1997 Small Forwards

[Brophdog88]

Predrag Stojakovic SF 6'9'' 220 20 C B C C+ C A
"Peja" is a superb scorer...or, well, he was overseas. Scouts love his shooting stroke, but question his ability to create his own shot, as athletically he leaves a lot to be desired. The same can be said for his game on the defensive end, there are big time questions as to his effort level there, but he should maintain an excellent shooting, and if his craftiness overseas translates to this side of the pond, look out.

Paul Pierce SF 6'7'' 234 20 C+ C+ C- C+ C A
This years SF class is quite deep, and Pierce belongs in that discussion as to the first taken. He isnt going to wow you right away, but he shows a good work ethic, nice shooting, and suprisingly good post D for an SF. More so than that, scouts love his potential, and see greatness in him. There aare certainly issues with handles, and defensive effort, but overall, he has the ability to become a star.

Derrek Lee SF 6'5'' 240 21 C+ C+ D+ C- C+ A
Almost plays like a PF, but doesn't quite have the size for it. The coaches were thrilled when he chose to pursue basketball at North Carolina, despite being a first round pick by the Padres. Then after being drafted by the Cubs, he made an effort on the court to be better than ever, and it paid off with scouts truly taking notice. Exceedingly strong, with good inside scoring, and a nice jump shot. Quick enough to handle the position, and a plus rebounder, especially crashing the defensive glass. Absolutely awful however defensively, more attributable to effort. However, given he is now focusing full time on basketball, scouts think he should improve pretty well.

Tracy McGrady SF 6'8'' 210 18 B- B- C- C C A
Tmac is a scary prospect, and dont let scouts fool you...if you polled them, most of them lean toward him as the top guy in the SF rotation. Crafty around the basket, strong, with a nice outside stroke, offensive wunderkind is an apt description. Effort on the defensive side of the ball, and on the glass though, those are the big weaknesses, he crashes the offensive glass, but getting back on D, and crashing the defensive glass would take away from his scoring potential, and he cannot handle that.

Ron Mercer SF 6'7'' 210 21 B- C C B- C- A
Mercer is a bit more like a SG than a SF, but his size ended up getting him listed as a small forward, combined with his questionable three point shot. Crafty finisher, loves to post up undersized SG's and SF's, and is too quick when teams shift a PF onto him because they can't stop him with the wing. Not that strong, has a great jump shot, but refuses almost to extend the range to the 3 point line, being exceedingly selective, to the point of hesitation. Great perimeter defender, but can suffer the same fate as he delivers, struggling to defend in the post. Should be a very good starter, and is definitely the most well rounded of this crazy talented SF set.