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Drafted #4 in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Clippers
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Position: PF
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Connecticut)
Hometown: Jamaica, NY
College: Rhode Island
Current Team: Rhode Island
Win - Loss: 11 - 20

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Pacific Division (Part Two)

Jonathan Givony
Jonathan Givony
Matt Williams
Matt Williams
Aug 05, 2008, 02:33 am
Overview: One of the League’s most talented and versatile forwards. Doesn’t always play up to his potential. Can play a number of different positions, but has largely become a power forward at this point. Has developed his frame and has excellent length. Athletic, but not quite to the point that it helps define his game. Shows a very good first step. More fluid and skilled than explosive. Possesses a smooth left handed stroke with NBA range. Doesn’t always shoot a consistent percentage from deep. Capable of bringing the ball up the floor and playing a point forward role. Handles the ball as well as most point guards. Uses his size as an advantage when distributing the ball. Shows decent post skills, and can play down low when asked to. Shows good hustle on the defensive end, and does a great job boxing out. Very good fit for the triangle offense. Intended to play his college ball at UNLV, but had his scholarship withdrawn after numerous scandals surrounding the program surfaced. Needed only a single season at Rhode Island to push his stock to the top of the lottery. Has had a handful of setbacks in his career, especially in the form of injuries. Used to have some problems with drugs, but is past that at this point. Had a rough childhood, and has suffered numerous personal losses throughout his playing career. Definitely maturing as a person as his career goes on. Maturation shows on the court as well. Could stand to become more consistent, but is the type of team player that brings a different dimension to the game when on the floor. Has a tendency to fade in and out of games mentally at times and get very passive—tough to know what you’re going to get night in and night out, but also very tough to argue with his incredible talent.

Offense: A very versatile player who gets offense from spot ups, fast breaks, isolations, post ups, offensive boards, and by moving without the ball. Can play virtually every position on the offensive end due to his vast array of skills. Possesses a smooth lefty jumper with inconsistent range out past the three point line. Decent catch and shoot player. Average shooter off the dribble. Great ball handler. A real mismatch facing the basket and taking power forwards off the dribble, especially in the early offense. Tremendous court vision and passing ability. Likes to get to the rim when driving left, much better here than going right. Solid finisher around the rim. Good transition player. Can score in the post, especially on the left block. Very capable distributor and high post player. Brings a lot to the table due to his ability to create matchup problems in almost every scenario. Decision making isn’t always the best.

Defense: A very talented defender who can matchup with a few different positions. Can guard both forward spots effectively, but is also able to defend most guards when he gets switched onto them. Will block some shots around the rim, play passing lanes, and make an effort to collect loose balls. Length helps him stay in front of his man and create turnovers. Will box out and grab a lot of rebounds—which is one of his strong points. Very capable on the defensive end. Plays more aggressive defense than offense. Commits quite a few fouls.

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