Brice Sensabaugh: Hidden Gem?

Brian Papiernik • June 2025

When the Utah Jazz selected Brice Sensabaugh with the 28th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many were betting on a high-upside scorer with questionable defense due to his bulky frame. Sensagbaugh brings an unusual mix of length, strength, and scoring touch as a forward standing at 6' 5” with a 6' 11” wingspan. Fast forwarding to the 2024–25 season, Sensabaugh is quietly building a compelling statistical case for a larger role with the Utah Jazz.

Elite Efficiency in Scoring Roles

Sensabaugh's offensive profile is unique when looking at his Synergy playtype data:

• Pick-and-Roll Man: Sensabaugh is 99th percentile in effectiveness – scoring 1.62 points per possession. While its unusual for a forward of his size to rank this highly, this shows Sensabaugh's ability to make quick reads and smart decisions in short-rolls or slip actions. A big reason for this success is his soft floater touch, which consistently punishes when defenders collapse on the ball-handler.

  Brice Sensabaugh floater appreciation post pic.twitter.com/iNH1PRGHOR

  — Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) May 12, 2025

• Transition (89th percentile) and Spot-Up Shooting (67th percentile): Sensabaugh thrives in both fast-paced and half-court catch-and-shoot scenarios by posting a solid 1.33 PPP in transition and 1.10 on spot-ups. This showcases his ability to do damage in multiple offensive scenarios.
• Catch and Shoot: Across the board, Sensabaugh ranks 90th+ percentile in volume and efficiency. His catch-and-shoot ability might be his most translatable offensive skill at the NBA level, as his elite 0.65 effective field goal percentage (eFG%) places him among the league's most efficient spot-up shooters. This is an impressive trait especially at the age of 21 in his 2nd year.

These metrics confirm what the shot chart shows — he's shooting well from above the break and the wings.

Pull-Up Ability: Another Unique Layer to His Game

While catch-and-shoot remains his special skill, Sensabaugh's pull-up game has developed nicely. Sensabaugh ranks in the 80th+ percentile across pull-up FGM, 3PM, and total points among the forward position. Additionally, Sensabaugh shoots pull-up 3-point shots at a respectable 36% clip. His ability to create and hit shots off the bounce can open up the offense when the shot clock is running down.

Driving Game with some Limitations

Sensabaugh ranks in the 75th percentile in driving volume among forwards, scoring 2.2 points per game on 3.7 drives. However, his passing metrics on drives remain concerning:

• Assist % on Drives: 36th percentile
• Pass % on Drives: 53rd percentile
• Turnover %: 16th percentile

He is turning over the ball a lot on drives without creating much for others either. This makes him more of a decisive scorer than a playmaker when he attacks off the dribble.

Passing Profile: Average, Not Flashy

In traditional passing metrics, Sensabaugh is average to slightly below average among forwards:

• Assist to Pass %: 84th percentile — when he does pass, it's productive
• Adjusted Assists and Assist Points Created: hovering around the 60–66th percentile range

He doesn't create a lot of opportunities with his passing ability. Sensabaugh can still be effective as a floor-spacing forward especially with ball-dominant guards also on the floor.

Defense: Work in Progress

Sensabaugh's defensive profile in his second season is a mix of surprising strengths and clear areas for growth. He's actually been a bright spot in pick-and-roll coverage, ranking in the 93rd percentile against roll men and 79th percentile against ball handlers — a good sign that he can hold his ground in structured, two-man actions. But off the ball, there's still work to be done. He ranks near the bottom of the league when defending handoffs and off-screen movement — areas that demand timing, footwork, and sharp awareness. He's had trouble navigating screens and staying attached to cutters, which isn't all that uncommon for a young wing still adjusting to the speed and complexity of NBA defenses.

Final Verdict: A Valuable Offensive Weapon Hiding in Plain Sight

Brice Sensabaugh isn't a household name yet — but his shooting metrics scream rotation-caliber offensive player.

• Elite as a catch-and-shoot threat
• Efficient in transition and roll situations
• Improving in pull-up creation
• Still developing on the defensively

In a league that craves shooting and versatility, Brice Sensabaugh might just be the hidden gem Utah's been quietly polishing.