Darion Atkins
Measurements: 6' 8.5 (in shoes), 245 pounds, 7' 2 wingspan, and a 9' 0 standing reach
2015-16 D-League Per 40 Pace Adjusted Stats: 12.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.6 turnovers, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks on 46.0 2P%, 16.7 3P% and 55.9 FT% in 28.3 minutes per game (52 appearances).
Coming off of an up and down rookie season with the Westchester Knicks, Atkins isn't a flashy player by any means but his one-on-one and help defense along with his strength, solid reach and fluidity make him worth tracking, especially with the NBA getting smaller.
The four-year Virginia Cavalier has excellent feet that allow him to switch ball screens and compete, a coveted skill in modern basketball. He's also quite sound defensively and plays with some toughness on that end. While not a monster rim protector, Atkins is quick off of his feet, allowing him to block occasional shots when coupled with his 9-foot standing reach.
Atkins doesn't provide much on the offensive end, as he's fairly limited both as a back to the basket scorer and playmaker. Atkins' feel for the game is average as he fancies himself as more of a shooter than his skill set suggests. With that said, the Clinton, MD native was able to knock down shots out to NBA three in Chicago, albeit with flat trajectory.
Atkins' game is simple but he adds value on the defensive side of the ball and appeared to have made some strides as a shooter and scorer.
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