NBA Draft 2000
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Projecting the NBA draft has become a very challenging undertaking. Since most top players now stay in
school for a maximum of 2 seasons, if they go to college at all, there is so much less information to
rely upon. This is the reason why players' individual workouts for teams have become even more important.
Unfortunately, we do not have access to these workouts and must as a result, rely upon the second-hand
rumors about player workouts that are spread by the likes of David Aldridge, Peter Vecsey or
Mitch Lawrence. Even worse, we cannot provide even educated guesses as to the NBA potential of
foreign players who have not ever played in the US. With all that said, here is the Foulshots.com
NBA Draft 2000 scouting report.
NOTE: The players are ranked here not based on the order we feel that
they will actually be drafted, but instead solely based on pro potential. Allegedly, Iakovos Tsakalidis,
Soumaila Samake, Hidayet Turkoglu, Ernest Brown and Cory Hightower are great prospects, but since we've never seen these guys play,
they have been excluded.
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1. Stromile Swift 6-9 220
Power Forward (Louisiana State)
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Strengths
A tremendous athlete, Swift runs and jumps better than any other big man in this draft. A forceful shotblocker
and rebounder, Swift plays above the rim at all times. Offensively, he has a more diverse offensive game than
Kenyon Martin. Currently, he relies upon his leaping ability and quickness to blow by opponents in the
post, but he definitely has the potential to develop more post moves. Swift is a very good midrange shooter who
occasionally displays three point range on his jumper. He also handles the ball well with his right hand and
seems to enjoy passing the ball.
Weaknesses
Swift has essentially played only 1 1/2 college seasons, so he is definitely a raw product in need of much
more refinement. His thin physique is currently ill-suited for the NBA game and he has been known for
flakiness in the past. Horrible free throw shooter.
Prognosis
Swift is clearly the most talented player in the draft. His inexperience makes him a greater draft risk than
Martin, but he definitely offers more upside potential as an offensive threat. We give Swift the nod over the
more highly touted Martin because of questions regarding the condition of Martin's leg. If Swift works hard on his physique and his
game, he can become a major NBA all-star. Expect 13 PPG 7 RPG 2 BPG as a rookie and 20 PPG 10 RPG 2.5 BPG
at his peak. Many people have compared Swift to Antonio McDyess, but his shooting touch reminds me more of
Rasheed Wallace.
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2. Kenyon Martin 6-9 235
Power Forward (Cincinnati)
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Strengths
Martin is one of those rare players who actually stayed in school for four years, improving his
all-around game each season until he became the best player in college basketball last year.
Of course, he had to stay the whole time, because going into his senior
year, Martin could only be described as a defensive specialist with primitive offensive skills. However, Martin
is now legitimate offensive threat who can score using an accurate midrange face-up jumper or by hitting
short turnaround jumpers from the low post. He is also agile enough to get down the floor and finish
in transition. The dramatic improvement in his offensive skill level has not taken anything away
from his dominating defensive game. Despite being only 6-9, Martin used his exceptional timing, elongated wingspan and
explosive, quick leaping ability to become the most dominant shotblocking presence in college basketball.
These same physical attributes also make Martin a devastating rebounder on both backboards. To top it all off,
Martin is considered to be a high character individual who works hard on his game and always plays hard.
Weaknesses
A devastating leg injury ended Martin's college career during his final Conference USA tournament. If there
are any lingering aftereffects, Martin's game may suffer greatly, as he replies so heavily on his
explosiveness. Although his height will not be a handicap in terms of shotblocking or rebounding because of
his reach and leaping ability, as a one-on-one defender, Martin will be at a severe disadvantage in
terms of bulk. Martin has become a much better offensive player, but he is still not a dominating
offensive force who require constant double-teaming like a Chris Webber or Tim Duncan.
Prognosis
As long as he recovers from his broken leg, Martin will be a solid NBA power forward for the next 10-12 years.
He blocks shots like a seven footer and will be a high-level intimidator in the NBA. Expect 14 PPG 9 RPG and
3.5 BPG during his rookie season and 18 PPG 10 RPG 4 BPG at his peak. Plays a lot like a stronger version of
Theo Ratliff or a smaller version of Alonzo Mourning.
