NBA Draft 2011: Grading the Top 12 Power Forwards
With the NBA draft approaching this Thursday, the major hype has been focused on a point guard, Kyrie Irving, and a small forward, Derrick Williams.
However, NBA teams will be able to choose the most talented players from a variety of positions, including power forward.
Though only a few power forwards in the NBA are prolific scorers, it’s still an important position that provides offensive and defensive rebounds as well as a physical presence in the paint.
Here are grades for the top 12 power forwards in this year’s draft.
12. Jon Leuer, Wisconsin
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Jon Leuer is a big body that might also see some time as a center in the NBA.
He possesses a decent outside shot, which could make him a threat both from the perimeter and down low.
Scouts are weary that he lacks explosiveness and does not possess the athletic ability of some of the other big men.
Still, he could be a great option for a team looking to add depth to the frontcourt.
Grade: C+
11. Nikola Mirotic, Montenegro
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Nikola Mirotic is said to have a high basketball IQ, which will be important for an international player making the jump to the NBA.
His shot arsenal is deep and includes a jump hook, turn-around jumpers and a strong bank shots.
This variety of scoring could give him an edge over some tough defenders whom he’s bound to face was once he’s drafted.
His agility could use some work, but his shot-making ability can overshadow that.
Grade: C+
10. Jordan Williams, Maryland
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Jordan Williams has the body of a prototypical power forward.
He’s like a freight train once he gets moving, and not too many defenders are willing to take a charge when he’s driving in the paint.
He can significantly improve his game is he develops a more consistent mid-range jumper, similar to Glen “Big Baby” Davis.
Still, he’ll be a good find for an NBA team.
Grade: B-
9. Trey Thompkins, Georgia
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Trey Thompkins has great strength which makes him an ideal power forward and has a knack for boxing out and pulling down rebounds.
He’s a decent jump shooter, which adds another facet to his game.
Thompkins is also a defensive force who can contest shots.
As for overall athletic ability, it’s still developing, but Thompkins is a hard worker who can rely on finesse to score.
Grade: B-
8. Justin Harper, Richmond
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Justin Harper saw his stock sky-rocket with a few good games in the NCAA Tournament.
Not only is he a force in the paint, but he showed he can stretch the floor this year by being able to knock down three-pointers.
As such, it’s tough to determine his true position. He lacks the size of a true power forward and doesn’t have the speed of a true small forward.
This shouldn’t be a major problem, especially if he’s consistently putting the ball through the hoop.
Grade: B
7. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
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JaJuan Johnson is a long guy with an even longer wingspan.
He’s agile and has shown he can knock down shots all over the floor, making him difficult to defend.
However, his frame makes him a question mark as a true power forward.
He may need to add some bulk and sacrifice some of his quickness to play the position.
Grade: B
6. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
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Kenneth Faried was a rebounding machine in college, and whatever team drafts him hopes that this trend will continue.
He’s very athletic, especially when it comes to blocking shots, and surprisingly can steal the ball well for a big man.
Faried, though, is only 6’8”, and played in conference where he was able to dominate.
Let’s see how he adjusts to the next level.
Grade: B+
5. Markieff Morris, Kansas
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Markieff Morris already has the body of an NBA power forward, which gives him an advantage over some of the other players on this list.
He cleans up on the boards, and can finish around the rim.
He’s still developing an in-between jumper that he can use right off the dribble. This would make him a deadly inside and outside threat.
Markieff may not be drawing the attention that his twin Marcus has received, but he is poised to be a solid pro.
Grade: B+
4. Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania
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Donatas Motiejunas is one of the most high-profile international players in this year’s draft.
He has great size, can score from anywhere on the floor and has a polish to his game not many players possess. He also rebounds well and plays good defense.
Apparently, though, he sometimes falls into the trap of thinking he’s above his competition which forces him to be lazy.
That might have been the case overseas, but he’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks he can skate by in the NBA.
Grade: A-
3. Tobias Harris, Tennessee
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After only one season, Tobias Harris declared for the NBA draft.
Though he may not have the overall experience of some other players, Harris possesses the basketball IQ and physical gifts to be an immediate contributor at the next level.
He has a long wingspan, but is slightly undersized for a power forward.
He’ll still be 18 years old once he’s drafted, so a team can really take its time in developing him.
Grade: A-
2. Tristan Thompson, Texas
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Another freshman, Tristan Thompson put up big numbers in his only season at Texas.
He’s a high-energy player who makes a habit of pulling down offensive rebounds.
His inside game makes up for his outside shooting ability, which will need some work as well as his free-throw shooting.
Thompson will be a physical presence that will be off the draft board quite early.
Grade: A
1. Jan Vesely, Czech Republic
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Though he’s listed as a forward combo and is likely to see some time at small forward, Jan Vesely is the top power forward in this year’s draft pool.
Not only is he 6’11”, but he can also knock down shots from all over. He’s very athletic as well, which may give him an advantage as a power forward in the NBA going up against guys who have size, but not as much athletic ability.
He plays with lots of energy, but will continue to develop his game in the coming months.
Vesely is actually still under contract with his international team, Partizan Belgrade, until 2013, so he would be able to get drafted and possibly develop for a few years before making his NBA debut—though the team that drafts him will likely want him to contribute right away.
Grade: A
