Prospect Profile: Asa Newell’s Potential Fit with the Bulls

Prospect Profile: Asa Newell’s Potential Fit with the Bulls

Asa Newell measures in at 6-foot-9 barefoot and 223.8 lbs. at the draft combine. During his lone season at Georgia last year, Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, one steal, and one block per game. Newell doubled as both the team’s leading scorer and rebounder.

As the Bulldogs’ star player, Newell propelled the team to a 20-13 record and a nine seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite losing in the first round of the tournament to Gonzaga, Newell scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards in his final game with Georgia. To top his freshman season off, Newell earned SEC All-Freshman honors.

Strengths

Newell is a stellar athlete with an explosive ability to finish at the rim. Newell dunked the ball 57 times last year and shot 73% at the rim. His ability to catch passes and capitalize on scoring off open passing lanes make him a dangerous scoring threat in the paint. Newell is also an excellent rebounder. He effectively used his physicality to grab boards on offense and create second possessions.

While his outside shooting needs improvement, Newell flashed the potential to be a weapon from deep. He was the only player in the NCAA to sink over 25 three-pointers last season while also recording over 50 dunks.

On the defensive end of the ball, Newell excels at switching assignments and guarding the perimeter. He plays with a high motor and is not afraid to make contact to make stops. Additionally, he is a great rim protector as he blocked 32 total shots last year.

Weaknesses

The biggest weakness in Newell’s game is his passing. Averaging a mere 0.9 assists per game, his inability to effectively distribute the ball to teammates gives him a major disadvantage in creating offense outside of the paint.

Newell’s three-point shooting is also not where it needs to be yet at the NBA level. As someone who scores most of his buckets off of cuts and rolls to the basket, Newell sank just 29.2% of his three-pointers last season. His outside shot mechanics require significant improvement.

Additionally, at a little over 220 lbs, Newell is undersized for an NBA center. Although he excels at using his body in the paint, Newell’s skinny frame could cause him to struggle when matching up against non-small ball lineups.

Fit With the Bulls

Adding Newell to the Bulls frontcourt with the 12th pick makes a lot of sense, regardless of whether or not Nikola Vucevic is dealt this offseason. On defense, the frontcourt improves tremendously with Newell’s presence. Last season, the Bulls allowed 54 points in the paint per game, the highest average in the league. Newell’s high motor and ability to block shots at the rim would provide an instant spark for a lifeless Bulls defense.

With the Bulls ranked third in three-pointers made per game last year with 15.4, there is less pressure for Newell to be an instant threat from deep. The Bulls can improve their floor spacing by relying on Newell to score with his natural athleticism in the paint instead of forcing him to catch and shoot.

Even if the Bulls opt not to trade Vucevic this offseason, Newell stands to benefit from sitting behind Vucevic and anchoring the second unit. Newell’s versatility and ability to quickly switch defenders allows coach Billy Donovan to run more efficient rotations in mid-game scenarios.

Newell should be at the top of the Bulls’ big board for guys realistically available with the 12th pick. His strengths fit the current Bulls offense and coaching staff well. With the right coaching and development, Asa Newell could develop into the Bulls’ next great big man.