Richie Saunders Scouting Deepdive
Richie Saunders of BYU is one of the NCAAs most underrated forwards, and he has the talent and the work ethic to make the league. The biggest question; will he make the jump this season or next?
The Physical Profile
Richie Saunders is an Electric 6'5" forward from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a good frame weighing 200. While his wingspan isn't as notable as some taller forwards in the NBA, his athleticism, agility, and endurance stand out. Saunders is quick on his feet, making him a versatile player capable of defending multiple positions at an elite level. His strength, combined with a 52.0% shooting ability from the floor, makes him a threat both inside and outside. His quickness and ability to finish at the rim allow him to outwork and outman defenders, while his length helps him contest shots effectively on defense. His ability to play extended minutes while maintaining productio is a huge physical ability that allows him to stand out.
A good NBA player for size and skill comparison is Gradey Dick of the Toronto Raptors. Both possess an important combination of athleticism, important defensive capabilities, and offensive versatility. Saunders, like Dick, can play as a wing who contributes in various ways such as scoring in transition to locking down defensively on key possessions. While not as physically imposing as some forwards, Saunders makes up for it with his speed and basketball IQ.
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Scoring and Offensive Play
Saunders's most significant strength is his ability to score at all 3 levels. He is capable of scoring both in transition and in half-court situations. He has shown proficiency in shooting from the three-point line with 44.6% beyond the arc. One of the most notable aspects of his game is his ability to finish through contact, particularly in the paint. He utilizes his athleticism to navigate through traffic, often finding easy finishes near the basket.
Saunders's scoring ability extends beyond just making his own shots; his IQ allows him to be able to cut to the basket and finish on the move. In an era of the NBA where versatility is key, Saunders shows flashes of being able to contribute in several different offensive groups, whether it's slashing to the rim or hitting timely shots from the perimeter.
However, Saunders still has areas for improvement. Much like Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, he can expand his offensive game by developing a more consistent mid-range and pull-up game. Tatum became a star by evolving and adapting beyond just being a scorer at the rim or a perimeter shooter. Saunders will need to adopt a similar mindset if he is to reach his full potential in the NBA but has the skills required to make that jump.
Defensive Play
On defense, Saunders excels and shows versatility, similar to OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks. Saunders's length and speed allow him to guard multiple positions with elite efficiency, which is a vital asset in today's NBA, where players need to be capable of switching on screens and defending both forwards and guards. His ability to anticipate the ball in passing lanes and ability to disrupt offensive plays are huge standout traits in his game. Saunders can become a premier defender in the league if he continues to develop these abilities.
His 1.3 steals per game show his commitment to impacting the game on both sides of the floor. Even at 200 lbs, Saunders is a force to reckon with on defense and if he can add more muscle and get to about 220 lbs similar to the size of Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics he will be able to cause more havoc at the NBA level. Saunders can adjust and adapt his defensive positioning and continue to develop as a team defender, he has the potential to be an elite two-way player, something the NBA finds highly valuable today.
Weakness and room to improve
While Saunders' game is well-rounded at the college level, there are areas where he can improve to solidify his spot as an NBA starter. The biggest area for growth is his consistency in scoring at all 3 levels, particularly in high-stakes moments. Although he can make shots in key moments, there are times when his shot selection and decision-making have been questioned. Much like Matisse Thybulle of the Portland Trail Blazers, Saunders could struggle to find his rhythm when it comes to creating for himself or his teammates.
Saunders also needs to establish a prominent passing game. While he's not expected to be a primary ball handler as a forward, the ability to kick out to shooters or make quick passes will be crucial for his growth and NBA. Right now, he's more of an inside scorer, and developing the playmaker aspect of his game will elevate him to the next level.
While Saunders is an exceptional athlete and defender, he occasionally finds himself in foul trouble. Saunders needs to work on controlling his body, especially when defending in the paint. In the NBA, the physicality of the post-game is amplified, and Saunders will need to refine his defensive discipline to avoid unnecessary fouls that could take him out of games and hurt his team.
The Pathway
Saunders has the opportunity to drastically improve his draft stock. He's currently not considered a lottery pick, but with the right development and time with BYU HC Kevin Young (Former Assistant Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns), he could move into the first round in the coming seasons. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has shown immense promise, and with some refinement in his scoring consistency and passing he could become a highly coveted player for NBA squads.
If Saunders decides to enter the NBA Draft this season, he would be a great addition to teams in need of a two-way wing looking to take their bench to the next level with the potential to develop into a key contributor. However, if he returns for another season at BYU, he has the opportunity to further refine his skills and become one of the top players in the draft class. His growth in his weak areas will determine whether he becomes a starter in the NBA or settles into a role as a versatile bench player.
Overall, Saunders' future in the NBA is promising. With his athleticism, defensive ability, and scoring versatility, he's well-positioned to have a meaningful career in professional basketball, if he can continue to develop his game and adapt to the demands and pace of the league.