NBA Draft 2011: Trey Thompkins and 10 Most Polished Post Scorers in the Draft
The NBA Draft will be held in a few weeks. Prospects throughout the years are looked at for the different skills and traits they possess. Shooting, rebounding, passing, and defense are all skills that are looked for in different potential draftees.
But I'm here to highlight the prospects who excel at scoring with their back to the basket.
Here are the 10 most polished post scorers in this year's draft.
Trey Thompkins: Power Forward from Georgia
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Trey Thompkins is dripping with skills to pair with his 6-10 frame. The junior is fluid in post-up abilities from start to finish.
To begin with, he gets in great position on his defender. He separates himself from them well so that he can receive the ball comfortably.
Once he gets the ball, he uses his wide body to create space to operate. His footwork is well-coordinated and includes efficient pivot skills.
From there, he uses his array of shots close to the rim, like his short jump hook.
Enes Kanter: Center from Kentucky
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Enes Kanter's size is what's the most striking about him. At 6-11 and 260 pounds, he's proven to be a force in the paint.
When he's backing down, his strength becomes a key factor. He often overpowers his opponent to create his shot in the post.
While his brute strength is both palpable and visible, he also owns a soft touch.
With his scoring mentality, he constantly gets off smooth shots around the rim. His long arms and great body control are factors as well.
Marcus Morris: Combo Forward from Kansas
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Even though Marcus Morris plays both forward positions, he is very crafty when posting up.
He's really solid in his maneuvers in the post. He has the options of going right or left to get his shot up. He frequently attempts fadeaway jumpers, and he makes them look effortless.
He has a great understanding of where his defender is, and how he needs to be positioned to counter the defense. He is extremely effective around the rim once he finds an opening to it.
Jordan Williams: Power Forward from Maryland
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Jordan Williams is another big who uses his size well. When he gets into the paint, he is hard to stop with his length.
He has a soft touch when he's around the basket. More often than not, he'll go for a layup rather than a dunk to avoid the risk.
He's natural low post player with good balance and footwork.
Donatas Motiejunas: Power Forward from Lithuania
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Donatas Motiejunas is an agile left-hander with a lot of size.
His lanky frame is met with a sturdy base due to his strong legs. He uses those characteristics to implement his series of jump hooks and turnaround fadeaways.
These are tough to defend because of his length and great leaping skills.
Derrick Williams: Combo Forward from Arizona
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Derrick Williams is an everything scorer. Playing both small and power forward, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways. In the post is one of them.
With his back to the basket, he uses his strength and body control to get the upper hand on his defender.
He uses extra-long drop steps to make his way closer to the rim, and has an effective pump fake if needed. He uses his turnaround jumpers and soft hooks once he has enough space.
Jon Leuer: Power Forward from Wisconsin
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Jon Leuer has a nice compilation of moves in the post. He has so many back-to-the-basket scoring moves, that you don't know which is coming next.
His footwork is solid. When he turns to the basket to shoot, it's always a smooth motion. A nice touch as well.
He also owns a nice handle which helps him shake off defenders when backing them down.
Jeremy Tyler: Power Forward from Japan (Pro Team)
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Jeremy Tyler is a wonderful physical specimen. He stands at 6-10 with a 7-5 wingspan and massive hands. These attributes help him greatly in the post.
He moves well for someone his size, and with great footwork. If it wasn't enough that he has really long arms to score with, he can finish with either of them.
He already owns a good deal of moves to score points down low. Within striking distance of the rim is where he's really dangerous.
Tristan Thompson: Power Forward from Texas
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Tristan Thompson works hard to establish himself in the post. He gets in good position to fight for space with his defender.
Once he gets room, he uses his quick footwork to set himself up for his shot.
He can spin in either direction for jump hooks. He's a high jumper, so that is valuable in his attack as well.
Tobias Harris: Power Forward from Tennessee
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Tobias Harris has a powerful frame. He has wide shoulders and nice upper-body strength.
He uses his bulk to overpower opponents when he's in the post. At the same time, he is really quick on his feet, which makes it harder on big, slower defenders.
He gets in good position to score, and is ambidextrous when it comes to finishing. His stout vertical leap, mixed with his soft touch, makes him a handful.
