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Deshawn Stevenson

retired
Drafted #23 in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Jazz
RCSI: 7 (2000)
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
Position: SG
High School: Washington Union High School (California)
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Current Team:

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Southeastern Division (Part 2)

Matt Williams
Matt Williams
Eric Weiss
Eric Weiss
May 09, 2008, 09:13 am
Overview: Stevenson has found his niche as a 3-point/defensive specialist. His efficiency has increased as his role has become more defined. Stevenson is excellent at hitting kick-out shots or driving to the basket off of good ball-movement and can get into scoring streaks that are difficult to defend because of his quick release. Stevenson is typically relied upon to cover the best wing of the opponent, but is much better at guarding shooting guards than he is small forwards.

Strengths: Stevenson is at his best shooting set shots from 3-point land or using one or two dribble drives to his left. Quick ball swings and cuts to the basket allow Stevenson to finish at the basket well and he is much better at using the whole court when he has space to make his initial move. Stevenson has really improved as a playmaker. His ability to create baskets for others without turning the ball over has made him a more dangerous offensive player.

Defensively, Stevenson is a ball-hawk. He picks up his man early in the half court, identifies his assignment well in transition, and gives very little space for his man to put the ball on the floor. Stevenson takes pride in his defensive work and looks well prepped on opponents' tendencies. Despite lacking ideal length, he holds opponents well-below their average efficiency most of the time.

Weaknesses: Stevenson could use some work on his overall recognition of his shooting strengths and weaknesses. While he has honed in on his most basic skills, there is some fine tuning work to be done when it comes to his decisions in ISO. Stevenson settles for no-dribble jumpers too frequently when guarded and he is not very adept at hitting them. A greater focus on making a quick move or getting rid of the ball would maximize his efficiency. His FG% was extremely poor in 07-08, at 38.5%. Although he's very athletic, he's not a great finisher around the basket, and doesn't get to the free throw line at a great rate. Stevenson doesn't have great size, and his mediocre ball-handling skills often leave him out of control by the time he gets to the rim. He's not crafty enough to compensate at this point.

Defensively, Stevenson struggles with larger wings. He doesn't have the size or length to be physical with larger opponents who have strong games off the dribble, so his ability to lock down against some match ups is limited.

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