Top Small Forwards in the NBA Draft

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 24, 2008

Top Small Forwards in the NBA Draft

Joe Alexander

The 6-foot-8 Alexander came on strong late in his junior season, and he's done the same thing during the predraft process. With his toughness, athleticism and shooting skills, Alexander has positioned himself as a possible top 10 pick.

Danilo Gallinari

As a versatile 19-year-old with deep shooting range, the 6-9 Gallinari has been the best player on his team in the Serie A (17.5 ppg in 29 games) and the tough Euroleague (14.9 ppg in 11 games). He is the top international prospect and one of the more skilled players in the draft.

Donte' Greene

The 6-9, 225-pound Greene could end up playing as a face-up power forward. Although Greene was inconsistent in his one season at Syracuse, NBA types like his length and deep-shooting capability.

Nicolas Batum

The 19-year-old considered entering the draft last year after impressing scouts at an All-Star game between top U.S. high school players and a group of young international pros. A scout described the 6-8 forward as one of the top five athletes in the draft, but Batum struggles with his perimeter shooting and consistency.

Bill Walker

The redshirt freshman remained in the draft despite injuring his knee during a recent workout, and he hopes to be picked late in the first round. Walker was the Wildcats' second-leading scorer last season (16.1 ppg), behind Michael Beasley.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

A limited scorer, Mbah a Moute's calling card is defense. He can guard multiple positions, a strength that gives him a chance to stick in the NBA.

Gary Forbes

The 6-7 swingman was one of the standouts at the Portsmouth and Orlando predraft camps, two showcases mainly for players trying to solidify their place in the second round. Forbes was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year after averaging 19.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in 2007-08.

Josh Duncan

The 6-9 senior didn't produce huge numbers at Xavier, but he did have two 20-point games during the NCAA tournament. Like Gary Forbes, Duncan helped his cause at the predraft camps.

Davon Jefferson

A 21-year-old freshman, Jefferson used his mid-range game and explosivie finishing ability to shoot 57.5 percent from the field last season. The 6-8, 215-pound Jefferson will have to expand his range to play small forward in the NBA; he attempted only eight three-pointers at USC.

Pat Calathes

Calathes started his collegiate career as a backup point guard, but he finished it as a 6-10 senior who led the Hawks in scoring, rebounding, blocks and three-pointers. He has been working to add muscle to his 210-pound frame.