Milwaukee and Indiana
Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami
Orlando Magic
Carlos Arroyo
Overview: A scoring point guard who has increasingly learned to defer to others, particularly in 07-08. Decent size for the point guard spot. Pretty strong. Very quick first step. Not explosive vertically. Ball handling skills accentuate his athleticism. Brings a lot to the table as a distributor when he sets his mind on it. Has a decent jumper as well, mostly from mid-range. Has a flair that most other players don't bring to the game. Plays with creativity and has a passion for winning. Had a very productive career at Florida International, but went undrafted. Proved more in international competition for Puerto Rico than he did as a collegiate. Really a force to be reckoned with on that level. Can do some nice things in NBA, but is more of a complimentary player than a star, largely due to his deficiencies on the defensive end. Very active in Hispanic American community. Twin, Alberto, is a professional basketball player in their native country.
Offense: A talented player who can score and get his teammates involved effectively. Gets almost four fifths of his offense as the ball handler in pick and roll situations. Possesses a solid shooting stroke and can function as a pretty consistent catch and shoot player inside the arc. Much more efficient off the dribble. Great pull up shooter. Not a 3-point shooter. Very good ball handler, although has a tendency to over-dribble at times. Knows how to create separation with his crossover. Rarely takes the ball all the way to the rim, shows very good touch on his finger roll, but isn't explosive enough to make it there with consistency. Shoots a good percentage from the free throw line, although he rarely gets there. Functions primarily as a distributor in his latest reincarnation under Stan Van Gundy. Does a good job driving and dishing. Good at getting his teammates involved. Solid assist to turnover ratio. Gets the ball up the floor in a hurry. Shot-selection is often questionable—settles for too many contested pull-up jumpers.
Defense: A fairly poor defender who lacks the physical tools to guard starting NBA point guards. Combination of size, strength and lateral quickness is fairly average. Not focused or intense enough to compensate for that. Doesn't always recover to the ball as well as he needs to. Will make an effort to board long rebounds. Will take some risks, but isn't a play maker. Needs to show more consistent intensity.
Offense: A talented player who can score and get his teammates involved effectively. Gets almost four fifths of his offense as the ball handler in pick and roll situations. Possesses a solid shooting stroke and can function as a pretty consistent catch and shoot player inside the arc. Much more efficient off the dribble. Great pull up shooter. Not a 3-point shooter. Very good ball handler, although has a tendency to over-dribble at times. Knows how to create separation with his crossover. Rarely takes the ball all the way to the rim, shows very good touch on his finger roll, but isn't explosive enough to make it there with consistency. Shoots a good percentage from the free throw line, although he rarely gets there. Functions primarily as a distributor in his latest reincarnation under Stan Van Gundy. Does a good job driving and dishing. Good at getting his teammates involved. Solid assist to turnover ratio. Gets the ball up the floor in a hurry. Shot-selection is often questionable—settles for too many contested pull-up jumpers.
Defense: A fairly poor defender who lacks the physical tools to guard starting NBA point guards. Combination of size, strength and lateral quickness is fairly average. Not focused or intense enough to compensate for that. Doesn't always recover to the ball as well as he needs to. Will make an effort to board long rebounds. Will take some risks, but isn't a play maker. Needs to show more consistent intensity.
Tony Battie
Overview: A veteran center who can make an impact as a role player due to his size and activity level. Lost the 2008 season with a torn rotator cuff. Good size and length for the center position. Strong frame. Decent mobility and explosiveness for his size despite his age and history of injuries. Has never been known as much of an offensive threat. Brings a lot to the table on the defensive end due to his size and rebounding ability. Needed a few seasons at Texas Tech to develop the offensive skills he shows today. Had a breakout junior season before declaring for the draft. Was a very serviceable complimentary player from day one in the League, although never quite lived up to his status as a top-5 pick. In the NBA at this point for his defense mainly.
Offense: Not overly skilled or productive on this end. Gets almost one third of his offense in post up situations, but also does the little things like rebounding on the offensive end and working off the ball. Displays a pretty consistent midrange stroke for a player his height. Good catch and shoot guy from the free throw line in. Will even take jumpers off the dribble, but only if he has a wide open look. Not a great ball handler, but can put the ball on the floor if he has to. Likes to turn over his left shoulder into his right handed hook. Does a good job protecting the ball and going into his move as soon as he receives the ball. Quality offensive rebounder due to his size. Does a good job moving without the ball and setting screens on the perimeter. Rarely gets to the free throw line.
