Top 25 NBA Prospects for 2008
We originally wrote this post back in June 2007, as you can see, but have been frequently updating it because of the high amount of hits we’ve had since then. Michael Beasley has been our top player since then.
The hope here is to try to evaluate the rankings every week or so to properly analyze where each players stock lies. The idea is to ultimately get it right — as we did with Beasley — and watch others fall in line behind us.
We know you all came here to read about the top prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft, so let’s get right to it. Also check out the next 25 on our Top 50 page and our updated 2008 Mock Draft.
*NEW!!!* Check out TMB’s Top 25 NBA prospects for 2009.
[Last update, June 23rd]
Remember, this is not a 2008 Mock Draft.
#1] MICHAEL BEASLEY – KANSAS STATE
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 240
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[26.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 BPG, .532 FG%, .379 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[33.5 PPG, 16.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.1 BPG]
Analysis: Beasley is arguably the most dominant player in college basketball this year. He’s an ultra-smooth, quick, versatile and athletic lefty who plays the game with a lot of swagger. He’s an all-around talent who can shoot, pass, rebound and defend — and effectively play both forward positions. He has the explosiveness and athleticism to play inside, and the outside shooting to stretch the defense. He’s also a very explosive finisher in transition.
Before entering college, because was way ahead of his competition, he sometimes lost motivation and was criticized for playing without emotion, but his play on the collegiate level is already erasing any doubts about that part of his game. Other scouts wonder about his character and if he’s willing to continue to work on his game at the next level.
Early Projection: Though some scouts and GMs openly question his character and overall commitment to the game, his strong play this season has been so impressive that he should be a National Player of the Year candidate and a virtual lock for one of the top two spots in the 2008 NBA Draft.
#2] DERRICK ROSE – MEMPHIS
Position: PG
Size: 6-3 195
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[14.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, .340 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 2.2 SPG]
Analysis: Rose is a very intriguing point guard prospect with fantastic vision and the ability to make his teammates better. He has a rare combination of speed and athleticism for the point guard position and has the ability to both score and distribute, and take over games when needed. Ask scouts and GM’s around the league, and there’s few, if any, who would’ve taken Mike Conley over Derrick Rose in the 2007 draft, had he been eligible. Scouts collectively agree that Rose is an elite point guard prospect.
Has a reliable, but somewhat inconsistent outside jumper, which is already showing signs of improvement during his first year at the collegiate level. His numbers are relatively modest of such a high draft pick, but are likely to improve greatly at the professional level.
Early Projection: Rose will certainly be the first point guard taken in the draft, which means he’s a lock to be in the top two. Right now based on his position and needs, he looks like he could be the top overall selection.
#3] O.J. MAYO – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Position: SG
Size: 6-5 205
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[20.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, .409 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[22.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.7 SPG]
Analysis: Mayo was arguably the most hyped high school sensation since LeBron James, and like James, he has the ability to dominate games with his combination of skill, speed, and strength. He’s a pure two guard who can score in a variety of ways and has good size for his position and often ignites the fast break with his rebounding ability. His versatility is the best part of his game and he’s a solid, yet underrated, defender when he wants to be.
Although he sometimes forces shots and becomes one dimensional as a scorer, he does have an excellent jumper with deep range. Some feel he’s a bit of a hot dog on the court and tries to show boat too much, but he’s still maturing on and off the court and has really made a name for himself at Southern Cal this year.
Early Projection: The star potential of this kid really is amazing and he has the necessary tools to be a great combo guard at the next level. If he continues to play well and shows that he’s coachable, he should be a top five pick based on his size, potential and all-around skills, and as high as number three overall.
#4] JERRYD BAYLESS – ARIZONA
Position: PG
Size: 6-3 205
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[19.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4 APG, 1.1 SPG, .839 FT%, .407 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG]
Analysis: Bayless is a big-time scoring combo guard with excellent athleticism and the ability to run the offense from the point guard position. He’s an excellent athlete with explosive leaping ability and a lightning quick first step, which allows him to get into the rim with ease. He’s also a very good shooter, with good range, who gets good elevation and has good mechanics on his jump shot.
Despite being able to handle both positions effectively, he doesn’t have a large amount of experience playing the point guard position and some scouts worry about his lack of size if he gets stuck playing on the wing at the next level. However, the league turning to an up-tempo, small ball approach makes Bayless an ideal fit if he can continue to sharpen his point guard skills and show that he has the tools to run an offense at the next level.
Early Projection: Most scouts believe Bayless has more upside than more players in this draft, which should cause his stock to rise prior to the draft. Right now he’s in the 5-8 range.
#5] BROOK LOPEZ – STANFORD
Position: C
Size: 7-0 260
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[18.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.1 BPG, .476 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[26.6 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2.9 BPG]
Analysis: Lopez is a very fundamentally sound big man who runs the floor well and has good footwork and scoring ability around the basket. Though he only has average athleticism, he’s a solid rebounder and shot blocker and has a good, strong body. He also has a solid low-post game with his back to the basket that is continually improving his outside range. He contemplated entering the draft after his freshman season, but decided to return to school, which has allowed him to get stronger and improve his overall game.
