NBA Draft Scouting Report: Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford

Scouting Report: Tahaad Pettiford

Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers take on Purdue Boilermakers at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Auburn Tigers lead Purdue Boilermakers 41-26 at halftime. / Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

1. Player Info
2. Prospect Profile
3. Highlights
4. Draft Projection
5. 2025 Big Board

Player Info

Tahaad Pettiford

Guard | Auburn

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 175 lbs

2025 Draft Age: 19.89

Dec 14, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) dribbles the ball down the court against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images / Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Prospect Profile

Despite not starting for Auburn, Pettiford is one of the most important players on a team that has championship aspirations. The lefty guard is undersized but has the upside to be playing in the NBA as soon as next season. He’s extremely quick and shifty, while also being smooth and poised. 

What makes Pettiford most lethal on the offensive end is his ability to create space and advantages against his defender. He’s an extremely reliable 3-point shooter on high volume, but he can also put the ball on the deck and score from the midrange or at the rim. He’s an efficient free throw shooter, too. 

At his size, Pettiford has not been able to pull down rebounds at a very high rate, but has proven to be a complimentary playmaker for others. His assist numbers are impressive for a reserve who doesn’t get as many minutes as others who will be competing for a selection in the upcoming draft. But make no mistake, Pettiford’s explosiveness and bounce allow him to play above the rim and really overcome his lack of height in some ways. He projects to be an off-ball guard at the next level who can fill in as a lead ball-handler situationally. Scoring is his best skill, but he does more than that.

Pettiford’s lack of strength will limit him on the defensive end in the NBA, so adding strength and finding ways to be more disruptive will be key. If there’s one thing keeping him from being a higher draft pick, it will be that end of the court. He has the athleticism and ability to process the game, so it’s all about figuring out how to make it work against players who will be bigger and stronger. 

A former four-star recruit, Pettiford is not scared of the spotlight. He’s making a huge impact for the Tigers on what could be a historic run come March. He’s talented enough to start for many teams around the country, but has done a great job of carving out a real role for Auburn off the bench. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Potential Second-Round Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.

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2025 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2025 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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