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3. Marcus Fizer 6-8 260
Forward (Iowa State)
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Strengths
A tweener with power forward bulk and strength and the perimeter game of a small forward, Fizer was the
best inside-outside offensive threat in college basketball last season. On the blocks, Fizer uses his
strength and quickness to dominate opponents. Facing the basket, Fizer can shoot with accuracy out to
the college three-line or put the ball on the floor and blow past opponents using a crossover dribble. He should
have no trouble adapting to the NBA three-point line since his shot is so mechanically sound. A pretty good athlete, Fizer can
finish his drives with powerful slams or with finesse.
Weaknesses
The rest of Fizer's game is not on par with his exceptional offensive game. He lacks the height to
guard bigger NBA power forwards and will not be able check wing players on the perimeter. Fizer is also
strictly a positional rebounder.
Prognosis
Fizer carried a moderately talented Iowa State team to the doorstep of the Final Four last season. He has the
skills to be a huge match-up problem, but he will have his defensive problems in the pros. Expect 16 PPG 6 RPG as a rookie and 18 PPG 7 RPG at his peak. Fizer has
a game very reminiscent of Larry Johnson, Rodney Rogers or Glenn Robinson, three other 3/4 tweeners.
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4. Erick Barkley 6-0 180
Point Guard (St. John's) |
Strengths
Barkley has so much speed and quickness that other guards appear to be moving in slow motion
when they try to check him one-on-one. He made quick guards such as Jason Hart, Khalid El-Amin and Jason Williams of Duke
look like they were mired in quicksand this past season. Barkley combines this blinding speed and quickness with his exceptional
ballhandling skills to consistently blow past defenders, with either hand.. His crossover dribble is
exceptional and he has a variety of running finishes to use in the lane. Barkley has three-point range, but his
high-arching jumpshot appears to lack backspin. Although he is a scoring point guard,
Barkley also has a good understanding of the game and deft passing ability. He knows how to run an offense (very good assist-to-turnover ratio)
and get the ball to scorers in good scoring positions -- just ask Bootsy Thornton, Lavor Postell and Ron Artest. Few can throw the alley oop lob pass
as adroitly. As a defender, Barkley uses his great quickness to harass ballhandlers and pick up steals.
Weaknesses
Barkley lacks the prototype size and strength to match up with bigger NBA point guards like Jason Kidd
and Gary Payton. His jumpshot lacks consistency and classic form. Although he generally balances his need to
score with his distribution duties well, Barkley occasionally looks for his own shot too much.
Prognosis
We rate Barkley much more highly than most people, due to his court sense, amazing speed and quickness. He is
equipped to step in and play point guard in the NBA from day one. If he can become more consistent with his
outside shot, Barkley will become a star. Expect 10 PPG 5 APG as a rookie and 16 PPG 7.5 APG 2.5 SPG at his peak.
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5. Morris Peterson 6-6 215
Guard/Forward (Michigan State) |
Strengths
A terrific run/jump athlete, Peterson thrives in transition and plays above the rim. A terrific finisher off the
dribble drive and in transition, Peterson often converts spectacular plays. In halfcourt sets, the left-handed Peterson moves
well without the ball and is a streaky shooter with three-point range. He is dangerous on the offensive backboards and
generally displays sound shot selection. Peterson can also post up smaller guards and use his leaping ability to shoot turnarounds
over them. Defensively, Peterson has the quickness and long-arms to be become a lock-down perimeter defender. Excellent work
ethic and leadership ability.
Weaknesses
Peterson will probably have to play guard in the NBA as he looks shorter than his listed 6-6 height. Unfortunately,
since he he played so much on the baseline in college, he will have to improve his ballhandling and passing ability
in order to become a top NBA shooting guard. Although he has good shooting range, Peterson's lefty jumpshot is streaky
and definitely not pure.
Prognosis
Despite being arguably the best player on the best team in the country, Peterson never received the acclaim that
he deserved. If he improves his already respectable outside shot and ballhandling, Peterson will become a very
good shooting guard in the NBA. He rates a little higher than Quentin Richardson because he
defends better. Expect 17-18 PPG 5 RPG 2 SPG at his peak. Comparable to versatile NBA wing players like
Michael Finley and Eddie Jones.
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6. Joel Przybilla 7-0 245
Center (Minnesota)
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Strengths
In an age where many NBA teams are reduced to using aging, overweight former power forwards such as
Terry Cummings and Sam Perkins at the center position, pure centers such as Przybilla are at a premium.
