Jalen Pickett

Updated as of 6/28/2023, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2023 rankings were finalized on 6/22/23.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 202
College: Penn State
Classification: Fifth-Year Senior
Birthdate: 10/22/1999

2023 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 63
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
2023 NBA Draft: Round 2, Pick 32 by the Indiana Pacers
(Rights traded by the Denver Nuggets)

Pros:

Decent scorer off the dribble
Can post up smaller players
Adequate shooter
Good playmaker
Good rebounder for his size
Adequate defender
Above average athlete

Cons:

Lacks an elite first step off the dribble
Can be reluctant to take threes
May struggle to guard quicker players
Not an elite athlete
Old for a draft prospect, may have limited upside

Summary:

Jalen Pickett is a smart, skilled playmaker that shoots the ball well, and he can effectively run a team.  He is a patient player that seems to have a knack for making sound decisions, and he was very productive both at Siena and Penn State.

Pickett is a strong, physical point guard that operates well out of the post. He can make shots or passes with his back to the basket, and he also can score the basketball in a variety of ways. He’s not an explosive athlete, but he will consistently find the open man, and has a knack for making the right basketball play on the court. His lack of elite physical tools could be a concern, but he has a good feel for the game combined with solid offensive skills that could enable him to be a solid role player in the NBA.

Links:
RealGM Profile
The Stepien’s Article on Jalen Pickett
NBADraft.Net Profile
DraftExpress Profile
Albany Times-Union’s Article on Pickett Invited to G-League Elite Camp
WatchStadium’s Article Mentioning Pickett Returning to Siena
News10ABC’s Article Mentioning Pickett Will Return for his Junior Season
The Record’s Article Mentioning Pickett Will Transfer Away From Siena
ESPN’s Article on Pickett Transferring to Penn State

Games Scouted:
3/16/23 Penn State vs. Texas A&M

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