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Mustafa Shakur NBA Draft Scouting Report

Mustafa Shakur NBA Draft Scouting Report
May 24, 2006, 02:00 pm
Strengths
At nearly 6’4, he has as much size as any point guard prospect in this year’s draft. Combine that with his quickness and length and we’re talking about one of the more intriguing physical specimens in this draft. With the ball in his hands, he’s shown to be capable of doing a capable job at times of running a talented team. His unselfishness and up-tempo style of play could suit some NBA teams well. Shakur shows potential to slash and score quite well at times when needed, mostly from inside the arc. He is at his best in transition, and thrives the most as a point guard on the drive and dish. His length allows him to play even bigger than his size, and he shows potential to develop into a shut-down defensive type down the road if he can find a way to maintain his focus throughout the game and an entire season, which hasn't really happened yet.

Weaknesses
Shakur has been wildly inconsistent throughout his four years at Arizona. He can be extremely turnover prone at times, and a downright offensive liability in others. Shakur’s outside shot is his biggest weakness, as both his mechanics and range need plenty of work if he’s to make and stick in the NBA. He often lacks assertiveness and has shown poor decision making skills. There are major questions about his leadership ability as a floor general as well as his overall basketball IQ. He could still stand to add some weight to his skinny frame, and doesn’t have the type of polish or experience you’d expect from a 3-year starter playing at one of the top programs in the country.

Outlook
Shakur was once heralded as the top point guard in the country coming out of high school, but failed to live up to expectations at Arizona. He showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Tuscon, particularly in this year’s NCAA Tournament, but could really use his senior season at Arizona to iron out the many wrinkles he has in his game. He could be drafted somewhere in the 2nd round based on upside, but is just as likely to go undrafted should he stay in.

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