The Raptors were supposed to work out Deron Williams of Illinois but he cancelled his workout. The team brings in three other guards: Georgia Tech’s Will Bynum, John Gilchrist of Maryland and Arizona’s Salim Stoudamire.
Here’s Raptorshq.com’s breakdown of Sunday’s three prospects:
WILL BYNUM
Who is he? 6-0 senior guard from Georgia Tech.
Last Year: Averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 32 games for the Yellow Jackets.
What Can He Do? Bynum started his college career at the University of Arizona but departed the Wildcats eight games into his sophomore season. He transferred to Georgia Tech and became eligible in 2003-04.
Bynum’s primary asset is his scoring ability. He demonstrated that when he lit up North Carolina for 35 in the ACC semi-final. He is not shy about taking the ball to the hole and demonstrates an excellent finishing ability around the rim. His jumper is decent but streaky. On the other side of the ball, Bynum has shown himself to be a good perimeter defender.
The Bottom Line: The issue with Bynum is that he is too small to play 2 in the NBA. He lacks the skills to play point guard and is, thus, stuck in tweener mode. Unlike his cousin (and Sunday workout partner) Salim Stoudamire, Bynum will be in tough to get drafted.
JOHN GILCHRIST
Who is he? 6-3 junior guard from Maryland.
Last Year: Averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 28 games for the Terrapins. Almost had a triple double in a February win against Duke, scoring 19 points and adding 9 assists and 10 rebounds.
What Can He Do? Gilchrist reminds many scouts of Stephon Marbury. He is a big point guard (at 6-3, 200) and is quick and athletic. He could probably star as a running back. He can score and is also an above-average playmaker. He displayed a good mid-range game at Maryland and is a good rebounder for a guard, averaging 5.1 rebounds last season.
The issue with Gilchrist is his attitude. Coach Gary Williams basically told him not to return to Maryland and that’s never a good sign. He also needs work on his defense and his decision making before he can succeed at the next level.
The Bottom Line: Gilchrist has first-round talent. Unfortunately, he has displayed an NBDL attitude recently. He is now being projected as a second-round selection. If the Raptors decide to go with a swingman and a big in the first round, Gilchrist would be a nice addition in the second round.
SALIM STOUDAMIRE
Who is he? 6-1 senior guard from Arizona.
Last Year: Averaged 18.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 36 games for the Wildcats. Dropped 37 on Washington in the Pac-10 championship.
What Can He Do? Stoudamire is one of the best shooters to enter the draft in recent memory. He connected on 50.4% of his three-pointers last season and made 120 treys. He is mainly a spot-up shooter but has unlimited range. He is a good defender and is fairly strong for his size.
Stoudamire, unfortunately, is too small to play shooting guard in the Association. He lacks point guard skills as well, so he is a man without a position. While a great spot-up shooter, he will have trouble creating his own shot at the next level. He is not a great athlete, but should find a spot on someone’s roster because of his ability to shoot the rock.
The Bottom Line: Stoudamire is a second-rounder. He will be drafted because he does one thing exceptionally well: shoot the basketball. That will keep him gainfully employed in the Association for years, although he’ll probably never be a starter. Think he’d look good in a Raptors uniform? We do.
Saturday: Ellis, Ewing, Felton, Jack and Robinson
Friday: Diener, Kleiza, Jawad Williams and Louis Williams
Thursday: Blatche, Graham, Villanueva and Warrick
Wednesday: Garcia, Hodge, McCants and Miles
Tuesday: Battle, Homan and Taft
Friday: Gomes, Mendez, Roberts and Simien
Thursday: Doornekamp, Rothbart and Schenscher
- Jeff Chapman