Sterling is a big-time shooter off the basketball who made 44% of his threes, on over 8 attempts per game, during the Pro16 season. He has extreme gravity as a floor spacer (12-18 on open catch-and-shoot threes), but is also a tough shot-maker off the bounce. He’s the type of threat who coaches can run off various types of screening action. Simultaneously, he’s a good ball-handler, who is very adept at probing the lane and holding his dribble until he gets just enough separation for his pull-up.
Physically, Sterling has solid positional size, but some athletic limitations, particularly at the rim. He actually shot a lower percentage inside the arc than he did beyond it during Pro16 play. Defensively, there are some correlating concerns as well, especially when he gets extended away from the basket or put in long close-out situations.
For whatever physical gifts he may lack, he compensates not just with skill, but intangibles and feel for the game. He passes and cuts well, all while understanding what his niche is, and has been extremely well coached. He’s also an elite competitor with innate competitiveness.