Draft Prospect: DeMarcus Nelson

[Marcus Bryant]

Full Name: DeMarcus De’Juan Nelson
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 200
Birthdate: November 2, 1985
High School: Sheldon HS
College: Duke

NBA
NBADraft.net
DraftExpress

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Undersized shooting guard. Pass.

[ECZ]

Undersized shooting guard. Pass.

I dont think he can consistently create his own shot either

[Marcus Bryant]

DeMarcus Nelson, 6-2, Shooting Guard, Senior, Duke
16 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2.3 turnovers, 47% FG, 1-2 3P, 15-17 FT, 19 minutes

Jonathan Givony

16 points in 19 minutes per game tells you all you need to know about what DeMarcus Nelson did in Orlando—being one of the most aggressive players to be found in this setting. He showed absolutely no hesitation trying to find paths to the basket, spinning into the lane repeatedly and finishing strong through contact. He’s just an average ball-handler with his left hand, but in an environment like this where there is obviously no advance scouting, that wasn’t much of an issue, except for the turnover issues he suffered. He’s very quick, smart, relentless and is also a terrific leaper, making him fairly dangerous as a slashing threat, as many in the ACC found out this season. At the next level he may lack the size to consistently finish inside, though, which is why he must improve his mid-range game if he’s to stand any chance at making it.

Nelson only attempted two 3-pointers in three games, but was solid shooting the ball from inside the arc with his feet set. His shooting mechanics are about as ugly as you’ll find, but it worked for him in college, so it’s tough to argue with the results at this point, even if his release is definitely on the slow side. Off the dribble was a different story, though, as he struggles to create separation on his pull-up jumper and therefore gets extremely poor results. He actually shot his free throws better than he typically has over the course of his career (60% this season).

Defensively he was excellent as well, using his terrific length and strength to keep his man in front of him and contesting every possible shot, just like Coach K taught him. Although severely undersized at just 6-2 ¼ in shoes, Nelson sports a ridiculous 6-10 wingspan to help compensate. He did a fantastic job getting in the passing lanes and igniting fast breaks, often being the first one up the court and getting a number of easy baskets in the process.

Although he doesn’t look like a sure-fire NBA player on first glance, as it appears that he might have a hard time translating his style of play to a higher level, Nelson is the type of guy you never want to rule out because of how many things he brings to the table. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him catch on in a Maurice Evans type role in the pros, knocking down shots from behind the arc and playing great defense. His pedigree will help, although measuring out two inches under what he was listed at in college at just 6-2 really makes things tough on him.

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[AFBlue]

Given the choice between him and Ellington...I think I'd go with Ellington as the better undersized shooting guard.

[Mr. Body]

I have played against DeMarcus. He can definitely create his own shot. The only thing that he sucks at is FT shooting.

From this I take it you couldn't guard him and succeeded only in fouling him?

[tav1]

I wonder if Nelson would sign with the Toros...as a point guard. He's not a true point, I know, but I'd be interested to see what he had..

Oh yeah, he was waived by the Warriors...

[ChumpDumper]

Apparently the Toros are still looking for someone other than Squeaky to run the point. He did fine in Bakersfield earlier this season.

[ClingingMars]

lol, Duke players in the NBA

-Mars

[tav1]

Apparently the Toros are still looking for someone other than Squeaky to run the point. He did fine in Bakersfield earlier this season.

He's a combo guard, but I think he's absolutely worth a look.

[ChumpDumper]

He's a combo guard, but I think he's absolutely worth a look.

Well, Squeaky played 41 minutes last game, so I think the Toros would give him a nice opportunity to develop his point guard skills.

[tav1]

Well, Squeaky played 41 minutes last game, so I think the Toros would give him a nice opportunity to develop his point guard skills.

Ha! I'm not sure why Demps wouldn't at least call his agent. We'll see.

[Tully365]

I think DeMarcus would be a perfect replacement for Vaughn next season as our 3rd string PG. He focuses on the defensive end, and has a huge wingspan-- even greater than George Hill's. He won defensive player of the year for the ACC last year, beating out James Gist, among others.

[K-State Spur]

I think DeMarcus would be a perfect replacement for Vaughn next season as our 3rd string PG. He focuses on the defensive end, and has a huge wingspan-- even greater than George Hill's. He won defensive player of the year for the ACC last year, beating out James Gist, among others.

kevin durant was once first team all-defense...so i don't put much stock in collegiate DPOY picks.

[Tully365]

kevin durant was once first team all-defense...so i don't put much stock in collegiate DPOY picks.

Sure, they're not always right... but Robinson and Duncan were all-defense too in college. Nelson, at the very least, has the right mindset-- something I think Pop would like. Plus, he'd be a cheap pick-up to replace Vaughn, who himself is a relatively inexpensive guy. Remember, I'm talking about him as a third string guy... not a starter or big-time-minutes guy.

[ChumpDumper]

I wonder if Nelson would sign with the Toros...as a point guard. He's not a true point, I know, but I'd be interested to see what he had..

Oh yeah, he was waived by the Warriors...

Nelson started at shooting guard for the Toros tonight, but is playing some point as well.

[completely deck]

I saw this thread le and got immediately disgusted by the billion "Draft Prospect" threads last year.

[ChumpDumper]

I like them because they can be bumped at times like this. Tim looks like a clairvoyant now.

[tav1]

Nelson started at shooting guard for the Toros tonight, but is playing some point as well.

Huh? I've been traveling, so maybe I missed it. But I didn't see a press release about this. Nothing on the website, either. Thanks, CD.

It makes sense for the Toros, and it gives the Spurs an opportunity to see if Nelson is worth a camp invite. The Spurs will have to make a decision regarding their 3rd point position this offseason. My guess is that they'll decide between JV on a 1 year deal or a camp invite.

[ChumpDumper]

Huh? I've been traveling, so maybe I missed it. But I didn't see a press release about this. Nothing on the website, either. Thanks, CD.

In true D-League/Toros style, there was no information about it. He just suddenly appeared in the starting lineup.

It makes sense for the Toros, and it gives the Spurs an opportunity to see if Nelson is worth a camp invite. The Spurs will have to make a decision regarding their 3rd point position this offseason. My guess is that they'll decide between JV on a 1 year deal or a camp invite.

It would be very nice if Hill reached the level where Pop could take a gamble on a raw third point guard, but I won't hold my breath. I think Nelson has even a little wider wingspan than Hill.

[tav1]

In true D-League/Toros style, there was no information about it. He just suddenly appeared in the starting lineup.

It would be very nice if Hill reached the level where Pop could take a gamble on a raw third point guard, but I won't hold my breath. I think Nelson has even a little wider wingspan than Hill.

Well, yeah, you're right about Pop's confidence level being the most important issue here. Every time I try to project the roster forward, I see JV on it for another season. But if I were in a position to argue the point, I'd ask what service JV serves in a suit. Better to find a serviceable third point who can spend the year in Austin. We'll see. Too early to think much more about it now.

[Marcus Bryant]

I saw this thread le and got immediately disgusted by the billion "Draft Prospect" threads last year.

you you ing worthless piece of . I am disgusted by a ing billion pieces of worthless on this planet such as yourself.

[ChumpDumper]

[Marcus Bryant]

Yeah, talking about basketball. Let's worry about whether or not the Coyote uses Charmin or Northern Quilt to wipe his ass in the offseason.

Get the outta here.

[exstatic]

I saw this thread le and got immediately disgusted by the billion "Draft Prospect" threads last year.

Easy solution: stay out of the forum between the end of the season and the draft.