Anthony Black Scouting Report: NBA Comparisons, Draft Rankings, Highlights, Stats
Contents
Before the start of last season, Nick Smith was the Arkansas guard that was highly coveted and expected to lead the Razorbacks. However, Anthony Black ended up being the top prospect by year’s end due to his size, playmaking, and defensive upside. Black led the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 before being bested by the Connecticut Huskies, the eventual National Champion. In the detailed scouting report below, we go over his measurements and strengths, and weaknesses as a player. Further, we have an NBA comparison available for Black, with his ideal landing spot, too. Other scouting reports can quickly be found on the Lineups 2023 Big Board or Final Mock Draft as well.
Anthony Black Scouting Report
Anthony Black’s size at the point guard position has a lot of NBA teams in the lottery very interested. His youth, quick feet and hands, and height all play a huge factor in why he is a coveted point guard prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft. Take a look at his most recent measurements below.
Age: 19
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 210 lbs
Wingspan: 6’7.5”
Position: Point Guard
College/ Professional Team: Arkansas
Strengths: Anthony Black’s feel for the game on both ends of the floor is by far his biggest strength; he knows where to be defensively and has the size, length, and athleticism to be there, and he can also run an offense due to his playmaking and high basketball IQ. Black has plenty of translatable NBA skills that should lend him a long career in the league, including quick feet and hands and phenomenal basketball instincts, which will give him a relatively high floor in the NBA.
Weaknesses: An area where Black has to improve if he wants to progress from just cracking the rotation to being a long-time starter in the NBA is his shooting. Black was a 30% three-point shooter as a freshman in college, which is by no means atrocious, but it is still to be seen whether he can adapt to a longer three-point line at the next level, especially with his current shooting mechanics. Unfortunately, his shooting off the dribble is not spectacular either, leaving much to be desired in that area of his game.
Anthony Black Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | FG % | 3P% | FT% | TO | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.8 | 5.1 | 3.9 | 45.3 | 30.1 | 70.5 | 3 | 2.1 | 0.6 |
Anthony Black NBA Player Comparison: Lonzo Ball lite/Dyson Daniels
Dyson Daniels is a terrific comp for Black on the defensive end of the floor; they use their positionally-elite size and length to disrupt passes, while their lateral quickness and ability to “wall-up” deters penetrating. Black’s defensive upside is undoubtedly what turned him from just a first-round pick to a lottery lock. Offensively, Black’s playmaking is reminiscent of Lonzo Ball lite; he is always looking to create for others but can finish around the rim if defenders don’t stay in front.
Anthony Black Highlights
As you watch Anthony Black’s highlights below, keep in mind the player comparisons above that make him such a unique talent and interesting prospect. Black’s playmaking feel, ball-handling, and defensive prowess are all on display.
Anthony Black NBA Draft Ranking, Team Fit, Landing Spot
Draft Ranking: 16
Team Fit: Washington
It seems that so many of the teams in the lottery will be able to match “best available player” with “best team fit,” and this is no different than with Anthony Black. Black is unlikely to get selected in the top seven picks, as the Thompson twins, Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Cam Whitmore, Brandon Miller, and Jarace Walker are better prospects; however, at pick No. 8, it is difficult to see the Washington Wizards passing Black up. The Wizards have not had a great lead guard since John Wall, and they have suffered for it. Black could give Washington substantial minutes in his first year and could even steal the starting position.
Landing Spot: Washington
As the draft continues, the landing spot and team fit won’t always be the same, but in this case, it is difficult to see another outcome. Washington has a talented trio with Kyle Kuzma, Kristaps Porzingis, and Bradley Beal, but unless the Wizards decided to go for a center, which there just aren’t really any worthy of taking eighth, they will probably look to secure their point guard of the future. The Wizards have decent depth behind Kuzma, Porzingis, and Beal, too, so it doesn’t make much sense for them to select an off-guard or forward.
