2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center

14. Portland Trail Blazers - Jared McCain, Duke

First a blend of playmaking and shot-creating, now onto shooting. Perhaps the best spot-up shooter in the draft, Duke's Jared McCain is either a potential Anfernee Simons replacement (if he were to be traded) or additional help to an injury-marred backcourt.

As a freshman in Durham, McCain averaged 14.3 points and connected on 87 of 210 triples. The 20-year-old guard shot 41.4 percent from deep and 88.5 percent from the foul line. His shooting is for real.

McCain's base is exactly what you look for when assessing a shooter. He stands shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in his knees. The Duke freshman is also already ready to shoot. He wastes no movement bending back down upon the catch, he expects the ball.

McCain isn't the best athlete, and his 6-foot-3 frame doesn't offer much margin for error. But lights-out shooting is the greatest skill in today's NBA. Despite his size, he's not a floor general. McCain profiles more so as a two-guard in the association.

Not to say the freshman guard isn't a good passer, he's just not a dynamic playmaker. McCain's playmaking abilities are best described as savvy. He makes the right read more times than not and doesn't get himself into precarious situations.