His free throw shooting could be better, but he’s improved in that area over the last year. He’s also not as explosive as some of the other big men in his class, but is arguably the most skilled. A first semester suspension may give some scouts and GMs a cause to doubt his character, but it’s tough to question what he can do on the court.
Early Projection : Lopez has played so well this season that, barring some unforeseen circumstances, he seems like a lock for the top five. We’ve had him at number three for four weeks now and other writers are starting to catch on. His size and the ability to contribute right out of the gates are generally two things that help young players move up the charts prior to the draft.
#6] ANTHONY RANDOLPH – LSU
Position: PF
Size: 6-10 210
Age: 18
Season Numbers:
[15.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 BPG]
Per 40 Minutes:
[18.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 3.2 BPG]
Analysis: Randolph, who was a high school All-American last year, is an incredibly fast, agile, lanky big man with a good feel for the game and solid all-around basketball skills. He runs the floor like a deer, is putting up very good numbers for a freshman, and has the ability to be a serious player for a team that has time to develop him.
Because he’s a post player, he really needs to improve his strength before he even thinks of playing there in the NBA. He also needs to continue to develop his overall game and improve his mid range jumper. Other than that, he seems to have the complete package that scouts look at.
Early Projection: Though we’re told he could go anywhere from 5-10, if he has a good showing at summer workouts, he could really skyrocket up the charts.
#7] KEVIN LOVE – UCLA
Position: C
Size: 6-10 255
Age: 19
Season Numbers
[17.8 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1 BPG, .611 FG%, .419 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[24.5 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 BPG]
Analysis: Despite his modest assists numbers, Love is generally considered one of the best passing big men to grace the college game in several decades. He has a very high basketball IQ, a natural feel for the game, and knows how to create space in the middle with his size and strength. He already has fantastic post skills and really understands how to rebounder the ball. He’s also a fierce competitor, has a tremendous passion to win, and has learned to be mentally tough while at UCLA. He’s generally considered a great kid with personality and is likely to increase fan appeal wherever he goes at the next level.
Some league scouts, GMs and experts seem to believe that Love’s stock has a ceiling because he’s a bit undersized and doesn’t seem to have superior size and athleticism, but he’s had six games this season where he’s blocked 3 or more blocked shots, and that’s very difficult to do when your athletically challenged and undersized. It’s likely that they’re missing something, and with today’s run-n-gun NBA, its been proven that its okay to have a center who can shoot the ball and has all the intangibles to make his teammates better.
Early Projection: Becoming only the second freshmen in Pac-10 history to take home Player of the Year honors can only help his case. If he can continue to play with well and help the Bruins to another deep run the NCAA Tournament, it will be tough to keep him out of the Lottery discussion. Still, Love could increase his stock and prove his critics wrong, by returning to UCLA next year.
#8] ERIC GORDON – INDIANA
Position: SG
Size: 6-4 220
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[20.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, .834 FT%, .337 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[25.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG]
Analysis: Gordon is easily the top recruit to play at Indiana since Damon Bailey and Calbert Cheaney played for the Hoosiers in the early 90’s. His outside shooting stroke and scoring ability rivals most NBA players. He’s not just a shooter either, as he also excels at taking the ball inside and makes spectacular dunks on a regular basis. Gordon’s a mature player with very good mental toughness and has great body strength for such young player. He has an explosive first step and a natural feel for the game.
Though Gordon’s size isn’t ideal for his position at the next level, he has a tremendous leaping ability that helps compensate for that. Scouts once questioned if he had the same desire and intensity on defensive side of the ball, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore. Though he can handle the ball quite well, his assist-to-turnover ratio isn’t good enough to play the point, which probably eliminates him from being a true combo guard at the next level.
Early Projection: Gordon’s lack of ideal size for the two-guard position may limit his draft ceiling, but some GM could still fall in love and take him in the top five. The one thing that could hurt him is his inability to play both backcourt positions at the next level, like a few other players at the top of this class.
#9] D.J. AUGUSTIN – TEXAS
Position: PG
Size: 6-0 170
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[19.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, .807 FT%, .374 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[22.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.7 SPG]
Analysis: Augustin, a pure point guard who’s idolizes Steve Nash, should be able to run the point in the NBA for a long time — whenever he’s ready to leave Texas. He loves to dribble penetrate and find the open man underneath the basket and runs the pick-n-roll to perfection. He has fantastic agility, is well conditioned, and has a very good all-around game. He’s a player who makes his teammates better and doesn’t mind being out of the spotlight.
The only real knock on D.J. is his size. While he isn’t super small, he lacks idea size for his position. Chad Ford has said that if he were three inches taller, he’d be a top five pick. However, I firmly believe having a lot of size at the point guard position is overrated (see: Chris Paul).
Early Projection: Augustine would have likely been a first round selection after only one year of college, but he’s become one of the top players on the collegiate level this year and will certainly be a Lottery pick this summer.
#10] DANILO GALLINARI – ITALY
Position: SF
Size: 6-10 215
Age: 19
Analysis: Gallinari is clearly the premier International prospect in this draft, and is often compared by scouts to Tonic Kukoc because of his size, excellent understanding of the game and his ball handling ability. He has the ability to handle the ball from the forward position and he’s displayed the ability to be a leader on the court. He also has the ability to score in a variety of ways and has a lethal, albeit streaky, outside jump shot with deep range. His fundamentals are exceptional for his age, and he’s continuing to develop his overall game.
