2008 Draft Preview: POWER FORWARDS
June 23, 2008
As the NBA Draft draws closer, cavs.com takes a look at what scouts are saying about potential picks.
In our third installment, we take a look at some of the power forwards who might be available when the Cavs are on the clock at No. 19.
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College: Kansas – Great hands and excellent shot-blocker – although sometimes overaggressive and can be foul-prone; led Kansas – by a large margin – in blocked shots and fouls; somewhat undersized for a power forward, but plays bigger; excellent pivot moves; runs the floor very well, excels in transition game; played big in big games for National Champs; poor free throw shooter; nice array of post moves, including turnaround jumper and jump hook; not a great jump-shooter, shot only 25 percent from long distance, but his range in workouts looks to be better; biggest problem is inconsistency, but too talented to slip far.
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College: Syracuse – Unusual athleticism and fluidity for a man his size; injuries and a so-so Syracuse team slowed down once-promising freshman season; excellent perimeter player with flawless motion on jumper; sometimes relies on the jumper – and the three-pointer – too much; scouts compare him to Rashard Lewis; combination of size and skill make him a tough matchup; combination of length and quickness make him an excellent shot-blocker; because of his reliance on the jumper, scouts have questioned his toughness; could probably use another year at the collegiate level, but oozing with NBA potential.
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College: Alabama – Relies on physical strength and toughness and has drawn comparisons to Utah’s Paul Milsap; not a pretty player, but consistent and efficient; son of a coach with a strong basketball IQ; averaged 18 and 10 in the SEC; excels on the glass, especially on the offensive end; not much of risk – success not based on potential, but productivity; not very tall (6-9) for a PF, but incredible lower body strength; dropped from 9 percent body fat to 3 percent since college season ended; not a smooth shooting stroke; average free throw shooter; great finisher around the rim; solid passing ability and plays unselfishly.
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College: NC State – As a freshman at NC State, played big in country’s toughest conference; already developed physically – strong upper and extremely strong lower body for 19-year-old; prefers to play with his back to the basket, but can also knock down the 18-footer; tough matchup because of his combination of strength and quickness; nice array of moves under the basket; has drawn comparisons to Al Harrington; at 6-9, relatively small for a PF; doesn’t have great mechanics and questionable hands; not much of a left-hand at this point – a concern for a player who likes the action close to the basket; potential to be an excellent rebounder.
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Team: CB L'Hospitalet – Freakish athleticism – which has been described as “breathtaking” – and NBA-ready frame at 19; had reputation as unwilling to mix it up in the post, but has quelled concerns during pre-draft workouts; off-the-charts length and leaping ability; great hustle for a big man, although stamina is a concern; graceful, flexible and powerful; considered by some the most intriguing prospect in the Draft; teams are wary of young African players who lack experience, but Ibaka is already showing a better skill-set than players like DeSagana Diop or Saer Sene; raw, but very enticing to teams at the bottom of the first round.
