PBC International Insight: Kostja Mushidi

Watching all 225 lbs of Mushidi careen down the court in transition for a promising Braunschweig organization is one of the most enthralling parts of the BBL this season and it should only get better as he continues to assimilate into the new offense with unfamiliar teammates. Mushidi has been on draft radars since 2016 and has intrigued most who watch him with an unusual combination of length, quickness, and strength at the wing position. He’s a gritty physical defender with an aptitude for anticipating actions before they happen and its easy to see how development in a couple of key offensive areas could lead to a player not stylistically dissimilar from Jaylen Brown or a secondary ball-handler with shades of Andre Iguodala. Despite great measurables and a strong approach, Mushidi’s development has plateaued a bit over the past two years and he'll need to show progression to recapture his mystique as a potentially draftable NBA prospect.

Tale of the Tape

Finishing Through Contact

​In the modern NBA there is no substitute for finishing high-percentage shots at the rim and Mushidi does just that. He’s not a poster waiting to happen, but Mushidi isn’t afraid to absorb contact with his body from much longer players and finish through heavy contact with a fearless resolve. Coaches will love that Mushidi attacks the rim to make the shot even when meeting heavy contact in the early stages of his assault in the paint.

In the clip below, notice how Mushidi not only finishes through contact but actually anticipates the resistance once in the paint.

​With Mushidi’s streaky shooting the ability to capitalize closer to the basket is essential for him to stay on the floor against high-level defenses. 

Defensive Impact

​Players who can defend at a high level against multiple positions come at a premium in most basketball leagues and Mushidi does exactly that. He’s a strong guard with long arms capable of switching onto larger forwards and holding his own while also possessing the quickness to defend smaller lead guards when needed. Despite lower numbers this season, he has the timing to generate blocks and steals and appears to take a ton of pride in making life hard for opposing players. 

In the clip below, it’s easy to see how Mushidi could be the do-it-all defender that coaches love.

​Mushidi has all the tools needed to make an impact on the defensive side of the floor and it would be fascinating to see how he’d match-up with some of the premier wings in the NBA.

PBC Prediction

​Kostja Mushidi may not have quite the level of NBA Draft buzz that he once did, but it's easy to see why he has been considered a borderline draftable prospect for so long. The jumper is certainly his swing skill, but with tremendous measurables, good intangibles, and some projectable skills, Mushidi should get ample opportunity to show what he’s capable of in Summer League and looks just as intriguing as many of the two-way wings playing in the G League right now. The real question will be whether Mushidi would rather remain in Europe with the certainty of playing for better money and higher stakes or take the risk of spending some significant time in a less glamorous development situation in the States. With a strong showing this season, a draft-and-stash middle ground opportunity could emerge as a potential option.

Skyler Beauchamp is a junior sports management major at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He has a passion for international basketball and founded the website Dark Horse Hoops in 2018 to help international teams find import players. Skyler has great enthusiasm for finding high-level basketball prospects in unexpected places like low major conferences and NCAA DII programs, and brings a unique perspective to the PBC scouting team. He currently volunteers with USA Basketball and aspires to work as an NBA international scout. Skyler is a Star Wars buff and enjoys wildlife photography in his free time.
Follow Skyler on Twitter @Sky_limit_hoops.

Jon Chepkevich serves as the Director of Scouting for the Professional Basketball Combine. In his role at STATS Perform, Jon reviews the financial terms/profitability of customer contracts, develops NBA minutes projections, and works with the basketball data group to enhance the STATS Perform NBA Draft model. When he isn’t in the office, Jon enjoys Chicago’s competitive pick-up hoops scene, dissecting NBA draft prospects as a credentialed scout, and spending time with his wife, Andrea, and dog, Ruthie.
Follow Jon on Twitter @JonChep.