This 2023 NBA Draft is loaded full of high-caliber playmakers as all 30 NBA teams take the best players possible to improve their teams. Among some of the top prospects in this draft is a tough and well-balanced number guard Keyonte George in this NBA Draft. In just one season, George was a key contributor to a Baylor Bears team that had some unfortunate shortcomings in the Big 12 Conference Championship Tournament and the 2023 March Madness Tournament. George displayed a level of high-level play on both ends of the court and showed why he was a top recruit in the 2022 recruiting class. He is going into the draft as one of the more assertive offensive guards.
Keyonte George 2023 NBA Draft Profile
Baylor Bears Collegiate Career
George came out of high school at IMG Academy as the ninth-rated high school prospect, the top-rated shooting guard, and the third-best prospect from the state of Texas. He was a 2022 McDonald’s High School All-American due to his assertive scoring. George came to Baylor and immediately became a part of a highly efficient trio that can score throughout the court.
In 33 games played and started, George averaged 15. 3 points per game, shooting a field goal percentage of 37.6%, a three-point shooting percentage of 33.8%, and a free-throw percentage of 79.3%. He also averaged 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.9 turnovers per game. He was one of three players to average 15 or more points per game in the regular season.
George was highly efficient in several of the big conference games for the Bears this past season. Some of his best games were against Big 12 opponents. The top-scoring game of his one-and-done freshman season was when he scored 32 points, shooting 10-of-18 in field goals, 5-of-9 from the three-point arc, and 9-of-12 at the free-throw line while also accounting for seven rebounds, two assists and only one turnover in the 83-78 win over West Virginia. In another game against West Virginia, George was limited in his shooting, but he accounted for a season-high four steals.
George did struggle the most when it mattered the most. In the 78-72 quarterfinals loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 Conference Championship Tournament, George scored 11 points shooting 3-of-10 in field goal and 3-of-9 from the three-point arc. George’s trouble on offense only grew in the NCAA Tournament. George averaged eight points on a combined 3-of-19 in field goals and 1-of-10 from the three-point arc in the two tournament games.
Strengths
At 6-4, Keyonte George possesses good height that matches some of the more assertive shooting guards in the NBA Draft. He possesses the ability to attack the basket from all around the court and drive to the rim. George is not afraid of contact, as he will look for opportunities to get his shots at the free-throw line. George waits for his teammates to set up screens for him or can create ISO situations. His good body control, ball-handling skills, and impressive footwork make it hard for the opposing defender to track and close off opportunities to the basket.
As a shooter, he can pull up and take fadeaway shots and roll-out attempts. He has offensive attributes that are similar to the way Jimmy Butler plays near the basket to the mid-range. The biggest difference is his determination in creating his own shots to shoot a high number of three-pointers. He possesses more shooting similarities to the way Zach LaVine attempts to create his own deep shots from ISO.
Weaknesses
While George possesses good height at 6-4, he possesses a small frame at 185 pounds. This will make him easier to overpower in the NBA against guards that are much bigger than him. Specifically, he can be easy to contain when driving to the basket. As a shooter, George has shown to be either hot or cold, as he can take premature and hasty shots. These are shots that could put his team into this tough situation in transitions. Often, he will try to force shots to the basket throughout the game in an attempt to create a rhythm.
George is a two-guard that is often not careful with the ball. His 2.9:2.8 turnover-to-assist ratio is high for one of the top-rated guards in this draft. Overall, he possesses great athleticism, the efficiency to score all over the court, and plays well in creating ISO. He will, however, need a lot of development in his decision-making as a shooter and passer, as well as in his basketball IQ while on defense.
