TyTy Washington Jr. Scouting Report: Stats, NBA Draft Ranking, Highlights, Comparison
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TyTy Washington Jr, who turns 21-years-old in November, is a 6’3” point guard with a 6’8” wingspan. His clear future as an impact guard will cause him to land in the high teens to early 20s of the 2022 NBA Draft. He doesn’t have the potential of previous Kentucky guards – Wall, Booker, Murray, Fox, Maxey, etc. – but Washington will be a solid starting point guard at a minimum.
TyTy Washington Jr. Scouting Report
Washington was an All-SEC Freshman and earned All-SEC. He produced 12.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, and 1.3 SPG on a 45/35/75 shooting split. His assist numbers are not great, but Washington played off-ball for a large chunk of his minutes. He displayed his playmaking against Georgia, where he racked up 17 assists to only 2 turnovers. However, Washington disappointed in their biggest game of the season. In the Round of 64 against 15th seed Saint Peter’s, Washington had 5 points, 1 assist, and 2 turnovers on 2/10 shooting.
Age: 20
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 196 lbs
Wingspan: 6’8″
Position: G
College: Kentucky
Strengths: Washington excels in the pick and roll as an off the dribble scorer inside the arc. He possesses one of the smoothest floaters in this draft and combines that with a lethal pull up mid-range jumper. He didn’t utilize a step-back jumper often, but Washington connected when he attempted it. Washington also efficiently picked apart defenses on dribble handoffs. Overall, Washington can thrive in the mid-range through a variety of plays and moves. He’s not one-dimensional on offense though, as his three-point shooting is solid. In terms of playmaking, Washington didn’t turn the ball over because he carefully assessed the danger zones for passing. His fluid and watchful game will translate into a combo guard who can play on and off-ball.
Defensively, his 6’8” wingspan helps deter passing lanes. Washington was a sticky defender at Kentucky, meaning off-ball players found it hard to shake him through movement. He hustles on defense, but his frame is a natural barrier to elite defensive success. I don’t think he will become a great defender, but I also dispel the notion that he’s a liability.
Weaknesses: Washington seldom knifed his way to the rim because he lacks elite burst and strength. Bigger defenders were able to deter him from finding space to attack the basket. He was efficient in the paint, but it’s worrisome that college defenders were stone-walling him considering NBA defenders are far more advanced. This lack of paint activity also diminished his free throw attempts. Washington’s non-elite burst also reduces the impact of his first step, and I don’t see him as a dangerous isolation scorer. He is lethal coming off of a pick, but his ceiling as a shot creator with no help losing his defender is capped.
He cannot defensively switch onto forwards and centers as he doesn’t have the size or strength to survive. Washington will be fine defending opposing guards, but I worry bigger ball handlers will hunt him.
TyTy Washington Jr. Stats
TyTy Washington Jr. NBA Draft Ranking, Team Fit, Landing Spot
Draft Ranking: TyTy is 19th on my Big Board because he is a versatile combo guard with a 6’8” wingspan. His low turnover rate and pick and roll aptitude are desirable traits for a guard.
Team Fit: The Denver Nuggets at 21st overall are a good fit for Washington. They need greater production from their guards, and Washington can contribute off the bench immediately to form a dynamic duo with Hyland. Washington’s ability to play off-ball will also work well next to Murray, Porter Jr, and Jokic.
Landing Spot: TyTy probably lands in the 17-23 range of the draft. The Timberwolves could select Washington at 19 and groom him to replace D’Angelo Russell. When Anthony Edwards takes over games in the 4th quarter, Washington will still provide value as a catch and shoot threat and not interfere. The Bucks could scoop him with the 24th pick should he slide. Their backup point guard spot is shaky, and Washington would give them a steady ball handler who neutralizes mistakes.
TyTy Washington Jr. NBA Comparison
Washington’s NBA comparison is Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson. Both players can play on or off-ball effectively without disrupting the flow of the offense. When they do act as the primary ball handler, Washington and Brunson limit turnovers and provide teammates clean looks. Brunson is a more efficient perimeter shooter who can score at a higher volume, but Washington has a larger defensive upside. Overall, Washington near his peak would be similar to Brunson’s playoffs this year.