Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Jamir Watkins
Position: Guard/Forward
College: Florida State
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'7", 210 lbs
Birthdate: July 6, 2001
Previous College: VCU
High School: Trenton Catholic (NJ)
Player Overview
Jamir Watkins is a versatile wing who stands out as a strong perimeter defender with impressive instincts. Known for his anticipation in passing lanes and ability to stick with offensive players, Watkins brings valuable defensive versatility to the court. Offensively, he has the tools to score from all three levels but excels at attacking driving lanes. While his three-point shooting mechanics are solid, increasing his volume and efficiency will be key to his success at the next level.
"Jamir Watkins has the defensive chops and offensive flexibility that could make him a solid three-and-D option in the NBA. If he can show more consistency as a shooter, his role as a two-way player will be even more pronounced." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Defensive Instincts: Watkins has a knack for reading plays, using his anticipation to disrupt passes and guard effectively on and off the ball.
Driving Ability: He attacks driving lanes hard, leveraging angles and finishing through contact with a soft touch.
Shooting Mechanics: His shot form is smooth, providing a foundation for his development as a reliable shooter with increased volume.
Off-Ball Movement: Watkins moves well without the ball, creating scoring opportunities by finding gaps in the defense.
Concerns
Age: At 23, Watkins is older than many of his draft peers, which could impact his draft stock.
Consistency: Having only one truly productive season, he’ll need to prove he can maintain a high level of play.
Decision-Making Speed: He sometimes hesitates with the ball, and quicker decision-making will be necessary to keep up with NBA pacing.
Low Three-Point Volume: Though his mechanics are sound, he must attempt more threes to showcase his shooting range.
Questions
Defensive Versatility at the NBA Level: Will his defensive versatility translate effectively against NBA-level talent?
Three-Point Volume and Efficiency: Can he increase his three-point attempts without sacrificing accuracy?
Playmaking Growth: Will he be able to expand his playmaking abilities to become a more complete offensive contributor?
Bottom Line
Jamir Watkins possesses the tools to be a reliable three-and-D player with strong defensive versatility. He could become one of the better three-and-D prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft with added three-point volume and improved decision-making.