Golden State Warriors 2015 NBA Draft Preview
Rakeem Christmas
Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Age: 23
Height: 6’10
Weight: 243 lbs.
Wingspan: 7’5
2014-15 Stats: 31 GP, 34.3 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 2.5 TOV, 3.4 FPG, 55.3 FG%, 55.5 2FG%, 71.2 FT%, 26.8 PER
The biggest knock on Christmas is his age. He’ll turn 24 come December, which has many scouts questioning his upside. The fact that he played in Syracuse’s zone defense also has some scouts questioning whether he’ll be able to pick up a NBA defense and thrive in it.
Nevertheless, Christmas’ physical profile is difficult to ignore, and the numbers he posted last season are highly intriguing. The eye test shows he runs the floor well and can play high above the rim on both ends.
He mostly made a name for himself as a rim protector in college, and that will likely translate well to the NBA with the instincts he possesses. His offensive game remains raw, but he showed at the Combine and in a few workouts that he’s steadily improving in that area.
There’s also some questions about his motor, as he seems a bit nonchalant at times, but there’s a good chance his mentality will change once he’s in the thick of the things.