2009 NBA Draft: Best Scorers

CHN — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:49:27 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects - NBA Team Needs/Capsules - 2010 NBA Draft

2009 NBA Draft Skills Challenge: Best Scorers

While the 2009 NBA Draft isn't loaded with deadly long-range bombers, there are definitely some guys adept at getting the ball in the hoop. Blake Griffin isn't a traditional scorer from the SG or SF position, but he can score the ball in a variety of ways. Stephen Curry can light it up with the best of them, and some of our experts considered him the best scorer available, even better than the probable #1 pick. The highly efficient James Harden appears in everyone's lists, but opinion is mixed. Meanwhile, Jodie Meeks and Marcus Thornton shredded the SEC last year, but our opinions on those guys were highly scattered. Dionte Christmas, Tyrese Rice, and Jermaine Taylor were some of the less-heralded prospects given some love.

As part of our NBA Draft Skills Challenge series, CHN experts ranked the Best Scorers in the Draft. Click on player name for profile & scouting report. Our experts rankings will be updated once the official Entry list is finalized.

Jason Brubaker

1) Blake Griffin
2) Stephen Curry
3) James Harden
4) Jodie Meeks
5) Jeff Teague
6) Dionte Christmas
7) Toney Douglas
8) Chase Budinger

Jeff Fox

1) Stephen Curry
2) Jermaine Taylor
3) Jodie Meeks
4) Blake Griffin
5) Luke Harangody
6) James Harden
7) Marcus Thornton
8) Lester Hudson

Jason Hirschorn
1) Stephen Curry
2) James Harden
3) Blake Griffin
4) Jonny Flynn
5) Tyrese Rice
6) Gerald Henderson
7) Demar Derozan
8) Jeff Teague

Raphielle Johnson

1) Jodie Meeks
2) Lester Hudson
3) James Harden
4) Stephen Curry
5) Dionte Christmas
6) Blake Griffin
7) Tyrese Rice
8) Tyreke Evans

Tim Kemper

1) Blake Griffin
2) Stephen Curry
3) James Harden
4) Tyreke Evans
5) Jeff Teague
6) Ty Lawson
7) Marcus Thornton
8) Wayne Ellington

Jason Tomassini

1) Blake Griffin
2) James Harden
3) Tyreke Evans
4) Stephen Curry
5) Gerald Henderson
6) Brandon Jennings
7) Jordan Hill
8) Demar Derozan

Shawn Siegel

1) Blake Griffin
2) Stephen Curry

3) James Harden

4) Jeff Teague

5) Eric Maynor
6) Tyreke Evans

7) Marcus Thornton

8) Gerald Henderson

NBA Draft Skill Rankings

- includes top scorers, rebounders, passers, shot-blockers, and more.

Also see Top Ten Prospects by Position & Top Ten Prospects by Class & Top Ten Prospects By Age.

Marcus Thornton: NBA Draft Profile

Jeff Fox — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:29:34 -0700

Marcus Thornton

College: LSU

Class: Senior

Position: SG

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 205lbs

Accolades: Honorable Mention All-American - CHN (09), Honorable Mention All-American - AP (09), SEC Player of the Year (09), First Team All-SEC (09), Second Team All-SEC (08), First Team All-American - JuCo (07).

Scouting Report: A scoring machine.

Strengths: Big time scorer. Capable of explosive scoring outbursts - had 10 games of 30-plus points in his two seasons at LSU. Three-point range on his jumper. Efficient shooter his senior season. Quick release and good elevation on his jumper. Can hit tough shots over defenders. Good at drawing fouls and knocking down free throws. Good rebounder for his position, especially offensively. Solid build. Can post up smaller defenders. Moves well without the ball. Good at getting out on the break and finishing. Quick hands on defense.

Weaknesses: Undersized for an NBA 2-guard. Only played two years in NCAA D1 (spent first two seasons in JuCo). Takes a lot of shots. Not much of a passer/assist man. May have trouble scoring on big, quick NBA defenders.

Projected 2009 Draft Range: Late first round to early second round pick.

Consensus: It’s very easy to picture Marcus Thornton having a long NBA career as an instant offense bench player. His strong play in the NCAA tournament this year has him headed into the draft on a high note and he may sneak into the first round.

Stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=36182

NBA Draft on CollegeHoops.net

More 2009 NBA Draft Profiles

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Complete NBA Draft coverage

CHN's Six-Star Ranking System w/ 2008 Equivalents

= Superstar/All-NBA Potential - Michael Beasley

= Potential NBA All-Star - Derrick Rose

= Consistent NBA Starter - Brook Lopez

= 6th Man/Fringe Starter - Russell Westbrook

= Career Reserve - Roy Hibbert

= Fringe NBA Player/12th Man - JR Giddens

0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues - Drew Neitzel

marcus thornton

2009 NBA Draft: Best Scorers

Marcus Thornton: NBA Draft Profile