He has exceptional size and an immense wingspan that makes him seem even taller. A dominating
shotblocker with very good timing, he can intimidate teams as well as any player in the draft not named Kenyon Martin. His size
and timing also make him a huge factor on the glass. Przybilla also runs the floor surprisingly well for seven-footer.
As an offensive player, Przybilla is extremely raw, but his athleticism, hands and shooting touch offer big hope for the future.
He displayed a glimpse of his offensive promise when he exploded for 33 points against Indiana last season. His passing skills are
already a plus.
Weaknesses
Przybilla became a character risk when he showed his immaturity by quitting the Minnesota team after being suspended for academic reasons.
He is definitely a work in progress, badly in need of refinement in all phases of the game. The team that
drafts him will need to be fairly patient. His shooting touch may be good, but currently Przybilla
does not have a impressive repertoire of post moves. Like Swift, Przybilla shoots free throws very poorly.
Prognosis
Przybilla is a raw player who could emerge as a dominant force in the NBA if he continues to work on his
game. Even if he doesn't ever develop into an offensive threat, he could continue to find gainful
employment as a Jim McIllvaine or Greg Ostertag type shotblocking threat. Physically, he has the ability to
be much more and could develop into a top ten Zydrunas Illgauskas type offensive force if he works hard.
Expect 6 PPG 5 RPG 2 BPG as a rookie. If he develops Ostertag's work habits, Przybilla may plateau as a 9 PPG 7 RPG 2 BPG
second tier center, but with hard work, he can become a 15 PPG 10 RPG 3 BPG intimidator. Reminds us of a young
Dikembe Mutombo. He has untapped potential that makes him a better prospect than the much more polished Chris Mihm.
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7. Quentin Richardson 6-6 220
Guard/Forward (DePaul) |
Strengths
The best pound-for-pound rebounder in the draft. Dominates on the offensive glass using Rodmanesque radar
to read caroms and by positioning himself intelligently. Leaps quickly and has excellent hands. Offensively,
Richardson has a smooth, high-arching jumpshot with 20 foot range and can shoot proficiently off the dribble.
Can post up inside and has an uncanny knack for converting putbacks in traffic without getting swatted.
Handles the ball well and passes efficiently.
Weaknesses
Richardson had a very disappointing sophomore year in which he disappeared for long stretches of time. He must
also make the complete conversion to NBA shooting guard by continuing to work on his decision-making in the
backcourt. He has the potential to develop into a very good three-point shooter, but needs to continue to work
on his shot. Richardson is quick enough to put the ball on the floor and drive, but displayed this skill
infrequently at DePaul. Has not shown conclusively that he can play defense against NBA perimeter players.
Prognosis
On paper, Richardson appears to have a resume suited for becoming, at best, an undersized CBA power forward. However,
the man we call "Q" has perimeter skills that many casual observers are not aware of. This combination of
underrated skills and rebounding tenacity will make Richardson a very valuable NBA wing player.
Expect 17 PPG 8 RPG 3 APG at his peak. Richardson rebounds like Fat Lever and has the
offensive skills to develop into a scoring wing like Nick Anderson or Paul Pierce.
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8. Mike Miller 6-8 210
Guard/Forward (Florida) |
Strengths
A very fluid, deceptively athletic wing player with excellent size, Miller is versatile enough to play as a guard
or on the frontcourt. He is a very good shooter with three-point range and possesses excellent ballhandling and
passing skills. As a post up player, he can take smaller players into the post and shoot turnarounds over them.
Weaknesses
Will have problems defending at the NBA level since he lacks the quickness to match up with
quicker NBA perimeter players and the muscle to deal with frontcourt players. Miller never developed into a go-to-guy at Florida and was content to defer to
teammates. May lack the cold-bloodedness to be a marquee scorer in the NBA. Is not a physical player.
Prognosis
Miller has the all-around offensive ability to become a good NBA swingman. Plays sort of like
Wally Szczerbiak but lacks Szczerbiak's intensity or physical power. Expect 16 PPG 5 RPG at his peak with
the potential for much better numbers. A solid NBA starter if not a star.
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9. Chris Mihm 6-11 265
Center (Texas) |
Strengths
Mihm is a polished center with good all-around skills, an NBA body (with the frame to get even bigger) and above-average athleticism. He runs well, jumps adequately and
has good hands. He can shoot the face-up jumper from 20 feet and has pretty good footwork with his back to the
basket. He has improved his offensive moves and continues to grow as an offensive threat. His rebounding is strong and he has the timing
to block shots. Mihm has a good understanding of the game and appears to be interested in getting better.