Defense: A quality defensive player who knows how to use his size to make some plays. Does a good job defending the post, and while he isn't a lock down guy, he never fails to get a hand up. Moves his feet well, but doesn't over commit when stepping out to guard the perimeter. Isn't a great shot blocker, but will challenge some shots when the play comes to him. Displays sure hands in the paint, will get some steals and rebound at a respectable level. Will commit some smart fouls, but isn't overly physical.
Offense: Not overly skilled or productive on this end. Gets almost one third of his offense in post up situations, but also does the little things like rebounding on the offensive end and working off the ball. Displays a pretty consistent midrange stroke for a player his height. Good catch and shoot guy from the free throw line in. Will even take jumpers off the dribble, but only if he has a wide open look. Not a great ball handler, but can put the ball on the floor if he has to. Likes to turn over his left shoulder into his right handed hook. Does a good job protecting the ball and going into his move as soon as he receives the ball. Quality offensive rebounder due to his size. Does a good job moving without the ball and setting screens on the perimeter. Rarely gets to the free throw line.
Defense: A quality defensive player who knows how to use his size to make some plays. Does a good job defending the post, and while he isn't a lock down guy, he never fails to get a hand up. Moves his feet well, but doesn't over commit when stepping out to guard the perimeter. Isn't a great shot blocker, but will challenge some shots when the play comes to him. Displays sure hands in the paint, will get some steals and rebound at a respectable level. Will commit some smart fouls, but isn't overly physical.
Keith Bogans
Overview: A strong shooting guard who has consistently fallen into situations where he has gotten a great deal of playing time. Undersized for his position, and not tremendously athletic to make up for that. Good strength for a shooting guard. Not a very skilled or creative offensive player, but plays very good defense to make up for that. Shows a willingness to compete on every possession on that end. Made that very clear during his days at Kentucky. Didn't always put up great numbers, but was a consummate team player for Tubby Smith. Was the SEC Player of the Year as a senior in 2003. Has become a very good role player with the Magic.
Offense: Almost exclusively a 3-point shooter at this point in his career, but is pretty effective in this role. Not very effective off the dribble. An average ball-handler at best. Doesn't make many mistakes with the ball, nor will he be very aggressive with his dribble drive. Makes smart passes, but isn't a playmaker. Likes to go left, and is very effective when he does. Doesn't get many looks at the rim, and rarely gets to the free throw line. Isn't asked to function as much more than a spot up player, but is solid all around.
Defense: A very solid defender who uses his strength to his advantage. Does a good job getting into position to deny dribble penetration. Won't get pushed around on the block or by a ball handler trying to get a step. Has a hard time defending taller swingmen. Doesn't take many risks as a half court defender. Shows a willingness to get on the floor when he can grab a loose ball. Always turns with the shot and looks to box out and secure the rebound. Not a playmaker, but the type of solid defender that coaches love to bring off the bench.
Offense: Almost exclusively a 3-point shooter at this point in his career, but is pretty effective in this role. Not very effective off the dribble. An average ball-handler at best. Doesn't make many mistakes with the ball, nor will he be very aggressive with his dribble drive. Makes smart passes, but isn't a playmaker. Likes to go left, and is very effective when he does. Doesn't get many looks at the rim, and rarely gets to the free throw line. Isn't asked to function as much more than a spot up player, but is solid all around.
Defense: A very solid defender who uses his strength to his advantage. Does a good job getting into position to deny dribble penetration. Won't get pushed around on the block or by a ball handler trying to get a step. Has a hard time defending taller swingmen. Doesn't take many risks as a half court defender. Shows a willingness to get on the floor when he can grab a loose ball. Always turns with the shot and looks to box out and secure the rebound. Not a playmaker, but the type of solid defender that coaches love to bring off the bench.
Brian Cook
Overview: A jump-shooting power forward who plays almost exclusively facing the basket. Decent size for his position, but not very athletic. Conditioning needs improvement. Adequate physical strength. Makes a living as a jump shooter, but brings some other things to the table on the offensive end as well. Still a little bit too one-dimensional. A poor defender due to his lack of athleticism, which makes it tough for him to contribute offensively when his jumper isn't falling. Developed his scorer's mentality during his four seasons at Illinois. Won the Big 10 Player of the Year Award as a senior. Hasn't experienced much success in the NBA just yet. Could be a nice role player in the right setting. Father, Norm, played parts of two seasons in the NBA.
