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Meet Paul George
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Strengths
Buried in the WAC Conference, a diamond in the rough has emerged in this year's pre-draft reports. Small forward Paul George is jumping to the NBA after improving in all of the essential categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. The Fresno State sophomore features a terrific skill set with deep range on his jumper and athleticism to finish high above the rim. George has displayed a strong feel for the game while utilizing a variety of shots inside the half court offense. In transition, the California native generated opportunities by streaking through passing lanes, snagging steals, and pounding momentum-changing dunks. During the 2009-10 season, George increased his free throw percentage from 69 to 90 percent. By Jonah Ballow
Weaknesses
If teams use a mid first round pick on George, they will expect a decent amount of productivity in his first couple of years in the league. While he remains a young prospect, the 20-year old must improve his handles out on the perimeter and ability to take defenders off the dribble. At Fresno State, George generated most of his offense through catch and shoot jumpers. Draftexpress.com has reported that George seems to get a little trigger happy beyond the 3-point arc and he did not necessarily play against top level competition in college. By Jonah Ballow
How would he howl?
As the draft buzz surrounding George increases, Minnesota will have to strongly consider using its No. 16 pick on the wing player. He offers tremendous upside and has admitted to feeling comfortable playing the shooting guard position in the NBA. The Wolves would immediately add a dynamic shooter with considerable size and length. George is beginning to receive a ton of type, especially during all the team workouts, which could lead to squad selecting him between 7-15. If Minnesota can acquire George without moving up in this year's draft, they will fill a direct need and a versatile player with immense upside. By Jonah Ballow
His Game Resembles
Draft Profiles
Chad Ford's Top 100
"After Hassan Whiteside, George is one of the biggest upside players in the draft. He didn't dominate at Fresno State, but as a 6-9 shooting guard who can really shoot the basketball, he draws comparisons to everyone from Joe Johnson to Wilson Chandler to Trevor Ariza."Draft Express
"Of all the players in this draft, none elicits as wide a range of responses from NBA talent evaluators as Fresno State sophomore Paul George. In terms of pure upside, though, there may not be five players in this draft with more overall talent than what we saw from George in Los Angeles."NBADraft.net
"Paul has some very appealing aspects to his game that could translate nicely to the next level ... a 6'8 small forward with a long wingspan and unlimited NBA range, he has a quick release and does not need much room to let it fly ... His athleticism and ability to run the floor make him dynamic in transition, resulting in big time dunks that can spark his team..."
Mock Draft Recap
Ford's Mock Draft
No. 16 to MinnesotaDraft Express
No. 12 to Memphis NBADraft.net
No. 11 to New Orleans