Elias Valtonen, 6-6, SF, Finland, 1999
Strengths
-Prototypical wing tools at around 6' 6 with a nice frame and decent length
-Good athlete in space. Can finish above the rim in transition or off of straight line drives in the half court
-Very effective straight line slasher when he's fully engaged 68.4% from two. Hard rip throughs from the perimeter, strong first step, long strides. Has the body to finish through contact.
-Projectable stroke although he didn't shoot it great at the Baltic Cup. Solid with time and space. On balance. Can make a one or two dribble pull up. Shooting potential not fully realized, but he has a solid foundation to improve.
-Does a lot of nice little things defensively when he's fully engaged. Will crash the glass. Can rotate from the weakside for blocks, using his tools and athleticism. Covers ground impressively. Decent feet when he digs in. Solid instincts in the passing lanes.
-Will finish high school in only three years rather than four.
-Fits a prototype as an athletic wing who can make a shot, slash and defend a little bit.
Weaknesses
-A little bit soft from a mental standpoint. Tends to show up versus lesser competition and go into a shell a little bit versus better teams. Too willing to stand in the corner and float in and out of games. Very effective when he's aggressive but that isn't the case all the time.
-Lacks some toughness defensively. Doesn't always dig in and use his tools like he could. Feet are good not great.
-Will shy away from contact around the rim as a finisher despite his frame and athleticism.
-How good of a shooter is he? Career 29% in 42 games. Shot is a bit mechanical. Can be quicker getting into it.
-Rigid handle. Can straight line drive but doesn't have a ton of wiggle. Not the most comfortable playmaker while on the move 4.9 turnovers per 40.
-Has missed some time with jumpers knee in the past.
Outlook
In theory Valtonen is a very interesting prospect he has prototypical size, is an above average athlete with a nice frame, he can shoot it a little bit and make plays defensively. With that said, the Finnish wing can do a better job of playing with consistent aggression and toughness in order to maximize his production and potential. Valtonen is expected to go the college route, and it will be very important that he lands in a spot where he won't get lost in the shuffle and is able to develop through playing time and trial and error.
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