LIVE DRAFT BLOG: Hawks have a few hours to wait (UPDATE: Hawks expected to get Jordan Crawford in trade)

OK … so much for that. Damion James, a senior from Texas is the pick. 6-7 small forward. So much for Crawford. Here’s the breakdown from NBADRAFT.NET

Strengths: Well-built forward oozing with athleticism and agility … Exhibits superb fluidity of movement, running the floor like a guard (3.09 sprint at pre-draft combine) and quick to the basketball. Has been a rebounding machine since the moment he took the court for Texas … Possesses a 37 inch vertical leap, 7 foot wingspan and pursues every board relentlessly … Very quick off his feet on multiple jumps … He has taken his ferocious rebounding to another level through sixteen games as a Senior, averaging 11.2 per game … His scoring average has seen significant growth each season, from 8 ppg as a freshman to 17 ppg as a senior … The staple of his offensive game is the mid-range jumper … Takes a few power dribbles to his right or left and gets great lift on his shot … Combined with a high release, his jumper is virtually unblockable … Prefers to face up opponents in the post and elevate over the top … Displays range out to the college three, shooting 41% as a sophomore, 33% as a junior and 36% as a senior … In constant motion on the offensive end looking for openings and easy buckets … Shooting an efficient 48% from the field throughout his four years … Explosive finisher at the rim … Displays a great set of hands, retrieving even errant deliveries … If he gets his hands on the ball, he doesn’t let it go … Plays with an extremely high motor on the defensive end … Averages a steal and block per game for his career … Has the strength and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions.

Weaknesses: Lacks a clearly defined position at the next level, but is so talented he is a “player” and will find a role regardless … Ball handling needs further development. Appears very insecure when putting the ball on the deck. Rarely attacks all the way to the cup when being guarded. Dribbles with his head down … Off the bounce moves are very methodical, more concerned with maintaining the dribble than getting by the defender … His first step is hampered by lack of handle, restricting his ability to create shots for himself and others … Needs to find more consistency with his jump shot, although this is an area which has shown improvement … He’s worked hard on his mechanics, but still a work in progress. Guide (left) hand falls off the ball too early on his shot, making it a little unnatural … Doesn’t possess a shooters touch. Settles for too many long range shots, out of his comfort range … Shot selection is questionable. Free throw shooting is a major drawback of his game … Has failed to reach the 70% plateau in any season, with a career 63% … For an aggressive player, this is not up to par. While his scoring numbers have continued to accumulate, he is still not a primary offensive option … He has benefited off the greatness of Kevin Durant, D.J. Augustin and a loaded 2009-2010 roster … Fits the mold of a complimentary player, but not a go to guy. Although he’s taken over the role this year for the Longhorns … At 6′7 225 lacks the perimeter skills (ball handling and passing) to be a true NBA wing man, and lacks the size to defend the 4 position.

I’m guessing some of are not happy. Thoughts?

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