Despite his unquestionable talents, Gallinari’s only an average athlete and is still learning to use his size advantage against small players. He also seems to be a bit of a streaky shooter sometimes, though he rarely misses twice if left open. Defensively he’s still coming along, but he plays it with intensity and heart.
Early Projection: Gallinari is still relatively unknown, but once he starts his team workouts, look for his name to skyrocket up the charts due to his unbelievable scoring ability and overall skills for a player his size. One source has said that he’s a hotter name right now than Andrea Bargnani was at the same age.
#11] JOE ALEXANDER – WEST VIRGINIA
Position: SF
Size: 6-8 220
Age: 21
Season Numbers:
[16.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, .813 FT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.7, 7.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.9 BPG, 1.4 SPG]
Analysis: Alexander is a very hot name right now because of how he finished the season. He’s an athletic forward with good length, and has a fairly solid inside-outside game. He has good touch around the basket, knows how to finish, and can get to the line with ease. He has a very good post up game, passes well out of double-teams, and according to scouts, has good lateral quickness.
He’s still developing his perimeter skills. He needs to work on his ball handling and passing ability and show consistency on his outside shot. Adding strength some additional strength to his frame wouldn’t hurt, either.
Early Projection: According to Chad Ford, several scouts have him as a mid to late first rounder based on his potential and end of the season production. However, most observers believe he needs another season to work on his jumper and his ball handling. Though because he finished the season very high note, it could be worth it to at least test the waters.
#12] RUSSELL WESTBROOK – UCLA
Position: PG
Size: 6-3 190
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[12.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, .492 FG%, .356 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[15.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.9 SPG]
Analysis: Westbrook is an incredibly long, athletic, and explosive combo guard who has really burst onto the scene this season at UCLA. His combination of speed, explosiveness and leaping ability make him a fierce dunker in the open court. He’s a very smart, instinctive player who knows how to defend and gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor. He also shoots the ball at a very efficient percentage.
Despite playing collegiately for two season, he’s very young and is still learning how to play the point guard position. He’s also a bit too small to play on the wing full time at the next level. Though he can hit the three-point shot at a decent clip, he’ll also need to sharpen that up before being considered a Lottery pick.
Early Projection: Because he’s a bit raw and still very young, staying at UCLA another year would heavily boost his draft stock. However, some feel he’s one of the top talents in the draft and can be a top ten pick if he declares this year.
#13] BRANDON RUSH – KANSAS
Position: SG – SF
Size: 6-7 210
Age: 22
Season Numbers:
[13.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1 SPG, 1 BPG, .429 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[19.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG]
Analysis: Rush is an extremely solid all around player with long arms, a solid athletic body, and a nice looking jump shot with good range. He’s an incredibly versatile wing who should be able to play both guard and forward at the next level. He’s shown consistent improvement on his game while at Kansas and is an excellent perimeter defender.
He injured his ACL last summer, and although he seems to have recovered fairly well, scouts may be a bit worried about the long term health of his knee. His critics are concerned because he’s a bit older than most prospects, and thus some may feel that he’s maxed out his potential.
Early Projection: Rush was considered a first round lock in the 2007 draft before he withdrew his name due to the ACL injury. His stock may have taken a slight hit, but he’s still in the first round conversation as of now, especially with Kansas winning the NCAA title.
#14] DeANDRE JORDAN – TEXAS A&M
Position: C
Size: 6-11 250
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[7.9 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, .617 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[15.7 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.5 BPG]
Analysis: Jordan is the prototypical big man NBA scouts drool over, with great size and athleticism, cat-like instincts and a long wingspan. He’s also a very solid rebounder and shot blocker who knows how to run the floor and finish at the rim in traffic. He’s an incredible dunker with great explosiveness and once he really learns to play the game, he’ll be nearly unstoppable inside the paint.
Talent-wise, most experts agree that Jordan has the makings of a top five pick in this year’s draft. However, there are serious concerns about his work ethic and commitment to improving his game once he gets to the next level. Some wonder why a kid with his abilities is just an average player on the collegiate level. Its because he’s still relatively raw offensively, doesn’t always play hard, and sometimes makes routine mistakes that lead to turnovers. He also needs to work on his free throw shooting, which will immediately be among the worst in the league.
Early Projection: Though his numbers haven’t been off the charts, due to his size, athleticism and explosiveness, scouts absolutely love his upside potential. If he shows that he can prove that he’s hungry to improve his game and be receptive to coaching, we’re hearing he could be in the top five. At the same time, its very difficult to place him that high here because there are several other elite players generating a lot more buzz and improve their stock at the moment.
#15] DARRELL ARTHUR – KANSAS
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 215
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[13.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .529 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[23.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.8 BPG, 1.1 SPG]
Analysis: Arthur is a very skilled, athletic player with a lot of length and should be able to play both forward positions at the next level. He has a nice set of post moves and a fairly good, but still improving, mid range jump shot. He’s very agile for his size and really runs the floor very well for a big man. He’s a solid rebounder and not a bad defender who does some block shots. He also has good upside and showed it during his sensational freshman season at Kansas.
