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Anthony Davis 6-10 PF Kentucky / Freshman |
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It's debatable whether the unibrow can be an NBA team's savoir, particularly a "dis-organization" such as the Bobcats. But if any player in this year's draft class is up to the task, it's Davis. No team in the league is more devoid of talent than Charlotte, (on record pace) and Davis would bring them a potential centerpiece in the paint. With the improvement that he showed offensively, he left little doubt about who the top prospect in this year's draft is. Davis impacts the game on both ends with his length and energy. He oozes potential with his long, wiry, underdeveloped body combined with his speed and athleticism. His shot shows excellent form and his post skills are showing improvement. He still needs to bulk up, but he plays tough regardless. Davis has an almost unfair combination of length and guard reflexes and intensity. He should become a defensive enforcer at the NBA level and if he can bulk up and develop a post game, the sky is the limit. |
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Comparison: Kevin Garnett |
Stats: 14.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 4.6 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $5,305,080 |
Ranking: 1st Power Forward / 1st Freshman |
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Thomas Robinson 6-8 SF Kansas / Junior |
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Robinson has really impressed scouts with his added face-the-basket skills. With a huge (7-foot-1) wingspan, he's able to make up for his lack of height. The junior has played with great energy all season. Showing the ability to consistently knock down mid-range jumpshots, as well as get to the rim off the dribble has elevated his stock to possibly being the second overall pick. He's got the consistent motor and fire that seems to be lacking from fellow Big 12 forward prospect Perry Jones. |
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Comparison: Derrick Williams |
Stats: 17.9 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $4,746,480 |
Ranking: 1st Small Forward / 1st Junior |
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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6-7 SF Kentucky / Freshman |
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A strong 6-foot-7 forward with substantial length (7-foot wingspan) and athleticism, Gilchrist projects as a shutdown defender at the 3 position. He may not be your most adept shot-creator, but nobody plays with a higher motor. With strong character and a team-first mentality, NBA coaches will love what this kid brings to the table. MKG proved all year that he never takes a play off. He was as vital a piece to UK's title run as anybody. And a case could be made that he was the top player in the country (Anthony Davis included). |
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Comparison: Gerald Wallace |
Stats: 11.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.0 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $4,262,520 |
Ranking: 2nd Small Forward / 2nd Freshman |
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Andre Drummond 6-10 PF Connecticut / Freshman |
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Drummond had an up and down season and is mentioned by some as a possible bust. He stands a great chance to get a GM fired whether it be for selecting him too high, or not taking him. An absolute physical specimen with incredible mobility and athleticism for a player his size. At 6-foot-10 and 270 pounds, Drummond is said to be the fastest player on the UConn team. Unfortunately his motor runs hot and cold leaving many wondering whether he will live up to his vast potential.
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Comparison: Amare Stoudemire |
Stats: 10.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.7 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $3,843,000 |
Ranking: 2nd Power Forward / 3rd Freshman |
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Harrison Barnes 6-8 SF North Carolina / Sophomore |
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Barnes' tourney performance didn't do him any favors, as his inability to create shots for himself was exposed. But he will interview extremely well and should also help himself in workouts. With good size and a high, clean release on his jumper, Barnes should excel at the next level in catch-and-shoot situations. As a slasher, Barnes shows good body control and a soft touch when shooting on the move in the paint. His lack of FT attempts per game show his reluctance to use his strength to attack the basket. He needs to become a little more selfish and embrace the role of being a superstar. But his high basketball IQ and strong character make him a GM's wet dream and a potential cornerstone at the small forward position for all of his suitors.
