Image by Getty Images via @daylifeKyle Singler has certainly lived up to his lofty high school ratings as far as Duke is concerned. With his senior season and college career winding down, Singler is again an essential piece of a talented team that is a key contender in the hunt for a second national championship. His NBA future is still very much a cause for debate, though.
Singler has decent size for an NBA combo-forward at 6-8 with a solid 230-pound frame and average length. As mentioned in previous articles, he is just an average athlete, however, without NBA-caliber explosiveness or quickness.
Though his numbers and percentages have fluctuated, Singler has progressed gradually as a scorer during his four years at Duke. He is averaging 17.5 points per game primarily as a spot-up shooter on just 20.2% of Duke's overall offensive possessions. While he is shooting only 36.4% from beyond the arc on six attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted, he still shows the same high release, quick release point, and fluid mechanics as in the past. On film, he is a streaky shooter who flourishes in rhythm, but who often displays shaky shot selection, which he will certainly need to improve as he transitions to a new role at the next level.
Though Singler is still a solid perimeter shooter, he is a less than efficient scorer inside of the arc. His 48.8% 2FG ranks him in the bottom half of our top 100 prospect rankings, but it represents his best showing since his freshman season. Singler displays a solid mid-range arsenal built on footwork and fundamentals, but he lacks the first step to excel as a slasher even at the collegiate level.
His lack of explosiveness does him few favors around the rim where he continues to struggle as a finisher, especially against long and athletic defenders. He also struggles to get to the line, where he attempts just 4.1 free throws per 40 minutes pace adjusted. Similarly, while his ball-handling skills have improved, he still drives right on almost 70% of his possessions.