Scouts question exactly which position he’ll play at the next level, and he needs to add muscle to his relatively thin frame. He’s still polishing his game as well, but the overall ability is just jaw dropping.
Early Projection: Despite not being able to put up huge numbers on a loaded Kansas squad, Arthur has been able to display his abilities and has shown improvements on his jump shot, which should lead to him be selected somewhere in the late Lottery.
#16] KOSTA KOUFOS – OHIO STATE
Position: C
Size: 7-1 260
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[13.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.9 BPG, .510 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3 BPG]
Analysis: Koufos has a solid NBA-ready body, with solid muscle build, and can really shoot it from the beyond the arc. He can also easily pass out of double teams and find the open man when posting up. Offensively, he has a finesse European-style face up game, and his low post moves around the basket are very solid.
He’s a decent, but not great athlete, and lack of perimeter defensive has been a problem for quite awhile. Perhaps a year on the collegiate level will help him in that area.
Early Prediction: Although he’s cooled off since his hot start to the season, Koufos certainly has the talent and size to get serious attention in the first round due to his size and intriguing skill set.
#17] J.J. HICKSON – NC STATE
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 242
Age: 19
Season Numbers:
[15.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .603 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.1 SPG]
Analysis: Though I’ve only seen Hickson play two or three times, he’s become a hot name with his solid play in the ACC this season. He’s an extremely athletic big man with good length and what scouts call an NBA-ready body. He has an explosive leaping ability which allows him to finish around the basket, and also has a decent mid-range jump shot out to 15 feet. He can create his own shot off the dribble, which is rare for a big man, and put the ball on the deck and take it to the rim with ease.
Some say he that because of this age, he lacks some basketball instincts and knowledge, but that is coming along. He also needs to further develop his low post moves and continue to work on his free throw shooting.
Pro Outlook: Many scouts feel Hickson has the necessary tools to be a very effective player at the next level. However, it’s going to take some time for his to develop and could be a gem for a team in the late first round whose willing to wait a few years.
Early Projection: Because of his superior physical skills, Hickson has continued to be an explosive player, even at the collegiate level. However, returning for his sophomore year would be wise, as he could seriously position himself for the Lottery in 2009.
#18] MARREESE SPEIGHTS – FLORIDA
Position: PF – C
Size: 6-10 250
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[14.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1 APG, 1.4 BPG, .630 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes
[25.2 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2.6 BPG]
Analysis: Speights has good size combined with solid athleticism and good strength for a player his age. He’s still somewhat raw offensively, but he’s a fairly good low-post scorer, very efficient, and a good defender and shot-blocker. He’s a tough player, excellent rebounder, and does the dirty work. He played well in limited minutes as freshman, and he’s certainly improved upon that during his sophomore season.
He’s still a bit raw offensively, and won’t be able to simply bully people around at the next level. He’s also a bit tentative on defense, perhaps in fear of getting into foul trouble. He’s likely two years away from getting decent minutes at the pro level, but the incredible upside can’t be ignored.
Early Projection: Though he has played fairly well so far this year, waiting another year to declare could spell Lottery for Speights. Florida isn’t likely to be in the NCAA Tournament this Spring, and that won’t help his case. However, Pre-draft workouts would likely help raise his stock this summer, just in case he decides to leave.
#19] DONTE GREENE – SYRACUSE
Position: SF
Size: 6-10 225
Age: 20
Season Numbers:
[17.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 BPG, .345 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[19.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2 BPG]
Analysis: Greene is a very skilled forward who has a very nice shooting stroke with legitimate NBA 3-point range. His versatile game and size on the perimeter creates serious mismatches. He has a variety of solid moves around the basket, really knows how to finish in transition and is a good ball handler for his size.
Though Greene does have some moves around the basket, he needs to further develop his strength before being able to handle the post at the next level. Despite being an excellent, albeit streaky, shooter from the perimeter, he needs to continue to improve his shooting off the dribble. He blocks a lot of shots because of his size and length, but he needs to put some concentrated energy into playing defense. One year in the Big East is really helping his game develop.
Early Projection: Though returning to school would likely help him improve his game, and his draft stock, Greene’s combination of size and shooting ability will likely cause his stock to rise prior to the draft, despite his streaky shooting late in the season. His stock could be severely damaged by the fact that he wasn’t showcasing his game at the NCAA Tournament.
#20] MARIO CHALMERS – KANSAS
Position: PG
Size: 6-1 190
Age: 22
Season Numbers:
[12.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, .516 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[17.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 3.3 SPG]
Analysis: Chalmers is riding high as the hero of the National Championship game in early April, yet is still considered a bit of an under-the-radar prospect right now. He has a very good looking mid-range jump shot, can run the offense, and is a lock down defender on the perimeter. He’s also an efficient player with experience and has clutch abilities.
Perhaps the only real issue with Chalmers is the disbelief most scouts have in his ability to handle the point guard duties on a full time basis at the NBA level. He’s only an average ball handler and his isn’t elite athlete to make up for his size disadvantage playing off the ball.
