Rising Star Melvin Ajinça: The Hidden Gem of the 2024 NBA Draft
Melvin Ajinça, This name might not be familiar to many though the French player is expected to make his mark in the 2024 NBA Draft. Melvin Ajinça is now establishing himself in professional basketball since he is a cousin of former NBA player Alexis Ajinça. Having the luck of celebrating his birthday on draft day at 20 years old, Ajinça’s career through French basketball championships has been, to say the least, charged. Last summer, he was also one of those contenders deemed a serious candidate and positively attracted interest.
Why Melvin Ajinça is Set to be the Draft Steal of 2024?
Melvin Ajinça started to get recognition after the preliminary rounds of the 2023 FIBA U-19 World Cup held in Hungary. They were in the same team with projected top choices Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher but Ajinça did better than both of them. During the championship against Spain, he scored the highest point with 21 points thus outshining Sarr’s 8 and Risacher who had no shooting from the basket. Averaging 19. 3 points per game, Ajinça was instrumental in the French team that won the silver medal; Ajinça was the second-highest-scoring player of the tournament and trailed only Madagascar’s Mathias M’Madi.
The road to the combine or the lack of it except Donovan Mitchell Missing the combine making headlines.
Interestingly, Melvin Ajinça was absent at the NBA Draft Combine that took place last month, instead, the talented player was participating in the LNB Pro A focusing on playoffs for the Saint- Quentin Basket-Ball club. In a heated playoff clash against ASVEL Basket, he posted an impressive double-double: Within this match, his performance report is as follows, 14 points and 12 rebounds with 4 threes. He played the pivotal role in taking Saint Quentin to playoffs which was to mark the club’s return to the Pro A after 31 years.
That particular thing is that Melvin Ajinça makes points from the three-point area. Although he can be fairly inconsistent he displays the shooting ability of an NBA player. The young man was incredibly accurate shooting at an average of 48 during the U-19 World Cup. Of these 9% are from beyond the arc Standing tall with a good body build, Ajinça is flexible in moving around the court and hence can play almost any position. His scoring consistency with both of his hands, as well as his acrobatism, make him a good defender. These considerations will be cherished by the coaches who fix their eyes on him, owing to his high energy when on both defensive and attacking ends.
Even with his skills, Melvin Ajinça is still inexperienced and requires further growth. His lack of experience is evident in professional basketball, especially in his ability to create and choose shots. Despite having physical advantages, he frequently hesitates to drive to the basket. On the defensive end, there is growth potential for him, but under the guidance of proper coaching, his possibilities are vast.
NBA Player Comparison: Similarities to Taurean Prince
Drawing parallels between Melvin Ajinça and Taurean Prince provides insight into his possible future achievements. While Prince typically plays as a power forward, they both have comparable sizes and the skill to defend various positions. Ajinça’s range of skills, including his abilities as a shooting guard, brings additional flexibility.
Ajinça could be drafted late in the first round, but it is more likely that he will be taken in the second round. However, there is no denying his potential to make a significant impact in the NBA. With proper direction, Ajinça can potentially be a hidden gem in the draft.
