A tough defenseman considered one of the most complete two-way players in the draft, Cason Wallace is Kentucky’s newest guard designed for success in the NBA.
There are a lot of talented guards in the 2023 NBA Draft class, especially in the lottery range. Cason Wallace doesn’t have the flashy, high-profile athleticism to make Scouts go crazy, but it’s hard to find a fuller 19-year-old in the back half of the lottery.
Wallace’s reputation is built on the defensive end. He has drawn comparisons with Jrue Holiday and De’Anthony Melton; Perhaps a slight overestimation, but an indication of how much talent evaluators think of Wallace. Being a true game-changer defensively as a 6-foot-4 guard is very difficult. It’s a game changer.
Defense is the foundation of Wallace’s appeal, but it’s not the entirety of it. He was central to the Kentucky offense as both a pacer and scorer. He’ll need to find the right house in the next level, but Wallace can shoot 3s and save his attack attack. It is not one-dimensional. We expect comprehensive contributions to the NBA.
Casson Wallace NBA draft profile
to rise: 6 feet – 4
Weight: 193 pounds
date of birth: November 7, 2003
positionPoint guard/shooting guard
offensive role: Secondary Playmaker
Defensive role: do everything Haris
Projected draft range: 7-14
Highlights of the NBA Draft
strength point
Wallace is an elite defender. Solid at the point of attack and absolutely possesses the elite off the ball. He’s not the most active athlete, but Wallace is battling on the screens and tipping at full power on every possession. He’s only 6-foot-4 at the boot, but plays much larger than his height thanks to his 6-foot-8 wingspan.
What makes Wallace special are his instincts. His nose on the ball is second to none. He sniffs soft-sided rustles or lumps like a hound sniffing out his next meal. There is no better prospect in 2023 at bridging gaps and generating turnovers, by providing transitional opportunities for offense.
It is omnipresent on Earth, precise in its gamble and persistent in the right place to facilitate stopping. It will also smash boards harder than your guard’s average point. His competitive spirit will be a real draw for the NBA front offices.
On the offensive end, Wallace is already an effective three-point shooter. He feels most comfortable next to another playmaker, which allows him to clear the ground and attack. However, Wallace can play the Pick-and-Roll and get creative for others. He does not have a high turnover rate and there is reason to believe his long-term scoring is higher due to his soft touch around the edge. Wallace can smoke defenders with a combination of floats or touchdown shots in the middle of the floor.
The worse outcome seems to Wallace to be much better than most players in the back lottery. He is very committed and capable on the defensive side and the offensive baseline is very high. Not every prospect translates to the NBA, but it’s hard to imagine Wallace not working his way up to a role.
vulnerabilities
Wallace should be a consistent positive on the offensive end, but it’s fair to question his ceiling relative to so many high-caliber guards in the lottery range. He lacks an elite first step, often struggling to turn corners and separate from dribbling.
He has a nice floaty game and can get to his places of pick-and-roll, but Wallace doesn’t do much self-creation. He will need to be positioned alongside another playmaking guard in the backcourt; Wallace is more connective tissue than an offensive spearhead. This is reflected in his approach as well. Wallace often played very negatively at Kentucky.
Outwardly, Wallace is a leaner guard with an athletic average. This is not the most attractive physical profile by nature. His defensive IQ is off the charts and he races hard, but the most explosive downhill guard in the league will still test Wallace’s running skills. On the offensive end, Wallace’s efficiency at the edge is worth watching; How well does he perform against the length of the NBA?
Conclusion
Wallace may never reach the point of offensive stardom, but he feels like a very safe pick – whether it’s for a competitor looking for ready production now or for a rebuilding team looking for reliability. Wallace will avoid mistakes, spray 3s, and defend his flip.
There is also a fair amount of variety in his skill set. The Wallace is an easy plug-and-play option for almost any backyard. A lot of lottery teams already have their primary drivers in the gaming industry – Indiana, Charlotte, New Orleans, OKC, Dallas, et al. Wallace should be able to complete the offense without fatigue, all while providing instant defense.
As of now, Wallace looks like a lottery lock. There are always a few upsets on draft night, but his resume dating back to high school is very strong and he comes from a major program with a proven track record of producing NBA guards. Expect him to contribute sooner rather than later – and he’ll quickly climb to fan favorite status with whichever team he chooses.