Pro Outlook: Though is game is much different, Chalmers is a player much like Chicago’s Chris Duhon, who was selected in the second round, but has the ability to run a team and should have a very long pro career. Like Duhon, he’s a good character guy who can do loads of things on the court, and has great leadership qualities.
Early Projection: Chalmers, who hasn’t signed with an agent, might want to strongly consider returning to school for another season. His stock is solid right now, but is a bubble first round prospect right now and could solidify his position with a strong senior season.
#21] JaVALE McGEE – NEVADA
Position: PF
Size: 7-0 245
Age: 20
Season Numbers
[14.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.8 BPG, .529 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.5 BPG]
Analysis: I’ve only seen McGee play a few times, but by all accounts, he’s an extremely athletic big man who has an excellent face the basket game and is still growing as a player. He has fairly long arms, great size, and an explosive leaping ability that help make him an excellent shot-blocker and a good rebounder. His jump shot is fairly solid and even has some three point range that continues to develop. He also has value at both the four and the five spots at the next level.
Despite the positives, McGee is still developing his overall game and is still a bit raw. His low-post ability will need to be worked on at the professional level, as well as is strength, and his free throw shooting is absolutely horrendous.
Early Projection: Chad Ford and other experts are calling McGee one of the biggest sleepers in this year’s draft. They say he could go anywhere from the late Lottery to late first round because its hard to find prospects with his combination of size, length, and athleticism. Though we’re not completely sold on him, players like this get first round attention every year and that isn’t likely to change this summer.
#22] ROY HIBBERT – GEORGETOWN
Position: C
Size: 7-2 275
Age: 21
Season Numbers:
[13.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.2 BPG, .609 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 3.5 BPG]
Analysis: Hibbert has improved dramatically in every year as a collegiate, and this year has been no different. He’s a very solid big man who has great size and strength. He’s a decent rebounder, blocks or alters a lot of shots, and really knows how to score around the basket. He plays hard every time out and is an underrated passer out of the low block.
Although he’s not the fastest guy, he runs the floor well for his size. He’s not the most polished player either, but he’s very coachable and is constantly improving his game. His lack of a true scoring mentality and only subpar senior season is what will likely keep him out of the Lottery discussion.
Early Prediction: Though his numbers are somewhat modest, Hibbert could still be worthy being selected in the second half of the first round. The up-tempo game that is found in the NBA is working against him, but he can still be a important contributor for a team looking for immediate defensive help in the middle.
#23] NICHOLAS BATUM – FRANCE
Position: SF
Size: 6-8 210
Age: 19
Analysis: Batum (pronounced Bah-Toom) is another player who was getting serious Lottery buzz before withdrawing from the 2007 draft. He’s an agile forward with an incredible wingspan and excellent all around skills. He has a natural feel for the game and superior physical attributes. Because of his quick hands and feet combined with his long wingspan and athleticism, scouts feel he could be a potential lock down defender with proper coaching.
He led France to the 2006 U18 Championships in Greece and won MVP of the 2006 Albert Schweitzer Tournament, leading France to first place. He does need to gain strength and experience, but he has a bright future ahead of him.
Early Projection: Batum has huge upside but needs to gain more experience, and one more year in Europe should’ve only improved his stock. Based his skill set and star potential, he’ll likely be a mid to late first round selection, and maybe even higher if he impresses in pre-draft workouts this summer.
#24] CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS – MEMPHIS
Position: SG
Size: 6-7 205
Age: 21
Season Numbers:
[17.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, .544 FG%, .456 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[25.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG]
Analysis: Douglas-Roberts was the top player on a very good Memphis squad as a sophomore, but most observers didn’t start taking notice until hotshot prospect Derrick Rose arrived in Memphis. CDR is a very elusive guard who can get himself to the rim and finish with explosive athleticism and has developed a very reliable mid-range jumper as well. He has great basketball smarts and with his length and energy, and is a potential lock down defender at the next level.
Scouts worried about the consistency of his outside shot at one point, but he’s improved on that dramatically since last year. He still needs to add strength to his lanky frame, but that should come in time with the help of an NBA training staff.
Early Projection: His play for Memphis during the Final Four certainly raised his stock, so look for him to be a mid to late first round selection this summer.
#25] BILL WALKER – KANSAS STATE
Position: SF
Size: 6-6 215
Age: 20
Season Numbers
[16.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1 SPG]
Per 40 Minutes:
[24.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1 BPG]
Analysis: Walker is an absolutely jaw-dropping, electrifying dunker whose capable of being the next great dunker in the NBA. His leg strength and explosiveness is off the charts, and was rumored to have an unheard of 45-inch vertical before suffering an ACL injury as a true freshman. He has that killer instinct that stars need, with a real nasty side to his game. He competes hard each night, and never gives up on a play.
His skill level is still catching up, as is his jump shot, but he’s shown tremendous progress over the past two years. His upside is incredible, but due to the season ending knee-injury that required surgery over a year ago, he’s still hoping to get back to his old self. He’s shown flashes, but he isn’t quite there yet. He was granted a medical redshirt, so he’s technically still a freshman.
Early Prediction: He may have been a top ten pick in last summers draft if it weren’t for the knee injury that ended his freshman season. If he can get back to the level he was playing on before, the sky is the limit and he could be a draft steal at this position.
