For the past year or more, Koa Peat’s status as a future NBA Draft first round pick was a foregone conclusion. After Peat’s lackluster showing at last week’s NBA Draft Combine, that assumption is being put to the test.
The Arizona forward has slipped in three post-combine mock drafts, putting to question whether Peat should return to college for another year or stay in the NBA Draft. Peat had one of the worst shooting performances in recent combine history, causing draft analysts to question whether he’s deserving of a first round pick.
Peat went 6 of 25 in the combine’s spot-up shooting drill, 6 of 25 from 3-point range and 15 of 30 shooting off the dribble. The 6-foot-7 Peat tested well in agility drills, but his poor shooting form was the talk of the combine.
“It’s not the results, it’s how it looked,” 247Sports’ Isaac Trotter said this week. “It was a release that just looked funky, uncomfortable, weird. He’s trying to get a little bit more arc on his three-point jumper is what he said. It looks like he’s just remaking it at the wrong time.”
Now that draft analysts have had a few days to digest what they saw at the combine, the verdict is starting to trickle out on Peat’s draft stock: He’s moving in the wrong direction.
NBC Sports’ Raphielle Johnson and Kurt Helin’s most recent mock draft has Peat not listed in the first round. Neither does Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo released his mock draft today, which has Peat going 27th to the Boston Celtics.
Woo wrote: “Peat was a hot topic at the combine, as teams expressed concern over what appeared to be fully reworked jump-shot mechanics as he struggled in shooting drills. The door remains open for him to return to Arizona, which would give him additional time to solve those issues, with his shot viewed as the primary factor holding him back from having a solid NBA career. Whether he figures it out, his future might ultimately be as a small-ball five, a role that would allow him to use his strength and skill to his advantage while mitigating the potential negative impact of his shot.
If Peat stays in the draft, teams picking in the 20s will have to consider investing in his development, noting his winning history, sturdy frame, and potential two-way versatility, provided he starts to make open jumpers. The Celtics have done a strong job with internal development and could view this as a value opportunity if he falls.”
If the mock drafts are any indication of how NBA franchises view Peat, then his fall presents a valid question of whether he should return to Arizona for a sophomore season or risk not being taken in the first round.
Peat’s deadline for a decision is coming up quickly. Early draft entrants looking to maintain their eligibility have until May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EST to completely withdraw from the NBA Draft pool.
Arizona will have its answer on Peat’s decision no later than May 27, the deadline to withdraw and maintain college eligibility.
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