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2025 NBA Draft: RJ Davis Scouting Report


RJ Davis, North Carolina

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


RJ Davis

Position: Guard

College: North Carolina

Class: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs

Birthdate: October 21, 2001

High School: Archbishop Stepinac (NY)


Player Overview


RJ Davis is an undersized scoring guard who thrives as an on-ball creator and shot-maker. He can score in bunches, using his quick first step, shiftiness, and ball-handling to generate looks off the dribble. While he lacks elite explosiveness, he compensates with crafty finishing and perimeter shot-making when in rhythm.


Defensively, Davis uses his lateral quickness well but is limited by his size and lack of vertical explosiveness. His ability to compete defensively and make an impact without being a liability will be a key factor in determining his NBA potential. To carve out a role at the next level, he must improve his shot selection and playmaking feel and prove he can hold his own defensively against bigger, stronger guards.


"When Davis gets it going, he can really score the ball. However, I question how his style of play will translate to the next level—his lack of size creates limitations, and his effectiveness without the ball in his hands is uncertain, which is a concern. But one thing is clear—he can score, and there’s no denying that." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • On-Ball Creativity: Can create his own shot and make plays off the dribble.

  • Scoring in Bunches: Streaky but capable of heating up and taking over offensively.

  • Solid Ball-Handling Under Pressure: Handles defensive pressure well in the half-court.

  • Quickness on Both Ends: Uses lateral speed to attack offensively and stay engaged defensively.

  • Live-Dribble Passing: Shows flashes of creating for teammates in drive-and-kick situations.


Concerns


  • Undersized for the NBA: Lacks ideal size and strength for a lead guard.

  • Shot Selection: Forces tough jumpers when his rhythm is off.

  • Limited Vertical Athleticism: Not an above-the-rim finisher, which limits his effectiveness inside.

  • Streaky Shooter: Can go cold for stretches, making consistency an issue.


Questions


  • Can he develop into a more efficient shooter and playmaker?

  • Will his size limit his defensive impact at the next level?

  • Can he adjust his shot selection and decision-making to fit a team role?


Bottom Line


RJ Davis is a shifty, shot-making guard with a knack for scoring, but his size and decision-making raise concerns about his long-term NBA outlook. If he can improve his playmaking, shot selection, and consistency, he has a chance to carve out a role as an offensive spark plug off the bench. His ability to prove he can defend at the next level will be crucial in determining his long-term viability in the league.

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