Weaknesses
If Mihm truly is only 6-9 or 6-10 and not a true seven-footer, he will definitely have below average height for an NBA center. His lack of top-level athleticism
was exposed by Stromile Swift in the NCAA tournament against LSU, especially when Swift rejected his dunk attempt towards
the end of the game. Although he appears to work hard out on the floor, Mihm does not appear to be a high energy performer and will probably
never develop into a top offensive rebounder or elite shotblocker. His hunger and competitiveness has come into question at different
times during the past. Some pundits have gone as far as to call him "soft."
Prognosis
Mihm has the tools to become a solid NBA center, but he appears to lack the talent to become an elite performer.
If he measures out much shorter than his listed 7-0 height, teams could lose interest in him quickly, as he does
not have the type of leaping ability or tenacity to compensate for a lack of height. Mihm does possess the offensive skills to be
a quality high post center in the NBA. Expect 9 PPG 5 RPG as a rookie and 14 PPG 8 RPG 1.2 BPG at his peak.
Mihm will probably become a decent starting center in the NBA. Comparable to Luc Longley.
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10. Darius Miles 6-8 200
Forward (East St. Louis HS) |
Strengths
Miles is a great athlete with speed, quickness, leaping ability, long arms and explosiveness. Miles can
go up and grab the tough offensive rebounds and block shots like a center. Offensively, he is a dangerous
face-the-basket player with the potential to develop into a very good perimeter shooter and the ballhandling
ability to become a threat to drive to the basket. Miles enjoys passing the ball and making plays for teammates. Excels
in transition and can get up and jam seemingly impossible alley-oop lobs. Has the tools to become a top defensive
player at multiple positions once he fills out physically. He may not be finished growing and may end up
growing a couple of more inches. Appears mature enough to make the big jump from high school to the pros.
Weaknesses
Miles is a raw player who lacks the strength or physique to match up with top NBA forwards. He lacks the polish that
players such as Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady displayed as early draft entrants.
Floats around the perimeter shooting erratic jumpers too frequently when he should be dominating opponents on the blocks
with his long reach and explosive leaping ability. Miles needs to work hard on his jumper to make it a
more consistent shot. Miles often lacked focus during his prep career and did not display the burning competitiveness and
desire that players like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett showed in high school.
Prognosis
Miles has the potential to become a versatile all-around wing player. Despite the comparisons to
Garnett, Miles appears more similar to Tracy McGrady or Rashard Lewis on the floor. Capable of 19 PPG 7 RPG 3.5 APG 1.5 BPG at his
peak. Potential NBA all-star, but risky enough to also be a potential bust.
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11. Craig "Speedy" Claxton 5-11 180
Point Guard (Hofstra) |
Scouting Report
Explosive penetrator with great quickness, tremendous leaping ability and blazing speed (hence the moniker). Claxton can get to the rim
using his ballhandling and athleticism or pull up to pop a midrange jumper. His shooting range extends
out to the three-point line. Claxton can also distribute the ball and does a pretty good job of balancing
his scoring tendencies with his point guard duties. He is definitely a tenacious competitor who loves
taking the big shots. Claxton also defends and gets steals. The only questions about Claxton have to do with his
lack of size and the level of competition he faced in college.
Prognosis
Comparable to Darrell Armstrong. Claxton has the heart and ability to become a quality NBA point guard.
Expect 15 PPG 8 APG at his peak.
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12. DerMarr Johnson 6-8 200
Guard/Forward (Cincinnati) |
Scouting Report
Pure shooter with excellent touch and range. Johnson is an excellent athlete with speed, quickness
and leaping ability. Puts the ball on the floor and has the long arms to operate with his back to the
basket. Good ballhandler with the potential to become a good passer. Blocks shots but needs to be
more of a warrior on the boards and with his man defense. Unselfish player who has shown that he can fit into a team concept and
defer to other players when necessary.
Prognosis
DerMarr Johnson has all the talent necessary to be a deadly swingman in the NBA. He has the offensive
skills to develop into an all-around offensive threat like Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but if he chooses to just become a
tall standstill gunner, he will be nothing more than a Robert Horry. Johnson has the potential to
become a 20 PPG 7 RPG performer and an NBA all-star if he is willing to pay the price.
