2013 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: D.J. Stephens, Small Forward, Memphis


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Name: D.J. Stephens

Age: 22

Height: 6-foot-5

Position: Small Forward

School/Country: Memphis

Latest Stats: 7.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg

 

It has been a bumpy ride for Memphis forward D.J. Stephens, but after four seasons with the Tigers, he has quickly become one of the more intriguing senior prospects within the 2013 NBA Draft. Stephens is a banger, a physical specimen who is not afraid to play within the paint. Stephens has through-the-roof athleticism and it allowed him to be consistent in averaging 2.1 blocks per game this past season. Stephens will have to play the small forward position moving ahead however, simply because he is well undersized at 6-foot-5.

Stephens has a “wow” factor, but it remains to be seen if he is an NBA-caliber player. Prior to this season, Stephens almost walked away from basketball and he had never played more than 11 minutes per game in any of his first three seasons. Unless someone is blown away by his athleticism and role player potential, Stephens isn’t likely to hear his name called in June.

 

Strengths: Stephens’ athleticism is unmatched and that’s not exaggeration. He can play above the rim and block shots like someone who is 7-feet tall — Stephens is just 6-foot-5. Stephens uses his physicality very well and has the ability to make up for his lack of his size.

 

Weaknesses: Stephens can’t really play one the perimeter and at 6-foot-5 that’s a major problem. Stephens is used to feeding off his physicality and athleticism and that’s good and all for the college game, but he could struggle mightily against larger forwards. Stephens needs to extend his range and get better at getting to the free throw line.

 

Draft Projection: Undrafted

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS

 


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