2012 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Meyers Leonard



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




2012 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Meyers Leonard


Position: Center

Size: 7-1, 245

School: Illinois, Sophomore


Strengths:
  • Size
  • Athleticism
  • Length
  • Shot blocking
  • Right-handed hook shot
  • Can be a force when being aggressive in post-up situations
  • Decent mid-range jumper
  • Loaded with potential



    Weaknesses:
  • Physicality
  • Strength
  • Inconsistent with effort
  • Post moves over his right shoulder
  • Drifts out on the perimeter too often
  • Mental toughness
  • Defending on the perimeter/pick-and-roll situations

    Summary: Due to Leonard’s skill level for a true seven-footer and the fact that he still has plenty of room to develop as a big man, the Illinois big man has lottery potential. I am not as high on Leonard as other draft experts are and think he would greatly benefit from another year in school, but there just aren’t many true centers with his ability, which makes him attractive as a pro prospect.

    Player Comparison: Darko Milicic/Byron Mullens. When I think of Leonard in relation to Darko, and Mullens, I recall true seven-footers who entered the league possessing the size and quality athleticism, but weren’t very skilled. Leonard has that dangerous word attached to his name: “potential.” I am doubtful that he will ever reach his ceiling and will more than likely settle into a role as a career backup.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2012 NBA Mock Draft


    2013 NBA Mock Draft


    2012 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2012 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




    Mike Elworth's 2023 NBA Mock Draft

    Mike Elworth's 2024 NBA Mock Draft





    NFL Picks - Oct. 10


    2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 9


    NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 8


    Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4