2016 NBA Draft Breakdown: Anthony Clemmons

A 6'2" senior guard, Anthony Clemmons leaves Iowa after a productive four year career. Each season he became a greater part of Iowa's rotation and had developed quite nicely for the Hawkeyes. The best case scenario for Clemmons heading forward would likely involve him signing as an undrafted free agent, especially since second round picks are not guaranteed and this would allow him to make a decision on where he best fits. That being said, though, his ultimate destination might happen to be overseas. Let's take a closer look at his skillset.

Strengths

Clemmons doesn't have an elite skill, but is solid in all aspects of the game. From his sophomore season onward, his minutes increased each season to the point where he played 29 minutes as a senior for a quality team. He never averaged double-figure points, but scored nine points per game as a senior, the best average of his career.

He's a better athlete than scouts think, but it may be a transition to guard NBA point guards, which is his ultimate destiny at the next level. He could be solid in a reserve role if he continues to develop, though.

Clemmons is a bright, smart guy and a solid teammate. He has a good attitude and understands how to play the game. No coach in the NBA will have to worry about his character, or intelligence when it comes to learning offensive and defensive concepts. That's part of the appeal of a guy who played four years at Iowa and learned the game inside and out. His progression at Iowa should help him face any adversity. In other words, Clemmons knows how to earn his way onto the floor.

Weaknesses

Clemmons doesn't have the one elite skill that can get him on the floor at the next level. He's really just an overall solid performer. Unfortunately, from his sophomore season on, his three-point shooting percentage dipped (from 37 percent to 34 percent to 31 percent as a senior).

As expected, his usage increased as his minutes increased and his shooting percentage dropped from deep. He did become a better shooter from inside the arc as a senior, which indicates he was more comfortable attacking off the bounce. Unfortunately, though, he'll need to improve his consistency as an outside shooter. That's what'll get him on the floor and make him dangerous. In the current NBA, if he can't shoot threes at a pretty high level, defenses won't account for him and he won't see the floor.

His athleticism is a concern moving to the NBA. Point guard is probably the deepest position in the NBA and may have the best collection of athletes. Like I said above, he's a better athlete than people may think, but it's still a concern as he'd have to guard some of the most talented guys in the league. Now, if he makes an NBA roster, he'll likely see very limited minutes, or at best back up someone. So, he'll play against a team's second unit, and thus won't have to defend the most athletic point guard.

Overall

Clemmons had a very successful career at Iowa. (In fact, he talked about his legacy at Iowa.) He played more and improved as he grew. As a point guard, he played behind Mike Gesell, another senior, but contributed significantly to Iowa's 2015-2016 season.

Clemmons is a great kid and someone who would positively add to a locker room without taking anything off the table. But the reality is he has a mountain to climb athletically and in several areas of his game (like shooting) before he becomes a contributor at the next level.