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Comparison: Glen Rice |
Stats: 17.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.0 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $3,480,120 |
Ranking: 3rd Small Forward / 1st Sophomore |
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Bradley Beal 6-4 SG Florida / Freshman |
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More than just a spot-up threat, Beal can change directions, pull back and shoot off the dribble. As a ballhandler, he sees the open space whether it's splitting a double team or spinning away from his defender. He's also an excellent passer for a 2-guard. At times, he struggles to create shots and his shooting numbers were somewhat inconsistent. But Beal really turned things up at the end of the season and figures to be taken in the Top 10. |
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Comparison: Eric Gordon |
Stats: 14.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $3,160,800 |
Ranking: 1st Shooting Guard / 4th Freshman |
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Jeremy Lamb 6-5 SG Connecticut / Sophomore |
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UConn faded, barely making the tourney and bowing out in the first round. How much of the blame should be placed on Lamb depends on who you ask. He has more potential than Bradley Beal, but his disappearing act has left his stock in doubt. He created a lot of intrigue with the Huskies title run a year ago, but was unable to take over as the team's vocal leader. He needs get tougher both mentally and physically as he avoids contact and can be thrown off his game by bigger stronger opponents that get physical with him. He remains one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft, but his lack of consistency, vocal leadership and assertiveness has dropped his stock some. |
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Comparison: Reggie Miller |
Stats: 17.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.8 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,885,520 |
Ranking: 2nd Shooting Guard / 2nd Sophomore |
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Kendall Marshall 6-4 PG North Carolina / Sophomore |
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This is a little high for Marshall but he would be a perfect fit with Utah's system. Marshall is possibly the best passer college basketball has seen since Jason Kidd. His ability to find teammates and create shots for them is special. He also has a tremendous feel for the game and has the type of natural point guard instincts that just can't be learned. Still, his shortcomings athletically, defensively and with his shooting make him less than a sure thing. |
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Comparison: Mark Jackson |
Stats: 7.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 9.7 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,563,320 |
Ranking: 1st Point Guard / 3rd Sophomore |
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Austin Rivers 6-4 SG Duke / Freshman |
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Rivers lacks a true position as an undersized (6-foot-4) combo guard, however he's such an intense competitor and cerebral decision maker that it's difficult to imagine him being a bust. His ISO ability is his bread and butter as he's nearly impossible to stay in front of. He will also excel in pick-and-roll situations and is tremendous at splitting double teams with his yo-yo handle. On top of that, he's a gym rat that will outwork the competition. If he can develop into a PG, he could be a steal, and has a chance to go as high as mid lotto. |
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Comparison: OJ Mayo |
Stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,643,480 |
Ranking: 3rd Shooting Guard / 5th Freshman |
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Damian Lillard 6-2 PG Weber State / Junior |
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Lillard has jumped to the forefront of a weak point guard class. He's a solid athlete with the size and speed to become a starter in the league. Right now a better scorer than distributor, but shows a good feel for the game and makes solid decisions. Lillard will have a chance to grab a late lottery pick if he gets a clean bill of health from team doctors. |
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Comparison: Maurice Williams |
Stats: 24.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.0 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,308,320 |
Ranking: 2nd Point Guard / 2nd Junior |
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Jared Sullinger 6-9 PF Ohio State / Sophomore |
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Sullinger possesses arguably the most refined post game in college hoops, sporting advanced footwork and a great feel for his defender's positioning with his back to the basket. His weaknesses are clear, starting with his limited speed and athleticism at the power forward position. He has also had a rough sophomore year battling the injury bug. He was also exposed some with his inability to get shots against long defenders such as Kansas' Jeff Withey. His weight and conditioning also remain a concern. Regardless, his effectiveness down low both as a scorer and rebounder. He should find a spot in the late lotto and won't slip far if he does slide out of the lottery. |
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Comparison: Carlos Boozer |
Stats: 17.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.2 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,192,880 |
Ranking: 3rd Power Forward / 4th Sophomore |
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Tyler Zeller 6-11 PF North Carolina / Senior |
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After trading away Andrew Bogut, the Bucks have to be looking at Tyler Zeller with their pick. Zeller has a nice package of size and skills. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a 7-footer. While he lacks ideal strength and appears to be a little injury prone, he has a good feel for the game and gets strong reviews from NBA scouts. |
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Comparison: PJ Brown |
Stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.0 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $2,083,320 |
Ranking: 4th Power Forward / 1st Senior |
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Perry Jones 6-11 SF Baylor / Sophomore |
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Jones appears to be the ultimate tease. On highlights alone, you would think he is a future perennial All-Star. From a talent standpoint he's got everything you would want from a prospect, He's got size, speed, athleticism, and the ability to shoot. But he always leaves you wanting more, never seeming able to play up to his abilities when it matters most. His sophomore statistics look eerily similar to his freshman numbers. Jones has jaw dropping physical attributes, but seems to have a hard time flipping the switch from his nice guy off court persona. |
