[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Judah Mintz
Frame: 6’3″, 176 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Syracuse
2023 draft age: 19
Stats via: teamrankings, ESPN, Barttorvik, NBA.com

Offense

Coming off an underrated freshman season, Mintz’s 16.3 points per game were second only to senior guard Joseph Girard (16.4). Managing to lead his team in assists, steals, and usage percentage, Mintz emerged as a bright spot and a focal point for the 17-15 Orange. 

At nearly five assists per game. Mintz’s 27.2 assist percentage ranked third of 51 NCAA Division I high-major freshmen who played at least 50 percent of their teams’ minutes. Mintz is a willing passer and playmaker, capable of finding open teammates from all three levels. His assist: turnover ratio of 1.9 ranked eighth, showcasing his ability to make the right play and take care of the ball. 

However, he’s more of a scoring point guard. Mintz uses his physicality to drive into the paint, and while he may not be the biggest, strongest, or most athletic guard, he relishes contact. His 45.3 percent free throw rate ranked 16th of 163 NCAA high-major division I guards who played at least 50 percent of their team’s minutes, and his 5.8 free throw attempts per game led all high-major Division I freshmen. 

Mintz possesses exceptional body control, allowing him to hit tough shots around the basket and through contact. His 61.4 close-two percentage ranked 30th of the 163 players mentioned above, and his 153 attempts ranked fourth. Attempting just 2.1 threes per game, Mintz doesn’t settle from beyond the perimeter—he attacks the basket, draws fouls, and makes plays for himself and his teammates. 

Mintz’s outside shot needs work at 30.3 percent from beyond the arc. His free-throw percentage of 75 percent is commendable, and at just 19 years old, his outside shot should improve. Mintz plays to his strengths; he drives hard to the basket and runs well in transition.

While his true shooting percentage of 52.5 was middle of the pack, his shot selection is noteworthy, especially for a young guard. Shooting 44 percent from the field as a freshman guard in one of the best conferences in college basketball—Mintz’s shot IQ and downhill drives bring a unique backcourt presence to the next level.

Defense

Mintz plays with active hands defensively; his steal percentage of 3.2 percent ranked third in the ACC and fourth of 51 high-major Division I freshmen. Additionally, no other freshman ranked in the top 10 in steal percentage committed fewer fouls per 40 minutes-showcasing Mintz’s defensive discipline, awareness, and high IQ. 

Despite a 6’4″ wingspan (second lowest at the combine) and low body weight—Mintz plays bigger than his size. Using his physical playstyle to disrupt dribble hand-offs and drives to the basket, he can face up guards along the perimeter and fight through screens using his quickness and strength. 

Playing in Syracuse’s notorious 2-3 zone allowed Mintz to jump passing lanes, force errant passes, and cause turnovers. While the three-point shot continues to be the kryptonite of the 2-3 zone, Mintz’s high energy and commitment on the defensive end allowed him to lead his team in steals and push the ball in transition, creating instant offense. 

His defensive rating of 105.1 was seventh on the team and just 51st of 62 high-major Division I scoring point guards who played at least 50 percent of their teams’ minutes. While Mintz’s defensive rating would rank 10th of current NBA players short than 6’4″ and weighing less than 200 lbs, he has work to do defensively. 

He moves his feet well and plays aggressively but struggles to rebound-averaging just 2.3 per game. His 6.3 defensive rebounding percentage ranked 58th of the 62 players mentioned above. Eager to turn defense into instant offense, Mintz often runs in transition before the defensive possession is complete. 

Still, Mintz possesses upside on the defensive end; he plays hard and isn’t afraid to challenge the opposition. He can prevent guards from backing him down in the post and hold his own against bigger players along the perimeter using his quick hands. 

Looking Ahead

As ESPN’s 36th-ranked recruit out of Oak Hill Academy, Mintz solidified his draft consideration with outstanding play during his freshman season. Projected to go mid-second round, anticipate a potential two-way contract for Mintz. As one of the youngest prospects in the upcoming draft, he can gain reps, work on his outside shot, and develop his game properly against NBA-caliber competition. 

Mintz may struggle to earn minutes early in his career as an end-of-bench guard with a limited jump shot. However, if his jump shot can improve and he continues to create contact, make plays, and defend well, his role may expand later in his rookie campaign. 

Mintz plays tough and brings a tenacious bulldog mentality to the guard position. He drives hard to the basket and uses impressive body control to finish strong in the paint. While Mintz is more of a scoring point guard, he can make plays for his teammates, and due to his size, he may be best utilized playing alongside wing shooters, secondary playmakers, and rim-running bigs.