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2008 NBA Draft - Draft Board

Explaining The Tier System

The Tier System for the Talkhoops.net NBA Draft Board is pretty simple. Unless you're addressing a definite need (like the Hawks needing a point guard when they skipped on Chris Paul), you should not take a player from a lower tier. For example, if the Sacramento Kings are drafting and they don't need a specific position filled, there is no reason why they should select Russell Westbrook from UCLA over DeAndre Jordan because Jordan is in a higher tier than Westbrook.

What The Tiers Mean
These tiers are not necessarily set up in terms of where guys WILL get drafted but where they SHOULD get drafted. They are not necessarily in terms of a certain player being better than another player NOW. They mean that a certain player will have a better career LATER.

Pro Comparisons
Pro Comparisons do not mean that this is how the player will end up performing. It is a look into the best case scenario of how good a player can be if they maximize their potential. Clearly Stefon Jackson ranked 76th currently on this draft board isn't going to automatically play like Richard Hamilton. But that's the type of game he has and that's the ceiling for his career.

Questions
Any questions, disagreements, suggestions or comments can be left in the link below.
Submit Your Comments Here

Sincerely,
Zach Harper, Owner, Editor, Senior Writer

 

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For full scouting reports by position, navigate the drop box down below.



Tier 1 - Potential Stars
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
1.
Derrick Rose
PG
19
6-3
205
Fresh
Memphis
Top 3
Pro Potential- He could end up being the best point guard in the NBA at some point.  If he doesn’t develop an outside threat, he’ll be the young version of Jason Kidd.  If he does develop a jump shot from deep, he could be a Baron Davis-type threat. 
Pro Comparison- Jason Kidd/Deron Williams
2.
Kevin Love
C
19
6-10
275
Fresh
UCLA
Lottery
Pro Potential- He’s definitely an All-Star talent with the ability to dominate a ballgame like we haven’t seen since Bill Walton.  Barring a major injury to his back or knees, he should be able to turn in a very nice pro career with a couple of championships. 
Pro Comparison- Wes Unseld
3.
Michael Beasley
PF
19
6-10
235
Fresh
Kansas State
Top 2
Pro Potential- He has the potential to be a perennial All-Star that averages 25-12 for 10 years plus. 
Pro Comparison- Derrick Coleman
4.
DeAndre Jordan
C
20
7-0
255
Fresh
Texas A&M
Top 10
Pro Potential- He has the potential to be a top center in this league. He won't ever be the best center in the league but he can be an All-Star.
Pro Comparison- Andrew Bynum

Tier 2 - Just Good Enough to Lose With
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
5.
O.J. Mayo
G
20
6-4
195
Fresh
USC
Top 10
Pro Potential- He could definitely be a great scorer in this league.  Perennial All Star is possible. 
Pro Comparison- Gilbert Arenas
6.
Eric Gordon
SG
19
6-4
215
Fresh
Indiana
Top 10
Pro Potential- He has the potential to be a perennial All-Star. He's a very special player as long as he's healthy.
Pro Comparison- Ben Gordon/Mitch Richmond
7.
Courtney Lee
SG
22
6-5
200
Junior
W. Kentucky
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- I think he has the potential to be a clone of Kevin Martin, except without the ugly jumper.
Pro Comparison- Kevin Martin

