Rodney McGruder

Rodney McGruder
SG, 6’4, 205lbs, 25 years old, 1 year of experience

The recipient of as-near-as-is 2,000 minutes as an undrafted 25 year old rookie who had not played in elite European leagues prior, McGruder gave the massive step-up in competition level a go, and didn’t look too overwhelmed, recording only 1.0 turnovers per 36 minutes. That said, while he made few mistakes offensively, he also had very little responsibility. McGruder’s responsibility was to shoot open three-pointers (and not doing so very well; 33.4% on the season), stay out of the way, don’t be a hero and cut where possible. Instead, he was in to defend. And he did, including bodying up small forwards far bigger than he to decent effect. McGruder had great defensive energy, winning the team possessions, being a pest, getting on the floor, and doing his damnedest to stay in front. They weren’t 2,000 sympathy minutes. He earned those. Now he needs to shoot better.

Player Plan: Two unguaranteed minimum salary contract seasons left. Earned at least the first one of those with his defensive play last season, so keep him around and see if he can add to the offensive skill level to go with that.

Rodney McGruder

Speaking of rebounding rate, McGruder was one of the best rebounding guards in a major conference over the last few seasons, a testament to the aggressive way he plays. He combines this intensity with offensive skill, particularly from mid-range, where he has a pull-up jumpshot, a floater, and the ability to get open without the ball. His dribble-drive game is less effective, and his three point shooter took a worrying dive as a senior, which is doubly problematic from a player already having to overcome being slightly smaller than ideal for his position. Nevertheless, effective defensively and sufficiently athletic, McGruder's solid and proven all-around game has a chance of catching on in the NBA. He, too, could use a calling card.

[...] A flurry of guard combinations followed; freshman 6'6 combo guard Shane Southwell had some very good moments defensively, but also had a knack for taking shots he couldn't make, and has been in and out of the rotation all season. The same is true of junior Nick Russell, who had a lengthy run in the team during the middle of the season as El Connery scrambled to find the right combinations, and who played some physical defense, but who never found a niche offensively and struggled to make the wrong decision. The only two guard constants were Martavious Irving and Rodney McGruder, both good defenders with good jumpshots and good athleticism. Indeed, McGruder has managed the rare feat of leading the team in both rebounds (6.0rpg) and three point makes (67, tied with Pullen), which is rarely seen in a 6'3 guard. Shame he can't dribble.