Johnny Furphy: Australia's Rising High-Flying Wing
After a stellar season under Bill Self at Kansas, can Johnny Furphy continue you his fascinating trajectory?
Following an exceptional campaign this season on the heels of a breakout performance at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta less than a year ago, Johnny Furphy is poised to be selected in the middle of the First Round. Furphy's strong shooting repertoire, rebounding, and physical tools make him an intriguing prospect for NBA GMs in a class weak in young talent.
Averaging 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 46.6/35.2/76.5 shooting splits, Furphy's shooting ability differentiates him from the other young wings scattered across his class. Despite Furphy's coveted shooting for a 19-year-old, he has defensive shortcomings, which have hindered his stock from rising into the lottery, although he has worked out for teams in the lottery.
That being said, let's dive into what makes Johnny Furphy the prospect that he is!
Strengths
To start out, Furphy's main calling card at this stage of his development is his shooting off the catch. It was his bread and butter this past season at Kansas, often receiving kick-outs from Hunter Dickinson's post presence or DaJuan Harris Jr's drives. Furphy knocked these down at a respectable NBA clip in the high thirties, but his constant criticism has been his inability to knock down the three-ball off of movement. In the scattered looks throughout the year he got coming off of screens, pindowns, flares, etc., Furphy struggled to knock them down at a consistent clip. Additionally, Furphy's on-ball shooting is a work in progress, meaning you shouldn't expect much from it for a long time.
Beyond the shooting with Furphy, he brings tons of youthful energy, evident in his lively transition finishes, highlighting his athleticism. Furphy has long been known as a high-flier, and once you see one highlight of Furphy in the open court, you can be sold on his athletic tools combined with his physical tools.
Furthermore, Furphy's athleticism enables him to contribute on the defensive and offensive glass. Finding ways Furphy can consistently contribute to winning will be crucial to him finding his way in the league. Things like rebounding, hustling, and getting out in transition on top of his improving shooting will only help Furphy do that.
Weaknesses
While Furphy's defense is often picked apart all over draft Twitter and, to an extent, rightfully so, there's much more to it than most believe. Firstly, it's important to recognize that there were a good amount of defensive lapses from Furphy over the year. He lacked awareness on cuts, help defense, and weakside shooters at times this year, which, yes, is concerning right now but is easily correctable with NBA coaching.
Now, to the good with Furphy's defense. From what I've seen, I'm content with Furphy's effort on that side of the ball. He gives all he's got considering his shortcomings, lots of which are tied to his slender 189-pound frame despite his 6'9" height.
Additionally, Furphy currently lacks much on-ball creation ability (not that many expect that of him) and has a loose handle. While all of these weaknesses deter decision-makers from possibly selecting him higher, it goes without saying that improvement is imminent with Furphy and his current trajectory.
Wrap-Up
Johnny Furphy is undoubtedly one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class, thanks to his impressive shooting ability and physical tools. His knack for knocking down shots off the catch makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to add a reliable floor spacer. While his defensive lapses and limited on-ball creation are concerns, Furphy's high energy, athleticism, and rebounding potential provide a solid foundation for growth. With NBA coaching and development, there's no doubt that Furphy can iron out his weaknesses and become a more complete player.
Furphy's relentless effort and willingness to improve are promising signs despite the defensive shortcomings. He has already shown flashes of what he can bring to an NBA team, and with the proper guidance, Furphy can elevate his game to the next level. In a class thin on young talent, Furphy stands out as a prospect with the tools and drive to make a significant impact. Keep an eye on him—he's poised to surprise many and carve out a successful NBA career.