2008 NBA Draft: Small Forwards

There are questions about his mental make-up as a go-to guy, but he should be a contributor regardless. With his athleticism, range, and basketball IQ, Draft Express’ Caron Butler comparison is very fitting.
Interesting Fact: He broke his elbow as a child and can’t straighten his right arm because of it.

Joe Alexander: West Virginia
Measurements: 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, age 21
Draft Express Rank: 2
ESPN Rank: 2
Projection: 5-10
Synopsis: It seems almost a lock, according to most mocks out there, that Alexander will be a Buck via the eighth pick overall. Alexander has a toughness and presence that the Bucks want out of a potential top-flight player, and they feel Alexander’s length, athleticism, shot-blocking, and “maniacal” work ethic make him that package.

Don’t get me wrong—Alexander is a freak and exactly what you want in a player mentally, but there are some big concerns. For one, Alexander is very unorthodox and doesn’t have a clear offensive game, which could make him hard to utilize in the offense.

Additionally, he is still pretty raw (he’s only been balling for five years) and will need time to develop. Then again, that means he probably has higher upside than most. Despite scouts being high on Alexander, I have trouble envisioning him as a franchise player or No. 2 option (or a lottery pick), but he could develop into a decent role player.
Interesting Fact: He was born in Taiwan and also lived in Beijing and Hong Kong, though he makes his home in Maryland.

Donte Greene: Syracuse
Measurements: 6-foot-10, 200 pounds, age 20
Draft Express Rank: 5
ESPN Rank: 3
Projection: 12-25
Synopsis: It’s tough to see a specimen as impressive as Green going as low as 25, but he’s also probably not a lottery pick anymore. He has great size and a very high skill level, but he lacks a true position and is short on lateral quickness and length, creating concerns about his defensive potential.

Still, he has a good jump shot with NBA range and a great back-to-the-basket game, and with added strength he could be a great rebounder at the big league level. Definitely worth a risk for a late lottery team with time to wait for him.
Interesting Fact: Surpassed the legendary Gerry McNamara for the Syracuse freshman 3-point shooting record with 90.

Nicolas Batum: France
Measurements: 6-foot-8, 214 pounds, age 19
Draft Express Rank: 4
ESPN Rank: 4
Projection: 20-35
Synopsis:

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