Scouting Reports

[bullsfan009]

I've had trouble finding NBA player scouting reports on the web. The best I've seen are at hoopshype.com, but they only seem to talk about what they want to talk about- they don't address all the areas of a good scouting report like shooting, range, handles, defense, rebounding, etc. So I'm going to ask you experts for some brief scouting reports on any of the following players, please:


DWIGHT HOWARD

BENO UDRIH

DESMOND MASON

CHRIS BOSH

CHRIS KAMAN

[Indy]

I'll do Desmond Mason and Dwight Howard for you later, but why?

[bullsfan009]

Thanks Indy. It's for my Live 2000 game, to edit the ratings, and also know to play best with these guys. (among other things, i'm interested in how Howard & Mason's jumpers are, what kind of range they have, & how often they shoot...

[Indy]

Desmond Mason- 6'5", 222.

Position: G/F

College: Oklahoma State (2000)

Desmond Mason has been in the league sine he was drafted in 2000 by the Seattle Sonics. He was traded from the Sonics with Gary Payton to the Milwaukee Bucks for Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie and Ronald Murray.

Strengths- He is an exlplosive scorer with a great 1st step, he can beat you and then throw a massive dunk down on your center..... Pretty good free-throw shooter, he shoots a career average of 79% but is improving, he broke the 80% mark this past season...... he can always find ways to score even though he isn't a good outside shooter....... Has been a good rebounder in the past but his rebounding numbers have gone down in the last few seasons, he averaged 6.7 rebounds in the 02-03 season but last season averaged just 3.9...... his scoring has improved every season he has been in the league, will probably continue to get better, he had his best scoring season last year averaging 17.2 points a game, a 3 point improvement over last year...... has good size..... his midrange game is decent but has room for improvement

Weaknesses- Not a good 3 point shooter, although he doesn't take them very often he can be indludged in to shooting them every once in a while, shoots a career percentage of 26% from 3..... Not a good defender, when defending good perimiter scorers can often be beat off the dribble or shot over if he has been beaten many times that game and he is paying more attention to the drive....... not aggressive enough on the defensive end...... needs to get his rebounding numbers back up to where they were.

I'll do a Dwight Howard for you later.

[bullsfan009]

wow that's really good Indy, exactly what I wanted. I'm surprised- hoopshype calls Mason a "fierce" defender

I'm looking forward to the Howard.

Also, what do you think of James Jones, one of your beloved Pacers? I saw him a few times on TV and he impressed me... (just your opinion here, doesn't need to be a scouting report )

[Indy]

I love JJ, hes an excellent outside shooter and he was a steal. I'm glad we have him.

[bullsfan009]

Yeah the Pacers were really impressive last year. With Stephen Jackson ready to take the 2 to replace Reggie & Artest at the 3, they should be a real contender next year. Watch out for my Bulls though- you might run into a brick wall called BEN GORDON next year in the playoffs

[maes]

He's a good interior defender, but the SG/SF position is mainly outside shooting. He's a below average perimeter defender, his opponents average a eFG% of .502 which is too high.

By "fierce" i suppose they mean he hustles, which he is known for.

Some stats for his opponent counterpart if you're interested:

http://82games.com/04MIL9C.HTM

[BOSS]

Chris Bosh

Strengths: Great inside outside player. Few are blessed with his athletic prowess. Plays with a good amount of aggresiveness, but doesn't get out of control or lose his composure easily. Appears "Garnett-esque" because of his long frame and amazing fluidity. Runs the floor exceptionally well. Doesn't have the perimeter skills of Garnett, namely shooting, but appears to like playing in the post more so than Garnett and could end up filling out into more of a dominating post player. Has great ball handling skills and really can pass the ball. Has some developed post moves and an advanced offensive game for a 19 year old. Can even step out to three point land and hit a few long range shots. Understands the game well, doesn't make unnecessary moves, uses the drop step and jump hook effectively. Because of his long arms, timing, and explosiveness, he is an excellent shot blocker. The team even goes to him to bring the ball up the court at times as a point forward.

Weaknesses: Still weak physically. Needs time to develop into his body. Must bulk up and add strength to handle the power of NBA players. Still has problems with consistency but that can be expected from a young player. Needs better stamina, mental toughness. He can lose focus towards the end of games.

From NBADRAFT

[bullsfan009]

maes- thanks, that's a great site, I didn't know about it. Are there any sites that tell how often a player shoots from certain distances on the floor? Like what % of their shots are 3s, midrange jumpers, and inside drives?

CB4- this is how I think of Bosh, thanks. He's definitely up-and-coming in the league. Too bad the Raptors franchise appears to be in shambles...