2001 PFs

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Top 5 2001 Power Forwards

Pau Gasol B- C C C+ C+ A

Pau Gasol Sáez out of Spain is the definition of class. He was one of the best center/forwards in Europe and when he showed why when he arrived at the combine. There was noone, save Battier, that could even hope to shut down his midrange game. He would take contested shots from the free-throw line extended and make it look like he was in the gym alone. He has the height of a center, the lithe frame of a small-forward, and the high release of a guard and even handling ability that would put a number of the smaller guards to shame. His only real issues are that he does not have the range for behind the arc and he only had decent, not exceptional, footwork on the boards. Overall Pau is a complete player this Iberian son should be shining for many years to come.

Zach Randolph B C F+ C B- A

Of all the people that were invited to the combine none showed up as well as Z-Bo. Sure there were more mature such as O'Neal or other with more complete games like Sáez, but the technical gifts of Randolph were undeniable. He has one of the best set of post moves you will find outside of Shaq. He has a very solid mid-range and step back game to compliment this as well. He can even step out and take the occasional three when he needs to. The biggest problem Randolph has is his passing, or his lack there of. He is a supremely greedy player in terms of post play. When that ball swing around to him or enters the post it rarely gets out. His offensive skills are complemented by a deceptively decent defensive game centered around his excellent quickness and ability to get around screens in addition of deceptively quick hands defending the post. On the backboard is where he really stands out. His motor is unmatched this draft and has the footwork to match. Scouts while scouts do not think that he may have the highest ceiling of this years draft, he has one of the highest floors outside O'Neal. Scouts think that he would be unable to handle the rigors of playing small forward and is therefore ineligible to play any position other than PF or C.

Troy Murphy C B+ C- B- B- C

The forward out of Notre Dame was one of the more unique players in college basketball this last season. He was an All Big-East Selection with his rebounding and overall game. What he bring is rather unique from the post position. He is your classic 3 and D player but at the power forward position. Not only does he have a great three point shot, he has one of the best three point shots of anyone that was at the combine. When you link up this in the gym range with his very mature straight up, lockdown, defense and rebounding footwork you have a very unique player. He looked good in college and if he has anything resembling the talent many scouts think he has he should make a fine addition to any team.

Vladimir Radmanovic C+ C+ C- C+ C A

Following the stream of Yugoslavs in the league over the past few years, Radmonovic has come to ply his trade. The young Bosnian is an athletic freak with in the gym range. Scouts were really excited about this textbook release coupled with outstanding vertical lift on his jumpshot. He has a very good base to build off of on the defensive end. During his time in the very compedative Yugo leagues, he was very careful with the ball but this caution may have led him to shy away from cutting teamates on offense. Tall and lanky, he may get pushed around a far bit in the NBA and may need a fair amount of work by your local strength and conditioning coach. Most scouts agree he doesn't have top level potential but has plenty in the tank.

Michael Bradley C D+ F+ C+ C+ A

The junior out of Nova was the anchor that the rest of his team played off of. While Bradly was clearly of NBA quality the rest of his team was not. They struggled despite his outstanding defense and was knocked off in the first round of the Big East Tournament. Bradley has prototypical size and strength for his position and his footwork on the defensive boards is one of the best in the class. He was able to keep many of the best rebounders at the combine at bay with apparent ease. He get around screens very well and has no problem being the flexpoint at the top of key when starting an offensive set. Scouts think he has very solid potential.

Other Power Forward prospects:

Brian Scalabrine C B- D C C B

Long range sniper out of Southern Cal. He needs to work on his footwork under the boards. Decent but not exceptional potential.

Alton Ford B D- D- C C+ C

Very good inside finisher with good strength. Struggles in every aspect of his defensive game.

Eddie Griffin C C- D C+ C A

Very good at retaining possession. Rather raw but have a body built to grow into.

Ousmane Cisse C C D B- C+ C

Despite being young Cisse is a very good defender and have very solid rebounding skills for one right out of high school.

Robertas Javtokas