Asa Newell of Georgia, a possible lottery choice in the 2025 draft, is being closely examined by NBA scouts. Due to his agility, defensive versatility, and evolving offensive style, Newell has been compared to NBA players, particularly Giannis Antetokounmpo. As Newell prepares for the next level, look at his potential and strong points.
Asa Newell: A Versatile Prospect with High Upside
During his freshman season at Georgia, 6’11” F/C Newell made an impression by averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His muscular body, excellent mobility, and explosive leaping make his athleticism instantly noticeable.
Newell’s remarkable 73.1% field goal percentage at the rim shows how good he is as a rim-runner and finisher. He also creates many second-chance opportunities and is a force on the offensive boards, which is notable as he prepares for the 2025 NBA Draft.
I was with Georgia’s Asa Newell in Southern California last week following his pre-draft process. His jumper is looking good, and his mobility and explosiveness stand out. He broke down his pre-draft with what he’s working on and hoping to achieve in the next two months. pic.twitter.com/tMi3KqUVZB
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 5, 2025
Newell’s adaptability is a significant strength in defence. Thanks to his 7’0″ wingspan and quick feet, he can guard several positions and easily transition onto bigger players and faster wings. He has a good shot-blocking instinct and is a powerful help defender.
Newell has a similar athletic profile, and the ability to influence the game on both ends of the court, but comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo may be aspirational. Similar to Giannis, Newell excels in transition and occasionally displays attacking prowess.
Which aspects of Newell require improvement?
Developing His Game: Shooting and Offensive Versatility
Even if the Antetokounmpo comparisons might be aspirational right now, although Newell’s athleticism and defensive skill are indisputable, he still needs to improve in a few areas to realize his full potential.
With a 67% free-throw percentage and a 29.7% three-point percentage, his perimeter shooting is still erratic. Unlocking his offensive versatility will require him to become more reliable from outside the arc.
Outside of shooting, Newell’s offensive skills remain undeveloped. He rarely starts offensive plays and usually scores on cuts, rolls, and putbacks. He can develop his passing and ball-handling abilities to become a more comprehensive attacking player.
Newell has unquestionable potential despite his need for improvement. He is a fascinating prospect because of his quickness, defensive adaptability, and developing offensive abilities.
He is projected as a lottery pick in many mock drafts, with some ranking him in the top 10.
His first NBA position is as a dynamic rotating big man who serves as a secondary rim protector, play finisher and transition threat.
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Newell can develop into a valuable two-way and frontcourt player of the league, with starting status, if he can enhance his offensive and shooting abilities. Some scouts believe his jump shot might be compared to Nic Claxton’s.
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