Tier 3 - Guys That Could Make an All Star Team or Two
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
8.
Jerryd Bayless
PG
19
6-3
190
Fresh
Arizona
Top 10
Pro Potential- He's one of the best prospects in this draft and has the potential to be a very dangerous scorer. But he may end up being more Gilbert Arenas than what Jay Williams should've been.
Pro Comparison- Jay Williams/Kirk Hinrich
9.
Russell Westbrook
PG
19
6-3
189
Fresh
UCLA
Lottery
Pro Potential- He's a better outside shooter and a better playmaker than Monta Ellis. He could be that dynamic.
Pro Comparison- Monta Ellis
10.
Anthony Randolph
PF
18
6-11
220
Fresh
LSU
Top 10
Pro Potential- Has the potential to be a Larry Nance type of impact player. With his athleticism, he could dominate the defensive end like Shawn Marion.
Pro Comparison- Tyrus Thomas
11.
Brook Lopez
C
20
7-0
260
Soph
Stanford
Top 10
Pro Potential- He can be a top-10 center in the league, but with the lack of quality big man, is that saying a lot?
Pro Comparison- Zyndrunas Ilgauskas
12.
Danillo Gallinari
SF
19
6-9
212
N/A
Italy
Lottery
Pro Potential- He has the ability to be a great playmaker like Andrei Kirilenko only with a stronger mentality. Believe it when people call him the second-coming of Toni Kukoc.
Pro Comparison- Toni Kukoc
13.
D.J. Augustin
PG
20
6-0
180
Soph
Texas
Lottery
Pro Potential- He has the potential to be a top 15 point guard in this league. His quickness and strength remind you of a better Jameer Nelson.
Pro Comparison- Jameer Nelson
14.
Darrell Arthur
PF
20
6-10
225
Soph
Kansas
Lottery to Mid 1st
Pro Potential- He's a really good player that could end up being that final piece to a title team in a couple of years. He's not a star by any means but he can be pretty important.
Pro Comparison- Antonio McDyess

Tier 4 - Future 6th Man Award Nominees
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
15.
Donte Greene
SF
20
6-10
225
Soph
Syracuse
Lottery to Mid 1st
Pro Potential- He's one of those 5 by 5 category threats that fantasy lovers dream for. He can be a game-changing presence like Josh Smith but can easily get lost in the flow of the game and force too much.
Pro Comparison- Josh Smith
16.
Davon Jefferson
SF
21
6-8
215
Junior
USC
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- He could be a pretty special player in this league. His athleticism alone can get him into a starting lineup.
Pro Comparison- Richard Jefferson
17.
Brandon Rush
SG
22
6-7
205
Junior
Kansas
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- He's a really good third option on a team and that's the highest his ceiling goes. He's a good player right now for the NBA but don't expect much growth.
Pro Comparison- Billy Owens
18.
Marreese Speights
C
19
6-10
245
Soph
Florida
Lottery to Mid. 1st
Pro Potential- He has the ability and the size to be another really good young prospect. Desire to work hard will determine his legacy in this league. Either he'll work hard and have one or not work hard enough and be forgettable.
Pro Comparison- Al Horford
19.
Robin Lopez
C
20
7-0
245
Soph
Stanford
Late 1st
Pro Potential- Anderson Varejao is a great ceiling for him in terms of success. It may not be what people hoped for in his freshman season, but that's the type of player that finds a 15-year career in this league.
Pro Comparison- Anderson Varejao
20.
Kostas Koufos
C
19
7-0
265
Fresh
Ohio State
Lottery to Mid 1st
Pro Potential- He has all the skills to be a very good center in this league. He isn't just some stiff that's going to take up space because he's tall. He has very good skills and will give teams fits offensively.
Pro Comparison- Brad Miller

Tier 5 - Guys You Don't Want Starting But Would Love Coming Off the Bench
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
21.
J.J. Hickson
PF
19
6-9
240
Fresh
NC State
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- He's either going to be the next big thing at the power forward position or someone that frustrates fans for years with his lack of realizing his potential. No in-between.
Pro Comparison- Chris Wilcox/Stromile Swift
22.
D.J. White
PF
21
6-9
240
Senior
Indiana
Late 1st to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- I think he's the type of power forward that continues to put up really good numbers until you realize that this guy has been under the radar for years. Maybe his potential goes to David West territory.
Pro Comparison- Udonis Haslem
23.
Joe Alexander
SF
21
6-8
230
Junior
West Virginia
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- He's not a star by any means and if he's starting for your team, you need a good point guard and a good shooting guard alongside him. But his ceiling could be as high as Peja Stojakovic.
Pro Comparison- Austin Croshere
24.
JaVale McGee
C
20
7-0
237
Soph
Nevada
Lottery to Mid 1st
Pro Potential- I think he'd be better off as a power forward in this league. His face-up jumper is pretty solid and he'd be great alongside another 7-footer.
Pro Comparison- LaMarcus Aldridge
25.
Bill Walker
SF
20
6-6
235
Fresh
Kansas State
Late 1st to Early 2nd
Pro Potential- He could end up being a really special and electrifying player in this league if his knees hold up. But he probably will suffer with that and have problems most of his career.
Pro Comparison- Ruben Patterson

