Szymon Janczak

Szymon Janczak, 6-10, PF Poland, 2000

Strengths
-Good size for a stretch big – at least 6' 10” in shoes and may still be growing. Solid base considering he's a bit on the lighter side in his upper body.
-Super fluid for his size. Can get out in transition. Light on his feet. Finishes above the rim in space.
-Showed that he'll be able to turn into a legitimate stretch big option in time – 35.5% from three on 34 attempts. Excellent rotation and soft touch from three. Potentially fluid enough to operate off of screens in time.
-Can pick and pop to space and attack a closeout. Gets low to the ground going to the rim.
-Not a super comfortable playmaker but he seems to know who he is. Doesn't play too outside of himself, especially considering that Poland wasn't exactly loaded with talent. 1.6 turnovers per 40 minutes.
-Not the toughest guy out there but his fluidity and size allow him to make plays on defense – 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40. Good instincts and timing.
-Should be able to be an adequate perimeter defender versus stretch and face up fours due to his fluid nature as he continues two improve his fundamentals and discipline.

Weaknesses
-Frame is good not great. Hips are a little wide. Shoulders are slightly on the narrow side. Doesn't seem overly long.
-Very poor defensive rebounder – 3.7 per 40 minutes. Doesn't always pursue. Shies away from physicality. Not overly bouncy from a standstill.
-Projects as a stretch big, but is a bit on the streaky side. Slow getting into his jumper, shoots off the side of his hand at times.
-How does he score if you take away his catch and shoot jumpers? Doesn't have many ways to create offense (from the interior and perimeter) at this stage. Shot 42.9% from two. Can attack in space but not when pressured.
-Rarely gets to the free throw line – 2.8 per 40. Shies away from contact. Very right handed around the rim. Doesn't like physicality.
-Not the most creative playmaker – 3 assists in 209 minutes – or willing passer. Settles for a lot of contested threes. Doesn't always make the extra pass.
-Who does he guard at a high level? Can make some plays and should be adequate in time but he struggles a bit on the perimeter at this stage isn't quite tough enough to have a huge impact on the interior.

Outlook
On a Poland team that was fairly underwhelming in the talent department, Janczak couldn't quite assume the role as “go-to guy” and consistent producer, but he did show enough skill, size and fluidity to make him a prospect to keep an eye on, especially given the way that basketball has trended in recent years. In theory Janczak fits the mold of a modern day stretch big, but he has yet to put it all together and turn that potential into regular production that impacts winning. Janczak also has to improve defensively and on the glass, but it's not easy to find 6' 10” players with his type of fluidity and shooting potential, making him a somewhat under the radar prospect to keep an eye on as he develops.