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Raja Bell

Not in any ranking or draft
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
Position: SG
High School: Miami Killian High School (Florida)
Hometown: St. Croix, Virgin Islands
College: FIU
Current Team:

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Pacific Division (Part Four)

Matt Williams
Matt Williams
Aug 20, 2008, 09:47 pm
Overview: A defensive specialist who is able to contribute offensively in an efficient manner. Possesses solid size and average athleticism for an NBA shooting guard. Not overly quick or explosive, but has gotten the most out of his physical assets throughout the years. Developed his offensive game early in his career. Capable shooter with mediocre ball skills. Used to be a liability offensively, but molded himself into a threat. Makes hustle plays on both ends. Native of the Virgin Islands. Played two years at Boston University before finishing his eligibility at Florida International University. Spent time in the CBA to earn a spot in the League. Began to make a significant impact on the NBA level with the Jazz as a fourth year player. Parlayed two good seasons in Utah into his current deal with the Suns. Has continued to perform as a high level, but has seen his numbers decline recently. Still plays with a lot of heart, but has become more and more one-dimensional each season, and may have peaked already. Has a bit of a temper, which is part of the reason he plays with such an edge.

Offense: A self-made offensive player that does most of his damage in catch and shoot situations. Has worked extremely hard to become a threat from the outside, and now takes nearly 60% of his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. Displays a fundamentally sound stroke with great range and solid quickness. Does a great job getting himself into position to show, using very polished perimeter footwork to shoot the same shot every time. Runs the floor well and always makes himself available when his teammates are attacking the rim. Moves well off the ball using screens very effectively. Possesses great range and has become a deadly three point shooter, one of the most prolific in the league. Primarily a catch and shoot player, but has developed a decent pull up jumper. Can knock shots down driving in either direction, but prefers to pull up when going left. Not very effective when driving right. Shows decent ball-handling skills, but isn’t quick enough to use them to get to the rim. Can’t turn the corner. Will have many of his drives cut off. Does a good job attempting to draw fouls with his fakes, but will often jump into the defense leading to bad shots and turnovers when he doesn’t get a call. Gets to the rim at an alarmingly low rate. Doesn’t go to the line at all for that reason, but shoots a tremendous percentage from the stripe. Capable of finishing at the basket, but only when the defense is out of position. Not a very good leaper and thus struggles to finish in traffic. Will get some assists in the flow of the game, but isn’t a playmaking passer. Doesn’t turn the ball over at all thanks to his smarts and risk-free style of play. Has worked hard to become a serviceable scorer, but lacks the athleticism to take advantage of all of his skills.

Defense: A tremendously intense defender that works as hard as any player in the game to keep his man from scoring. Always draws the toughest defensive perimeter assignment. Won’t force many turnovers or block many shots. Isn’t going to take any unnecessary risks or sell out his teammates by gambling. Plays a very sound and physical style of defense. Does a great job working through screens and sticking to his man like glue off the ball. Always knows where his help is. Denies penetration well, but has a hard time defending more athletic players that can turn the corner. Maximizes his physical assets defensively by working hard on every possession. Not afraid to flop in order to get a call. Will play a bit dirty at times, knows how to push the limits with his veteran savvy. Will help out with rebounding duties, but is an asset due to primarily to his man-to-man defense both on and off the ball.