Tier 6 - Guys That You'll Always Hope Will Breakout and Will Disappoint
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
26.
Mario Chalmers
PG
21
6-2
170
Junior
Kansas
Late 1st to 2nd
Pro Potential- He has the potential to be the best backup point guard in basketball. But is he good enough to be a full time starter?
Pro Comparison- Earl Watson
27.
Nicolas Batum
SF
19
6-8
210
N/A
France
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- If he develops an outside jumper that is reliable, he could be a Josh Howard type of guy. He's very graceful on the court and will find a way to fill up the stat sheet.
Pro Comparison- Rudy Gay
28.
Ante Tomic
C
21
7-2
237
N/A
Croatia
Late 1st to Early 2nd
Pro Potential- He maybe able to turn himself into a 10-year starter in this league if he can hit the weight room and bulk up. Otherwise, he's probably more of a Primoz Brezec type of guy.
Pro Comparison- Nenad Krstic
29.
Roy Hibbert
C
21
7-2
275
Junior
Georgetown
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- This guy can be a starter in this league but with a faster pace, will he end up playing more than 25 minutes per game? Get him with the right strength and conditioning staff and he could turn into an agile player.
Pro Comparison- Joel Pryzbilla

Tier 7 - Guys That You'll Pray Fall Into the Second Round
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
30.
Ryan Anderson
PF
20
6-10
225
Soph
Cal- Berkeley
Early to mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He could definitely start in this league once he puts on some muscle. Very versatile scorer that could be a great 4th weapon.
Pro Comparison- Troy Murphy
31.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
SF
21
6-7
215
Junior
UCLA
Early to mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He could end up working hard and becoming a repeat offender on the All Defensive First or Second teams for years to come.
Pro Comparison- Ron Artest
32.
Chris Douglas-Roberts
SG
21
6-6
195
Junior
Memphis
Mid to Late 1st
Pro Potential- He'd be better suited as a guy coming off the bench. He'll be able to score but that's about it.
Pro Comparison- Ricky Davis
33.
DeVon Hardin
C
21
6-11
250
Junior
Cal-Berkeley
Late 1st to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He could definitely be the type of player that dominates the defensive end.
Pro Comparison- Theo Ratliff
34.
Serge Ibaka
PF
18
6-10
220
N/A
Congo
Late 1st to Early 2nd
Pro Potential- He could be a really good player in this league and make a few All-Star teams. He has great offensive talent away from the basket and his defense will be very good.
Pro Comparison- David West

Tier 8 - Guys That Are Just Good Enough to Avoid the NBDL for Most of Their Careers
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
35.
Sasha Kaun
C
23
6-11
250
Senior
Kansas
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He could be a real difference maker off the bench in this league. He'll never be good enough to start, but definitely will be a fan favorite.
Pro Comparison- David Lee
36.
Nathan Jawai
C
21
6-10
270
N/A
Australia
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He looks like he could be another bruiser in this league. Somewhere between Reggie Evans and DJ Mbenga.
Pro Comparison- Charles Oakley
37.
Jamont Gordon
SG
21
6-4
225
Junior
Mississippi St.
Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He'll end up being one of those valuable veteran presences in the backcourt ten years from now. But don't expect him to ever be worthy of a starting job.
Pro Comparison- Aaron McKie
38.
Jason Thompson
PF
21
6-11
250
Junior
Rider
Late 1st to Early 2nd
Pro Potential- He will never threaten to be a perennial All-Star. However, he could be one of those players that everybody wants as a big man in their 8-man rotation.
Pro Comparison- Joe Smith
39.
Richard Hendrix
PF
21
6-9
260
Junior
Alabama
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He's the kind of big man that is an absolute bruiser off the bench. Think Corliss Williamson, only bigger and taller.
Pro Comparison- Jason Caffey/Malik Allen
40.
Shan Foster
SG
21
6-6
205
Junior
Vanderbilt
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- Could be one of the best long range shooters in the league someday. You have to pay attention to him from 30-feet in.
Pro Comparison- Shandon Anderson
41.
Alexis Ajinca
PF
20
7-1
240
N/A
France
Late 1st to Early 2nd
Pro Potential- He could be the French version of LaMarcus Aldridge for best-case scenario.
Pro Comparison- Jonathan Bender