– This list was complied back on June 13th, 2007 and has been updated periodically by since then. Send your questions or comments to ajohn135@gmail.com
June 13, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Man, if your name is OJ, among other things you should not go to USC! Doesn’t this kid know about the *other OJ*? You want to run as far away from that association as possible.
June 14, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Maybe not, he’s not nearly as advanced as his brother at this point, but could still be in the mix because of the lack of quality big men. We’ll see.
June 14, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Kentucky rocks! I think the run is coming to an end, though—Sea of Blue just put up another post so our TMB link is lower on the front page.
June 14, 2007 at 4:36 PM
Clearly the best day on the blog. Has the server crashed yet? Told ya the 2008 prospects would be a hot read.
June 14, 2007 at 4:58 PM
I think the server is fine, unless we start posting photos of Paris Hilton’s leftover prison food. I have a few photos of it but I’m holding back until we really need the hits. I can’t believe she refused a perfectly good, fresh buttery roll. But now it’s going on eBay for a lot of money. It won’t be as fresh when it gets to the winning buyer, anyway.
The another way to get hits is to post photos of kittens with inane phrases like “iz somezing da mattah?” written on them. It’s all the rage now. But I don’t know why you have to go to a blog for that.
June 18, 2007 at 7:51 AM
[...] What While most NBA fans are thinking about the 2007 Draft that’s happening on June 28th, The Melo Backpedal have already ranked their top prospects for the 2008 Draft. [...]
July 2, 2007 at 11:56 AM
This is a pretty good idea of who and what kind of talent is going to be there but if he goes into the draft after his freshman year then this list is definetely missing Jerryd Bayless… has all the qualities of oj mayo and derrick rose except for the true point mentality… watch for him to do extremely well with chase bud for arizona… both of whom have electrifying dunks
July 2, 2007 at 1:14 PM
Check out our Top 50 for 2008 and you will find Bayless. I agree, he’s a fantastic player, but he’s going to be playing point guard next year, which is not his natural position, so I’m not sure he would be considered Top 25 atleast until we see how he does playing at the point. He’s a little on the small side for a true shooting guard on the NBA level.
August 12, 2007 at 4:05 PM
Kalnietis is very very talented player. He makes progress everyday. He is Point Guard, but can dunk from Free Thow line. I saw it in Lithuanian student Slam Dunk Comtetition. Vry fast player. Last year his problem was shoting, but this year he shoots much better and can hit 3pt when its needed.
October 27, 2007 at 8:44 PM
Drew, by no means am I going after you, but I love how most of these potential prospects are freshman or sophs. These freshman haven’t done anything yet and for all we know they might be a scrub in college to think they could be a top prospect is mind blowing. A guy like Tyler Hansbrough falls in the draft just because he stays in college and there is more opportunities for scouts to scrutinize his game. I would bet you that Psycho T would put the beat down on Kosta Koufos, 7’1” 247, Ohio State, Freshman, but for some reason the Scouts would take Koufos. My question is what do scouts really see? Personally I would take Roy Hibbert #1 at least you know what you are getting!
October 28, 2007 at 4:03 PM
This is the type of question we need to pose to Chad Ford when we have him on for an interview, which I am currently trying to work out with him. Chad says he gets his information from scouts and GMs around the NBA, and they told him at this time last year that Hasheem Thabeet from Connecticut was a Lottery pick before he even played a single game for the Huskies. We all know how that turned out, didn’t we?
Now the big name is Maureese Speights, who averaged like 4 points per game last year at Florida. I don’t understand it either, but the general idea is the longer a kid stays in school, the more flaws scouts seem to find in his game, as you mentioned. I think scouting in the NBA is a complete joke, but this list is to give an everybody an idea of which players most scouts are looking at closely. We’ll release an updated version very soon.
November 14, 2007 at 9:32 AM
After wathcing Donte Green play last night he will be a lottery pick in the 2008 draft. Can anyone say Josh Howard?
November 16, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Jason Thompson (Rider Univ.) is going to surprise alot of people when he starts working out for various teams at the end of this season. I know Rider is a smaller school, but my man has footwork, can play facing or with his back to the glass, more than that he can defend..
February 10, 2008 at 1:17 AM
Eric Gordon is a great player, but should be sliding because of some rough outings recently — including Thursday night’s victory over Illinois in which he really struggled in the face of constant heckling from a very hostile croud.
He’ll need to keep his composure and play through those situations in the future, but that will likely come with time.
February 22, 2008 at 2:02 PM
this list is ok but why is dj white and deron washington not in it.
February 22, 2008 at 11:24 PM
DJ White will likely be on our Top 50 when we next update, and I think we both know that Deron Washington isn’t one of the top prospects in the nation. He may find a place as an undrafted free agent, but not as a second, and certainly not a first rounder at this point.
February 26, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Donavan Monroe, he plays at the College of Charleston for Bobby Cremins. He’s only a freshman, but he will be a very good point guard in a few years to come; Definitely a lottery pick.
