Salvo Gispi

Strengths: A pure playmaker who knows how to control the offensive side of the court and has the offensive ability to keep defenders honest...His coach trusts him with his eyes closed, he is like a general leading his troops to battle out there on the floor...Knows how to get everyone the right amount of touches (including himself)...Not a stylish playmaker, but very consistent and keeps his teammates happy with drive-and-dish, spot-up passing, pick-and-rolls, etc...Knows how to direct his teammates to positions and find them due to above average court vision...Serviceable transition passer...Very nice ballhandling skills, rarely turns it over and makes good decisions to boot...On offense, good spot-up three point shooter. Only takes shots when he is open, but he is prolific in passing many players leave him open and he burns them...Can attack the basket because many players underestimate his athleticism...Will get his share of steals in the NBA, often is in the right place at the right time when the opponent gets sloppy with the ball...Will possess above average speed for the NBA...High basketball IQ, fundamentally sound...Does things quietly, but he really gets it done...Humble player and good locker room presence...

Weaknesses: Height will always backfire on him in terms of making it to the NBA. Undersized PGs less than 6'0" always need to put that standout effort or have that intriguing NBA-related ability (Speedy Claxton: explosiveness; Brevin Knight: passing; Damon Stoudamire: shooting) to succeed in the NBA...Doesn't have the will, mentality or killer instinct to succeed in the NBA the way the aforementioned players do, will probably only be a role player in the NBA level...Will become a post-up target in the NBA and PGs can easily shoot over him knowing he is not a defensive threat...On defense, also tends to gamble for steals at times and doesn't do a good job getting around screens and contesting shots...Lacks physical and athletic tools, doesn't look the part of an NBA player but looks can be deceiving...Physical and athletic PGs can really have their way against him...In terms of passing, not a stylish passer. Gets it done by running the offense above anything else. Doesn't do lobs or bounce passes or behind-the-backs... Good but not great court vision...Doesn't finish well around the basket whether in half-court or in transition, which may raise some concerns...Lacks the strength and tools to finish among the more physical/bigger players of the NBA...Serviceable three point shooter, but has a fairly slow release...Cannot break defenders down or create his own shot...Mid-range game can use a bit of improvement...