The NBA, known for its elite talent and fierce competition, is the ultimate destination for aspiring basketball players worldwide. Every year, college stars and international prospects dream of hearing their names called on draft night, securing a spot in the world’s most prestigious basketball league. One player who has generated significant buzz in recent years is Drew Timme, a standout forward from Gonzaga University who went undrafted in 2023 and currently plays in the NBA’s G League on the Wisconsin Herd.
In this article, we’ll assess Timme’s potential to succeed in the NBA, considering his strengths, weaknesses, and how he compares to current NBA players.
Strengths
To evaluate Timme’s NBA prospects, it’s essential to start with a comprehensive scouting report. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths that we’ve seen him showcase during his extensive career in college basketball.
Scoring Ability:
Timme possesses a versatile scoring repertoire, capable of scoring in the paint and from mid-range. He also has excellent footwork and uses a variety of post moves to score efficiently. His ability to finish with either hand around the rim is a valuable asset. He averaged about 17 points per game throughout his entire college career; if you only include his last 3 years at Gonzaga, he averaged 19.5.
Passing and Court Vision:
Drew’s basketball IQ is evident in his passing ability, making him a strong asset in high-low and pick-and-roll situations. He has improved his decision-making over the years, reducing turnovers.
Rebounding:
Despite lacking elite athleticism, Timme’s positioning and effort allow him to be an effective rebounder on both ends of the floor. If you look at some of his highlights, like in this March Madness video from the 2022-23 season, you can see that his IQ, when it comes to positioning for rebounds, is professional-caliber. He averaged about 6.7 rebounds per game, a majority of them being defensive.
Work Ethic:
Timme is known for his relentless work ethic and dedication to improving his game, which bodes well for his development. According to this Fan Nation article, whose author interviewed three NBA executives to get their thoughts on Drew, one executive said, “Timme is a terrific college post player. He has great feet in the post and has had an incredible career. He’s extremely efficient. Here are the issues: he’s not a rim protector, he doesn’t play above the rim and he doesn’t hit three’s. But he has a solid chance because of his personality and work ethic.” Not everyone is born a natural athlete, but work ethic alone can get one very far.
Weaknesses
While Timme has several strengths, he also faces some challenges that could impact his transition to the NBA.
Athleticism + Defensive Concerns:
Drew Timme lacks the elite athleticism commonly seen in NBA players. This could limit his ability to defend and finish at the rim against quicker and more athletic opponents. From the same article as above, another NBA executive had this to say. “Timme’s lack of athleticism hurts him more on the defensive end as he will get exposed guarding a power forward and he doesn’t provide any rim protection as a center”.
As a center, guarding the rim is a crucial part of the role; getting defensive rebounds is great, but being a shot-blocker is equally as important. Throughout his college career, Timme averaged less than 1 block per game, which is very low for his position.
Three-Point Shooting:
In today’s NBA, versatility and the ability to stretch the floor are highly valued. Timme’s three-point shooting is an area that needs development to fit this mold. Drew hit about 25% of the threes taken during his time at Gonzaga, but averaged less than one per game. If you are not going to be a well-rounded player, you need to make sure that you are extremely proficient in the responsibilities of your role. If Timme isn’t a proper rim defender and also is not a great three-point shooter, it will be difficult for a NBA team to benefit from his skillset.
Transition to NBA Pace:
The NBA is a much faster-paced league compared to college basketball. Timme will need to adjust to the speed and intensity of the game. Although big men aren’t supposed to be nimble on the court, it all comes back to being a well-rounded player. If you are not an expert in your role, you should try and become more proficient in skills outside of it.
Player Comparisons
To better understand Timme’s potential in the NBA, let’s compare him to current NBA players with similar attributes and playing styles:
| Player | NBA Team | Similarities |
|---|---|---|
| Domantas Sabonis | Sacramento Kings | Strong post game, effective passer |
| Mason Plumlee | Los Angeles Clippers | Rebounding and passing ability |
| Cody Zeller | New Orleans Pelicans | Versatile scorer in the paint |
These player comparisons highlight that Timme’s skills align with several NBA players who have carved out successful careers. However, it’s important to note that these comparisons are based on playing style and strengths, not necessarily on the same level of talent or potential.
Conclusion
Drew Timme’s transition to the NBA presents both opportunities and challenges. His scoring efficiency, basketball IQ, and work ethic are qualities that bode well for his future in the league. However, his lack of elite athleticism, defensive concerns, and the need to expand his shooting range are areas that require improvement.
Timme’s success in the NBA will depend on his ability to adapt, work on his weaknesses, and find the right team and system that can maximize his strengths. While he may not be an instant superstar, his potential to contribute positively in the league is certainly within reach. Only time will tell if Drew Timme can make his mark in the NBA and fulfill his dreams of playing at the highest level of professional basketball.