NBA Draft Scouting Report: Kansas' Johnny Furphy

Johnny Furphy

Wing | Kansas

Height: 6'9” | Weight: 205 lbs

2024 Draft Age: 19.54

Prospect Profile

A jumbo wing with the ability to space the floor, Furphy has many of the tools required to make it in the NBA. The Australian prospect stands at 6-foot-9 but possesses guard skills. As such, he can really play three positions, including off-ball guard and both forward spots.

In the modern NBA, positional size and shooting are highly valued. Furphy has the height and release point to shoot over defenders. He also has incredible shooting mechanics and a jumper that seems very likely to translate moving forward. Not only can he shoot, but he can also handle the ball. This allows Furphy to be much more than a spot-up shooter, as he can put it on the deck and get to his spots. Whether it’s in the midrange or beyond the arc, he has the ability to shoot well on the move. Overall, he’s extremely fluid with the ball for a player of his size and leveraged his length well.

The next step for Furphy will be continuing to get more minutes and prove he’s a one-and-done talent. Upside is valued in the NBA, so it’s about showing flashes of what he could be in the future, even if he never earns a prominent role on this loaded Kansas roster this season.

One of the things that will naturally help in Furphy being more effective on the court is simply getting stronger. He has a slender build today, but once he fills out should be a better rebounder and defensive prospect. Speaking of defense, that’s the end of the floor that could really swing his draft stock. If he can improve his footwork and prove to be an effective defender of multiple positions along with the shooting, he’ll be well worth a draft selection.

Before coming to play for the Jayhawks, Furphy was a standout in Australia playing at the Centre of Excellence in the country’s premier development program that has seen numerous NBA players come through it. He reclassified into this current class and now has the chance to be the next Australian to make it to the league. He comes from an athletic family and has the pedigree, including a father and brother with professional Australian Football experience, a sister who plays college soccer at Santa Clara and a mother who was a professional driver. Furphy himself played Australian Football and Cricket before fully going in on basketball. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

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