The Boston Celtics selected JaJuan Johnson in the first round of the NBA Draft. In the second round, the Celtics front office decided to bring Johnson’s teammate along with him. Purdue guard E’Twaun Moore was selected 55th in last nights draft and Celtics fans appear to be happy with the selection. Moore is 6’4″ with a 6’9″ wingspan. He weighs 191 and is from East Chicago, Indiana.
The second round is usually a crap shoot. A few good players like Manu Ginobili and Carlos Boozer have been chosen in the second round throughout the years, but its usually a pick for the D-League. The Celtics didn’t expect to get a star with a second round pick. However, Moore could step up and become a much needed role player for the team.
Strengths:
Moore comes from one of the best defensive teams in the NCAA. The Boilermakers play defense first and this coaching mindset has made Moore a great defender. His 6’9″ wingspan helps him deny the passing lanes and contest shots easily. This fact alone will help him stay in Boston and out of Maine. He is also a hard worker. Many previous teammates call Moore an overachiever, which will also help him out in the NBA. He isn’t ready to get out onto the court but his work ethic will help him get there. Moore also has a solid shot. He has a lot of confidence in his jump shot and it has become the pillar of his offensive game.
Weaknesses:
Moore’s biggest criticism is his lack of athleticism. He isn’t very quick and lacks the explosiveness needed to drive the lane in the NBA. Moore also struggles as a ball handler. He wont break anyones ankles or get separation from defenders. This means he takes a lot of highly contested shots and may shoot a lower percentage. He needs to get stronger. The good news is that he is a hard worker and will eventually bulk up. The question is, will his ball handling skills improve?
Moore averaged 18 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during his senior year at Purdue. He shot 40% from behind the arc and averaged about 34 minutes a game.