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Comparison: Tim Thomas |
Stats: 14.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,979,160 |
Ranking: 4th Small Forward / 5th Sophomore |
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Arnett Moultrie 6-10 PF Mississippi State / Junior |
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One of the most athletic bigs in the country, Moultrie is a force on the glass and scores in a variety of ways. He can even step out and bury college three pointers. With great length and agility, Moultrie is an intriguing option for teams looking for size and athleticism. The two big complaints about Moultrie are his attitude and lack of strength. His intensity level is not always great, particularly on the defensive end. He also appears to be under 230 pounds, but appears to have the frame to add weight once he gets with NBA trainers. Moultrie should get looks in the mid to late lottery. Whether or not he ends up there will likely depend on individual workouts with teams. |
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Comparison: Jordan Hill |
Stats: 15.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.1 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,880,280 |
Ranking: 5th Power Forward / 3rd Junior |
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Meyers Leonard 7-1 C Illinois / Sophomore |
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Leonard is one the draft's biggest boom or bust players. And there's a real chance he will end up realizing his potential in his second contract, with his second team. Despite Illinois' collapse, Leonard remains a highly sought after prospect. He's a fluid big man with great size and ability to add strength. He's still a work in progress and would benefit from another year of development in college, but his upside is enough where he will get looks in the late lottery based on his upside. His jump in production from his FR to SO years was tremendous. Said to be leaning towards entering the draft to keep his brother from making another tour of duty overseas. |
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Comparison: Robin Lopez |
Stats: 13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,786,080 |
Ranking: 1st Center / 6th Sophomore |
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Terrence Jones 6-9 SF Kentucky / Sophomore |
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T-Jones has Top 10 talent but struggled with consistency and focus. He has had a few games, Indiana for instance, that have left scouts scratching their heads. Jones seems to play with a chip on his shoulder and a scowl on his face. He has the versatility to play either forward position and an aggressive rebounder. But the drawback is that he isn't a natural fit at either position. While lacking great shooting mechanics, he is an effective scorer attacking the basket as well as from the perimeter. Kentucky's title run should only help his cause, and his versatility will make lottery teams take a hard look at him. |
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Comparison: Marvin Williams |
Stats: 12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.8 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,696,920 |
Ranking: 5th Small Forward / 7th Sophomore |
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Terrence Ross 6-6 SG Washington / Sophomore |
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This year's Rodney Dangerfield award recipient. No matter what this guy does, he doesn't seem to get the respect from scouts that he deserves. Ross is dangerous from outside, where he sports a clean release and sweet rhythm in catch and shoot opportunities. A smooth wing with NBA athleticism, Ross does an excellent job at stretching the floor by recognizing and occupying open space. He also shows a nice ability to pull up for mid-range shots. Ross' strong finish to the season only helps his cause. Don't be surprised to see Ross end up in the lottery after all is said and done. |
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Comparison: Eddie Jones |
Stats: 15.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,611,960 |
Ranking: 4th Shooting Guard / 8th Sophomore |
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John Henson 6-10 PF North Carolina / Junior |
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Henson showed a lot of improvement between his sophomore and junior seasons. His length and energy make him a disruptive presence on the defensive end of the floor, and a solid rebounder despite lacking great strength. If he can bulk up, it will help his ability to play inside at the next level considerably. Despite all the positives, it's difficult to know whether he can become more then an energy player that brings rebounding and defense. |
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Comparison: Samuel Dalembert |
Stats: 13.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.9 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,531,440 |
Ranking: 6th Power Forward / 4th Junior |
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Dion Waiters 6-4 SG Syracuse / Sophomore |
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The Philly native is one of the draft's enigmas. Some love his strength, aggressiveness and ability to create offense off the dribble, while other see a player lacking a true position. Coming off the bench for Syracuse, Waiters proved to be a dynamic, instant offense type of player. Waiters is a little undersized at 6'4 and lacks point guard skills, but is able to overpower opponents with his sheer strength. He's very good in the open floor with tremendous finishing ability and is an intriguing go-to scorer. |
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Comparison: Dominique Jones |
Stats: 12.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.6 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,462,440 |
Ranking: 5th Shooting Guard / 9th Sophomore |
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Tony Mitchell 6-9 SF North Texas / Sophomore |
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After transferring from Missouri and sitting out last season, Mitchell impressed scouts with his tremendous physicality and skill level. Mitchell has a tremendous basketball physique with broad shoulders and a enormous wingspan. Though just 6-foot-8, his explosiveness and strength allow him to rebound with bigger forwards. Mitchell's skill level is intriguing as he has good touch on his outside shot and legitimate vision and passing ability. |
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Comparison: Kenyon Martin |
Stats: 14.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.0 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,404,000 |
Ranking: 6th Small Forward / 10th Sophomore |
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Moe Harkless 6-8 SF St. John's / Freshman |