Offense: Gets almost half of his offense as a spot up shooter. Will also step out to the perimeter and work the pick and pop and run off of screens for open jumpers. Functions almost exclusively as a shooting specialist, which he is very effective at. Very smooth stroke for his size. Can shoot the three with some consistency. Good foul shooter as well. Can't do much damage off the dribble. Not a very good finisher due to his lack of athleticism. Somewhat one dimensional, but he plays his role well. Doesn't turn the ball over, but doesn't make an impact on the offense glass either.
Defense: Has a tough time defending his position due to his lack of athleticism. Doesn't display the foot speed necessary to keep up with the more athletic power forwards in the game today. Displays average strength on the block, but isn't strong enough to defend traditional back to the basket players. Needs to bring better energy to defensive end to maximize what he does have rather than being the foul prone liability that he tends to be right now.
Offense: Gets almost half of his offense as a spot up shooter. Will also step out to the perimeter and work the pick and pop and run off of screens for open jumpers. Functions almost exclusively as a shooting specialist, which he is very effective at. Very smooth stroke for his size. Can shoot the three with some consistency. Good foul shooter as well. Can't do much damage off the dribble. Not a very good finisher due to his lack of athleticism. Somewhat one dimensional, but he plays his role well. Doesn't turn the ball over, but doesn't make an impact on the offense glass either.
Defense: Has a tough time defending his position due to his lack of athleticism. Doesn't display the foot speed necessary to keep up with the more athletic power forwards in the game today. Displays average strength on the block, but isn't strong enough to defend traditional back to the basket players. Needs to bring better energy to defensive end to maximize what he does have rather than being the foul prone liability that he tends to be right now.
Keyon Dooling
Overview: A scoring combo guard who is extremely difficult to guard one-on-one. Physical stature leaves him between positions. Pretty lanky. Could stand to add some extra muscle. Very athletic. Good leaper. Outstanding first step and straight line speed. Nice lateral quickness as well. Makes a living by putting points on the board off the bench. Can really score when he gets going. Doesn't have the point guard skills necessary to play the position he was built for. Has the ability to be a great defensive player when he wants to. Showed a lot of explosiveness and potential during his time at Missouri. Still rather young for his experience level. Needs to be given a defined role to help him progress.
Offense: A solid offensive player who gets about half of his offense running the pick and roll, but is also asked to function as a spot up shooter and take his man one-on-one. Finds a lot of offense in the mid-range area, mostly on pull-up jumpers, and is a pretty solid shooter from this range. Loses effectiveness the further back he gets. Very streaky from behind the arc. Pretty dynamic scorer when he gets a chance to feature his skills. Drives left way more often than right. Decent passer as well, but much more focused on his own offense. Great first step. Nice touch around the basket. Can finish plays effectively even when he can't get all the way to the rim. Has the quickness to get there in most situations. Explosive at the basket. Goes to the line a good clip and shoots a great percentage. Gets a little bit too aggressive at times with his dribble and with his shooting. Not very disciplined in that regard, which limits his effectiveness. Can be a great asset when he is dialed in.
Defense: A very good defensive player who can lock down when he wants to. Has the quickness to stay in front of point guards and the length to slide over and guard the shooting guard position. Has a hard time dealing with taller and strong players. Does a very good job hawking ball-handlers. Won't take risks like he used to, which really makes him a better team defender. Will still reach when he feels like he can get a hand on the ball. Commits some fouls that he doesn't have to. A very talented defender who has the developed the intensity required to use his physical assets.
Offense: A solid offensive player who gets about half of his offense running the pick and roll, but is also asked to function as a spot up shooter and take his man one-on-one. Finds a lot of offense in the mid-range area, mostly on pull-up jumpers, and is a pretty solid shooter from this range. Loses effectiveness the further back he gets. Very streaky from behind the arc. Pretty dynamic scorer when he gets a chance to feature his skills. Drives left way more often than right. Decent passer as well, but much more focused on his own offense. Great first step. Nice touch around the basket. Can finish plays effectively even when he can't get all the way to the rim. Has the quickness to get there in most situations. Explosive at the basket. Goes to the line a good clip and shoots a great percentage. Gets a little bit too aggressive at times with his dribble and with his shooting. Not very disciplined in that regard, which limits his effectiveness. Can be a great asset when he is dialed in.
