Houston's Kingston Flemings arrives as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Will his explosive game translate to an NBA lead guard role for Brooklyn?
The Brooklyn Nets have the top odds for not only the No. 1 overall selection, but also securing a top-four pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
NetsRoundtable is looking into the top prospects in this year's draft class that would fit Brooklyn's needs -- which after a 20-62 season, are far and many.
We will highlight the most intriguing options for the Nets, including Illinois' Keaton Wagler and Michigan's Aday Mara.
In this profile, we take a closer look at Houston point guard Kingston Flemings.
Prioritizing Development
Flemings, the No. 1 player in the state of Texas, ended up choosing Houston over Texas Tech, with he and his family emphasizing head coach Kelvin Sampson's culture and vision for the top-25 recruit.
Safe to say it paid off, as Flemings averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists, shooting at a 47.6-percent mark from the field. Flemings helped lead the Cougars to a 30-win season and a fifth-straight Sweet 16 appearance.
(Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)Freshman Campaign
Flemings was statistically, perhaps the best freshman in Houston history, setting freshman program records for points (594) and assists (192). The Texas high school-product showed great consistency throughout the season, leading the Cougars in 20-plus point performances, eclipsing 20 on 12 occasions.
Flemings was also a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection, doing so in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
(Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)On-Court Strengths
Flemings is a true 3-level scorer, displaying the ability to get to the rim, pull-up in the mid-range and knock down the deep ball, shooting at a 38.7-percent clip. His 3-point shooting was much improved throughout the season, as his attempts looked more confident and comfortable as the year went on.
For a guard, Flemings has great lift on his jump shot, paired with a natural athleticism that allows him to shoot over the top of contesting defenders. He is also explosive when attacking the rim, possessing the ability and twitchiness to make adjustments mid-air.
(William Purnell/Imagn Images)Areas for Improvement
Flemings needs to continue to develop his 3-point shot to meet the high-level shooting standards of the NBA. His percentages are solid, but his attempts were limited, averaging just about three attempts and one make per outing.
(William Purnell/Imagn Images)Projected Draft Position
CBS Sports' latest mock draft shows Flemings being taken sixth overall. This may be high, but he definitely will go within the top 10.
Flemings' combination of diverse scoring and willingness to share the ball makes him an intriguing candidate for teams looking for a lead guard. The Nets drafted three first-round point guards last year, but could still be looking for a transformative player.
Wherever he lands, Flemings will instantly provide a level of continuity and defensive intensity from his time with Sampson, while providing high upside as an NBA-type scorer.
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