Alexis Ajinca: NBA Draft Profile

Alexis Ajinca

Team:  HTV Hyères-Toulon

Birth Year:  1988

Position:  PF/C

Height:  7’0”

Weight:  209lbs

Accolades:  French U-16 National Team (04), French U-18 National Team (05 & 06), French U-19 National Team (07). 

Scouting Report:  A shot-swatting beanpole from France.

Strengths:  Incredible wing span – reportedly at 7’9”.  A shot-blocking/shot-altering menace.  Finishes well above the rim.  Good hands.  Can get out and run the floor.  Good athlete for his size.  A good passing big man.  Smart player.  Good at crashing offensive glass for put-back slams.  Good shooter for his size – even hit a couple of three-pointers this year.  Great free throw shooter.

Weaknesses:  Extremely skinny and weak.  Won’t be able to establish and keep good post position on offense in the NBA.  Will get backed down in the post on defense.  Inexperienced – only averages about 12mpg for his team in France.  Still very raw. 

Projected 2008 Draft Range:  Late first round pick.

Consensus:  Any team drafting Ajinca will have to be patient – he’s at least a couple of years, and about 50 pounds, away from contributing.  He does have considerable skill to go along with his incredible length, so he may be worth taking a chance on.

Stats:  http://www.basketinfo.com/joueur.php?no_joueur=1211

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