Defense: A very good defensive player who can lock down when he wants to. Has the quickness to stay in front of point guards and the length to slide over and guard the shooting guard position. Has a hard time dealing with taller and strong players. Does a very good job hawking ball-handlers. Won't take risks like he used to, which really makes him a better team defender. Will still reach when he feels like he can get a hand on the ball. Commits some fouls that he doesn't have to. A very talented defender who has the developed the intensity required to use his physical assets.
Maurice Evans
Overview: A steady role player on the wing who has the athleticism to score some points around the rim and get into his man on defense. A little on the short side for his position. Very good athlete. Plays above the rim. Shows a solid first step and tremendous speed in transition. Can do some scoring from the midrange and off the dribble. Makes a living as a defender. Has the physical tools and attitude to be considered a defensive specialist. Experienced quite a bit of success during his time at Wichita State and Texas, but didn't show the offensive acumen necessary to get an NBA contract initially. Spent some time overseas to polish has game, which helped him out considerably. Has become a very good role player, thanks to his work ethic, smarts and extremely high character.
Offense: A capable offensive player who gets about a third of his offense in spot up situations. Does the little things to make plays on the offensive end. Shows a constantly improving shooting stroke with range that extends past the three point range. Was once considered a big weakness, but is now a strength. Not quite as effective shooting off the dribble. Lacks a mid-range game. Gets to the basket at a decent clip, and is a capable finisher at the rim thanks to his excellent athleticism. Doesn't get to the free throw line very often at all. Average ball handler. Average passer as well. Not turnover prone. Runs the floor hard and moves well without the ball. Not a glamorous offensive player, but a nice option as a role player.
Defense: A physical defender who has become a good option due to that characteristic. Uses his physical strength extremely well when preventing penetration. Displays solid quickness when sliding over to help out his teammates as well. Will do the little things asked of him, which helps maximize his physical tools. Can't use his strength to his advantage against taller and more dynamic swingmen. Better suited to defend shooting guards than small forwards. Won't take silly risks. Very sound, and definitely an asset.
Offense: A capable offensive player who gets about a third of his offense in spot up situations. Does the little things to make plays on the offensive end. Shows a constantly improving shooting stroke with range that extends past the three point range. Was once considered a big weakness, but is now a strength. Not quite as effective shooting off the dribble. Lacks a mid-range game. Gets to the basket at a decent clip, and is a capable finisher at the rim thanks to his excellent athleticism. Doesn't get to the free throw line very often at all. Average ball handler. Average passer as well. Not turnover prone. Runs the floor hard and moves well without the ball. Not a glamorous offensive player, but a nice option as a role player.
Defense: A physical defender who has become a good option due to that characteristic. Uses his physical strength extremely well when preventing penetration. Displays solid quickness when sliding over to help out his teammates as well. Will do the little things asked of him, which helps maximize his physical tools. Can't use his strength to his advantage against taller and more dynamic swingmen. Better suited to defend shooting guards than small forwards. Won't take silly risks. Very sound, and definitely an asset.
Adonal Foyle
Overview: A veteran center who has good size and bulk, but took a lot of flak for never living up to his last contract. Good size for the center position. Has lots of weight on his frame. Not a dynamic athlete. Great shot blocker. Pretty solid rebounder as well. Brings almost nothing to the table on the offensive end. Had an outstanding collegiate career. Garnered the Patriot Conference Player of the Year Award as a sophomore and junior. Holds the NCAA record for most blocked shots. Never lived up to his draft position. Has become very active off the court. One of the true good guys in the game. Leaves a mark on every community he works with. More of a locker room presence at this point in his career.
Offense: Gets most of his offensive touches by working hard off the ball. Won't get many plays called for him. Doesn't show any jump shooting ability. Won't put the ball on the floor. Turns over his left shoulder almost exclusively when he's in the post. Doesn't show a very good left hand. Very susceptible to fouling; struggles mightily from the charity stripe. Finishes at the rim at only an average clip since he struggles to connect when defenders react to his moves quickly. Doesn't show very good touch and has to get very close to the rim to be consistent. Great offensive rebounder. Provides a big body in limited minutes.
