BasslineSpin.com
| James, Damion | Texas | 6'8" | 227 | PF/SF | SR. | James' face-up shooting, and his ability to rebound at the THREE position are crucial elements in making him unique. He is not a guy that is going to hit a ton of three point shots. He is more effective from 17 feet and in. Therein lies the quandary with Damion James. Despite making an average of 34 three-point shots in each of the last three seasons - I'm still not convinced that he is a Small Forward. He is right-handed, and long - with a standing reach that is higher than Ekpe Udoh's - even though Udoh is two inches taller than James. James' biggest assets as an NBA prospect are his rebounding and toughness (traits more associated with PF than SF). The bottom-line is this. If he can really hit the NBA three-pointer at a decent volume and percentage - then he CAN spend his floor time at SF. This would be huge for any teams rebounding numbers. If he is not enough of a perimeter threat to play SF - then James will be less valuable as a PF - where the landscape in the NBA is deeper with players as good or better. ...I do think he is going to immediately help an NBA team with his combo of athleticism, and hustle. This year, James averaged 18 points, and ten rebounds on a Texas team that struggled with their guard play. James is certainly tougher than most NBA SF's. ...He never missed a game in four years at Texas. ...He never shies from contact. He has a nice combination of ruggedness and ability to come off screens and knock down mid-range jump shots. He can hit the corner three. He has a back-to-the-hoop game. ...He makes timely cuts to the hoop. ...Good athlete with an NBA body. ...Broad shoulders. He rebounds - even outside his area! He runs. He finishes - even in traffic. He uses his left hand well. He beats other SF's off the dribble. ...Squares himself nicely when he shoots. ...Quick reactions. ...From a very small town (Nacogdoches, TX.). …His weakness is his free throw shooting at 64% for his career at Texas. What is goofy is that he hits a solid 35% from long range for his career. |
Where do I expect James to be taken? Somewhere around 20th.
Our best advice: In 2002 - the 20th pick was Kareem Rush. We said - "take Carlos Boozer ".
Our worst advice: In 2001 - the 20th pick was Brendan Haywood. We said - "take Joe Forte".