NBA Draft Profile: Jarnell Stokes

Jarnell Stokes, a junior PF from Tennessee, declared for the NBA Draft Friday. He is projected by many to be a second-round draft pick. Stokes stands 6'8", 260 lbs and averaged 15.1 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game last year as a Vol.

The Good:
Stokes was second in the nation in double-doubles last year at Tennessee, finishing only behind freshman phenom Julius Randle. Stokes finished 8th in the nation in rebounding, and led all major conference players in the same category. Stokes boasts an old mans post game: He will catch the ball posting up on his defenders, and try to shake his defender on the way to a basket. This is usually effective, and he is a good finisher at the rim. He has also drastically finished his free-throw stroke from 56.9% to 69.6%. Stokes has also developed a nice 15-foot jump shot, but he does most of his work on the offensive boards and the post.

The Bad:

The NBA today is overran with hyper-athletic big men, like the Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) and Andre Drummond (0). Athleticism is one of Jarnell Stokes' major weaknesses. He is slow, not a strong jumper, and struggles with stamina. He will have to jump much higher and run much faster at the NBA Combine to prove scouts different. Stokes, at only 6'8", cannot get away with an under-the-rim game in the NBA against players like the Pistons' front line. Many NBA forwards today also have developed jumpers. Stokes has a decent mid-range shot, but his three-point game is non-existent. His under-the-rim game and weak jumper will not get him good scoring looks, and his slowness is also a concern if he faces a power forward that can drive from the perimeter. Stokes' free-throw shot is still not as good as a power forward's should be.

The Low-down:
Stokes is a strong power forward who can bruise down low and rebound well. He is also only twenty, which leaves plenty of room for improvement. Stokes has a good jump shot, and hopefully should be able to punish defenses if they decide to leave him open. His athletisism is somewhat a concern, but he hopefully can overcome that obstacle.

Pro Comparison:
Poor man's Al Jefferson

Draft Slot:
Very Late First Round- Anywhere in Second Round