Festus Ezeli to Warriors: Scouting Report, Video Highlights and Analysis

Vanderbilt University center Festus Ezeli is one of many big men who have made the jump into the NBA, but there's no doubt he has the necessary tools to distinguish himself from the rest.

Ezeli comes in at 6'11" and 255 pounds, and while he put up lackluster numbers in four seasons at Vanderbilt, they came in limited action. Nonetheless, his NBA-type frame has earned him a shot at the pros.

What Ezeli Brings to the Team

Ezeli is hardly the most ferocious of rebounders, nor is he likely to light up the stat lines on the offensive end, but he's a solid shot-blocker with great anticipation on the defensive end. And while he lacks any kind of face-up game, he has improved his offensive efficiency when his back is to the basket.

Though Ezeli is far from a standout rebounder, he does clean up on the offensive end. He averaged 2.8 offensive rebounds per game his junior year and 2.4 per his senior year. He's also proven to have a great touch around the basket, having never shot below 53.9 percent from the field while at Vanderbilt.

Most importantly, though, as a sizable big man and feared offensive rebounder, Ezeli helps spread the floor, creating an array of open looks on the perimeter for his teammates.

What Experts Are Saying

Ezeli is unlikely to develop into an All-Star, and he struggled to return from a right knee injury last season. But according to Chad Ford of ESPN.com (subscription required), he's made excellent progress:

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Ezeli looked, for the first time since the start of the college season, healthy and explosive again at the Santa Barbara workout in late May. These types of workouts rarely showcase big men. But Ezeli moved well, played with power and looked like he was in terrific shape.

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It's a well-known fact that Ezeli, regardless of how well he has been moving as of late, is a work in progress. That said, his increased mobility and explosiveness bodes well for him as he attempts establish himself as an effective and reliable role player.

Rookie Impact

While Ezeli made some serious headway prior to the draft, translating that progress into success at the professional level will be rather difficult. He's going to have to be more aggressive battling for position under the boards on the defensive end, as well as look to implement a mid-range jump shot into his limited offensive repertoire if he wishes to make an immediate impact.

The strength of knee aside, it will probably be at least a season or two before Ezeli is officially "NBA-ready." However, his frame is sure to warrant some regular action, however limited. So while his basketball IQ and ability to keep pace with the league's other big men will continue to be questioned, he'll have plenty of opportunities to render his critics wrong.

Pick Analysis

You don’t want to get in the way of Festus Ezeli, the 6’11", 260-pound center out of Vanderbilt and one of the most underrated big men in college basketball last season. Now on his way to the Golden State Warriors, Ezeli will fill a crucial void with some serious height for an NBA team brimming with promise after also picking up Harrison Barnes with the seventh pick in the draft. 

The only concern about Ezeli is that while he's made strides in his post-up game, he has not even a shred of a face-up game or jump shot. Realistically, his impact will come more on the defensive end through his long reach for rebounding and shot-blocking.