2026 NBA Draft: Tamin Lipsey Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Tamin Lipsey

Position: Guard

College: Iowa State

Class: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'1", 200 lbs

Birthdate: June 25, 2003

High School: Ames HS (IA)

Player Overview

Lipsey is a defense-first lead guard who sets the tone with point-of-attack pressure, anticipation, and toughness. He plays bigger than his height because of his strong frame and a 6’5 wingspan, and he consistently disrupts opponents' actions without excessive fouling. Offensively, he’s a true floor general who sees the floor well, makes timely reads, and is comfortable organizing late-clock possessions. He’s not passive, either. He attacks closeouts, gets into the paint, and plays through contact, even if his best value comes from connecting the offense and keeping teammates in rhythm.

Strengths

• Elite Defense: Great anticipation and timing. Pressures the ball well without fouling, disrupts passing lanes, and excels in on-ball situations.

• Floor General: Sees the floor extremely well, makes timely reads, and passes teammates open or into their shots. Comfortable in late-clock situations.

• Competitor: High motor, strong character, and has shown leadership throughout his career. Plays with edge and earns trust with effort and reliability.

• Attacks the Basket: Not passive offensively. Attacks closeouts, gets to the paint, and absorbs contact to create advantages.

  
  

Concerns

• Finishing Versus Length: Crafty, but lacks vertical pop. Can be deterred at the rim and disrupted when met by length.

• Shot Creation Separation: Needs to create more space off the dribble to generate cleaner looks. High-level athletes can contest his attempts without overcommitting.

• Perimeter Shot Consistency: Has improved, but remains streaky. NBA defenders will likely go under screens and dare him to beat them from deep.

• Size Limitations: At 6’1”, the margin for error is thinner in today’s NBA, which values versatility on both ends of the floor.

  
  

Bottom Line

Lipsey projects as a defense-first guard whose NBA value will be built on point-of-attack defense, toughness, and basketball IQ. His size and shooting consistency limit his margin for error, but the competitiveness, instincts, and leadership give him a realistic path to a backup role. Continued development as a perimeter shooter will ultimately determine whether he can claw his way in and stick long term.