Defense: A former defensive specialist who used to be one of the better shot blockers in the game. Still gets the opportunity to make an impact, albeit in limited minutes. Comes into the game looking to protect the rim. Has the length to alter shots on the weak side. Looks to challenge shots aggressively leading him to get called for a lot of fouls. Knows how to throw his weight around to keep his man off the block. Decent rebounder. Won't play enough minutes to be a dynamic option, but is a nice defensive role player considering how much he does play.
Offense: Gets most of his offensive touches by working hard off the ball. Won't get many plays called for him. Doesn't show any jump shooting ability. Won't put the ball on the floor. Turns over his left shoulder almost exclusively when he's in the post. Doesn't show a very good left hand. Very susceptible to fouling; struggles mightily from the charity stripe. Finishes at the rim at only an average clip since he struggles to connect when defenders react to his moves quickly. Doesn't show very good touch and has to get very close to the rim to be consistent. Great offensive rebounder. Provides a big body in limited minutes.
Defense: A former defensive specialist who used to be one of the better shot blockers in the game. Still gets the opportunity to make an impact, albeit in limited minutes. Comes into the game looking to protect the rim. Has the length to alter shots on the weak side. Looks to challenge shots aggressively leading him to get called for a lot of fouls. Knows how to throw his weight around to keep his man off the block. Decent rebounder. Won't play enough minutes to be a dynamic option, but is a nice defensive role player considering how much he does play.
Pat Garrity
Overview: A shooting specialist who has seen his role shrink after suffering through a series of injuries. Good height for a shooter. Lacks physical strength and athleticism. Has become even less mobile in recent seasons due to injuries. Needs to find the stroke that made him one of the League's best shooters early in his career. Doesn't bring a lot to the table outside of his shooting anymore. Showed quite a bit of versatility at Notre Dame. Can't do the things he did back then. Provides a nice presence in the locker room, but won't see much court time until he finds his stroke again.
Offense: Functions almost exclusive as a spot up jump shooter. Possesses a very sound shooting stroke, but hasn't shown the consistency he did early in his career. Not connecting from three point range at anywhere near the level he used to. Good spot up shooter when he can get significant reps. Won't put the ball on the floor to score. Not a capable finisher due to his lack of athleticism and strength. Needs to find his stroke in practice and translate that onto the floor to improve his current level of play offensive. Very one dimensional at his point. Won't turn the ball over, but won't grab any offensive rebounds either.
Defense: A defensive liability who lacks the foot speed to keep up with athletic players. Will get beaten off the dribble by most power forwards. Doesn't have the strength to defend traditional back to the basket players. Has a hard time keeping his man away from the rim. Can't rebound at a high rate since he has a hard time getting and maintaining position. Won't be in games to make defensive stops.
Offense: Functions almost exclusive as a spot up jump shooter. Possesses a very sound shooting stroke, but hasn't shown the consistency he did early in his career. Not connecting from three point range at anywhere near the level he used to. Good spot up shooter when he can get significant reps. Won't put the ball on the floor to score. Not a capable finisher due to his lack of athleticism and strength. Needs to find his stroke in practice and translate that onto the floor to improve his current level of play offensive. Very one dimensional at his point. Won't turn the ball over, but won't grab any offensive rebounds either.
Defense: A defensive liability who lacks the foot speed to keep up with athletic players. Will get beaten off the dribble by most power forwards. Doesn't have the strength to defend traditional back to the basket players. Has a hard time keeping his man away from the rim. Can't rebound at a high rate since he has a hard time getting and maintaining position. Won't be in games to make defensive stops.
Dwight Howard
Overview: An emerging superstar who is starting to do the things it takes to maximize his physical gifts. Great size, length, and physical strength for the post. Has packed on a ton of muscle. Can push around just about anyone on the block. Incredibly quick and mobile for his size. Probably the most explosive leaper for his build in the world. Marvelous physical specimen. Starting to dominate the post like he was meant to offensively. Rebounds at an otherworldly pace. Only scratching the surface of the player he will be in a few years. Was highly decorated as a prep player at South West Christian HS. Won the Naismith player of the year award in 2004. Will only get better with time. Has one All-Star appearance under his belt with many more to come. Clearly possesses Hall of Fame potential. Backs up his game with very strong character. An asset to the league.
