NBA Comparison: Jordan Crawford/Kent Bazemore

Strengths: Richardson has great size and length to play shooting guard in the NBA … Listed at 6’6" with a 6’10" wingspan … Also possesses great physical tools in terms of athleticism and speed … Fast on the court at all times, with or without the ball in his possession … Has a very good first step … Became a better ball handler with time and ended his time at Tennessee as their primary ball handler … Doesn’t get flustered when having to dribble through traffic … Uses his size well to make plays for other teammates … Was very good working out of the pick and roll … Read the defense well and often found the open teammate … Also good in isolation situations … Showcased above average body control in trips to the lane … His length helps him create and finish shots … An improving three point shooter … Rose his percentage from 24.3 percent as a freshman to 35.9 percent as a senior … Can convert catch and shoot opportunities at a high rate, shot 39.4 percent in such situations last season (50 percent when wide open and 36 percent with a hand in his face) … Smooth release when not rushed … Combination of physicality and energy will help him be a good defender at the next level … Has NBA level size, length and agility on the defensive end … Was great at getting steals and disrupting passing lanes … Averaged 2.1 steals per 40 minutes, ranking sixth amongst NCAA shooting guards last year … Has the potential to develop into a strong "3 and D" player in the league …

Weaknesses: Needs to develop and grow into his frame … Lacks the strength necessary to handle elite perimeter players defensively … Tends to shy away from contact on both ends of the floor … Converted just 51 percent of his two pointers and didn’t draw many fouls … Has to become a more consistent finisher at the rim … Registered a high amount of turnovers as a senior, his assist to turnover ratio worsened from his junior to senior seasons … Doesn’t have high level vision and often drops his head when dribbling … His form isn’t particularly consistent and wavers when he rushes … Attempts to many contorted and off balance shots when dealing with pressure defense … Gets caught gambling on defense far too often … Played a rover type of role even when the Volunteers were in man (which wasn’t very often) … Doesn’t have a strong or intimidating defensive stance, looked lazy and careless at times in on ball situations … Got beat off the dribble too often for someone with his physical traits …

Notes: Named to 2015 All-SEC First Team and 2014 and 2015 SEC All-Defensive Team … Tied the record for most steals in Tennessee history by a senior (67) … Young for his class even though he stayed in school all four years …

Overall: Richardson is a player that will stick in the league early purely based off his physical and athletic traits. Will have to develop all facets of his game if he wants to become a contributor in the NBA. Constantly gives his all every time he is on the court, no matter the situation his effort never wavered. If he can continue to shoot in the mid 30s from beyond the arc could become a late round steal for whichever team chooses to invest in him.

Brandon Jefferson 6/23/15