Jamal Shead 2024 NBA Draft Profile
Where does Jamal Shead stand as we head into the 2024 NBA Draft? That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about and I’m not going to waste anymore time on this intro paragraph. Let’s get right into the meat and potatoes on this one.
Height: 6’0.25″ (6’3″ wingspan, 8’0″ standing reach)
Weight: 200.8
Age: 21 turning 22 in July
Position: PG
Shead, the Manor, TX native, was listed as just a three star prospect in high school. While Shead flew under the radar in HS, there is just something to be said about the dawg mentality he plays with. Shead spent four years at Houston and won a ton of accolades including Big 12 All Defense and a two time consensus All-American.
As a senior, Shead averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and two turnovers per game across 37 contests. That’s while converting .409% from the field, .309% from 3, and .779% from the line.
Strengths:
If you want an on-ball defender at the guard spot, this is your guy. Shead was the DPOY in the Big 12 and helped guide Houston to the number two defense in KenPom. If he were taller the shades of Marcus Smart would be there. The motor is off the charts and he’s just a total pest on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, while he’s on the smaller side, it would be a mistake to underestimate him. This is a guy you better pay attention to or he’s going to turn into Swipper from Dora the Explorer.
This clip below epitomizes the heart that Shead has. The guy is just a total menace.
While the offensive bag might be limited, he’s got enough to where you feel comfortable with what he has. He’s fearless. Has no problems attacking the rim. He’s got a soft touch around the basket. Very unselfish and doesn’t make it about him. Decent play maker and has no problem letting others be the focal point of offense. Makes the right play and has enough hops to actually dunk at his size. Not unathletic.
Weaknesses:
The lack of size is an obvious one. Shead might be a dawg on defense but does that hold up at the NBA level given his lack of size? The good news is his wingspan may be able to offset some of this.
He also hasn’t been uber efficient scoring the ball. This is not a guy that’s going to light it up on the scoring sheet. His impact often times is more what the stats don’t show. He hasn’t converted a high number attempts from 3 either and if he can’t be trusted as an outside shooter, it hampers his value.
Projection: Second Round
I’m a fan of Jamal Shead. I got no problem turning the card in for the Houston guard. He’s a backup point guard who fights his tail off and brings it on both sides of the court. His ability to guard at the guard spot is not an easy thing to find. You can do way worse turning the card in here during the second round.
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