterson is solid at the Play Types the NBA runs most.  

Spot Ups, 1.06, Points Per Pay, Very Good.  

Pick and Roll Handler, .77 PPP,  Good.  

Transition, 1.07 PPP, Very Good.  

Peterson does not finish well at the rim, especially against athletic and long defenders.  At the Rim he nets just 1.0 Points Per Play which is Below Average.

Wanna sees:

Improved movement without the ball

Attack closeouts

Assists and Decision Making

Peterson is a high IQ playmaker.  He sees the floor well and is a willing passer.  He has several advanced passes in his menu: interior passes, weak side drive and kick and lobs.  He does not force bad passes and has a low turnover rate.

Wanna See

More rim attacks that results in open shots for teammates.

Rebounding and defense

Peterson has excellent solid defensive and offensive rebounding production.  He is active and crashes the boards regularly.  

Defensively, Peterson is active but does not get enough steals or blocks for his position.  Notably, he gets clipped on Pick and Roll, as well as on Handoffs which he will have to fix to play serviceable defense at the next level.

Wanna see: Drew Peterson

Improved functional athleticism

Continued rebounding performance

Increase in steals

Increase in blocks

Tier of 2023 draft prediction:  Undrafted