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Harkless is a raw forward but had a tremendous freshman season. His length and fluidity remind some of Rudy Gay, and while Moe can't shoot it like the former Husky, his upside is considerable. He has a 7-2 wingspan and runs the floor like a gazelle. If he can and tighten up his jumper and handle and develop better ISO skills, he could be a handful. Has late lottery potential just based on his upside. |
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Comparison: James Posey |
Stats: 15.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,347,720 |
Ranking: 7th Small Forward / 6th Freshman |
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Royce White 6-8 SF Iowa State / Sophomore |
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White's stock is on the rise after his tremendous showing against UConn in the tourney. He's a beast with tremendous strength and good leaping ability. He shows a good feel for the game and has excellent handles for a 3. The one big concern is his anxiety disorder. He has conquered his fear of flying and appears to have but it remains a concern for scouts. |
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Comparison: Anthony Mason |
Stats: 13.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.1 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,293,840 |
Ranking: 8th Small Forward / 11th Sophomore |
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Tony Wroten 6-5 PG Washington / Freshman |
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He's a flashy player with tremendous passing and ball handling abilities who can create for others. But, he still has some major holes to his game and will need time to be a consistent performer. While he scores at a good rate and really puts pressure on the defense attacking the basket, he needs to become a more consistent outside shooter and cut down on his turnovers. |
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Comparison: Iman Shumpert |
Stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,242,240 |
Ranking: 3rd Point Guard / 7th Freshman |
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Doron Lamb 6-5 SG Kentucky / Sophomore |
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Lamb's overall skill set was not fully utilized playing on such a loaded team. Lamb was arguably UK's most consistent performer this season, and stepped up in the tournament. Every time the team needed a big basket, Lamb answered the call. He's a clutch performer, has underrated PG ability and is an excellent teammate. Finding a niche at the next level should be his primary focus, with "lights out shooting combo-guard" a realistic role to think about. |
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Comparison: Cuttino Mobley |
Stats: 13.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,192,440 |
Ranking: 6th Shooting Guard / 12th Sophomore |
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Andrew Nicholson 6-9 PF St. Bonaventure / Senior |
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Nicholson struggled to play to his abilities for much of his senior year. He's a bright kid, and high-character guy who despite looking robotic running the floor has good athleticism and a developing skill set. The Canadian's huge hands and long arms make him a load on the block for opposing bigmen. He came on at the end of the year and with strong workouts should solidify a place in the late first round. |
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Comparison: Craig Brackins |
Stats: 18.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,144,800 |
Ranking: 7th Power Forward / 2nd Senior
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Marquis Teague 6-2 PG Kentucky / Freshman |
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Teague drew criticism from UK Nation after a rough start to the year. But his play in the tournament helped erase that some and has him back in the first-round picture. He has ideal physical tools for a point guard, possessing size, quickness and explosiveness along with a "ball on a string" handle. His blinding first step makes him extremely difficult to stay in front of. Look for Teague and Wroten to battle it out to be the third PG taken. |
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Comparison: Jeff Teague |
Stats: 9.4 ppg, 4.8 apg, 2.5 rpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,106,880 |
Ranking: 4th Point Guard / 8th Freshman
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Jeffery Taylor 6-6 SF Vanderbilt / Junior |
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Taylor grew up in Sweden as the son of a pro player. His feel for the game has been a work in progress but he really turned the corner in his senior season. Jeff raised his stock considerably with more consistent play, particularly down the stretch. He's developed his ability to create and established more consistency shooting. He's got NBA athleticism with above average explosiveness and shows a willingness to be coached and improve his game. |
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Comparison: Thabo Sefolosha |
Stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.8 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,074,840 |
Ranking: 9th Small Forward / 5th Junior |
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Festus Ezeli 6-11 C Vanderbilt / Senior |
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Ezeli lacks upside but his size and strength make him a desired commodity. Hard worker who has evolved into a quality free throw shooter. He's not a sexy pick, but his ability to bang and do the dirty work will give him looks in the late 20s, early 30s. |
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Comparison: Mark West |
Stats: 10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,068,240 |
Ranking: 2nd Center / 3rd Senior |
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Fab Melo 7-0 C Syracuse / Sophomore |
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Melo losing his eligibility before the season ended was a slight blow to his stock. He intrigues scouts with his size, mobility and shot blocking ability. His offensive game is very raw, but at times he looked comfortable knocking down mid-range shots. Stands a good chance of grabbing a late first-round spot. |
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Comparison: Dan Gadzuric |
Stats: 7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 bpg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,060,560 |
Ranking: 3rd Center / 13th Sophomore |
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John Jenkins 6-4 SG Vanderbilt / Junior |
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Jenkins is the top shooter on the college level. He expanded his all around game with improved ball handling. He's an undersized 2 and lacks elite athleticism, but his versatility and deadly outside shooting will give him a role in the NBA. |
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Comparison: JJ Redick |
Stats: 19.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 apg |
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Rookie season salary*: $1,052,760 |
Ranking: 7th Shooting Guard / 6th Junior |
