James Michael McAdoo signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors out of the D-League and here is a scouting report on his game:

Situation: The undrafted rookie out of North Carolina was a highly touted high school prospect that eventually had a lackluster three-year career with the Tar Heels. McAdoo showed some potential, but never quite reached his ceiling in the college game and eventually resulted in a Las Vegas Summer League appearance with the Warriors. He didn’t make the NBA roster initially, but made an impression this season with their D-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, and earned a 10-day deal despite no immediate needs on the roster. There may not be lots of available minutes, but his game should fit the up-tempo Golden State system.

Size/Athleticism: McAdoo lacks ideal size for an NBA power forward at 6-foot-9, 230 pounds, but compensates with big-time athleticism and a wingspan over 7-feet. His stature isn’t ideal, but his athletic abilities will allow him to fit in at the NBA level. McAdoo is also one of the best big men in the D-League when it comes to running the floor. He consistently beats his opponents up and down the court while showing little fatigue.

Ballhandling: McAdoo shows some flashes of a dribble-drive game from the high post. He can use an occasional spin move to lose a defender but isn’t at his best breaking down opponents off the bounce.

Shooting: The jump shot isn’t a big part of McAdoo’s game, as he’s taken just 16 shots beyond 16 feet in 22 games this season. Improving as a jump shooter could make him a rotational player.

Interior Game: McAdoo isn’t a refined post player, but shows some potential down low. His length and athleticism allow him to finish over defenders, but he’s at best cutting to the rim and using his advanced hands and bounce to beat opponents to the hoop on the pick-and-roll. He’s shooting 63.1% from inside of 8 feet this year but rarely posts up on the block.

Passing: McAdoo is an underrated passer. He’s averaging 2.0 assists per game in Santa Cruz and can find cutters or fellow bigs in the high-low.

Defense: McAdoo’s athleticism and wingspan stand out on the defensive end of the floor. He can help inside and uses his bounce to average 2.6 blocks per game while he also jumps passing lanes for another 2.0 steals per contest. His length helps him on the perimeter.

Rebounding: Averaging 9.3 rebounds per contest, McAdoo is a quality rebounder that competes inside. He averages 3.0 offensive rebounds per game as a testament to his energy and aggressiveness. 

Versatility: McAdoo is an undersized but athletic power forward. He could play center in really small lineups if desperate, as the Warriors have done sometimes with David Lee if Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli are out of the lineup, but should be looked at as a four man.

Final Analysis: While McAdoo didn't live up to the expectations that he received coming from at the high school level, he does show NBA potential as an athletic pick-and-roll power forward. He slashes to the rim and can finish lobs or catch bounce passes on the run. Golden State currently holds the best record in the NBA, so there may not be a ton of minutes waiting for McAdoo, but his game fits the organization’s system based on transition and the high pick-and-roll. McAdoo could find an opportunity because of his advanced basketball IQ and upside.