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13. Courtney Alexander 6-5 205
Shooting guard (Fresno State)
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Scouting Report
Best scorer in the draft . . . Can create his own shot better than any other off guard prospect . . . Shoots
very well off the dribble using his quickness and good ballhandling to create space and elevates well
on his jumper . . . Displays some point guard passing skills when he is not in gunner mode . . .
Despite his long shooting range, he is a scorer and not a pure shooter . . . Selfish and takes too
many bad shots . . . Does not appear interested in playing defense . . . Has disappeared in the big
games . . . Is considered a shady character and has had legal problems in the past . . . Was
basically forced off the University of Virginia men's basketball team after assaulting his girlfriend.
Prognosis
Plays a lot like Latrell Sprewell. Alexander will be able to continue his high scoring in the NBA as
long as he can avoid legal problems. His selfishness was toned down this past season, but he is still
not a player who fits well into a team framework. Can put up 20 PPG 4 RPG 4 APG if he gets enough shots, but
those numbers will probably not help a team win games.
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14. Etan Thomas 6-9 260
Power Forward (Syracuse)
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Scouting Report
Physical inside player who blocks shots extremely well and rebounds with ferocity . . . Huge hands and long arms . . . Good athlete
who runs the floor and makes quick moves with his back to the basket . . . Has improved his offensive
arsenal and can now hit a reliable jump hook and shoots facing the basket adequately from 10-12 feet . . . Very poor free throw
shooter . . . Is considered an intelligent person with high character.
Prognosis
Plays a lot like Dale Davis or P.J. Brown, but is a much better shotblocker than either. If he could shoot
the 15 footer with accuracy, he would be Kenyon Martin. A reliable enforcer type who can provide muscle and
shotblocking to a team in need of toughness on the interior. Expect 12 PPG 8 RPG 3 BPG at his peak. Solid NBA starter.
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15. Jamal Crawford 6-5 175
Point Guard (Michigan)
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Scouting Report
Big point guard with exceptionally long arms . . . Very quick with the ball . . . Has good ballhandling ability . . . At the college level, blew past top quality
defenders like Chris Carrawell off the dribble using a great crossover . . . One of the best guards in the
draft at creating his own shot . . . Erratic shooter with three-point range and inconsistent form . . . Has bad shot selection
and looks to shoot first too often to be considered a true point guard . . . Very creative passer who commits too many turnovers . . Despite his size and quickness, Crawford was a poor defender and
rebounder at Michigan . . . Is considered a bit of a head case due to incidents which include a physical confrontation with an
assistant coach . . . Has only 17 games of college experience.
Prognosis
Crawford is a boom or bust pick who could become either an NBA star or a CBA lifer. He has the size and skills to
become a terrific scoring point guard, but he has a lot to learn about being a floor leader at the NBA level.
Many experts say that Crawford is a smaller Anfernee Hardaway or a righty Jalen Rose, but he probably does not
have that type of talent. Reminds us more of a quicker Doug Christie. Could put up 16 points and 7 assists a game as a
combo guard or totally flop.
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16. Mateen Cleaves 6-2 210
Point Guard (Michigan State)
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Scouting Report
Winner and leader . . . True point guard with the best passing ability of any guard in this year's draft . . .
Powerfully built former football player who can bull his way to the basket and finish . . . Good first step . . . Outstanding defender
who uses technique, toughness and exceptionally fast hands to check much quicker point guards and ballhawk . . .
Very erratic perimeter shooter with bad rotation on his shot, but makes the big ones . . . Does not have great quickness or
leaping ability . . . Poor rebounder . . . Has had some run-ins with the law that seem to contradict his mature on-court demeanor.
Prognosis
Cleaves could end up being the steal of the draft or a poor-shooting Quinn Buckner clone. At his best, Cleaves plays like a poor man's version of Jason Kidd or Andre Miller
without the rebounding. Despite his offensive limitations, there is definitely a place in the
NBA for pure point guards who can defend and lead. Has the ability to put up 11 PPG and 7 APG.
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17. Olumide Oyedeji 6-11 240
Power Forward (Wurzburg - Germany)
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Scouting Report
Physical specimen with a chiseled physique and very good athletic ability . . . Can run and jump
with the best . . . Played well in two all-star games against top US high school players . . . Blocks shots
and rebounds powerfully . . . Primitive offensive player with crude moves and limited range . . . May be
a lot older than his listed age of 19.
