John Calipari’s offense ripped by NBA scout as BJ Boston’s draft stock falls

The Kentucky Wildcats are on a two-game winning streak as they try to right the ship after a horrendous start to the 2020-21 season.

A big part of their issues has been the lack of production from the “stars” with BJ Boston being the biggest head-scratcher.

Boston is shooting 35.8% from the field and 15.2% from three so far this season, and his NBA Draft stock is taking a huge hit.

ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony wrote about Boston and the possibility of his draft stock falling even more and how he can turn this around.

“Improved shot-selection and decision making is the first thing Boston must show to build traction and help Kentucky win games — he’s looked predetermined and at times outright selfish jacking tough pull-ups and barreling into traffic for offensive fouls,” Givony said. “His lack of strength has made it difficult for him to play through contact and will likely be an issue in the NBA early on.

“Boston has shown some feistiness crashing the glass, getting in passing lanes and chasing shooters around screens on the perimeter — demonstrating that he can make contributions when his shot isn’t falling — but he’s been inconsistent as a man-to-man defender.”

However, in the process of Givony discussing the struggles of Boston, he ripped the offense John Calipari is running.

“NBA teams have been burned in the past by undervaluing Kentucky players (including Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Tyler Herro, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Keldon Johnson) who later proved to be far better prospects than what they had shown in college.

“The hope among optimists is that Boston’s inability to show anything beyond small glimmers of what made him such a coveted prospect in high school lies more in Kentucky’s archaic offense, poorly constructed roster and his own lack of physical strength than deal-breaking talent shortcomings.”

Givony continued by noting that the same issues of a poor offense and roster makeup is what cost Tyrese Maxey 15 spots in the 2020 draft.

The offense has not been fun to watch in recent seasons and it has hurt the draft stock of some players. Keldon Johnson struggled at Kentucky but is averaging 15.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals a game for the San Antonio Spurs this season.

The way basketball is played is changing, and there is no doubt that Coach Cal needs to adjust his offense to a more modern style of play.

You can read everything Givony had to say here.

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