Could a power forward go second overall in June’s Draft?
There might be two guards at the top of most of the 2010 NBA mock drafts floating about cyberspace, but make no mistake about it — this draft is all about the big men. There’s a plethora (yes, a plethora) of big men in this year’s draft with a plethora (yes, a plethora) of skills. There’s the big and burly type; the long and athletic; the young and the old — whatever you’re looking for you can find in this year’s big man crop. How deep is the power forward class? All five guys written up in this article could go in the top 10. And among the power forward prospects there might be a man who can
do the unthinkable — get drafted second overall, ahead of Evan Turner.
1) (Previous Ranking — 1) Derrick Favors | Georgia Tech | Freshman
That man, of course, would be Derrick Favors. Favors’ measurements and results from the NBA Draft combine have made him an even hotter commodity than before. The main measurements that have the scouts drooling is his height (6-10 in shoes) and his maximum vertical reach of over 12 feet, which has him being compared to Dwight Howard. While he is still raw and still has room on his frame to add some more muscle, you can see why Philadelphia is intrigued with him at pick no. 2 — Favors and Thaddeus Young would form a dynamic, athletic front court for years to come.
2) (7) Greg Monroe | Georgetown | Sophomore
Greg Monroe also measured quite well at the combine, coming in at 6-11 in shoes with a 7-2 wingspan. Combine that with his basketball smarts, passing ability and great skill set and you can see why his stock is on the rise once again. While there are some concerns over his toughness and athletic ability, he’s still poised to go in the top 10 this year and should further enhance Georgetown’s reputation as Big Man U.
3) (3) Patrick Patterson | Kentucky | Junior
Patrick Patterson’s draft stock is soaring, to the point that he could make it three Kentucky Wildcats selected in the top 10 this year. He was always knocked for his lack of height for the NBA, yet he surprisingly measured in at over 6-9 with shoes on (with a 7-1 wingspan), so playing power forward in the pros will be no problem for him. While he helped his stock by his strong performance on the court this season, he also wowed NBA executives at the combine with his poised interviews.
4) (6) Ekpe Udoh | Baylor | Junior
Yet another big man with eyes on the top 10 is Baylor’s defensive beast, Ekpe Udoh. 6-10 in shoes, with a very impressive 7-4 wingspan, Udoh uses all that length to his advantage, terrorizing opponents on the defensive end (3.7 blocks per game). But, at 23 years of age, he is an old man in the NBA Draft arena.
5) (2) Ed Davis | North Carolina | Sophomore
Breaking your wrist like Ed Davis did during your last season in college before you enter the NBA Draft is never a good idea (guessing he probably didn’t intentionally break it, though!) so Davis’ draft stock has dropped quite a bit. At one point considered a potential top three pick, Davis is now being projected in the 10-15 range. While he still needs quite a bit of work on his offensive game, he is a strong defender with plenty of potential.
Next in line: Donatas Motiejunas, Benetton Treviso; Larry Sanders, VCU; Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech; Craig Brackins, Iowa State; Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State.
Next up: Center
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