June 17, 2014

"Arf!"

Aside from playmaking and ballhandling, at which he does little, McRae does a bit of everything on the court. He plays off the ball, has NBA size for the wing positions, long arms and is a decent if not elite athlete. He was drawn up to play the two guard spot almost, and having improved year on year, he now plays it very well.

Primarily, McRae is a high scorer, and an efficient one. Not an especially efficient shooter from outside despite a large number of attempts, Fells nevertheless finds his overall efficiency through a high number of free throw attempts - a timely slasher, attacking seams, using fakes and accepting contact, McRae does a good job of taking contact when it is there, and creating it when it isn't. His efficiency would be even higher with slightly better jump shot selection; nevertheless, with an ability to hit tough ones, step-backs, turnarounds and shots off of curls from both mid range and three point land, McRae is a very projectable if not elite shooter. McRae's all-around game is also evidenced in his assist totals (where, despite not being a playmaker or ball handler often, he demonstrates an awareness and willingness to make extra passes and find the open man), and also on the defensive end. Without top tier physical tools, strength or length, he is a good perimeter who stays with it and plays hard defensively, utilising instinct and timing rather than physical dominance. This aspect of his game projects less well at the next level, as he lacks the size to provide much ball pressure against NBA wings, but a consistent focus combined with his instincts could make him a productive player here (as evidenced by his stocks numbers).

A 6'5-6'6 wing player and decent athlete who often if not always plays hard defensively, hunts his shot aggressively, and who can fill it up from outside? Sounds a bit like Courtney Fells. And he is. And look how close Courtney Fells has come to the NBA over the years. So McRae has a chance.

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