While I do not always like per 36 stats, Skal's are pretty good. He averaged 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He had a monster game against the Phoenix Suns putting up 32 and 11 while shooting 73% from the field including making a 3 pointer. He has great potential and I think he was a steal with the 28th pick. Digging into the stats amongst the various playtypes courtesy of nba.com/stats, you can see that the majority of Skal's offensive possessions came as a roll man in the pick and roll, in post ups, and in spot ups. Let's start with the pick and rolls. As a roll man, Skal has quickness and he has the ability to finish around the rim. He does not seem to be afraid to get fouled and he shoots 70% from the foul line. He is still figuring out the nuances of pick and roll play. He rated out in the 20th percentile as a roll man, which is not good, but there is a lot of things to be excited about. As a post up presence, Skal has some moves to get himself some good looks. He can finish with either hand and although he lacks the strength to go through people, he is long and athletic enough to go over and around. He rated out in the 77th percentile in the NBA.
In spot up situations, Skal really shined. He rated out in the 93rd percentile in the league. He has a great mid range shot and finds himself spotted up on the baseline a lot. While he only shot 40% from 3-10 feet, move him out from 10 feet and his field goal percentage shoots up to 52% from 10-16 feet and even better at 58% from 16 feet to the three point line. He has a very nice touch and he is quick to get around bigger forwards that come to guard his mid range game. Skal also displayed the ability to hit the three pointer making 3 of his 8 attempts and it is something that he could become quite good at if he becomes a volume shooter.
The bottom line is that Skal's skill set is a stretch big that can play inside. He is athletic, skilled, and he has length. He has a ways to go offensively and defensively, but the potential is off the charts for him. The Kings have signed some veteran players that could help him get better. While I do not see the Kings as a great team, they should be much improved. Skal is going to be a big part of their future. Anyone that can score 21 points in the 4th quarter of an NBA game (vs. Phoenix, 03/15/2017) in their rookie season has potential. While Skal was not appreciated for what he was at UK, the NBA will come to appreciate his skill set. I see a big season from Skal and I see years from now the league saying that Skal was a steal for the 28th pick.