January 22, 2010 12:06 pm  |  19 Comments

2010 NBA Draft - Small Forwards

There was a time when Wesley Johnson was a virtual unknown - that time is gone.

by Jeff Fox

As we continue our breakdown of the best 2010 NBA Draft prospects by position, not only are the players getting bigger — they are also getting better. The point guard class is a one trick pony, the shooting guard class a bit better, while the small forward prospect group is even stronger yet. All five players on the following list are potential lottery picks, with the top two guys possibly going in the top five. And leading the way is a player that was totally off all our radars at the beginning of the season.

1) Wesley Johnson | Syracuse | JuniWesley Johnsonor
The Iowa State transfer’s breakout season continues for the surprising Syracuse Orange. He has everything you look for in a NBA small forward — size (7-foot wingspan), athleticism and shooting range (45 percent from deep). He is projected by some to be the second player picked in June after John Wall.

2) Al-Farouq Aminu | Wake Forest | Sophomore
Al-Farouq Aminu also has size and athleticism to spare, with the added bonus of being three years Johnson’s junior. As hoped, the 19-year-old has blossomed as “The Man” for Wake Forest this year, averaging 18 points and 12 boards a game. In fact, you aren’t going to find a better rebounding small forward in the college game right now. If he could develop an outside shot he could improve his draft stock even more.

3) Devin Ebanks | West Virginia | Sophomore
Similar to Farouq-Aminu, Devin Ebanks is a guy who could play either forward spots in the NBA. A scorer, rebounder and good passer, Ebanks also needs to improve his outside shot like Aminu. And, considering he plays for Bobby Huggins at West Virginia, he won’t blink if a NBA coach starts screaming at him!

4) Stanley Robinson | Connecticut | Senior
Is there a more fitting nickname in NCAA hoops than Sticks for Stanley Robinson? Not only is Robinson skinny like a stick, he’s got springs like a pogo stick. Robinson’s draft stock has soared in this his senior season at UConn, as he is now improbably talked about as a potential lottery pick. Athleticism, length and a nice outside touch is what he brings to the table.

5) Elias Harris | Gonzaga | Freshman
Another guy most of us didn’t have a real clue about before this season is German import Elias Harris. Harris has stepped in and filled the void Gonzaga was left with after player departures this summer, as the rookie leads the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. And when you look at some advanced stats (effective field goal percentage, true shooting percentage) you’ll find Harris among the best in the nation.

Next in line: Gordon Hayward, Butler; Damion James, Texas; Quincy Pondexter, Washington; Kyle Singler, Duke; Paul George, Fresno State.

Next up: Power Forwards

Read more of Jeff Fox at The Hoops Manifesto.

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  • Ken Posted: Jan.22 at 12:19 pm
    I still think Greivis will play point in the NBA.

  • Jeff Fox Posted: Jan.22 at 1:03 pm
    Time to move on Ken!

  • Logues Posted: Jan.22 at 3:05 pm
    damion james should be number 1 on this list

  • Tarzan Cooper Posted: Jan.22 at 5:02 pm
    co sign logues. hes a big dude, but very athletic. etc.

  • Jeff Fox Posted: Jan.22 at 5:05 pm
    James’ stock has fallen drastically since he has not been able to prove that he truly is a small forward. He is still best as a power forward, which he is too small for in the NBA.

  • Dallas Posted: Jan.22 at 10:54 pm
    Thats my boy Wes Johnson — Go Cuse

  • niQ Posted: Jan.23 at 2:01 am
    I’ve been hearing a lot about Wes Johnson, I need to see this guy play before making any predictions..

  • Jeff Fox Posted: Jan.23 at 9:32 am
    I’m not sold on Johnson being a superstar in the NBA (John Wall is the only surefire superstar in this year’s draft), but he seems like he will be a good player.

  • Hussman25 Posted: Jan.23 at 10:27 am
    Welcome to Philadelphia Wesley! See you in a Sixers Jersey SOON!

  • Tyler Whitcomb Posted: Jan.23 at 1:37 pm
    Great top 5! However, I would move Pondexter to the number 4 spot, leave Harris at 5, and put Robinson at 6. It will be interesting as the season goes on to see where Hayward will end up.

  • Jukai Posted: Jan.23 at 5:51 pm
    I’m so down on Aminu. He should be so much better than he is.

  • Jukai Posted: Jan.23 at 5:57 pm
    and this may seem like a joke, but what about Luke Babbit?

  • Jeff Fox Posted: Jan.23 at 9:52 pm
    Asking about Babbit definitely isn’t a joke. He is a legit NBA prospect, but probably won’t be entering this year’s draft.

  • Jeff Fox Posted: Jan.23 at 9:55 pm
    And we’re spelling his name wrong - it actually is Babbitt. Sorry Luke!

  • Tyler Whitcomb Posted: Jan.23 at 9:56 pm
    Also, I disagree as far as a clear cut no.2 in the Draft. I agree John Wall is a lock at number 1 and I mean lock. (Not like when Beasley was a lock and Rose went ahead) Every team even if they have a franchise PG will take Wall. However, the no.2 pick is Evan Turner, he can do it all. If there are tiers #1 tier is only John Wall and the #2 tiers are Evan Turner, Derrick Favors, Wesley Johnson, Ed Davis and Al Farouq Aminu, with Turner leading the pack. Tier#3 is Willie Warren, Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry, and Patrick Patterson. My question to everyone Can Evan Turner run the Point in the NBA?

  • Hursty Posted: Jan.24 at 12:54 am
    What about the swingman from UVA? Landesberg I think is how it’s pronounced. Or is he basically just a 2?

  • C U Next Tuesday Posted: Jan.24 at 5:17 pm
    harris wont be able to make the transition to sf atleast not before another season or 2 of hard work

  • nora Posted: Jan.25 at 12:22 am
    Very into your list, man. I think something should be said about James rebounding ability, defensive potential and overall hustle and tough play but i gota agree he can’t overtake those 5, or at least the top crop. If you have the time, mind talkin’ about theo robertson and how gm’s around the L are feelin’ about him? He’s a strong athlete with some range and seemingly a body that can translate to the nba

  • NBA Draft Links (1/25) Could Bledsoe join Wall in the Draft? | rumorsandreports.com Posted: Jan.25 at 12:15 pm
    [...] SLAM provides it’s top small forwards list.  (SLAM Online) The list is led by Lottery candidates Wesley Johnson, A-Farouq Aminu, and Devin Ebanks. [...]

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