The Run-Down
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
My take: Mock drafts have CDR dropping anywhere in the 20s of the first round. Collegehoops.net even has Roberts dropping at No. 15 to the Phoenix Suns.
I'd say he is definitely high on the Sonics' draft board. He could play either the two or the three, adapting his position to whatever Kevin Durant ends up being.
I think on offense he can be characterized as a shooting guard considering his scoring ability. On defense I think he'll be guarding a lot of small forwards because of his wingspan and height.
Chris Douglas-Roberts' biggest strength is his effective scoring ability. He is a great slasher, he is awesome in transition, and most importantly he finishes. He puts the ball in the basket with scary consistency.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Along with this scoring ability, he is a solid defender. His size and wingspan on his mobile body will allow him to guard many NBA small forwards and shooting guards right away.
Lastly, and probably the most underrated quality of his repertoire, is his winning attitude. Despite losing the NCAA championship last year, Chris-Douglas Roberts only let his team lose a total of TWO times.
You might be wondering, "How can a guy with this much talent and ability be drafted so late?" The fact is, there are many other shooting guards in the draft that have much more solid skill sets polished for the NBA. I'd even go as far to say that his situation is similar to Adam Morrison's when he entered the league.
Adam Morrison had a great college career, but the way he scored wasn't efficient, and he wasn't able to score against more athletic defenders. His rookie season was horrendous and those weaknesses haunted him all year.
Like Morrison, Chris has a couple of weaknesses that are scaring general managers away. Although he can score efficiently and effectively, he does it with an unorthodox style. He lacks a mid-range game and he also lacks a pull-up jumper.
Along with that, his ballhandling is questionable, and he will have a difficult time scoring against taller, quicker NBA defenders. His game isn't at the point where it needs to be for the NBA.
Conclusion: If he is available when the Sonics are on the clock at No. 24, he has to be taken. Although he has a few holes in his game, I believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft this year. He isn't the most athletic or the most polished, but he has the attitude and physical skills to be a star in this league.
Sources: nbadraft.net, draftexpress.com
Previous Candidates: Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Anthony Randolph, OJ Mayo, Kevin Love, Kosta Koufos, Jason Thompson
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