Chad Baker-Mazara: Crafty Shot-Maker with Vision
With a silky handle, great vision, and long shooting range, he thrives in the halfcourt as a creator and scorer. Can he become a two-way contributor?
The 6'7" Dominican guard had a career full of twists and turns, but he pulled it all together in his last season. He shot 38.2% from three and ranked in the 96th percentile for assists, displaying the type of smooth perimeter talent that draws NBA attention. His ability to create off the dribble and exploit sagging opponents gives him a definite offensive role. Let's dig further into what makes him such a unique weapon, and where he needs to improve defensively.
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 25.6MPG, 12.3 PPG, 2.7 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.4 T/O, 44.8% FG%
Pros:
Playmaking and Dribbling:
Mazara is extremely smooth with the ball in his hands, consistently creating space when attacking defenders.
He remains composed under defensive pressure, controlling the pace rather than allowing defenders to dictate his movements.
His quickness and shiftiness draw defenders toward him, opening up passing lanes and allowing him to facilitate effectively for teammates being ranked in the 96 percentile for assists.
Shooting ability:
An elite spot-up shooter, Mazara is a constant threat from beyond the arc at any level. 38.2% 3 Pt % which ranks him in the 82nd percentile.
His quick release, combined with his ability to create space, makes him a dynamic scoring option.
He possesses deep range and can consistently knock down shots from well beyond the three-point line.
Athleticism & Quickness
When attacking the rim, Mazara displays elite body control, contorting mid-air to evade defenders.
His explosive first step allows him to blow by defenders with ease.
He is a quick-twitch athlete, making him difficult to contain in isolation or transition situations.
Defensive ability
Mazara excels at closing out on shooters, forcing difficult shots and contested misses.
He showcases impressive post defense when needed, using his strength and positioning to hold his ground.
.Cons:
Lack of Elite Explosion
While Mazara is quick and athletic, he lacks top-tier explosiveness, especially when it comes to vertical leaping.
Inconsistent Floater
Adding a reliable floater to his scoring arsenal would make him even more dangerous in the lane.
Right now, his lack of touch in that area limits his ability to score over shot-blockers in the paint.
Struggles Defensively Against Screens
Mazara has difficulty navigating around screens, often getting caught and giving ball-handlers space to operate.
Improving his screen navigation would make him a more reliable perimeter defender, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
Defensive Lateral Quickness & Mid-Range Vulnerability
He sometimes gets beat off the dribble, allowing opponents to create easy mid-range looks.
His change-of-direction ability while defending on the ball is suspect, making it easier for shifty guards to create space against him.
Final Take: Mazara is a smooth, high-level shot creator with elite shooting ability and dynamic playmaking skills. His ability to control the pace, break down defenders, and hit shots from deep makes him a major offensive weapon. However, his lack of elite explosion, struggles with screen navigation, and inconsistency defending quicker ball-handlers are areas he needs to improve. If he refines his floater, works on defensive footwork, and enhances his screen awareness, he has the potential to be a dangerous two-way player.
Draft Projection: Late second round or undrafted, but has decided to stay his last year at Auburn
Player Comparison: Jordan Clarkson: Handles, jumper, pace, vision, flair.