This is the fifth in a series of evaluations of players who might be available to the 76ers when they make the 15th overall selection in the NBA Draft on June 28. Included are the views of two scouts, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
Perry Jones III, Center, Baylor, 6-11234
The raw numbers
Averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 2011-12, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 69.6 at the foul line. In two years at Baylor, the numbers were 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, on 52.2-percent shooting from the field and 67.8-percent foul-line accuracy. Only had 47 blocked shots in 63 games, though.
The upside
As skilled as any big man in this draftso much so that he could go in the lottery, to Detroit at No. 9, Milwaukee at No. 12 or Houston at No. 14.
The downside
Does he want to be great? Will he work toward that? Those are the questions in the minds of many, and the reason his stock has fallen since last year.
The scouts take
Scout One: "Theres not much you can say about the kid that hasnt been said a million times. He has all the physical gifts, but he has not been able to put together a consistent approach to the game. If somebody can figure out how to transform him, good luck. Hes definitely as gifted as any player. His physical gifts are off the charts. I would think he goes before (No. 15), but if he were there, I would think Philly would snap him up, and Doug (Collins) would go to work on him."
Scout Two: "Hes kind of the enigma of the group. Hes as gifted as anybody that plays. Hes a freak athlete. His body fat in Chicago (at the pre-draft camp) was, I think, 4.5 percent. Jumps out of the gym. But doesnt have anything to hang his hat on. He makes some shots. Hes got a little post game. He can dribble a little bit. He can pass a little bit. He rebounds some. But as athletic as he is, you look at the film and say, 'Why dont you get 12 rebounds and three blocks every night at Baylor?' That might not translate to the NBA, but youve got to get nine or 10 rebounds a night in college, with that quick second jump and all that kind of stuff. Hes really sexy, but is he going to tease us? Hell never fail, but hell leave you wanting more. Maybe the light goes on for Doug, or maybe the light goes on if hes drafted in Detroit. Or maybe hes the guy he is: 'Aw, man, I should have done more.'"
NBA
Previous scouts' takes: Austin RiversTyler ZellerJohn HensonArnett Moultrie
Gordie Jones is an award-winning journalist who has worked in the Philadelphia market for 29 years. He also co-authored a book about the 76ers' 1982-83 championship team with former Sixers general manager Pat Williams.