Offense: An emerging offensive force that still has room to grow as a scorer. Gets over half of his touches in the post, but creates his own chances by dominating the offensive glass and working without the ball. Gets position with ease. Simply too strong to keep off the block. Doesn't show much of a jumper, but has the raw form to add that to his game should he have to down the line. Takes what the defense gives him in the post and then some. Can score effectively over both shoulders. Still working on his left hand, but it is coming around. Doesn't fade away from the rim on his moves anymore. Simply spins, faces, and finishes. Has the quickness and footwork to leave defenders behind him and finish easy baskets in the paint. Dunks absolutely everything around the rim. Too explosive and strong to keep away from the basket. Can simply push his way to the rim at times. Very susceptible to fouling. Needs to improve his free throw shooting. Goes to the line at an incredible pace, but doesn't hurt opponents for it enough. Still developing in some ways. Has grown an incredible amount and will still get better. Eats space inside. Grabs offensive rebounds at an elite rate. Needs to learn how to pass out of double teams and not turn the ball over as often as he does currently. Simply fantastic for his position and unreal for his age.
Defense: A very good young defender who is a game changer due to his athleticism and strength. Can keep players off the block much better than he could a few years ago. Has the quickness to step out and defend the high post without a lot of trouble. Has improved his one-on-one defense, and will continue to get better as he gains experience. Is already a threat to rotate over to the weak side and send shots from unsuspecting offensive players in the stands. Blocks shots with authority, and can really protect the rim with his length and incredible athleticism. Becoming one of the best defenders at his position in the League. Still commits a few too many fouls, but that comes with his role as a game changer. Dominates the glass with his ability to rebound outside of his area. Very sure handed. Will come up with steals by virtue of his strong hands and reaction time.
Offense: An emerging offensive force that still has room to grow as a scorer. Gets over half of his touches in the post, but creates his own chances by dominating the offensive glass and working without the ball. Gets position with ease. Simply too strong to keep off the block. Doesn't show much of a jumper, but has the raw form to add that to his game should he have to down the line. Takes what the defense gives him in the post and then some. Can score effectively over both shoulders. Still working on his left hand, but it is coming around. Doesn't fade away from the rim on his moves anymore. Simply spins, faces, and finishes. Has the quickness and footwork to leave defenders behind him and finish easy baskets in the paint. Dunks absolutely everything around the rim. Too explosive and strong to keep away from the basket. Can simply push his way to the rim at times. Very susceptible to fouling. Needs to improve his free throw shooting. Goes to the line at an incredible pace, but doesn't hurt opponents for it enough. Still developing in some ways. Has grown an incredible amount and will still get better. Eats space inside. Grabs offensive rebounds at an elite rate. Needs to learn how to pass out of double teams and not turn the ball over as often as he does currently. Simply fantastic for his position and unreal for his age.
Defense: A very good young defender who is a game changer due to his athleticism and strength. Can keep players off the block much better than he could a few years ago. Has the quickness to step out and defend the high post without a lot of trouble. Has improved his one-on-one defense, and will continue to get better as he gains experience. Is already a threat to rotate over to the weak side and send shots from unsuspecting offensive players in the stands. Blocks shots with authority, and can really protect the rim with his length and incredible athleticism. Becoming one of the best defenders at his position in the League. Still commits a few too many fouls, but that comes with his role as a game changer. Dominates the glass with his ability to rebound outside of his area. Very sure handed. Will come up with steals by virtue of his strong hands and reaction time.
Rashard Lewis
Overview: A very talented small forward with the height to make some plays down low and the perimeter skills to play exclusively out on the wing. Great size and length for the perimeter. Solid athlete for his height. Smooth first step and leaping ability. Became a great jump shooter over time. Dynamic offensive player. Wasn't an overnight success in the League. Needed three seasons in the League to begin to blossom as a player after declaring for the draft out of Alief Elsik HS. Came into his own as a star a few seasons later. Has made one All-Star appearance in his career and will have plenty of opportunities to return due to his age.