Tier 9 - Guys With Two Real Shots to Make This League
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
42.
Joey Dorsey
PF
22
6-9
260
Senior
Memphis
Mid to Late 2nd
Pro Potential- He could be an exact clone of Ben Wallace. Rebounding titles and DPOY awards aren't out of the question.
Pro Comparison- Ben Wallace
43,
Tyrone Brazelton
PG
6-0
180
Senior
W. Kentucky
Mid to Late 2nd
Pro Potential- I think an Earl Boykins or maybe even a Bobby Jackson type of impact is possible for Brazelton. He just needs to learn how to run an offense and direct traffic.
Pro Comparison- Aaron Brooks
44.
Trent Plaisted
C
21
6-11
245
Junior
Brigham Young
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- I don't think that he can be physical enough to succeed. Will not be better than a backup center despite the promise that scouts see in his game.
Pro Comparison- Jeff Foster
45.
J.R. Giddens
SG
23
6-5
200
Senior
New Mexico
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- Thought to be a can't miss prospect when he committed to Kansas. But his lack of mental toughness and sound judgement could turn him from starter on a bad team to just trying to make a team.
Pro Comparison- J.R. Smith

Tier 10 - Guys With One Real Shot at Making the NBA
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
46.
Keith Brumbaugh
SF
22
6-10
215
Junior
Hillsborough CC
Early to Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He could be one of the best offensive players in this league at the small forward position. He has that kind of potential.
Pro Comparison- Darius Miles
47.
Kyle Weaver
SG
22
6-6
185
Senior
Washington St.
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He's the type of player that could end up being a All-Defensive Second Team player if he improves his shot enough to warrant starting. His ceiling is a Doug Christie type of guy.
Pro Comparison- Mardy Collins
48.
Josh Duncan
SF
22
6-8
225
Senior
Xavier
Mid to Late 2nd
Weaknesses- Not a consistent shooter from outside 16-feet.  Needs to work on free throw shooting.  Not reliable from the line when it counts. 
Pro Comparison- Eduardo Najera
49.
Darnell Jackson
PF
22
6-8
250
Senior
Kansas
Mid to Late 2nd
Pro Potential- I think he will be a very good defensive big man off the bench. He won't be as impactful as he was at Kansas but should find a nice niche with a playoff team.
Pro Comparison- Brandon Bass
50.
Malik Hairston
SG
21
6-6
200
Junior
Oregon
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- His build is solid enough to allow him to have a decent NBA career. But anything more successful than a Trenton Hassell type of performance is out of the question.
Pro Comparison- Ron Mercer
51.
Pat Calathes
SF
22
6-10
210
Senior
St. Joseph's
Mid 2nd
Pro Potential- He won't become Hedo Turkoglu but he has that type of talent on the offensive end of the floor. Expect a bench player version of Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Pro Comparison- Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Tier 11 - Nice College Careers/ Promising Euros That Don't Have It Right Now
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
52.
Chris Lofton
SG
22
6-2
197
Senior
Tennessee
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I love Chris Lofton but I don't see him having a great career in the NBA. He will probably be on a roster for years but his ceiling is Salim Stoudamire and his pitfall is probably Dee Brown (Illinois version).
Pro Comparison- Salim Stoudamire
53.
Shawn James
PF
24
6-10
225
Junior
Duquesne
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He's probably going to end up being a very good shot-blocker in the NBA if he makes it. Could be a solid defensive substitution in late game situations.
Pro Comparison- Adonal Foyle
54.
Nikola Pekovic
C
22
6-11
245
N/A
Serbia
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- Some look at this guy as a project but I don't think he can be more than a Marcin Gortat type of player. Probably a career backup.
Pro Comparison- Marcin Gortat
55.
David Padgett
C
23
6-11
230
Senior
Louisville
Mid to Late 2nd
Pro Potential- He will be one of the best offensive big men off the bench in this league if he stays healthy.
Pro Comparison- Chris Mihm
56.
Omer Asik
C
21
6-11
230
N/A
Turkey
Mid to Late 2nd
Pro Potential- He's big enough and athletic enough to be a solid backup center.
Pro Comparison- Ryan Hollins
57.
Bryce Taylor
SG
21
6-5
205
Senior
Oregon
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- It's hard to tell because based on talent alone, he's a first round guy. Unfortunately, he can't put it together and may never be better than third on the depth chart at shooting guard.
Pro Comparison- Willie Green