February 26, 2008 at 11:05 PM
If somebody actually took a kid from the College of Charleston in the Lottery, I’d say the GM has a ton of job security. Players at small schools may have Lottery level talent, but so many of them have been busts, it’s now hard to find somebody willing to pull the trigger on one of them. If they do and the kid doesn’t pan out, they’ve committed career suicide, whereas if they drafted a kid from a big school and he ended up being a bust, well few people probably saw that coming.
February 28, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Courtney Lee. that is all.
March 19, 2008 at 3:05 PM
[...] TMB’S Current Top Prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft [...]
March 20, 2008 at 7:03 AM
This years draft is all about the freshmen. The NBA is getting younger, faster, and more like college ball every year! You can’t blame them for taking the big bucks (i know i would), but i’d like to see more graduate’s. How about a Senior drafted #1…..
March 20, 2008 at 7:19 AM
….but it won’t happen this year….
March 22, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Stephen Curry of Davidson has the ability to move without the ball and hit the open three, I take that back, he can hit the three falling away with three hands in his face. He may be undersized, but he has the genes and toughness to make it at the next level. Watch him go for 30 against that tough georgetown defense.
March 23, 2008 at 4:59 PM
You said it, he had 30 against Georgetown — which is impressive — but 6′1″ shooting guards typically have a hard time making it in the NBA. Maybe he’s the exception to the rule.
March 24, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Mike Wilbon saying how great it is “discovering” Stephen Curry is absurd. Most of us knew about him last year when he and his Davidson squad almost upset Maryland in the Tournament last year. Its sad that journalists are left in the dark about a guy who’s in the top five in the nation in scoring and also happens to be Del Curry’s son — especially when you cover basketball for ESPN.
March 26, 2008 at 4:04 PM
[...] TMB’S Current Top Prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft [...]
March 28, 2008 at 9:19 PM
I think Stephen Curry could grow up to be one of the better players in the NBA; just look at what he’s doing against some of the top teams in the NCAA
March 29, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I wouldn’t compare Brook Lopez to Chris Kaman — Kaman is more gangly and less athletic, but a better rebounder. A better comparison for Kaman would be Robin Lopez.
I can’t think of another NBA center like Brook Lopez with that size, strength, and coordination, or the ability to get to the free throw line. Maybe Robert Parrish?
March 30, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Crag: Thanks for your thoughts. I think Parish is a good comparison, but we were looking for a comparison that is playing in the present, not the past. I agree that Kaman may be a stretch as a comparison, but like you mentioned, there’s really no seven footer that closely resembles what Lopez brings to the table, so Kaman is probably the closest thing. They’re both very good at getting to the line, can score in the post and are solid rebounders, but also back the defensive prowess most teams covet.
March 30, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Sorry, I meant Craig
April 4, 2008 at 1:39 AM
“Mike Wilbon saying how great it is “discovering” Stephen Curry is absurd.”
Give Wilbon a little bit of a break–since he does PTI he has to read up on sports like horseracing, NASCAR, and many others that he probably doesn’t care about. You’d have to have a ridiculous memory to remember Davidson players with that kind of demands on your brain.
April 4, 2008 at 1:42 AM
“Calathes, who says he patterns his game after John Stockton and Mike Miller”
LOL–’I try to emulate two white guys whose games are totally different.’ It’s like a Chinese guy saying he’s mix between Yi and Yao.
April 4, 2008 at 3:37 PM
With Wilbon, I like him, so I’ll give him a pass. At the same time, he actually does pre-game analyzing for NBA games on ESPN, in addition to PTI, so I’d like to believe that these guys know at least a little bit about a kid who could be playing in the league eventually.
Calathes saying that he patterns his game after the two is quite brilliant, if you ask me. True, the two players have a totally different style, but it he were to successfully combine the point guard instincts and passing ability that Stockton had with the shooting and scoring ability that Miller has, he’d have to be an all-star at the next level. He’s a 6′6″ guard that can play on the wing or at the point, so I’d say that right in the middle of the two players. Plus, that makes much more sense than simply saying he patterns his game after John Stockton, because we all know that there’s an extremely small chance he’ll ever be able to match Stockton’s production over the course of his career.
April 8, 2008 at 4:51 AM
cmon!! HANSBROUGH ?? at #21? his numbers are awesome compared to some guys ahead of him… and i think he deserves more than that…
April 8, 2008 at 5:26 AM
You’re absolutely right, and in my opinion he’s a much better player than that. However, this list is based not only on our opinions, but the opinions of the other sources we constantly read. There are about five or six sources with a reliable track record that we read and nobody else has him in the top twenty. With all due respect to his game, he just doesn’t have the oozing size or potential that most teams are looking for in the Lottery, though he may ultimately be better than several players drafted ahead of him.
April 8, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Is it me or is that other kid from Memphis, Douglas-Roberts, not in this top 25? This is the only publication I have seen where he wasn’t so that tells all I need to know…
April 8, 2008 at 1:17 PM
[...] TMB’S Current Top Prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft [...]
April 8, 2008 at 1:34 PM
That’s funny you should mention Chris Douglas-Roberts. What other publications are you reading? We currently have him listed at #28 in our Top 50, which I believe is still first round. ESPN has him at #29, NBADraft.net has him at #18, Hoops Hype has him at #21, and NBA.com has him at #25, so I’d say where right in a similar area as the rest of them. Those are only a few of the sources associate with, but we’ve found them to be among the most reliable sources on out there. Plus, we’ll update CDR’s status when we update our Top 25 this weekend.