Prognosis
Another boom or bust player. Athletically, he looks like a stud, but his offense needs a lot of work.
Perhaps he can develop into an Antonio Davis type player.
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18. Lavor Postell 6-4 205
Shooting Guard (St. John's)
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Scouting Report
Exceptional athlete with great leaping ability . . . Plays above the rim and much taller than his listed
height . . . Terrific rebounder with the potential to become an excellent defender . . . Handles the
ball pretty well and can slash to the basket . . . Inconsistent shooter from long range, but has a
good-looking shot.
Prognosis
Postell, like Barkley and Ron Artest last year, is very underrated. He defends, rebounds and slashes to the
basket. If he can improve his jumper, Postell could become a Shandon Anderson type.
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19. DeShawn Stevenson 6-5 210
Shooting Guard (Fresno Washington Union HS)
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Scouting Report
Outstanding athlete with leaping ability, speed, quickness and strength . . . Classic NBA shooting guard physique . . .
Drives to the basket and shoots pretty well out to 20 feet . . . Dribbles decently, but tends to dribble into
traffic and lose the ball . . . Willing passer . . . Very confident in his ability, has the swagger of a superstar.
Prognosis
Stevenson could become an NBA all-star if a team is willing to patiently develop his game. If Stevenson's college
entrance exam scores were not questioned, he probably would have become a star for Kansas University for one season and a top five
draft pick in the 2001 NBA draft. Don't expect an immediate impact.
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20. Desmond Mason 6-6 215
Shooting Guard (Oklahoma State)
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Strengths
Another very good athlete who must make the transition from college forward to NBA shooting guard . . .
Dunks with authority and can drill the college three . . . Has the tools to become a good defender . . . Carried
Oklahoma State to the NCAA tournament . . . Subpar ballhandler who needs to work on his in-between game.
Prognosis
Like Stevenson and Postell, Mason is a terrific athlete. However, he appears to be less of a true guard and more of a
forward than either one of them. If he can develop his ballhandling skills, Mason could become a valuable role player.
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21. Mamadou N'Diaye 7-0 245
Center (Auburn)
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Scouting Report
Tall, athletic big man who can run the floor and block shots . . . Decent rebounder . . . Is
athletic and agile enough to develop into a better offensive player . . . Currently, N'Diaye has basically
no offensive game . . . Over-aged player who is raw but improving.
Prognosis
N'Diaye has the physical skills to be a real NBA center, but he's not there yet. He shows flashes of
dominance, but has yet to put it all together. Sort of a poor man's Kelvin Cato or an Olden Polynice with
longer arms.
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22. Keyon Dooling 6-3 185
Point Guard (Missouri)
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Scouting Report
Tweener with a shooting guard's game and a point guard's body . . . Very good athlete with legitimate point guard
quickness and leaping ability . . . Long arms . . . Has become a much better shooter from three point range, but is not
a pure shooter . . . Fairly good ballhandler . . . Very poor assist-to-turnover ratio . . . Lacks a point guard mentality . . . Thinks
shot first.
Prognosis
Has the physical tools, but not the mentality or understanding of the game to be a starting point guard in the NBA.
Reminds us of tweeners like Robert Pack or Chauncey Billups. A potential bust.
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23. Jerome Moiso 6-11 230
Forward (UCLA)
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Scouting Report
Athletic lefty who can run and jump . . . Throws down big-time dunks . . . Has good touch from the perimeter . . . Blocks shots and
rebounds fairly well . . . Good hands and ballhandling ability . . . Ugly post moves . . . Lacks an
understanding of the game . . . Plays soft and without proper mental focus . . . Does not appear to be a hard
worker.
Prognosis
Moiso has the physical attributes to become a legitimate NBA player, but he doesn't appear to have the
desire or work ethic necessary to develop into a star. He plays soft and does not have good court sense.
However, some team will gamble on his combination of height and talent in the first round. Reminds us of
Jerrod Mustaf.
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24. Brad Millard 7-2 360
Center (St. Mary's)
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Scouting Report
Big Continent . . . Gigantic prospect who had his college career ruined by broken bones in his size 23 feet . . .
