Overview
Karaban redshirted the 2021-22 season, but he made a massive impact on both ends of the court in the two seasons he played for the Huskies, winning back-to-back NCAA championships and operating as a difference-making presence on both sides of the ball. Karaban quickly grabbed a starter role in 2022-23 and featured in the first unit in all but one of his 39 appearances, a year in which he averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. He took his game to a new level in 2023-24, putting up career-best numbers in points (13.3), rebounds (5.1), blocks (0.8) and steals (0.9) per game while logging 31.4 minutes per contest.
Analysis
Karaban is a big 6-foot-8 combo forward with a great shooting touch who possesses the ability to handle both forward roles. He brings elite shooting to the table, as he’s proven he can convert from beyond the arc at a high volume with above-average efficiency. He also possesses great floor-spacing ability, which allows him to put himself in a good position to be a catch-and-shoot threat. The forward has good hands that are not only limited to his catch-and-shoot ability, as he’s also a better passer than he gets credit for. Karaban possesses good strength and decent size, but he doesn’t have a lot of athleticism compared to other small forwards of his stature. That’s perhaps the biggest question about his NBA potential, as his lack of elite athleticism might force him to remain at power forward. That could limit his suitors. Even if that ends up being the case, he could end up being an accomplished stretch four due to his shooting touch and above-average floor spacing.
Projection
Karaban’s position at the next level will ultimately determine his role, but today’s NBA has enough room for players who can shoot and space the floor regardless of the position. Karaban is also a very good rebounder and a solid passer. It wouldn’t be surprising if Karaban ends up becoming a smaller version of Kelly Olynyk — a player who doesn’t have a concrete traditional role but does a little bit of everything without any glaring weaknesses.
— Profile by RotoWire