Matt WilliamsThe third Polish prospect to participate in the Hoop Summit in the last two years,
Michal Michalak only scored 5 points in the Hoop Summit, but was clearly the World Select Team's best shooter throughout the week in practice. Averaging 17.4 points per-game in the Polish League since joining LKS Lodz midseason, it wasn't hard to see what Michalak brings to the table in the European game.
Standing 6-6 with a 6-6 wingspan and a skinny frame, Michalak is not an imposing physical specimen. He does use hesitation moves with some effectiveness when putting the ball on the floor, but lacks the speed and explosiveness to do much damage off the dribble and around the rim.
Where Michalak was able to make an impact was beyond the arc. His smooth mechanics and consistent release point make him a terrific spot-up threat who can knock down shots with his feet set or when running off of screens. When forced to attack of the dribble and given space, Michalak has a nice pull-up jump shot, a decent floater, and isn't afraid to draw contact. However, he lacks the quickness to consistently create his own shot in one-on-one situations. The young guard fared pretty well when looking to pass the ball when he did drive, creatively finding his teammates, but getting swallowed up by the defense and turning the ball over on a few occasions as well.
Defensively, Michalak plays with good intensity, but is limited by his lack of lateral quickness. Knowing this, he often gives his man a cushion, allowing him to deny dribble penetration at this level. It will be worth keeping an eye on how Michalak is able to manage on the defensive end as he progresses considering his limited physical tools.
A prolific spot-up threat for a player his age, Michalak is a key component to Poland's promising 1993 generation. His athleticism limits his upside as a NBA prospect, but he has a clear asset in his jump shot and is not incapable of making plays off the dribble, making him a prolific offensive option in Poland and a prospect worth keeping tabs on should he improve his frame and continue developing.
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