A Scout’s Eyes: Micah Peavy I The Ingredients of a Potential Draft Riser

A look at Georgetown star wing Micah Peavy, and his potential as a late rise for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Georgetown star wing Micah Peavy isn't new to the draft scene. His NBA physical tools and profile put him firmly on the draft radar as a freshman while slotting into a significant role for Texas Tech. Peavy, the 37th-best player in the 2020 class according to the Recruiting Services Consensus Index Rankings (RCSI) and alumni of the storied Duncanville High School (TX) program, averaged 20.3 MPG across 29 games with 25 starts during his lone season in Lubbock.

After three solid seasons at Texas Christian University (TCU), the Texas native has made the most of his graduate season in D.C. and his first opportunity as a primary option on the collegiate level. Forming a terrific two-way tandem with freshman stud Thomas Sorber, Peavy earned First Team All-Big East honors by setting career-highs across the board: 17.2 PPG (6th in Big East), 5.8 RPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 SPG (2nd in Big East), 0.5 BPG, and 40% 3P (4.1 3PA) in 37.0 MPG (8th in NCAA). Could Peavy’s major jump in production, skillset, and projectable NBA role lead to him becoming a draft riser?

Immediate Defensive Impact

Peavy’s defensive playmaking (2.8 stocks per game) and versatility could provide an immediate return on investment. Listed at 6’8” and 220 pounds, Peavy possesses NBA positional size, a powerful frame, and the requisite lateral quickness to defend multiple perimeter positions while switching 1 through 4.

As Georgetown’s top perimeter defender and one of the best defenders in the Big East, Peavy accepted every assignment given to him and often found success either shutting down the opposing team’s best offensive player or at least making them work for their points.

He shows an understanding of how to leverage his blend of quick-twitch athleticism, strength, length, active hands, and anticipation skills (especially in passing lanes) to consistently be a formidable defender both on and off the ball. Peavy is no doubt amongst the draft’s most underrated defenders, but that should change as evaluators and NBA decision-makers see him compete in the inaugural College Basketball Crown, and dig into his film more after the season’s conclusion.

A Significant Swing Skill Leap

There is no secret that three-point shooting has long been the swing skill for Micah Peavy. His physical tools and defensive prowess always screamed 3-and-D potential, but the three portion left plenty of room for development.

In a very limited sample size as a Texas Tech freshman, he didn't make a single attempt from distance, nor did he look to shoot them (0-3 3PA) in his 20.3 MPG. Across his three seasons at TCU, Peavy shot 27.1% from deep on 1.8 attempts per game (23.9 MPG). This season as a Hoya, it all seemed to click for him. Peavy jumped from 31% (2.6 3PA) last season to torching the nets at a 40% clip (4.1 3PA).

What makes Peavy’s three-point shooting growth even more impressive is that he’s not just connecting on open standstill catch-and-shoot threes like most developing shooters tend to do. His growth has come in concert with significant shooting versatility and volume from beyond the arc. He’s draining step-back, movement, pull-up, and catch-and-shoot threes-all with a ton of confidence, production, and consistency. Per Synergy, Peavy is shooting:

38.0% on threes in the half-court (108 3PA)

39.7% on spot-up threes (63 3PA)

40.5% on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes (37 3PA)

40.4% on guarded catch-and-shoot threes (47 3PA)

40.0% on off the dribble threes (45 3PA)

37.5% on pick-and-roll handler threes (24 3PA)

45.8% on transition threes (24 3PA)

There’s understandable skepticism about his 9% three-point shooting percentage increase from last season to this season, especially considering he’s a career 32% shooter on real volume (310 3PA) with a 60.6% free throw mark (335 FTA). At worst, I’m buying Peavy as a reliable open three-point shooter on an NBA floor. I’m trusting in the work that he’s put in to incrementally develop as a shooter plus his confidence and production.

Downhill Attacker

Peavy’s three-point shooting improvements have opened up more opportunities to attack closeouts and driving lanes for scoring opportunities at the rim (58.5% FG at the rim with 38 dunks) and in the midrange (42.1% FG on off-the-dribble jumpers). When he’s at/around the rim, he’s able to finish with some versatility, whether it’s above the rim, with his off-hand, physicality, craft, or footwork.

Although he’s shown some skillful self-creation, Peavy will be at his best playing off the ball, where he can attack closeouts, cut, operate dribble handoffs, and play downhill against bent defenses with his pairing of dynamic physical tools and shotmaking as a second-side scorer.

Playmaking Growth

While not expected to become a primary option on the NBA level, Peavy’s growth as a playmaker with more usage is very encouraging (3.6 APG). He’s not a pick-and-roll maestro, and that’s more than fine. Peavy is an effective drive-and-kick/drop-off playmaker with flashes of connective passing and functional pick-and-roll playmaking. He’ll be an effective ball mover and opportunistic playmaker within the offense and in the open floor, fitting right into the pass-dribble-shoot wing mold.

Outlook

At 23 years old, Micah Peavy is NBA-ready as a 3-and-D wing play-finisher. His shooting in pre-draft workouts could ultimately decide whether teams trust his incremental shooting developments and breakout shooting season (40% 3P on 4.1 3PA) enough to be a Top 60 prospect.

His sensational final campaign and NBA profile should warrant an invite to the NBA Combine. I would be a bit surprised if he’s invited to the G-League Camp instead, but he would be an easy choice to thrive there and earn the Combine invite. Peavy’s skillset, dynamic physical tools, and clear NBA role are all the ingredients of a potential pre-draft riser and impactful rotation player.