by Conrad Brunner || Caught in the Web Archive ||
June 2, 2011
A busy week of workouts, with three in four days, wraps up Friday as the Pacers will bring in six more prospects including Texas swingman Jordan Hamilton.
One of the most productive scorers in the country as a sophomore with the Longhorns, Hamilton (6-8, 228) average 18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists, shooting .440 overall and .385 from the 3-point line. He has an NBA-ready body and all-around skills including a strong perimeter game.
Four power forwards are due in: Markieff Morris (6-9, 240, Kansas), Jordan Williams (6-9, 247, Maryland), Greg Smith (6-9, 252, Fresno State) and Malcolm Thomas (6-9, 223, San Diego State). Matching up with Hamilton will be Pitt's Gilbert Brown Jr. (6-6, 215).
Morris' twin brother Marcus worked out for the Pacers Tuesday, and both are considered solid first-round prospects. While Marcus has a more polished offensive game, Markieff (13.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, .589 shooting) has size and strength advantages and could be the most NBA-ready of the two.
Williams (16.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, .538 shooting) was one of the most improved players in the country as a sophomore last season. He has the physique of a classic NBA power forward.
Smith (11.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, .574 shooting) was a teammate of Paul George, the Pacers' first-round pick in 2010, at Fresno State. He also has a big frame and is considered a strong dunker but scouts will want to see how his post game is developing.
One of the key players in San Diego State's remarkable run last season, Thomas (11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.10 blocks, .536 shooting) is a slender big man who'll need to show he can bang with bigger bodies.
Brown was a mainstay at Pittsburgh and averaged 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season while shooting .458 overall and .413 from the 3-point line.
Friday's workout brings the total to four workouts thus far involving 24 players.