2007 Draft Prospects - Yi Jianlian

YI JIANLIAN

Height: 7'0"
Weight: 230
Team: Guangdong Tigers, China
Age: 19
Position: PF

Yi is the best Chinese NBA prospect since Yao Ming. Yi is already a seasoned veteran of international competition and has dominated at China's highest levels of play. He is averaging 24.8 PPG, 11.4 RPG while shooting 57% from the field for the Guangdong Tigers.

Strengths:

Yi presents similar matchup problems as Kevin Durant. He is a legit seven footer who is more comfortable facing the basket and using his superior shooting and ball handling skills to attack defenders. Yi is a great athlete who has a knack for attacking the basket off the dribble and finishing with flair (i.e. loves to dunk). Yi has shown consistent improvement in the Chinese basketball system which is a testament to his understanding of the game and strong work ethic.

Weaknesses:

Yi must add muscle to his 230 pound frame to reach his full potential as an NBA player. He already possesses elite NBA skills but needs to build a more NBA-ready body. Yi will also benefit from post move instruction in the NBA because right now he isn't as comfortable on the block as he is one the wing.

Skinny:

Yi has as much upside as any prospect in the draft. There aren't many seven footers that come around with his athleticism and ball skills ( Kevin Garnett anyone?). Yi will need to work hard to adjust his game and body to the NBA but, according to many experts, he has a chance to be even better than Yao Ming if he reaches his full potential.

- Compiled by Matt Griffin. The opinions herein are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Boston Celtics.