Offense: A tremendous scorer who can put the ball in the net in a number of ways. Gets more than two fifth of his offense in spot up situations, but will also get chances to go one-on-one, run the break, and use his height advantage in the post. Possesses a tremendous shooting stroke for a player his height. Has a quick release and very good range. Takes a lot of threes, but is rather efficient from deep. Solid midrange and short range shooter as well. Uses his height to get off shots that most players can't. Likes to drive right and get to the basket. Has a smooth first step, but isn't a great ball-handler. Doesn't get to the free throw line at a great rate. Capable scorer in the post. Gets quite a few touches on the left block and shows an ability to knock down turnarounds over either shoulder. Very versatile scorer. Creates numerous mismatches. Decent passer, but doesn't create much offense for his teammates. Average offensive rebounder. Great offensive threat who is even more efficient when playing next to other good offensive players.
Defense: A solid defender who has developed the ability to defend both forward positions with respectable effectiveness. Doesn't always make a great effort, but has the athleticism and length to compensate in most situations. Has many of his mistakes erased by Dwight Howard. Average rebounder. Will use his length to deflect passes when he is out defending the perimeter. His wingspan also helps him contest shots more effective than most players at his position in one-on-one situations. Not going to wow anyone with his defensive production, but is definitely more committed to defense than he was early in his career.
Offense: A tremendous scorer who can put the ball in the net in a number of ways. Gets more than two fifth of his offense in spot up situations, but will also get chances to go one-on-one, run the break, and use his height advantage in the post. Possesses a tremendous shooting stroke for a player his height. Has a quick release and very good range. Takes a lot of threes, but is rather efficient from deep. Solid midrange and short range shooter as well. Uses his height to get off shots that most players can't. Likes to drive right and get to the basket. Has a smooth first step, but isn't a great ball-handler. Doesn't get to the free throw line at a great rate. Capable scorer in the post. Gets quite a few touches on the left block and shows an ability to knock down turnarounds over either shoulder. Very versatile scorer. Creates numerous mismatches. Decent passer, but doesn't create much offense for his teammates. Average offensive rebounder. Great offensive threat who is even more efficient when playing next to other good offensive players.
Defense: A solid defender who has developed the ability to defend both forward positions with respectable effectiveness. Doesn't always make a great effort, but has the athleticism and length to compensate in most situations. Has many of his mistakes erased by Dwight Howard. Average rebounder. Will use his length to deflect passes when he is out defending the perimeter. His wingspan also helps him contest shots more effective than most players at his position in one-on-one situations. Not going to wow anyone with his defensive production, but is definitely more committed to defense than he was early in his career.
Jameer Nelson
Overview: A diminutive point guard who has the smarts, strength, and court vision to create opportunities for teammates and score for himself. Undersized for the point guard spot. Compact build. Pretty quick and fast, but not a freak. Solid as a point guard and a scorer. Doesn't let his size limit him as much as it has similarly sized players—a testament to his toughness and heart. Proved himself time and time again at Saint Josephs. Won the Naismith Player of the Year Award as a senior in 2004. A very solid player who could be even better next to the right backcourt partner.
Offense: A talented point guard who is doing a better job getting his teammates involved. Gets more than half of his touches running the pick and roll, but will also push the ball in transition and get some opportunities as a spot up shooter. Displays a compact jumper with decent consistency. Can shoot the three ball at a decent clip. Decent midrange game. Does more damage attacking the rim than pulling up off the dribble. Great ball handler. Likes to drive right. Very hard to stay in front of due to his quickness. Will finish at the rim at a mediocre clip due to his lack of size. Gets creative with his floaters and lay ins. Tries to get to the line, and shoots a few foul shots each game. Shoots a good percentage from the charity stripe. Makes a living as a distributor, even though his lack of size makes it tough for him to see the entire floor at times. Ability to turn the corner consistently makes him a threat to draw the defense and draw and dish at all times. Does quite a bit of playmaking, but could stand to look for his shot less often to improve his overall efficiency, something he is slowly improving on.
Defense: A ball hawk whose size makes him susceptible to switches. Does a very good job defending ball handlers the length of the floor and denying penetration. Fights through screens and has the quickness to recover in most scenarios. Has a tough time contesting jump-shooters due to his lack of size and length. Possesses clearly defined defensive strength and weaknesses. Does what he can do well. Gives a very solid effort, but doesn't cause many turnovers. Grabs every long rebound he possibly can in an effort to spark a transition opportunity.
Offense: A talented point guard who is doing a better job getting his teammates involved. Gets more than half of his touches running the pick and roll, but will also push the ball in transition and get some opportunities as a spot up shooter. Displays a compact jumper with decent consistency. Can shoot the three ball at a decent clip. Decent midrange game. Does more damage attacking the rim than pulling up off the dribble. Great ball handler. Likes to drive right. Very hard to stay in front of due to his quickness. Will finish at the rim at a mediocre clip due to his lack of size. Gets creative with his floaters and lay ins. Tries to get to the line, and shoots a few foul shots each game. Shoots a good percentage from the charity stripe. Makes a living as a distributor, even though his lack of size makes it tough for him to see the entire floor at times. Ability to turn the corner consistently makes him a threat to draw the defense and draw and dish at all times. Does quite a bit of playmaking, but could stand to look for his shot less often to improve his overall efficiency, something he is slowly improving on.
Defense: A ball hawk whose size makes him susceptible to switches. Does a very good job defending ball handlers the length of the floor and denying penetration. Fights through screens and has the quickness to recover in most scenarios. Has a tough time contesting jump-shooters due to his lack of size and length. Possesses clearly defined defensive strength and weaknesses. Does what he can do well. Gives a very solid effort, but doesn't cause many turnovers. Grabs every long rebound he possibly can in an effort to spark a transition opportunity.
Hedo Turkoglu
Overview: An oversized small forward who has a great feel for the game and a consistent jump shot. Tremendous size for the perimeter. Solid first step and quickness for his height. Has a very advanced offensive game. Great shooter. Very coordinated for his size. Decent defensively. Quickly transitioned his skills to the NBA game after leaving Turkey. Starting to fulfill his potential with the Magic alongside Dwight Howard.
Offense: A talented offensive forward who has come into his own in Orlando. Gets a quarter of his offense as a spot up shooter, but also contributes as a ball handler in pick and roll situations and in one-on-one settings. Displays a very smooth shot. Knocks down threes with solid consistency, especially for his height. Good catch and shoot guy. Just as good off the dribble. Takes a ton of pull up jumpers and hits a lot of them. Great decision maker when choosing to pull up or take the ball all the way to the rim. Solid handle for a player his height. Uses his height to shoot over smaller defenders. Finishes at the rim at a solid clip. Capable of posting up smaller defenders as well. Great passer. Will get a little too aggressive with his passing sometimes, and turn the ball over. Decent offensive rebounder. Becoming a very tough player to defend. Has found the consistency to match his IQ and skills.
Defense: A solid defender who plays smart, but is a bit of a tweener. Will create turnovers by reading ball handlers and anticipating their passes. Has the length to deflect passes that most other players wouldn't get to. Can effectively defend both forward positions, but has a much harder time stopping power forwards. Lacks the physical strength to control the block. Always gets a hand up when his man tries to take him one-on-one. Good rebounder. Not the most dynamic defender, but shows the intensity and intelligence to mask his lack of great lateral quickness at the small forward position.
Offense: A talented offensive forward who has come into his own in Orlando. Gets a quarter of his offense as a spot up shooter, but also contributes as a ball handler in pick and roll situations and in one-on-one settings. Displays a very smooth shot. Knocks down threes with solid consistency, especially for his height. Good catch and shoot guy. Just as good off the dribble. Takes a ton of pull up jumpers and hits a lot of them. Great decision maker when choosing to pull up or take the ball all the way to the rim. Solid handle for a player his height. Uses his height to shoot over smaller defenders. Finishes at the rim at a solid clip. Capable of posting up smaller defenders as well. Great passer. Will get a little too aggressive with his passing sometimes, and turn the ball over. Decent offensive rebounder. Becoming a very tough player to defend. Has found the consistency to match his IQ and skills.
Defense: A solid defender who plays smart, but is a bit of a tweener. Will create turnovers by reading ball handlers and anticipating their passes. Has the length to deflect passes that most other players wouldn't get to. Can effectively defend both forward positions, but has a much harder time stopping power forwards. Lacks the physical strength to control the block. Always gets a hand up when his man tries to take him one-on-one. Good rebounder. Not the most dynamic defender, but shows the intensity and intelligence to mask his lack of great lateral quickness at the small forward position.