NBA Comparison: Scottie Pippen

Strengths: Paul has some very appealing aspects to his game that could translate nicely to the next level … a 6’8 small forward with a long wingspan and unlimited NBA range, he has a quick release and does not need much room to let it fly … His athleticism and ability to run the floor make him dynamic in transition, resulting in big time dunks that can spark his team … He attempted exactly 132 free throws in both his freshman and sophomore years, however he hit 28 more his sophomore year (a 70% to 91% jump)… Impressive vision and passing skills, which is not usually the case for a perimeter forward (3 assists per game) … Rebounds well for a small forward at over 7 per game … Defensively his athleticism contributes to over 2 steals and almost a block per game, illustrating his ability to anticipate and make a play on the ball …

Weaknesses: George’s biggest weakness is his inability to create for himself, and his poor shooting percentage when pulling up off the dribble … Lacks a great handle which limits his overall game, as practically all of his baskets come from spotting up, good position down low, or in transition … Tends to get too trigger happy from behind the arc, rushing long shots as opposed to letting the play develop and waiting for a better option … He needs to not always settle for the long ball, and use his strong body and basketball skillset to be a little more creative in regards to getting easier opportunities and getting to the line … At times he can be sloppy with the ball, throwing unreasonable passes while looking as if his head is not fully in the game…  Defensively, he tends to lose focus when playing on the ball, but with the right coaching staff and the opportunity to play on a bigger stage, that problem is likely fixable … Playing a weak schedule on a small stage makes it difficult to project how he would fare against stiffer competition …

Overall: Paul George will most likely be picked in the mid first round, due to his ability to stretch the defense with his deep range and quick release… He could be affective along side a strong point guard in the drive and dish game, as well as in transition, and can fit in nicely with teams who have big men that frequently see double teams… Strong athletes who can shoot, finish and have the potential to defend are hard to come by, and could be used by many NBA teams who lack depth at the 3 position…

Jonathan Wasserman 5/5/10

Strengths: Has great length and athleticism … Smooth player, makes plays look effortless … He has good court vision and is an excellent passer … His length combined with his release point make his jump shot difficult to contest … Can finish around the basket with finesse or power and can do so with either hand … Outstanding three point shooter, shot 44.7 percent from behind the arc as a freshman … His greatest strength may be his ability to play the game with maturity and understanding of someone well beyond his years … Allows the game come to him, does not force plays and rarely takes bad shots … He’s a good rebounder because of his length and timing, and should be even better as he adds weight to his frame … Led Fresno State as a freshman with six double-doubles … His wingspan and basketball IQ allow him to disrupt the game on the defensive end of the court … Has a tremendous basketball frame with huge wingspan and the ability to put a lot of weight on his wide shoulders … He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.0 block per game last season in the Western Athletic Conference.

Weaknesses: Listed at 6’7" 185, he’ll need to add weight in order to absorb contact at the NBA level … His first step and overall game is smooth rather than explosive, although strength should help him to become more explosive … Has a tendency to play vertical, looks stiff at times on the court … Good shooting percentages, but may need to speed up the release on his jump shot at the next level … At times he can be unselfish to a fault … Forty percent of his offensive attempts as a freshman were from the three point line, needs to become more adept at putting the ball on the floor … Playing at Fresno State, there will be some criticism about his level of competition …