Jaxon Kohler is a right-handed forward/big who can play. Kohler averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game at Michigan State while shooting 38.9% from three-point range and 86.9% from the free throw line. At 6'9" with a 6'11.25" wingspan and 240 pounds, Kohler has a body type that might look fine in the small forward pool, but his game is more power forward/center. In that sense, he is undersized and probably not athletic enough to guard that position in the NBA. He jumped a 28.5" max vertical and has slow foot speed by NBA standards. Kohler’s skill level is real. He knocks down shots, especially corner threes, uses his body well, and can get loose in the post. He has a variety of post moves and knows how to create space with positioning and strength. He also gobbles up rebounds at a high rate. The passing and decision-making are not strengths. Kohler had more turnovers than assists in three of his four college seasons. Still, he finished ninth in Big Ten box score plus/minus and posted a plus 1.4 DDiff. He is also a smart kid and was named to the Big Ten All-Academic Team. Kohler’s shooting, rebounding, post skill, and feel give him a chance to earn looks, but the NBA positional fit is complicated. The question is whether he can defend well enough against NBA fours and fives while being undersized for the role he actually plays.
