Jean Montero Scouting Report

A prospect that is surrounded by the unknown, Montero’s draft position is one of the hardest to predict in this years draft. While some expect to hear his name called early in the 2022 NBA draft, others believe that he could fall into the second round. 

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: At first glance, Montero is a typical international guard with a solid frame and room to grow. With all the size and length to command an offense, the 6’3” guard currently playing for Overtime Elite, has already shown that he is NBA ready. On the defensive side of the floor, Montero has proven he can get into passing lanes and create easy transition offense for himself or his teammates. As he continues to grow he should become a better overall defender at his position. In transition and on the offensive side of the floor is where Montero truly shines. Playing at the international level has made Montero a natural floor general, who has proven to consistently make the right decision when leading the offense. He is always under control and even when the opposing team is trying to trap or double team he takes his time finding the open man, almost like the game is slower for him than the rest of the floor. While this is especially true during his limited appearances for Overtime Elite, Montero was controlling the game the same way internationally. Expect the same to remain true when he transitions to the NBA. In transition and the pick and roll it is hard to stop his team from putting the ball in the basket even if it doesn’t come from Montero. He is rarely selfish and always seems to find the best shot on the floor. Montero’s passing ability is accompanied by his ability to get downhill and to score at all three levels.  A scorer in his own right the Overtime Elite guard has shown that he can finish around the basket, stop on a dime and shoot a mid-range or create his own shot from behind the three point line. Add to the mix that he is a good free throw shooter, any organization will be happy to have Montero develop in their system and possibly command their second unit during his rookie season. 

Areas of Improvement: Montero is an international player, which means that he is well rounded and extremely polished but it doesn’t mean he can’t improve his current game. Going forward he should work to be more involved on the defensive side of the floor. Even though he can find himself in passing lanes this also leads to gambling for balls when he should be playing straight up. In his recent games for Overtime Elite he has been a bit too straight up and even with his quick first step on the offensive end. He also has a tendency to let his defender slip by him with or without the ball. This is especially true in the pick and roll as ball handlers seem to be able to get downhill on Montero with ease, raising questions about his ability to defend high level guards in the NBA. As he improves on the defensive end, he will also have an opportunity to develop further on the offensive end. Even though he has already been shown as an excellent decision maker improving his shot from range will help his teammates now and in the NBA. While it isn’t necessarily a weakness or an area of improvement, Montero doesn’t seem to be playing against competition close to his ability. It doesn’t feel like he is being challenged which could mean that he isn’t going to drastically develop any aspect of his game this season while the rest of his class is playing in college, overseas or with the Ignite.

External Factors: As we have already touched on, Montero playing in the Overtime Elite league without the ability to measure league stats could cloud the judgement of evaluators when comparing him to his peers. Outside of this, Montero does not have any major external factors effecting his draft stock. 

Medical History: Jean Montero does not have any prior medical history that would impact his draft position. His ability to stay healthy should be an encouraging sign for teams at the next level. 

Summary: Montero is the best player and prospect Overtime Elite currently has and it doesn’t look close. In a league that doesn’t track stats it is hard to really gauge the level of competition and if it is comparable to a prep-league, a certain level of college, or closer to the NBA. As an International player for his first seventeen years of basketball Montero is extremely polished and does a lot well regardless of his averages above. While his best attribute is his ability to handle the ball and run an offense it isn’t enough to make him an elite prospect in comparison to the rest of his draft class. He should be a solid rotation player at the next level, Montero will most likely slot in around the early second round. The best way for the young guard to move up draft boards will come at the combine. If he can prove himself as a shooter and become more inspired on the defensive end, it could move him up into the late first.  

MIP Projection: First Round Post Lottery (16-28)