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Name: Ryan Kelly
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-11
Position: Power Forward
School/Country: Duke
Latest Stats: 12.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.6 bpg
Ryan Kelly‘s draft stock would probably be higher had he not been injured for a good chunk of the second half of the season. Kelly averaged a career-high in minutes per contest this year at Duke, but he missed 13 games with a foot injury. After bursting back onto the season with a 36-point outing against Miami (FL), Kelly struggled offensively down the stretch. Even despite being limited by the injury, Kelly will have the chance to hear his name his called this upcoming June.
At 6-foot-11, Kelly is an intriguing prospect, simply because of the way he can play on the offensive end. Kelly shot 42.2% from the beyond the arc this past season and his ability to spread the floor is rare for a prospect who stands at 6-foot-11. While only time will tell if his game, especially inside the paint, will translate to the NBA ranks, Kelly still has the makings of a prospect that is worth a late second round selection.
Strengths: Kelly’s range is his best attribute on the offensive end. Teams at the collegiate level struggled to guard him at times, simply because of his ability to score down low, but also step out and covert from beyond the arc. Kelly is experienced and you know he’s well-coached having come from Duke.
Weaknesses: While Kelly can step out and stretch the floor on offense, he could struggle to score inside against larger, more athletic big men at the NBA level. The same applies with his ability on the defensive end. Kelly is limited in the transition game, so he needs to find a system that will benefit him.
Draft Projection: Late Second Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
