Drew Gooden

Overview: A solid power forward who can leave his mark on a game from the low-post and the midrange. Has good size, strength, and athleticism, but those assets don’t always translate into game-situation for him. Still has some room to grow as a player, but has shown that he can be a reliable starter. Bounced around the League early in his career, something that didn’t help his development as a player. Mental aspect of the game has been questioned. Still has the mid-to-short range game that made him a star at Kansas. Won the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year Award as a junior before entering the draft.

Offense: Gets twenty percent of his offense from post ups and spot ups apiece with another forty percent equally distributed amongst pick and rolls, isolations, cuts, and offensive rebounds. Has a nice right handed hook shot, so he likes to turn over his left shoulder in the post. His stroke isn’t terribly pretty, but it gets the job done out to seventeen feet. Drives right much more frequently than he drives left. Tries to get to the rim when he drives right, but likes to pull up when he goes left. Handles the ball relatively well for a post player, but is a bit turnover prone. Is capable of dunking most of his possessions at the rim, but isn’t overly explosive. Does a good job of getting and maintaining position down low on post ups and for offensive rebounds. Hasn’t developed the aggressiveness, skill-level or feel for the game that would make him a better offensive player.

Defense: Does a better job of using his hands than anticipating shots. Has a tough time with taller players, but does a very good job against the average NBA power forward. Uses his strength well once his man has the ball. Doesn’t deny entry passes as hard as other players. Boxes out extremely well. Rebounds outside of his area when he keeps his intensity high. Doesn’t commit many fouls for a player who stays on the floor for as long as he does. Won’t block any shots on the weak-side unless he gets a huge jump.