JR Giddens: NBA Draft Profile

JR Giddens

College: New Mexico

Class: Senior

Position: SG

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205lbs

Accolades:  MWC co-Player of the Year (08), First Team All-MWC (08), Honorable Mention All-American – AP (08), Third Team High-Major All-American – CHN (08), Honorable Mention All-MWC (07), Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (04), Big 12 All-Freshman Team (04), McDonald’s All-American – high school (03), Oklahoma’s Gatorade Player of the Year – high school (03).

Scouting Report:  A highly decorated wing player with NBA athleticism.

Strengths:  Great athlete – track athlete in high school also. Crazy vertical – reportedly 40” or more. Strong finisher – attacks the rim, dunks on people. Nice elevation & extension on his jumper. Exceptional rebounder for a guard. Long arms.  Strong physique. Big time scorer in college. Decent assist man. Shot for a great percentage for a guard – 51.6% this year. Gets into the passing lanes for steals. Great shot-blocker for a guard.

Weaknesses:  Age – is already 23-years-old. Horrible free throw shooter. Had off-court issues in college. Had attitude issues in the past. Needs to improve on his ball-handling for the NBA. Still inconsistent. Defense still needs improvement. Needs to become a more consistent three-point shooter for the NBA.

Projected 2008 Draft Range:  Early to mid second round pick.

Consensus:  Giddens has all the tools to be an NBA pro.  However, the fact that he is up to four years older than other prospects and has had a shady past casts a shadow on his draft stock.

Stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=15187

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