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Scouting the NBA draft: Power forwards
Published 12:01 am PDT Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Bee staff writer Sam Amick takes a look at the top possible draft picks at each position. Today:
Power forwards
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas, 6-foot-11, 234 pounds: The Longhorns' big man was seen as a potential No. 1 pick for much of the past year. He is a nice mix of finesse and aggression down low, with a decent array of post moves and a body that was 25 pounds lighter a couple of years ago. There are questions, however, about his sometimes passive nature.
2. Andrea Bargnani, Italy, 7-1, 248: It is unknown exactly how tall Bargnani is, with reports varying from 6-11 to 7-1. What's unmistakable, however, is his offensive appeal, which has drawn comparisons to Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki, and a decent defensive reputation. For being just 20 years old, he has a significant amount of high-level experience playing professionally in Europe.
3. Tyrus Thomas, LSU, 6-8, 217: For much of the month known as March Madness, the images of Thomas coming up with big plays on both ends of the floor were almost nonstop. He has the intensity, athleticism and polished game to be a real difference-maker. The only risk is his body, which qualifies as undersized for the NBA.
4. Cedric Simmons, North Carolina State, 6-9 1/2, 223: It's his amazing shot-blocking ability that draws the comparisons to Detroit's Ben Wallace, but Simmons has nowhere near the strength of the muscle-bound Pistons star. Still, Simmons' 7-4 wingspan is freakish, and he could help defensive-starved teams in time.
5. Shelden Williams, Duke, 6-8, 258: His game is similar to that of Simmons. Williams, a former national Defensive Player of the Year, got four years under his belt as a Blue Devil, with a 7-4 wingspan that means he plays bigger than he truly is. But he hasn't shown much offensive potential.
Others to watch: Alexander Johnson, Florida State, 6-10, 240; Oleksiy Pecherov, Ukraine, 6-11, 222; Leon Powe, Cal, 6-8, 245.
Coming Wednesday: Small forwards.
Scouting the NBA draft: Power forwards
Published 12:01 am PDT Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Bee staff writer Sam Amick takes a look at the top possible draft picks at each position. Today:
Power forwards
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas, 6-foot-11, 234 pounds: The Longhorns' big man was seen as a potential No. 1 pick for much of the past year. He is a nice mix of finesse and aggression down low, with a decent array of post moves and a body that was 25 pounds lighter a couple of years ago. There are questions, however, about his sometimes passive nature.
2. Andrea Bargnani, Italy, 7-1, 248: It is unknown exactly how tall Bargnani is, with reports varying from 6-11 to 7-1. What's unmistakable, however, is his offensive appeal, which has drawn comparisons to Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki, and a decent defensive reputation. For being just 20 years old, he has a significant amount of high-level experience playing professionally in Europe.
3. Tyrus Thomas, LSU, 6-8, 217: For much of the month known as March Madness, the images of Thomas coming up with big plays on both ends of the floor were almost nonstop. He has the intensity, athleticism and polished game to be a real difference-maker. The only risk is his body, which qualifies as undersized for the NBA.
4. Cedric Simmons, North Carolina State, 6-9 1/2, 223: It's his amazing shot-blocking ability that draws the comparisons to Detroit's Ben Wallace, but Simmons has nowhere near the strength of the muscle-bound Pistons star. Still, Simmons' 7-4 wingspan is freakish, and he could help defensive-starved teams in time.
5. Shelden Williams, Duke, 6-8, 258: His game is similar to that of Simmons. Williams, a former national Defensive Player of the Year, got four years under his belt as a Blue Devil, with a 7-4 wingspan that means he plays bigger than he truly is. But he hasn't shown much offensive potential.
Others to watch: Alexander Johnson, Florida State, 6-10, 240; Oleksiy Pecherov, Ukraine, 6-11, 222; Leon Powe, Cal, 6-8, 245.
Coming Wednesday: Small forwards.
