Jordan Hawkins

Oveview

Jordan Hawkins a classic Spot Up Wing.  To expand his role, and thus his NBA value, Hawkins will need to add considerable size to his frame to improve his at-the-rim finishing.  As a second side floor spacer, he also has the ability to attack close outs, but will need to greatly improve his touch in the mid range and at the rim.   Defensively, Hawkins will need to dig in and defend a lot better. 

NBA skill: Floor spacer

Offense

Jordan Hawkins is the prototype of an NBA Spot Up Wing.  Knock-Down on catch and shoot threes.  Impressively, UConn ran a lot of their actions specifically for Hawkins with split action, multiple pin downs and flare screens – OFTEN ON ONE PLAY.  UConn rode his shooting efficiency all the way to the 2023 NCAA National Championship.

Hawkins moves well and has great footwork on all shot set-ups.  For UConn he attacked close out well but he will need to be able to finish at the rim (41% FGA) or draw fouls (3.2 FTA and 32% FTr)  for defense to run him off the three point line.  Hawkins’ has learned to take shot-fake relocation 3’s which is a nice counter to selling out to defend his 3 point attempts. With added size and developing mid range touch as well as touch around the rim, Hawkins has room to grow.  For now he has the hard part down – shooting efficiency.  Hawkins should be an immediate contributor as a floor space

Hawkins executes in the play types NBA teams run the most.  His efficiency in those play types is solid.  He is excellent Off Screens and this coveted skill should lead to solid minutes as a floor spacer.

Assists and decision making

Jordan Hawkins’ solid decision making shows in his very low turnover numbers.  Despite an average handle he makes good solid decisions with the ball.  However, Hawkin’s assist numbers are very low largely due to his role for UConn.  He was expected to shoot the ball.  Consequently, his playmaking was subpar both in P/R and transition. Another troubling sign was Hawkins tendency to gamble and collect personal fouls is another area he will need to clean up.

Rebounding and defense  

Guards do not have heavy rebounding duties.  Hawkins did pursuit the ball on the offensive end but was allowed to leak out on the defensive end.

Defense

Hawkins had good instincts off the ball.  His steals were below average despite his ability to jump passing lanes and get some deflections.  Hawkins was not as committed on the defensive end of court as much as he was on offense.  As a role player, he will need to add size to his frame so he can hold up against bigger guards and wings who will be hunting for him in ball screens

Projection: Late first round

Signature Game: UConn v Xavier