NBA Draft Prospects: Ed Davis, UNC

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Stats: 12.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 57.8% FG

Size:

• Listed: 6'9", 215 lb, 21 yrs old
  
• Combine: 6'9 3/4" (with shoes), 227 lb, 7'0" (wingspan)

About Him: After a freshman season that saw Davis put together some impressive performances as the sixth man for a national title winning UNC team, there were some lofty expectations for the youngster coming into the 2010 season. An up-and-down year ended when Davis broke his wrist in February, and after a bit of speculation regarding his draft status, Davis decided to turn pro.

Davis has quite a bit of upside, but as a player he is still quite raw. Athletically, Davis is quite impressive. Almost 6'10" in shoes, he's capable of getting out and running the floor. He is quite explosive as well, sporting a 36" max vert. Combine that with his solid wingspan, and Davis has the tools to be an effective pro.

The problem is that Davis currently has no idea how to use those tools. Despite being as athletically gifted as he is, Davis isn't all that coordinated. He moves well when running end to end, but he isn't great when he is forced to get into a defensive stance or make a move in the post or on the perimeter. And while he has a frame that looks like it can hold quite a bit of strength and weight -- broad shoulders, long arms, etc. -- it is going to be a while before he fills outs. This becomes an issue in the post defensively. Far too often, Davis gave up good post position to an offensive player.

As a player, Davis does a couple of things really well. For starters, his length and athleticism allow him to be an excellent target and finisher around the rim. The majority of his points the last two seasons came as a result of finishing off offensive rebounds or dump-offs around the basket. He's also a very good shot-blocker and rebounder, showing an understanding of helpside defense and the discipline not to bite on a shot fake. On the glass, he is active -- on both ends of the floor -- and has the ability to go and get rebounds out of his area. As he improves his strength, and thus his ability to box out, Davis could turn into a very good rebounder at the next level.

Offensively, Davis is still quite raw. His back-to-the-basket game consists almost solely of a left-handed jump hook, which is actually quite effective. Beyond that, however, he looks weak and mechanical when attempting anything more complicated or advanced. His perimeter game is non-existant. According to Draft Express, Davis took four jump shots all season long. He has almost no ball-handling ability, and is not much of a passer. In other words, he has a long way to go before he would be considered an offensive threat in the NBA.

Comparison:

• Best Case Scenario: The comparison I've seen the most of lat has been Al Horford. I think Davis is a little more athletic, while Horford definitely has more strength than Davis, but it Horford is a pretty good best case scenario. A rebounder and shot-blocker that can get you 12-15 ppg.
  
• Worst Case Scenario: The other comparison I've seen quite a bit is another former Tar Heel, Brandan Wright. Both long, slender athletes that left school quite raw offensively. Wright averaged 8 points and 4 boards for the Warriors this year. If his offensive never comes around and Davis spends time in the weight room, a career path along the line of Dale Davis isn't out of the question either.
  

Outlook: Davis has a long way to go. Any team that drafts him will need to realize that it is quite possible that Davis won't be ready to contribute to an NBA team for two or three years. He needs to fill out and he needs to develop his offensive arsenal. That said, at the very least Davis should be able to be a rebounder and a shot blocker at the next level. One of the bigger questions regarding Davis is whether he can play the power forward position. If he can, which would require him developing his perimeter game on both ends of the floor, than he probably has a better chance of carving himself out an NBA career.

Highlights: