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2010 NBA Draft Stock
Updated 2/9
2010 NBA Draft Stock: Buying
Wesley Witherspoon, G/F, Memphis, Soph. Wesley Witherspoon reminds me of Evan Turner in that he is extremely versatile and can play four positions at the college level including the point. After a fairly quiet year, Witherspoon has exploded for 55 points in his last two games. At 6-8, he is a difficult match-up on the wing in that he can take defenders off the dribble or knock down the triple. He is also talented enough to take advantage of size mismatches and post up smaller defenders. If he continues to play like he has the last two games, he will be a top-10 pick in 2011 or a mid-first-round pick this year. I am that high on him.
Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas, Soph. On a team with future first-round picks like Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry and Tyshawn Taylor; it is Morris who has been the Jayhwaks’ top scorer in conference play. Morris is averaging almost 18 points and 8.5 boards a game in Big 12 action. He is physical and athletic, and can guard in the post or on the perimeter. It is likely that Morris will stay in college for at least one more year, but he could be a potential first-round pick down the line.
Sylven Landesberg, SG, Virginia, Soph. The Cavalier sophomore is a tremendous athlete and has helped turn Virginia into one of the surprise teams in the ACC. He dropped 29 points in a win against UNC and 28 against Wake Forest. Even though he was held to seven points against N.C. State last week, Landesburg was impressive in contributing in other areas with six boards and nine assists. His outside shot has improved as he is shooting 38 percent from three this year, up from 31 percent a year ago. Landesburg is terrific off the bounce, and if he can continue to show progress with his jump shot, he could be a late lottery pick in 2011.
Wayne Chism, F, Tennessee, Sr. Chism has helped fill the void since Tyler Smith was booted out of Tennessee. He has scored 20 and 30 points in back-to-back games and a couple weeks ago posted 16 rebounds against a tall, athletic Vanderbilt team. At 6-9, he is a bit undersized to be a true four at the next level, but his ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter shot helps his game immensely. He is still a borderline second-round pick but should definitely get several looks in the Summer League and could find a home in the NBA.
2010 NFL Draft Stock: Selling
Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas, Fr. Henry is in a tough spot. On the No. 1 team in country, he has sort of gotten lost in the mix. The southpaw stormed out of the gates to begin his freshman season, but has struggled in Big 12 play, averaging just 8.6 points per game. Usually a very smooth outside shooter, Henry’s three-point percentage has taken a major dip (12-45 in conference) and he is being very passive, often deferring to his elder teammates. Earlier this season, he was considered by most as a mid-lottery pick, but with his recent slump, it appears more likely Henry will fall into the late lottery. Don’t be fooled though; the overall skill set is still there for him to one day be a very good pro.
Dexter Pittman, C, Texas, Sr. As the Longhorns’ funk goes on, so does Pittman’s struggles as he has scored just 14 points in his last three games. He was outplayed Monday night by future lottery pick Cole Aldrich and was not able to operate effectively down low which does not translate well into how he will handle NBA bigs. Conditioning is still a major concern as is a lack of mobility. A month ago there was talk of Pittman possibly moving into the middle of the first round, but this setback has him looking more like a second-round prospect.
Terrico White, SG, Ole Miss, Soph. Many, including myself, expected White to have a breakout season after an impressive summer with the U.S. U-19 team. However, White has been very hot-and-cold all season long. In three of his previous five games, the Rebel has scored one, nine and six points while dropping 19 in each of the other two. Still, NBA scouts are intrigued with his game and ability to play either guard position. If he declares for the 2010 NBA Draft, I would not be surprised if he went in the late lottery, but also would not be shocked if he fell to the mid-20s. Until he begins to show some consistency in his game, his stock is on the decline.
MISSING
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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