After being one of the top transfer targets, Jamir Watkins turned down interest from major schools to pursue the NBA Draft. Like other prospects, Watkins earned his draft recognition through hard work. While he could have received a massive payday in college, Watkins is one of the few players to opt to stay in the draft to pursue a professional career.
Jamir Watkins 2025 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Watkins began his career at VCU, where he earned reasonable playing time as a freshman. However, he failed to make a meaningful mark scoring the basketball, averaging only 7.2 points per game. He improved his average to 9.5 points in his sophomore season after a year away from the game. In only five more minutes, he also improved his totals in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His potential earned him a spot on Florida State’s squad under since-retired coach Leonard Hamilton.
At Florida State, Jamir Watkins began his development into an NBA Draft prospect. In his first college season as a full-time starter, Watkins averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 45.7% from the field. While he showed bursts of elite skill at VCU, he finally showed consistency at Florida State. This continued into his senior season, where he averaged 18.4 points per game en route to a second-team All-ACC selection. With one season of eligibility remaining, Watkins opted to end his college career five years after it began.
Strengths
Watkins’ scoring has been on full display since his move to Florida State. He drives to the basket as well as any player in the country, using size and strength, rather than quickness, to reach the rim. He is comfortable dribbling the ball for long periods without turning it over. Watkins shot about 50% from two but scored at a higher rate at the rim. He was effective as a catch-and-shoot player on the perimeter, sometimes shooting from beyond NBA range. He also drew fouls at an elite rate for a wing, averaging 7.7 free throw attempts per game and ranking eighth in the NCAA in free throw attempts. In an analytics league, Jamir Watkins’ NBA Draft prospects rely on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
For a true scorer, Watkins is a good passer, averaging 2.4 assists per game this past season. He drives to the basket and kicks to open or crashing teammates. He also attacks the boards well, averaging 5.7 rebounds per game. Watkins is a solid defender who focuses on making a statistical impact. He isn’t always that visible defensively, but that isn’t a bad thing if he avoids costly mistakes. His defensive upside is high.
Weaknesses
Watkins commits to driving to the basket. While this draws fouls, it also causes turnovers (2.7 per game in 2024-25). His shooting efficiencies took a hit last season as well, shooting only 42.7% from the field. His lack of elite athleticism made driving to the basket harder in college. There will be serious questions as to whether his style of play will translate to the NBA if he isn’t drawing fouls. With better athletes playing defense, Watkins will have to rely on other parts of his game.
Watkins also struggled to shoot off the dribble. While he could shoot immediately after a pass, he couldn’t create space well off the dribble if he couldn’t get to the rim. There is always a chance for improvement, but without the elite stop-and-start burst that many players of his style use, he doesn’t project to be a great scorer in the NBA. If Watkins isn’t going to be an elite scorer, his draft interest takes a hit.
NBA Comparison
It’s difficult to find a direct comparison that fits his true ceiling. Watkins will never be a superstar in the NBA but could be a solid role player or fringe starter for years. Deni Avdija could be a strong comparison if Watkins fills in well offensively. However, he could become more of an Anthony Black type if he never truly develops into a strong offensive option. This will depend on who drafts him and his work ethic.
2025 NBA Draft Prediction
Jamir Watkins will likely be selected in the mid-to-late second round depending on team fit.
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