Dot is going pro
Yesterday, Devon Dotson announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft. He’s signing an agent (at least according to his note) and will thus forgo his final two years of eligibility.
It’s not surprising—it’s hard to envision Dotson having a better season than the one he just had. (Unless he came back for his junior season and shot, like, 45% from three at volume.) Although he got robbed of his rightful position on the AP’s All-America First Team, Dot dominated during his sophomore campaign, particularly during the second half of the season. While KU’s offense was anchored by Azubuike, Dotson was the best team in the country’s best and most reliable playmaker.
Of any NBA draft in recent history, this upcoming draft is probably the lightest on consensus and information, overall. The Australian pro team employing the prospective #1 pick, LaMelo Ball, wouldn’t allow NBA scouts to come to practices. No one knows if—or when—workouts might take place. As you could guess, a nationwide pandemic isn’t helping things, as hopeful tournament participants won’t be getting a bounce from a postseason breakout.
If the NBA Draft holds its scheduled date—doubtful, as teams are already pushing back—very few prospects will get the chance to work out in front of teams, in person. For a player like Dotson, the lack of a scrimmage component could hurt his projections—at last year’s NBA Combine, which Dotson attended while keeping his eligibility, he looked great. For Dotson, basketball has never been the problem.
If Dotson was 6’4’’, he would be the number one pick. He is not 6’4’’, though, and his wingspan—a measurement NBA people love—is just about average. Dotson is precocious on the pick-and-roll, and I believe that will translate to the NBA’s style of play. He’s going to be one of those rookies who scores 30 and has double-digit assists in an early season G League game. Shooting at the highest level will be a work in progress, but that’s how it is for everyone.
Dotson’s speed has been his biggest weapon in high school and college—even well-reputed Big 12 defenders couldn’t stay in front of him. The pace of play in the NBA is so much faster, but speed is still a game-breaking skill, as we saw in De’Aaron Fox’s breakout sophomore season. Playing with confidence and making decisions quickly have always been two of Dotson’s strengths and here’s to hoping he gets picked by an organization that’s willing to heighten those abilities and build around them.
If you’re on the smaller side in the NBA, you have to be perfect. Smaller guys can do damage in the pace-and-space NBA, but a drop-off can be particularly steep (see Thomas, Isaiah). For his skillset and size, Dotson is as equipped as anyone to succeed.
Also, this goodbye letter / video is so well-done. Sometimes, the vivid The Players’ Tribune style narrative fits this kind of moment, but just as often something direct, earnest and from-the-heart hits just as hard. Good luck, Dot.
I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.
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