April 10, 2008 at 2:08 PM
I think Donte Green is stupid for declaring for the nba draft.
he is not ready yet if he stayed one more year he could be a top 5 pick next year
so in my opinion he is stupid for leaving and su has a chance for an ncaa title in a couple of years
April 11, 2008 at 4:39 PM
tyler hansbrough in the first round cant believe it.blake griffin ahead of kevin love and dj augustin
April 11, 2008 at 6:55 PM
I that even English? I may be jumping to conclusions about what the last comment was about, but what’s so shocking about Hansbrough in the first round?
While he may not be a better player right now, yes, Blake Griffin is ahead of Love and Augustin because, if you bother to read much about the draft, he’s considered a better prospect than both of them. In case you missed the boat, NBA scouts and GMs now draft on a little thing called pro potential. Why else was Bargnani and Oden the top selections the past two years? Don’t tell me its because we all assumed they’d immediately be all-stars, because that’s simply not true.
April 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM
About Donte Greene, I think he’s smart to test the waters and not hire an agent, but you’re probably right, he should return to school and try to improve his stock. Having said that, with a solid recruiting class coming in and the return of Devendorf and Rautins from injury, Greene probably would have a hard time duplicating his numbers from this season — though Syracuse will almost certainly be a better team.
Being a student at SU, I actually saw Greene (with Jonny Flynn) walking to class yesterday. So its not as if he’s abandoned his studies and decided to leave school altogether, like some prospects are doing. Even though I believe he’s going to stay in the draft, seeing that has to account for something.
April 29, 2008 at 8:48 AM
I personally think that Donte is ready for the pro’s. He will be alot better than guys like Roy Hibbard will be. He is a much better finished product right now than Roy will be 10 years from now im my mind.
April 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Thanks for the comment — but a finished product? Gimme a break. Greene will certainly be better than Hibbert at the next level, but few are actually arguing against that.
I saw Greene play in nearly every game while at Syracuse, so I think I can tell whether or not he’s ready for the next level. He’ll be a good pro, no doubt, but it will take him a year or two before he’s a regular contributor on an NBA team and he could improve his draft stock if he returned to school for another year.
May 1, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I hope the knicks do their homework this year ; 5 years of terrible picks & blunders. I like
rose but I think they need a shot/blocking/scoring 6-10 -7-0 larry nance type player.
May 1, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Who’s the next scottie pippen type player?
May 1, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Very good question. I’d say Brandon Rush is the closest thing to Pippen that we have in this year’s draft. He’s the same size as Pippen, can play multiple perimeter positions, is a slasher, and a terrific defender.
Having said that, I don’t expect Rush to have the same type of career that Pippen had, or else I’d have him in the top five, but he has a chance to play a similar role for a playoff team.
May 2, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Why isn’t Kosta Koufos considered the best center in this draft? And who would take Batum before Bill Walker? Whenever I read a scouting report that goes on and on about “incredible wingspan” and “runs the floor well,” I know he can’t play. Batum, head to toe, still looks like he’s sixteen. Walker’s defensive potential and nastiness are underrated.
May 2, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Koufos is the best center in the draft for several reasons. First, he didn’t put up big numbers on a big-time team this season and is a defensive liability. I saw him play several times this season and came away very impressed, but he just didn’t get the same type of exposure other players received and he’s more of a shooter than a low-post scorer, which actually works against him. While he’s very skilled, most see him as a Mehmet Okur type of player rather than a Dwight Howard type.
Batum is currently ranked higher than Walker because he can do more things on the floor. Walker is a great talent, and I value him higher than most observers, but he still needs to work on his ball handling and passing ability before he’ll get regular minutes at the NBA level. Plus, his jumper is still a bit shaky and scouts question his durability after he’s had two knee surgeries in the last three years. Batum may not be as gifted as a scorer, but is believed to have a more complete game at this point.
May 2, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Sorry, I meant to say Koufos isn’t the best center in the draft for several reasons …
May 22, 2008 at 3:18 PM
[...] TMB’S Current Top Prospects for the 2008 NBA Draft [...]
May 27, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Are the experts blind or mabt it’s me. Leon Williams [ Ohio U ] does not get even a small mention. Bet he can play in the NBA. No doubt.
May 27, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Agreed. However, is he one of the top drat prospects? Probably not.
June 20, 2008 at 7:24 AM
my Top prospect is Deandre Jordan of Texas A&M for his Athleticism in finishing hard to the basket and in rebounding the ball. even if he lacks upper body strength he can still improve that for his size. and also he must improve his post up moves and free throw shooting as well. if he can improve all of that he will be a force inside the paint.
June 22, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Hey I like it! But what about j.j. Hickson? He should be in the top 25. He was one of the best for NC state this past season. I think his capable of doing a lot in the NBA this season. He should get draft it in the first round
June 22, 2008 at 11:33 PM
You’re absolutely right, Hickson is one of the Top 25, but we haven’t updated this post since June 7th and a lot has happened since then. With Budinger and Lawson returning to school, Hickson will certainly be in the Top 25 when we update later this week.