Soft hands and a soft shooting touch . . . Gave Tim Duncan serious problems in the 1997 NCAA Tournament . . . Can hit
hook shots or turnarounds in the post and is immovable due to his strength and mass . . . Can face up and hit
the 15 footer . . . Blocks shots and rebounds like a man his size should . . . Slow and lacking in
quickness . . . A huge injury risk.
Prognosis
Millard would be a top 5 pick if he didn't have injury problems. Unfortunately, foot problems have
clouded his NBA future. Millard is an injury-prone gamble, but his combination of Mark Eaton size and legitimate offensive
potential is very enticing. Could be a better version of Gheorge Muresan or a bigger, slower Rik Smits.
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25. Hanno Mottola 6-10 240
Forward (Utah)
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Scouting Report
Classic Euro-style finesse big man . . . Excellent perimeter skills . . . Can shoot with range and handle the
ball adeptly . . . Superb free throw shooter . . . Probably will never be an NBA postup threat, but will pose matchup problems for opposing big
men away from the basket . . . Passes well but commits too many turnovers . . . Disgracefully poor rebounder for
a player with his height . . . Will be a major defensive liablity.
Prognosis
Mottola is undeniably a talented offensive performer. If he can get stronger and tougher on the boards, Mottoloa
could end up being quite a steal. Otherwise, he will be just another soft big guy content to shoot threes. Reminds us
of Dirk Nowitzki. Solid NBA backup.
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26. Jamaal Magloire 6-10 260
Center/Power Forward (Kentucky)
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Scouting Report
Never lived up to his billing as the "Canadian Tim Duncan" . . . Adequate athlete with endlessly long arms and
average leaping ability . . . Slightly undersized for a center . . . Blocks shots and rebounds . . . Reportedly
beat the crap out of Chris Mihm during a pre-draft workout . . . Pretty physical in the paint . . . Not an
active, high energy player . . . No perimeter game.
Prognosis
Magloire is pretty much an average player across the boards, but he's a big body who is willing to bang. At best,
a serviceable backup.
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27. Michael Redd 6-5 205
Shooting Guard (Ohio State)
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Scouting Report
Athletic lefty shooting guard with an erratic outside shot . . . Shoots better with defenders in his face . . . Creative
offensive player who can get his own shot off the dribble . . . Drives well . . . Excellent size and long arms . . .
Was a good defender and rebounder at OSU.
Prognosis
Redd should've stayed in school. His ability to create his own shot has some people comparing him to
Latrell Sprewell, but Redd will have to learn to shoot much better to attain that level. If Redd can develop
a consistent jumper, he could become an NBA starter. Otherwise, he will end up in the CBA in a couple of years.
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28. Jaron Rush 6-6 205
Guard/Forward (UCLA)
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Scouting Report
Gifted athlete with speed and leaping ability . . . Outstanding rebounder despite his frail-looking frame . . . Aggressive player who plays
with competitiveness . . . UCLA was much with him in the lineup . . . Has developed into a good shooter with
college three-point range . . . Questionable character . . . Missed both practices and games in addition to
taking money from street agents . . . Will need to upgrade his ballhandling and passing to make it in the NBA as a guard.
Prognosis
Rush has NBA-level talent, but he is in need of physical and skills development. If he could've stayed
in school for one more year, Rush may have become a lottery pick. He's risky, but he definitely
has the potential to develop into a good player.
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29. Mark Madsen 6-8 235
Power Forward (Stanford)
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Scouting Report
Ferocious competitor with a mean streak . . . Physical banger under the boards who has been known to
throw a sharp elbow or two . . . Powerful rebounder with surprisingly quick leaping ability and strong
hands . . . Fundamentally sound post player who knows how to make himself wide in the lane . . . Finishes
strongly and with two hands around the basket . . . His offense is limited to putbacks around the hoop . . . Terrible perimeter shooter who struggles from the free throw line.
Excellent student and high character individual . . . Too undersized to play power forward in the NBA and not skilled
enough to be a true small forward.
Prognosis
The Mad Dog is at best a limited role player in the NBA. Reminds us of Jamie Feick. Madsen
will never be a major factor in the NBA, but his attitude and toughness will be the attributes that
will keep him in the NBA.
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Others:
Jason Collier
Chris Carrawell
Scoonie Penn
Pete Mickael
A.J. Guyton
Eduardo Najera
Chris Porter
Donnell Harvey
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