NBA Draft 2021: Is Corey Kispert worthy of a lottery selection?

Measurables of Corey Kispert

• Age: 22 (March 3, 1999)
• Height: 6’7 1/4″
• Weight: 228 lbs.
• Wingspan: 6’7″
• Standing Reach: 8’6″

While the wingspan isn’t ideal, Kispert’s size will not be an issue at the NBA level. At 6’7″, 228 lbs., Kispert has the frame NBA development programs covet. His current body may not boast the highest muscle percentage, but the potential is there for NBA teams to turn more of that weight into muscle.

Now, the pros:

• Incredible shooting range
• Consistent shooter
• High IQ
• Soft touch around the rim
• Leadership
• Won a lot of games at Gonzaga
• Great free throw shooter (career 82%, 88% senior season)
• Can score off the dribble or the catch
• Smart off-ball (cuts, screens)
• High motor
• Cliche, but a “gym rat”

We all know about Kispert’s ability to shoot the three, but what many don’t realize is that isn’t the only part of his offensive game. While he is definitely a prolific shooter, what makes Kispert so effective is his knowledge of the game – also known as his basketball IQ. Unless it’s a heat check, rarely does Kispert ever force a shot, showcased by his career 48% field goal percentage (53% his senior season), which is exceptionally high for someone who is primarily a three-point shooter.

Also relating to his high basketball IQ, Kispert is exceptional without the ball in his hands. A true team player, Kispert will do the dirty work to get his teammates good shots. In addition to that, Kispert is one of the smartest off-ball cutters in this draft, seemingly always catching the defense sleeping with an intelligent cut to the net.

Another quality Kispert has going for him is his desire to improve. As discussed in the previous slide, getting drafted wasn’t enough for Kispert – he wanted to go as high as he could. Kispert is the definition of the player who is the first to arrive and last to leave practice – a quality not noticed by fans, but most definitely noticed by scouts, coaches, and teammates.

Life isn’t full of chocolate and roses, just like Kispert’s game isn’t as perfect as I’ve made it sound to this point. Now it’s time for the cons:

• Weak lateral quickness
• Subpar athleticism
• First step lacks explosiveness
• Will struggle guarding quicker forwards
• Weak rebounder for his size
• Creates almost zero turnovers on the defensive end
• Already 22 years-old
• Primarily played against weaker competition

The main knock on Kispert is a big one, which is his inability to keep up with quicker players on the defensive end. The NBA is full of smart players who make the right decision, and the right decision is getting the switch and forcing a barbecue chicken situation with Kispert. There are plenty of great three-point shooters who couldn’t make it in the league due to their inability to defend, and some scouts see Kispert being another one of those players.

Another consistent knock on Kispert is the question of whether or not he will be able to help his team win if he is having a cold night. A below-average rebounder, playmaker, and defender, Kispert could find himself on the bench if his jumper isn’t falling. In addition to that, Kispert is already 22. Some organizations will most certainly believe he has already hit his peak, thus believing he isn’t worth spending a high selection on.

The final knock on Kispert that seems to be unanimous is the strength of competition argument. Playing in the WCC for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Kispert was rarely ever guarded by NBA-caliber defenders. Sure, Kispert played well against big schools like the Tar Heels of North Carolina, but he didn’t play against top teams for an entire season like some other lottery prospects did, leading to some to question if he could have those same collegiate numbers playing for a bigger school in a tougher conference.