NBA Scout Feels Cam Boozer Is Being Criticized 'Because He Can't Catch a Lob'

Duke freshman forward Cam Boozer has been tremendous in his first 10 games, averaging 23.0 points (56 percent shooting), 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals plus blocks through the first 10 games.

As ESPN's Jeremy Woo and Jeff Borzello noted, Boozer is seen as "as less of a sure bet at the next level due to his lack of explosiveness" compared to fellow potential No. 1 overall draft picks Darryn Peterson and A.J. Dybantsa.

One Eastern Conference scout referenced the critics in a conversation with ESPN but isn't concerned about those thoughts.

"[It] feels like people are crushing Cam because he can't catch a lob, but he can do so many things," the scout told ESPN. "Incredibly polished, incredibly smart, I don't see where there's not a use for him. … I think some of the weight is gonna shed -- maybe he has room for his athleticism to grow. Laterally you can switch him a bit, he's above average.

"I've been really impressed with him, and at some point you just have to give credit. Winning is hard; it's a skill, and he wins whenever people watch him. He'll step up when needed and make a play."

Another scout did have some concerns, though.

"I know a lot of people have talked about it, but the rim finishing concerns are legitimate," a college coach who scouted Duke told ESPN. "He's always been a below-the-rim finisher around bodies, around size. … He always finds ways to be productive, but at that size, without that freakish athleticism in and around the rim, I have no doubt he'll be a really, really good player, I just look at those other guys having a higher ceiling in terms of potential."

Boozer is second in the latest mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. Wasserman raved about Boozer's skillset in spite of that perceived lack of explosiveness.

"He continues to produce in the paint using his strong frame, footwork, touch and the instincts that tell him when to be patient and how to counter. However, it's the 16 threes (10 games), drives past closeouts, pick-and-roll ball-handling and obvious passing IQ that separate Boozer. His perimeter game gets sharper every year. His scoring versatility remains unmatched for a big.

"There are still going to be evaluators who question whether his dominance can translate, mostly because of a lack of vertical explosion. But that just seems like overthinking at this point.

"Boozer compensates in so many other ways with his strength, feel and skill, and his rapidly improving shooting and face-up game should help ease concerns over athletic limitations around the basket."

Simply put, the 6'9", 250-pound forward is phenomenal, and he's leading a 10-0 Duke team ranked third in the nation. It's certainly possible the Blue Devils win the national championship this year with Boozer leading the way, and that can only help his case to be the No. 1 overall pick and further throw cold water on any critics' concerns about his explosiveness.

In the meantime, Boozer will look to lead Duke to 11-0 when the Blue Devils host Lipscomb on Tuesday.