This is the other half of the small forwards, or more accurately a 3rd group of forwards. The role they’ve been playing mostly in the NBA has been the PF in a small lineup. The NBA keeps veering smaller and quicker as teams deal with the perpetual shortage of good big men. This pushes PFs to playing more center and creates a role for players like this who used to be considered too small to play PF at the pro level. … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2009: Combo Forwards

As a group the SFs have always been the toughest nut for me to crack. The other positions all seem to have a few stats I can look at to make a fairly simple (or so it seems at the time) call on a player’s prospect-worthiness. With SFs there’s really no hard-and fast rule. I just have to look at the entire picture and try to see something good. … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2009: Small Forwards

Shooting guards can be placed into two basic groups. I’ll call these groups the Jordans and the Millers. The Jordans would be your basic do-it-all SGs. They score 20+ PPG, but they’re also capable of grabbing 10 rebounds or passing out 10 assists on any given night. They play strong defense and could likely play some SF or PG if needed. Current and recent Jordans include Kobe, Wade, Brandon Roy, Larry Hughes, Joe Johnson, Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones, Jason Richardson, Mitch Richmond and Hersey … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2009: Shooting Guards

I believe this is the 3rd or 4th year I’ve separated these combo guards. It used to be where I’d stick guards who just didn’t fit into one position or another. This year I’m limiting it to guards who are the size of a typical PG, but have played more like a SG. They’ve been scorers first and their history suggests they may have struggles playing PG.  I do this mainly because that’s what this position has become. … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2009: Combo Guards

Sometimes I find the evaluation process a little baffling. It’s as if the scouts, GMs and other personnel men simply focus in on what goes on in the combine and workouts and ignore the season. As if they’re drafting players for a decathlon instead of the same five-on-five game these players were playing the previous winter. … [Read more...] about NBA Draft 2009: Point Guards