Editor's note: This is the eighth in a series examining top prospects in the NBA Draft. Profiles are based on conversations with NBA general managers and scouts.
There are positives: Jared Sullinger has soft hands, a great feel for the game and an ability to power his way through taller defenders to find a way to score. He’s strong, smart, a throwback and mostly a winner.
But there are question marks, too: Sullinger isn’t athletic enough, lacks explosiveness, is glued to the low post and is too small (6-foot-9) to play his style in the NBA.
So what’s the truth about the big man from Ohio State?
“Well, it’s likely somewhere in between,” one NBA GM said. “I think he’s probably a little better in some areas than people give him credit for, and maybe not as good in some other areas. His physical skills are average, but he knows how to play in the low post in spite of it. So, make of that what you will.”
As far as Sullinger’s overall offense, the scouting website DraftExpress.com put it this way:
“Where he's even more dangerous is in the mid-to-high post, where he sees a large amount of isolation plays in Ohio State's offense every game. Sullinger can put ball on the floor effectively and attack his matchup in a straight line off one or two dribbles, being very difficult to contain thanks to his strength and aggressiveness.
“Sullinger bounces off opponents and can make difficult shots on the move thanks to his excellent touch, at times using the glass. This is a part of his game that should translate very nicely to the NBA level.”
All is true, but Sullinger is no longer at Ohio State or in the Big Ten, where most defenders were about his height.
Instead, he’ll soon be in the pros – where nearly everyone is big, strong, athletic and a former college star. With names such as Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Chris Bosh, it could be argued that power forward is the most talented position in the NBA.
Like most everyone else, just how well Sullinger fares will be determined during upcoming individual workout sessions and the Chicago draft combine in early June.
“I don’t think anyone really knows right now,” one scout said. “All we can go on is how he looked in the Big Ten, and right now, I’d have to say that’s pretty good. Honestly, the biggest question is probably what type of upside he has. That will go a long way in determining where he gets drafted.”
The scout predicted that Sullinger could be selected anywhere from sixth to 15th overall, making his status the biggest mystery of anyone entering the draft.
“There are a lot of questions, but I have a feeling we’re going to like the answers,” said one GM. “We already know he’s intelligent and tough, and those two things alone can carry you far in this league, even if you have nothing else to offer. But again, I think Sullinger does.”
Jared Sullinger File
Height: 6-9
Weight: 280 pounds
Position: Power forward
Date of birth: 3-4-1992 (20 years old)
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: Northland
College: Ohio State
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
