2008 NBA Draft: Small Forwards

Things have taken a serious turn for the worse for Batum over the past week, after a workout in Toronto revealed a potential heart problem. While his agents say it’s fine and not hereditary, it is a huge red flag that, coupled with the fact that it limited Batum’s workouts, has Batum slipping out of the first round on some mocks.

If taken, Batum is an intriguing prospect because of his athleticism, length, intelligence, and offensive polish. He may be a little soft and appears to lack confidence and aggression, but he’s still young and has pretty sizable upside. He could be a steal if he slips to the second round but there are just too many risks for him to sniff the lottery.
Interesting Fact: Last year, he dropped 23 points at the Nike Hoop Summit in just 28 minutes.

 

Bill Walker: Kansas State
Measurements: 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, age 20
Draft Express Rank: 6
ESPN Rank: 6
Projection: 25-35
Synopsis: Okay, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that he’ll be gone by the end of the first round. He is a mortal lock to be taken by the Pistons at No. 29 if available, and the fact that he is a ‘Pistons type’ of player tells you the whole story.

He’s a great athlete with a basketball IQ through the roof, and he is a highly systematic player. He is also apparently an eager learner and hard worker, meaning he could add even more skill and polish to his NBA-ready package.

The main concern with Walker is that he’s had three ACL injuries since 2003, costing him a potential lottery slot, but rest assured that when healthy, he’ll be a meaningful contributor.
Interesting Fact: Was a teammate of O.J. Mayo at North College Hill High School. He was also enrolled at K-State as a part-time student so he could play in the last half of the 2006 season after leaving high school in his extra year.

Once again, I won’t exit the first round in this discussion. The overarching theme here is that the first round is loaded with talent, but it really drops off heading into the second round. USC’s Davon Jefferson, Xavier’s Josh Duncan, Virginia Tech’s Deron Washington, and Oregon’s Malik Hairston are names you may recognize when called in the second round, if they’re called at all.

Check out yesterday’s piece on Point Guards, today’s piece on Shooting Guards, and check back tomorrow for Power Forwards and Centers, and Thursday for Potential Raptor Picks and a Live-Blog of the Draft at The On Deck Circle.

Straight from The On Deck Circle.net - by Blake Murphy

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