Guo Ailun (6) passes the ball during the match between China and Lebanon at the 2015 Asian Championship in Changsha, Hunan Province, Sept. 28, 2015. China beat Lebanon 90-72. (Photo : CRIENGLISH)
Most of the Chinese draft prospects are centers but will their top point guard be considered in the NBA?
Guo Ailun has been on the radar of international basketball observers since he led the 2010 U-17 World Championship tournament in Hamburg. China is not known for its guards, specifically the point guard position which is known to be its weakness, but Ailun could break that notion if he makes it in the NBA.
According to NBA Draft.net, Ailun is "a deceptive and angular player with the ball in his hands, uses an array of hesitation and change of direction moves to attack defenders and get into the lane."
He is also a natural leader and probably the most vocal point guard China has ever had. Despite his young age, he took over the skipper duties of the Seniors team. Guo is also solid defensively as he plays with enthusiasm on the other end and uses his height (over other Asian point guards) to his advantage.
However, his main weakness is what would probably prevent him from getting a shot at the big league. Today's NBA is all about outside shooting, and Guo might be placed at a disadvantage.
The notes from NBA Draft stated: "Struggles with his jump shot... Pull-ups, spot-ups, curls, flares, mid-rage, long-range, Guo hasn't showed he can consistently make defenses pay from the perimeter."
The review from Draft Express corroborates this, as they describe him as "a streaky jump-shooter at this stage, showing inconsistent mechanics."
If Guo Ailun can develop his outside shooting, he may have a shot at the NBA as a back-up point guard. His instincts for the position are already developed.
