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What’s The Deal With Markquis Nowell?

What's The Deal With Markquis Nowell?

What’s The Deal With Markquis Nowell?

What’s The Deal With Markquis Nowell?

Even though the Kansas State Wildcats got eliminated from the tournament, Markquis Nowell got to walk away as a winner. How so? He set history and continued to improve his draft stock, which shouldn’t be a surprise to many when they know how good of a ball player he is.

His heart and determination to win games was seen even when he was injured, which is unbelievable. Despite losing, many people saw the talent and NBA potential of the 23-year-old. However, what makes him special and does his obstacles hold him back?

While I can hype him up for days, as can many others, it should be noted that he has obstacles in his way that could deter teams from drafting him. Sadly, these challenges aren’t ones he can fix.

But before we start getting into negatives of his game or where he ranks in this class, let’s discuss the positives and why he is respected by many.

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The pros of Nowell:

Markquis Nowell had a legendary run in the NCAA Tournament that saw his playmaking abilities, and shooting abilities, at an elite level – something that is straight out of the pros.

  • 17 PTS | 14 AST | 3 STL
  • 27 PTS | 9 AST | 3 STL
  • 20 PTS | 19 AST | 5 STL
  • 30 PTS | 12 AST | 5 STL

Nowell had 30/12/3/5 in 40 minutes in his final game for Kansas State, but what makes that more impressive is the fact that he showed out on a hurt ankle. Beyond that game, his overall averages on the season was 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 38.6% from the field. He also shoots it very well from deep and at the line, something that fits the NBA very well.

His overall pros are that he is a terrific playmaker that can read the court exceptionally well, giving his teammates the best possible look imaginable. The energy that comes from his playmaking can alter games and the current momentum his team may or may not have.

Besides his playmaking, the amount of confidence and poise he demonstrates in every game (especially the big time games) are seen and is never lacking. No moment is ever too big for him, he is absolutely fearless, just take a look at this play:

Nowell is also a solid shooter that can get buckets at will, crafty when need to be. Now, what about his defense? Despite his height, which is viewed as a negative (I’ll get to that in a minute), he is able to pick the pockets of his opponents masterfully and has shown that to be one of his best skills as a basketball player. If you look at each game he’s played in, he’s always stealing and poking away the ball.

His skills allow for him to be an excellent passer and a player that can be a leader in almost any situation imaginable. While he may be short, his shooting abilities are something that should terrify larger opponents. Why? Because he always finds a way, through his craftiness, to make the shot.

The cons of Nowell:

Size and age will be the biggest downsides to his playing career, many of which will keep some teams away from drafting him. He’s 23-years-old right now and isn’t getting any younger, do general managers want to spend a pick on an older player? Not only do we ask ourselves that question, but the people making these decisions are constantly thinking about this as well.

While he is a top 15 point guard, he is one of the oldest in that ranking. Him and Jalen Pickett are the same age, both at 23-years-old. However, Pickett is almost a foot taller than Nowell and many people have him over Nowell – in skill and in height.

Age may not be the biggest of concerns as height would be, why height over age? Even if your 23-24, you can still have mobility at the pros level and be an elite player. But height is something that will have your defense exploited by taller/larger players.

While he is able to steal the ball, many players have and will continue to use his height against him. Nowell’s defense will be looked at as a liability as the average height in the NBA is 6’6 tall. Nowell’s defense may be decent, but he will always be looked at as a liability due to his height. Remember, Nowell is 5’8.

Many view Nowell as a limited upside player due to his age and that his height is too much of a disadvantage to take a risk on. If you’re old as a prospect and very undersized at that position, then it is going to be hard to sell anyone that you’re the right pick.

This is an uphill battle for Markquis Nowell.

Concluding thoughts on Markquis Nowell:

I personally root for the underdog as I believe he still has a chance to be in the NBA. With that said, he isn’t going in the first round. While others are projecting him to be undrafted, I believe him to go in the second round. Maybe middle-to-late second.

Right now, I am projecting him to be a backup point guard. Do I believe he can do great things in the NBA? Yes. However, we must be realistic. His draft stock has not been the greatest and he’s seen as a backup. At least I’m letting him get drafted in my mock draft; something to think about.

Sadly, being short in the NBA is a huge disadvantage. Chris Paul is regarded as a short guard, but he is 6’0 feet tall. Consider that for a moment. God didn’t do him justice by giving him less than Paul’s height. No knock to the great CP3 or Nowell.

I think his age and height worked in college, but for the pros? I don’t think it will translate the greatest. It’s tough being short, it just is. It’s been that way in college and will continue to be that way in the pros.

Why wouldn’t his height work in the pros?

To give another reason outside of height difference, even though that should end the conversation, it would be level difference. College play is vastly different than NBA play. The levels are astonishingly different; from the speed of the game to the way players perform every game.

Also, per NBA.com, only 27 players (who were under 6 feet or shorter) appeared in at least one game during the 2021-22 season. Not much has changed from then to now. Those are tough odds to beat out, even for the likes of Nowell.

Height matters in the NBA, and, sadly, there is nothing he can do about it.

Finishing my thoughts on Markquis Nowell:

Many teams won’t run the risk of drafting a small and older player, at most it would be a middle-to-late second-rounder. College isn’t like the pros, but I believe Nowell’s talent will outshine his cons. It should be just enough to where he can make a team and prove himself.

To see more of my thoughts, click here:

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