Tier 12 - Talented Players That Should Try Next Year if Applicable
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
58.
James Gist
F
21
6-9
235
Junior
Maryland
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He could be a high energy guy off the bench at best.
Pro Comparison- Cedric Simmons
59.
Goran Dragic
PG
22
6-4
200
N/A
Slovenia
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He could end up being a very good spot starting point guard in the NBA. Beno Udrih resembles his game and that's probably his ceiling.
Pro Comparison- Beno Udrih

Tier 13 - Europe Would Do Wonders For These Guys
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
60.
Aleks Maric
C
23
6-11
270
Senior
Nebraska
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I think he has a chance to be a decent backup center. But with the game getting faster, his slowness may leave him out of the league.
Pro Comparison- Jake Voskuhl
61.
Richard Roby
SG
22
6-5
210
Senior
Colorado
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I don't see this guy being much more than a guard at the end of the bench that lights it up in practice while fighting with teammates.
Pro Comparison- Willie Green
62.
C.J. Giles
C
22
6-11
235
Senior
Oregon State
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He could easily be a starting center in this league if he could get his head out of his ass.
Pro Comparison- Michael Olowokandi
63.
Gary Forbes
SF
23
6-7
220
Senior
Massachusetts
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He has to become a smarter player but there is definitely a place for him in this league if he can learn to play both forward positions effectively. However, he won't be a key man in a good rotation.
Pro Comparison- Boris Diaw
64.
Semih Erden
C
21
7-1
240
N/A
Turkey
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I think he can end up being a decent backup center but I wouldn't expect much in terms of production.
Pro Comparison- Primoz Brezec
65.
Anton Ponkrashov
PG
22
6-8
214
N/A
Russia
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He could end up being a small forward version of Boris Diaw, but will probably waste years in the league trying to be a point guard.
Pro Comparison- Shaun Livingston after knee injury
66.
Kentrell Gansberry
PF
22
6-9
270
Senior
South Florida
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I think this guy can find a niche as a bruiser off the bench. He runs the floor well and could definitely end up being the Big Baby of this class.
Pro Comparison- Glen Davis

Tier 14 - Europe For a Few Years Would Do Wonders Pt. 2
Rank
Player
Pos.
Age
Ht.
Wt.
Class
School
Prediction
67.
Mantas Kalnietis
PG
21
6-5
194
N/A
Lithuania
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- This guy has the potential to be a Jose Calderon type of impact player but it isn't very likely.
Pro Comparison- Sergio Rodriguez
68.
George Hill
PG
22
6-2
180
Junior
Indianapolis
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He could definitely be a Ben Gordon type off the bench if he can become a smarter, more mature decision maker on the court.
Pro Comparison- Anthony Johnson
69.
Uros Tripkovic
SG
21
6-5
190
N/A
Serbia
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- This guy could end up being a very nice combo guard off the bench for a really good team.
Pro Comparison- Sasha Vujacic
70.
Charles Rhodes
PF
22
6-8
245
Senior
Mississippi St.
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- I can't imagine him ending up better than a Derek Strong or Malik Allen type of career. Try to catch on in an organization that falls in love with a work ethic and decides to keep him around for a while.
Pro Comparison- Chris Anderson
71.
Peja Samaradziska
C
22
7-1
255
N/A
Macedonia
Late 2nd to undrafted
Pro Potential- He stil needs a couple of years of playing pro in Europe but so do most big men his age. He could end up being a very nice backup center for 10 years in the NBA.
Pro Comparison- Michael Bradley


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