Scouting Report: Daryl Macon
I already mentioned Daryl Macon in my “7 Guards to Watch in Basketball Champions League” article in the beginning of the season but this time I will go a little deeper in his game. He hasn’t dissapointed me and is amongst the best shooters and scorers in all competitions that he has played this season and definitely has the skillset for higher level too.
BACKGROUND INFO
Position: SG
Height: 191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Date of Birth: 29/11/1995
Nationality: American
Previous clubs:
2018–19 Dallas Mavericks
2018–19 Texas Legends
2019–20 Miami Heat
2019–20 Sioux Falls Skyforce
2020 Sioux Falls Skyforce
2020–21 Galatasaray
Played his first two college years at Holmes Community College and transferred later to Arkansas Razorbacks. Was showing his scoring skills at college level already and was averaging 23 points in his two years at Holmes CC and 13.4 and 16.8 points per game at Arkansas. In all years he had very good shooting percentages too even though he was takih a lot of shots. He declared for 2017 NBA Draft without an agent and pulled his name out and returned for his Senior year at college. Declared for 2018 NBA Draft again but wasn’t drafted, played two years mostly in G league for affiliate teams from Dallas and Miami but also played a few games for both teams in NBA. This year is his first in Europe, started in Galatasaray but now he will play the second half of the season in AEK Athens.
VIDEO REPORT:
OFFENSE
Shooting: Shooting is probably his main strength and it can translate to any level. Doesn’t need much space and with his handles and good footwork he can create some separation. His release is pretty smooth and very precise, most of his shots are going in without even touching the rim Also unpredictable and can make shots from basically everywhere — from long range, mid range off the dribble shots or getting to the rim for a layup. This season he is very good from mid range where he is hitting more than 60% of his shots at the moment.
Likes to have the ball in his hands and be the initiator, there weren’t many possessions where he was running around screens to get some advantage and attack on the go. When the clock is running out and his team needs points, he is usually the guy taking the ball in his hands and making something happen. I think Jordan Loyd from Red Start is a good comparison for Macon if we look at his playing style.
Slashing: Even though I would put him more in the shooting bucket, he has the ability to go by defenders and to the rim. With his handles and good ball control, he can get some advantage and throw the defense out of balance. Not the most explosive or an elite athlete but has a good feel how to beat the defense. Makes good reads on pick & rolls and can split the defense if you leave him too much space. Doesn’t have the best size for a shooting guard and can struggle around the rim against better rim protectors but showing some good decision making and doesn’t go for hard layups but dishes assists to open big man.
Playmaking/passing: Would not say that he can run the point guard duties all game but capable of dishing some assists. He is such a dangerous scorer and the defense gravitates towards him and when he draws all the attention from the defense, he can pass the ball to an open teammate. Good in the drive & dish game where he dishes the assist to the big man who is usually unguarded under the rim. Because of his scoring abilities he is a little underrated as a passer but he is showing some good court vision and passing touch.
DEFENSE
Perimeter defense: In some moments it looks like he has no interest in playing in defense. Lacks energy and aggressiveness and leaves too much freedom and space to the offensive player to do whatever he wants. Rarely seen in defensive stance and mostly playing defense on almost straight legs.
Pick & Roll defense: His pick & roll defense is not on the highest level either. He maneuvers pretty bad around the screens and leaves too much space to offensive players. If he sees that he is beaten and can recover, the team usually switches but due to his lack of size he isn’t a big obstacle on low post and most bigs can take advantage of that. It is usually the best choice to hide him in defense and let him defend players that don’t have a big role in offense.
SUMMARY
Becaue of of his scoring abilities Daryl Macon should get some attention from clubs on higher level.
He has proven that he can be the go-to-guy and close the game when needed but can also create some open looks for his teammates. On the defensive end he has room for improvements. Probably won’t be an elite defender but can bring his defense up to a decent level.
At the end of the day, when you add up his output in offense with his limits in defense, you still get a player that can do more damage in offense than harm in defense.
