Jaden Springer was the backup guard for the Tennessee Volunteers in his freshman year, but will likely be a first-round pick in the 2021 draft with top ten upside. Springer showed off his defensive ability and made the SEC All-Freshman Team in his only season at Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the skill set of the young guard.
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Player Bio
Name: Jaden Springer
Position: Guard
School: Arkansas
Age: 18
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 204 lbs
Prototype: Consistent Two-Way Guard
Defense (24.25/25)
Although Springer does not have a long wingspan like other prospects such as Moses Moody and Scottie Barnes, he can produce on the same levels due to his timing and quick feet. He is fantastic at sliding his feet and staying with most opponents he is asked to guard. Although being without an elite wingspan, he uses the length he has very well. In combination with good timing, he can pick up lots of steals, as he averaged 1.2 per game at Tennessee.
Perimeter Shooting (11.75/15)
Springer is a passive shooter, but when he takes the shot, he knocks it down often. He took 1.8 threes per game in his only season at Tennessee and knocked down 43.5 percent of them. He has a slow release, but can make shots on the move or in catch-and-shoot scenarios. In the NBA, Springer should look to speed up his release and be more aggressive when shooting the ball if he wants to become a high-level shooter, but right now he is an average/slightly above-average shooter.
Finishing (11.75/15)
The guard’s ability to finish at the rim is tough to project. He has a quick first step which allows him to get past defenders and score at the rim but also struggled when trying to finish against stronger defenders. Springer uses great patience and can make explosive moves to get open in the paint, but also is blocked often when he drives. His finishing, much like his shooting, has a solid foundation but has room to improve at the next level.
Passing (11/15)
A solid passer, he does a good job of staying patient and finding open teammates. Springer can deceive the defense with many moves and make outstanding passes, but can also get stuck in the paint and make mistakes. Springer averaged 2.9 assists and 2.4 turnovers per game at Tennessee.
Athleticism (8.75/10)
Springer is an explosive player when he has open space and has a quick first step. He does a great job of sliding his feet and staying with his man on defense. Athleticism won’t be a problem, but he is not an athletic freak like some other guys in the 2021 Draft are.
Ball Handling (4/10)
He is not a very good handler. The Charlotte, NC native is prone to losing control and does not use many moves to get open. The moves that he does use are effective, but he is not great at creating separation for his shot.
Rebounding (4/5)
Springer is a solid rebounder. He does a workman-like job of getting good positioning inside the paint and grabbing rebounds. Springer averaged 3.5 boards per game during his freshman year.
Injury (4.75/5)
Springer suffered an ankle injury during the season but still managed to play in 25 of Tennessee’s 27 games.
Bonus: Potential (+4.25/5)
The risk/reward ratio for Springer is pretty low. He is a great defender that is well-rounded on the offensive side of the ball. Springer has a decent foundation that can be improved upon and since he is only 18 years old he will have time to develop before becoming a prominent piece on an NBA team.
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Player Summary
Springer has a solid all-around game. On defense, he does a great job of sliding his feet and staying with his man. On offense, Springer can shoot, pass, and finish at the rebound well, but can improve a bit in all these areas, as well. Since he is only 18, Springer has time to work on his game to become a more talented player all-around and become a well-known commodity in the NBA. The risk for professional teams with Springer is low since his floor is likely a ‘three and d’ guard with the upside of a 15+ ppg scorer who is great on both ends of the floor.
Final Grade (84.25/100): Top-Ten Pick
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