As one of the more gifted scorers this draft has to offer, Romeo Langford is the prototype scouts look for in a prospect. The 6’6″, 215 pounds freshman was expected to be a top-five pick going into the 2018-2019 season. However, Romeo Langford’s NBA Draft stock slipped to a mid-first round pick due to his shooting struggles in his lone season with the Hoosiers.
Romeo Langford: NBA Draft Profile
For a shooting guard, the 19-year-old put up underwhelming numbers shooting the ball. He managed to shoot a mere 27 percent from the three-point line. In addition, he only converted 72 percent of his free throws.
Strengths
Langford is an NBA-calibre scorer, having possessed an advanced offensive scoring package since high school. His exceptional size as a 6’6″ combo guard with a 6’11” wingspan allows him to score from all three levels.
He flashes the potential of playing the small forward position. He is a smooth athlete, plays the game at his own pace, and is a fluid ballhandler that changes direction well. He’s a confident player with a powerful first step and the ability to absorb contact at the rim. Despite his poor numbers from the perimeter, scouts believe that Langford has potential as a catch-and-shoot guy given his natural touch.
Areas to Improve
Going into the season, Langford was expected to be one of the most scrutinized players in this draft due to his bad habits. In high school, he had a reputation of taking a casual approach to games. He coasted at times, seeming to fade in and out of games and not showing the level of aggression you look for in star players. Langford’s play this past season in Indiana did not change that narrative much at all.
His size shows great defensive potential, though he needs to show more effort on that side of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, as gifted a shot creator as he is, Langford doesn’t make good decisions under pressure. He regularly turns the ball over against strong defence and at times is too lackadaisical with the ball. He commits far too many unforced errors and avoidable turnovers.
Throughout the season it became clear that he played with a contact-adverse style. He tended to opt for jumpers over driving and finishing at the rim. Since he was a streaky shooter with funky mechanics, that tendency takes slightly away from his draft stock.
Player Comparison: Bradley Beal
With both players standing at 6’6″, Romeo Langford and Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards share similar traits on the court. Langford does an outstanding job of using his handles and finesse to create shots for himself. Despite his inconsistency from the perimeter, Langford’s tough-shot making ability from all areas of the court hint at the possibility of his becoming a dangerous three-point threat in the near future.
Romeo Langford: NBA Draft Projection
Romeo Langford had his NBA Draft prospects undoubtedly worsen since the beginning of the year. However, his potential as a scorer ensures that he’ll still likely get a call sometime in the first round.
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