98 Power Forwards

[Zyme]

Top 5 1998 Power Forwards

Dirk Nowitzki B- C+ C- C C+ A

The big man from Deutschland is one of the rare Euros where there have been zero question marks in his game. He wowed them at the Nike hoops summit for 33/14 and scored in droves at the combine as well. He can play both inside and outside. He has the speed of a smaller forward in the body of a center. He rebounds the ball well enough but his main damage will be down on the offensive side of the ball. He doesn't put much effort on the defensive game really prefers to do focus on his very proficient mid-range turn around and outside prowess. He is a little lean for a post player at it stands, but he has plenty room to grow and scout fully expect him to live up to the hype.

Robert Traylor C+ C- D B- B- B

Robert "tractor" Traylor is a tank of a man. He was listed as part of the "fab five II" that never lived up to the billing of mk. I fab five. While he is a little short for the center position at 6'8" he more than makes up for it in bulk (at 280+) and in strength. He was easily the strongest attendee at the combine muscling out much taller matchups. He is very good at timing his jump and gets more blocks than you would expect for a player of his size in addition to his short size giving great leverage in the post. He is relentless going for offensive tip in and also has great footwork boxing his man out. He was one of the only post players that could consistently shut down Dirk both inside and out.

Raef LaFrentz C+ C+ D+ C+ C+ B

Raef is one of the more unique players in this year's draft. Coming out of the powerhouse Kentucky, he is used to playing against the best competition and he showed it at the draft combine. Extremely quick at getting around screens, he never once had to go under. One of the best rounders on both side of the court in this draft, he has a solid midrange game but his outside game is top shelf. He had one of the most consistant forms in the entire class, much less the posts. The main concern is he fall in love with his outside shot too much and may never be able to consistantly score like he is capable if he is only hucking outside shots.

Roshown McLeod B- C C- C C A

McLeod was the man behind the final-four appearance for the Blue Devils. he overwhelmed nearly every matchup he faced. While he may have one of the best combinations of strength and speed moves in the draft, he is equally poor on the defensive side of the ball. Scouts worry that he does not have the fundamentals to every develop an acceptable defensive game but agree that he has the ideal frame to build upon. Get him into an weight room and watch him grow.

Matt Harpring C+ C+ C- C C A

It has been the year of american euro-centers and the trend continues with Matt Harpering. The man from the rambeling wrecks of Georgia Tech loves to do his damage from deep and from mid-range. He is very good at playing above the rim with extremely quick hands on defense. He is good at holding onto the ball. Scouts love his potential and think that if he can correct his footwork issues in rebounding that he would bud into an nice late round pickup for a rotation.

[Oregon Ownage]

It would be nice to have Dirk come home to Dallas but it will be impossible.

[Phenom]

Interested to see how Dirk develops.

[dd10snoop28]

Interested to see how Dirk develops.