CSNPhilly.com will provide position previews each week leading up to the NBA draft on June 27, ranking the top five prospects at each position. We've already covered point guards and shooting guards. We continue today with small forwards.
1. Otto Porter, 6-9/200, Georgetown
Porter is cut from the same cloth as other Georgetown big men who have played for John Thompson III (Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, Greg Monroe) in that he understands the game and is an outstanding passer. He has a well-rounded offensive repertoire, and his athleticism and unselfishness will play well at the next level. Porter was named the Big East Player of the Year after leading Georgetown to 25 wins by averaging 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals as a sophomore. He can also step out and knock down the perimeter jump shot -- he connected on better than 42 percent of his three-point attempts last season. Porter will be a top-five pick, potentially going as high as No. 3 to the Wizards.
2. Anthony Bennett, 6-8/240, UNLV
There has been a lot of discussion on whether Bennett will play small forward or power forward in the NBA. I view him as more of a small forward due to his solid perimeter game. Bennett will have no trouble scoring in the pro game -- he's effective on the block as well as shooting the 18-foot jumper. He displayed that versatility during his lone collegiate season, averaging 16.1 points and 8.1 while shooting over 37 percent from three-point range. The concern with Bennett is his ability to guard quicker small forwards on the perimeter, but his offensive capabilities make him a likely top-five pick.
3. Shabazz Muhammad, 6-6/200, UCLA
I'm not a big Muhammad fan whatsoever and would be hesitant to spend a first-round pick on him due to his questionable character. The "selfish" and "unmotivated" labels suit him well. But someone will fall in love with his ability and decide he's the best fit with their roster. Muhammad is talented -- he was the top-rated prospect coming out of high school a year ago and he put up good numbers at UCLA. I just don't think he's a guy you win with in the NBA. He's a borderline lottery pick -- look for him to be selected anywhere from 10th to 18th.
4. Sergey Karasev, 6-7/200, Russia
Karasev's stock has been on the rise in recent weeks. He returned to Russia and plans to stay there until the draft, leading many to believe that he has received a "promise" from a team in the No. 15 to No. 22 range. It's easy to see why he's appealing to teams selecting in the middle of the first round. Like most international prospects, he's very polished offensively. However, his toughness and defensive ability are the biggest question marks. Karasev doesn't turn 20 until October, so bank on his potential landing him just outside of the lottery.
5. DeShaun Thomas, 6-6/200, Ohio State
Thomas had a terrific three years at Ohio State, culminating in his junior season when he averaged 19.8 points and just under six rebounds. He is one of the best shooters in the draft and has loads of big-game experience from his college career. Thomas lacks high-level athleticism and is regarded as a below-average defender. I envision a good team snatching him up late in the first round and finding a spot for him in the rotation. Think Draymond Green last year with the Warriors. Thomas is the same kind of prospect, right down to his Big 10 pedigree.
Sleeper: C.J. Leslie, 6-9/200, N.C. State
Leslie has tons of ability but didn't come to play every night last season at N.C. State. If he's motivated, he has the potential to be a steal in the late first round or early second round.