Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Derrion Reid
Position: Forward
Team: Alabama
Class: Freshman
Height/Weight: 6'8", 220 lbs
Birthdate: January 27, 2006
High School: Grovetown (GA)
Player Overview
Derrion Reid is a strong and physical forward with the tools to become a versatile contributor at the next level. Known for his defensive instincts and mobility, Reid effectively guards multiple positions. He combines quick feet with his physicality to disrupt smaller players on the perimeter and hold his ground against larger opponents inside. His combination of strength and athleticism offers an intriguing defensive upside, particularly in switch-heavy schemes.
Reid has shown potential as a floor spacer, offensively, albeit on low volume. His shooting mechanics are sound, and his feel for off-ball movement creates opportunities within the flow of the offense. However, Reid’s lack of self-creation limits his ability to generate offense independently, as he often picks up his dribble under pressure. Despite these limitations, his energy, physical tools, and willingness to do the little things position him as a high-upside role player with room for development.
"Reid is an athletic forward who guards multiple positions and scores efficiently around the rim, and is capable of stretching the floor." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Defensive Versatility: Combines quick feet and strength to guard multiple positions effectively.
Shooting Mechanics: Solid mechanics provide a foundation for developing into a reliable floor spacer.
Off-Ball Movement: Moves intelligently without the ball, creating scoring opportunities within the offense.
Energy and Hustle: Plays with a high motor, contributing to his impact on both ends of the floor.
Physicality: Uses his size and strength to compete on the interior and on the perimeter.
Concerns
Low-volume shooter: Questions remain about his ability to maintain efficiency with increased attempts.
Picks up dribble too early: Struggles under defensive pressure, limiting his offensive creation.
Poor self-creation: Relies heavily on others to generate scoring opportunities for him.
Questions
Will he hold his own effectively on the interior against NBA-level size and athleticism?
As his shooting volume increases, can he maintain his efficiency?
How will his lack of self-creation affect his role at the next level?
Bottom Line
Derrion Reid is a physical and versatile forward with defensive instincts and shooting potential, making him an intriguing prospect for the modern NBA. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute as a role player early in his career will appeal to teams seeking two-way versatility. Continued improvement in his offensive self-creation and consistency as a shooter will determine the extent of his impact at the next level.