Summer League Report: Jalen Wilson

NAME: Jalen Wilson

TEAM: Brooklyn Nets (Summer League)

HEIGHT: 6-8

WEIGHT: 225

AGE: 23

WINGSPAN: 6-8

POSITION: F

During the 2024 NBA Summer League, Jalen Wilson noticeably showcased an impeccable shooting ability that lasted over not only the course of a single game, but the entire duration of the season. Furthermore, he averaged 21.8 PPG while shooting 47.3% from the field.

STRENGTHS:

Shooting: Jalen Wilson put on a shooting clinic this summer, making 22/40 (55%) of his three-point attempts; well above the elite 40% clip on decent volume. Most makes were catch and shoot situations, if not instances in which he held the ball for a moment before firing. Does a great job slipping away from defenses and moving without the ball.

Agility: Wilson displayed a quick first step when attacking the basket at times. When unable to beat his defender to the basket, he continued to put a shoulder down to muscle his way into the post for an easy basket.

BODY/ATHLETICISM:

Wilson added two inches to his height and six pounds to his weight from last season. Standing at 6’8,” 225lbs, he can be considered to have the most ideal/versatile frame for an NBA player. A great finisher around the rim, he uses his frame effectively to muscle through defenders when he doesn’t beat them with his first step.

WEAKNESSES:

● Ball Handling: Wilson’s ball handling may not be the most elite, opting instead to use his physique to bypass and muscle through defenders.

● Free-Throw Shooting: There were concerns of Wilson’s ability to capitalize at the charity stripe drafted out of Kansas, then averaging 73.2% from the line. This time around, he jumped to 89.5% off just 19 attempts. This can be seen as an opportunity to grow or proof of growth already having occurred.

● Consistency: Despite an amazing outing this summer, there are still concerns that Wilson is still a streaky shooter. Whether his success as of late from beyond the arc is temporary or long term has yet to be determined.

SHOOTING:

● Three-Point Shooting: This is Wilson’s strong suit, shooting 55% from three off 40 shot attempts. He led the tournament with 22 made treys.

● Catch & Shoot: Most three-point shot attempts from Wilson this summer came from catch and shoot scenarios, whether popping off flare screens or pick-and-popping as the main screen setter.

DEFENSE/REBOUNDING:

● On-Ball Defense: Jalen Wilson has active hands, staying disciplined and not fouling his opponent when they try to drive through him to the rim. He effectively reads passing lanes and dribble hand-offs, getting a hand involved to disrupt passes.

● Help Defense: Great decision-making on the defensive end. Does well playing and trapping ball handlers against the baseline as well as pressuring and doubling ball-handlers on the wing along the sidelines.

● Rebounding: Capable of rebounding at a high volume. Typically settles for ball-watching near the perimeter rather than hustling for defensive rebounds. Wilson battles larger and stronger opponents for offensive boards in clutch moments/when the rebounds can change the course of the late game.