Bryce McGowens
Age: 19
College: Nebraska
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 179 lbs.
2021-22 Stats (Nebraska): 16.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.4 APG,
40.3 FG%, 27.4 3PT%
After completing his freshman season at Nebraska, Bryce McGowens entered the NBA Draft and was acquired by the Hornets. McGowens, a South Carolina native, was a member of the All-Big Ten Third Team this past season.
Offensively, McGowens is known for his scoring process. He can get his shot off in a variety of ways, whether that be through mid-range pull-ups, attacking the basket, or shooting the ball from the three-point line. He also has plenty of separation moves, such as side-steps and step-backs. Where McGowens must improve is efficiency; he shot just 27.3% from three-point range this past season. This can be helped by his shot selection, which is illustrated by his catch and shoot volume last season. In contested catch and shoot scenarios, McGowens ranked in the 17th percentile. In unguarded catch and shoot scenarios, he ranked in the 89th percentile. McGowens can also create and score off the dribble but shot selection still must be emphasized in this realm as well, since he only shot 24.4% on shots in those scenarios last season.
From a playmaking standpoint, McGowens had a usage rate of 27.1% and only averaged 1.4 assists per game. He also had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio, indicating his shortcomings as a decision-maker. His usage rate will drop considerably at the beginning of his career if he is playing NBA minutes. This will lead him to have to improve in other areas of the game, such as his three-point shooting, cutting, and most importantly, his defense.
The biggest concern with McGowens on defense is his motor. He constantly plays straight-up on defense and is not in a defensive stance. He struggles containing the ball. His lack of physicality contributes to him getting bullied by more physical wings and guards. He has a way to go defensively but going to Charlotte may be a huge blessing considering the defensive expertise of Steve Clifford. Charlotte could end up with a steal in McGowens, but Hornets fans should be patient with his development.