Nick Ward
Page updated as of 4/12/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2019 rankings were finalized on 6/19/2019.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 245
College: Michigan State
Classification: Junior
Birthdate: 9/2/1997
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Solid finisher around the basket
Adequate low post scorer
Excels at scoring on the move
Has very good hands
Good rebounder
Adequate shot blocker
Mobile for a player his size
Has very good strength to play inside
Solid motor
Cons:
Needs to improve his face-up game
Must expand upon his low post moves
Can be turnover prone
Struggles against length and athleticism
Struggles to guard more athletic players
Can be foul prone
Only an average athlete
Undersized to play inside
Summary:
Nick Ward is a tough, bruising power forward that can score and rebound the basketball. Ward is a physical banger who plays an old, throwback style, but his game may not fit the modern NBA, as he does not possess great mobility or much perimeter skills.
He was expected to be the featured scorer on Michigan State in the game against Kansas, but he struggled mightily on both ends of the floor. He played fairly well this year as a junior, but he didn’t seem to take as big of a leap as expected. Right now, he may be a borderline second round candidate for the 2019 NBA Draft.
Links:
Games Scouted:
11/29/16 Michigan State vs. Duke
3/17/17 Michigan State vs. Miami (Fl)
11/14/17 Michigan State vs. Duke
1/7/18 Michigan State vs. Ohio State
11/6/18 Michigan State vs. Kansas
11/22/18 Michigan State vs. UCLA
1/17/19 Michigan State vs. Nebraska
4/6/19 Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
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