NBA Draft Profiles: Trey Thompkins, Georgia

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Stats: 16.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.7 bpg, 1.1 spg, 31.1 3PT%

Age: 21, junior

Size:

• Listed: 6'10", 240 lb
• Official: 6'8.5" (no shoes), 6'9.75" (with shoes), 7'1" (wingspan), 8'11.5" (reach), 239 lb

Strengths: Thompkins is an intriguing prospect due to his size and versatility. He's just a shade under 6'10" in shoes with a wingspan over seven feet. He has a solid, if developing, back-to-the-basket game and a soft touch around the basket, but what makes him unique is his ability to step out on the perimeter and knock down a perimeter jumper. Thompkins also is a threat as a face-up four man with a decent mid-range game. There is a lot to like about his potential as a scorer at the next level.

Weaknesses: Thompkins is, at best, an average athlete by NBA standards. He lacks vertical explosiveness and isn't going to beat anyone with his quickness. While he can make up for that offensively with his good footwork and ability to shoot from the perimeter, that lack of elite athleticism is a bigger concern on the defensive end. He will struggle to defend on the perimeter and also seems to be a bit apathetic battling in the post. He gives up position inside, something you don't like to see out of a kid with his size, and he doesn't project as a shot-blocking threat. Thompkins is also turnover prone, which, when combined with the season-long shooting slump he had in 2010-2011, makes Thompkins even more of a question mark. Conditioning is another issue, although some of that can be blamed on injuries that he battled.

Comparisons:

• Best Case Scenario: Ryan Anderson. Two players with size, physical play, great range, and limited athleticism. Very similar type games stylistically, which bodes well for Trey. He should fit in on a team that’s willing to let him play immediately like the Magic have done with Anderson. Troy Murphy is another comparison I've seen that seems to fit.


• Worst Case Scenario: Brian Cook. While Thompkins had a bit of a disappointing season shooting the ball, the shot is still there. That ability to step out on the perimeter and stretch the defense is what is going to get him drafted. But if the rest of his game doesn't come along, Thompkins is going to have a tough time finding a permanent role in the league.

Outlook: Thompkins had a stellar sophomore season, one that had him mentioned as a potential Preseason Player of the Year in the SEC and projected as a mid-first rounder, possibly even a lottery pick. But a high-ankle sprain late in the preseason forced him to miss the first three games of the year and may have bothered him for much of the first half of the season. As a result, his production, his efficiency, and (most importantly) his shooting percentages all dropped from his sophomore to junior season, and thus the hype that Thompkins had coming into the season dulled. There are a myriad of question marks surrounding Thompkins, but two really stand out. The biggest issue is going to be his conditioning and, to steal a phrase from Jimmy Dykes, his 'want-to'. Throughout his collegiate career, Thompkins had some pudge on him. Dropping 10 pounds and streamlining his body likely wouldn't hurt him from a strength standpoint, but it could help his explosiveness and athleticism, an area that he is lacking. Getting into better shape might allow him to play harder during the course of a game, as he seemed to tire during the season, at times catching his breath on the defensive end of the floor. The other issue is that Thompkins does a lot well, but he doesn't have a singular, NBA ready talent. The one skill that was arguable -- his perimeter shooting -- took a major hit this year.

Draft Range: Late 1st to Early 2nd

And the experts say...

• Chad Ford: "A smooth, versatile forward who can play both inside and out, Thompkins never quite bounced back from an offseason injury -- his numbers were down across the board. If he did one thing at an elite level, he'd be a lottery pick. More likely, he goes late in the first round."


• Draft Express: "Overall, Thompkins still has some intriguing qualities with his high skill level for a big man and his potential as a scorer on the block. His shooting woes have been disappointing though, and he'll need to prove through the end of the season or in workouts that he's a much better shooter than what we've seen from his so far this season. Big men with his feel, touch, and skill level aren't easy to come by, but the questions about his motor and consistency will have to be looked into deeper by teams to find out whether or not he's a guy who will ever reach his full potential."


• Swish Scout: "Developing post player with a legit inside-out game and instinctive defensive playmaking skills with his solid size and length. Thompkins is limited by athleticism, a raw back to basket game, and turnover problems prevent him from being an elite prospect."

Highlights: