Overview
Flowers attended three high schools, finishing up at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, N.C. Initially committed to play for Louisville, Flowers opted out to play in the Australian National Basketball League, suiting up for the Adelaide 36ers. Injuries limited him to 21 games (eight starts) last season. In 14.4 minutes per game, Flowers averaged 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.2 steals. His season highs included 20 points, four made 3-pointers, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. In 2023, Flowers also attended the USA Basketball U19 National Team Training Camp.
Analysis
Flowers can knock down 3-pointers (10-for-28; 36% last season) and drive to the rim with burst. However, he isn’t an elite finisher and can get tunnel vision, posting a poor 31 turnovers to 13 assists. At the same time, he was asked to play more of a wing role for the 36ers, while his development track had been that of a bigger playmaker. Flowers must improve his free-throw shooting (24-for-37; 65%). He makes an effort on the glass on defense and is comfortable grabbing and going. But he needs to improve defensively, especially when guarding a ballhandler. Flowers’ reaction time needs to improve.
Projection
Flowers has several things to work on, primarily his defense, but his length and athleticism as a playmaker on offense should be of NBA value sooner rather than later. And how much his passing develops will be a major pillar of his long-term track. At times, Flowers can look like Jaylen Brown. Other times, he looks like Corey Brewer. NBA teams shooting for upside certainly have a reason to take a long look at Flowers, who might be able to bring offensive energy to a bench unit as a rookie.
— Profile by RotoWire