Washington Wizards NBA Draft Primer 2015: The Big Men
Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Montrezl Harrell: Jr., Louisville
And now we jump across the state of Kentucky to Louisville’s Montrezl Harrell, a raging beast who spent the last two years as Louisville’s Superman. Now, like many people, I miss Trevor Booker.
He was a real joy to watch for the Washington Wizards over the past few years, especially as he drove the Chicago Bulls mad in the first round of last year’s playoffs with his perpetual hustle, brilliant athleticism and board-crashing energy. And in Utah, he even learned how to shoot threes! The Wizards ended up missing Booker way more than I expected this year.
And it’s with Trevor Booker in mind that I watch Montrezl Harrell, who has all the qualities that made Booker awesome, and more.
At 6-foot-8, he’s a bit short for a power forward, but he’s got length, terrific athleticism, and he plays bigger than his size. He’s a rim-rocker, a powerful finisher at the bucket who loves to run the floor and soars through the air like a condor. He’s got endless energy and plays as hard as he can every minute he’s out there.
These are qualities that Montrezl Harrell shares with Trevor Booker. But what separates him from our old friend?
Well, despite all his athleticism and effort, Booker was generally a shoddy defender. Harrell is much stronger than Booker and much better equipped to hold his own down low, while also being quick enough to step out on the perimeter and stay in front of guards on the pick-and-roll. He’s also a very good defensive playmaker, who really causes problems for offenses off the ball.
And while he’s still very unpolished offensively, Harrell’s really come along, especially when you compare him with where he was two years ago. Harrell’s developed a nice little midrange jumper – he’s no Kris Humphries, mind you, but it’s enough to make his bullrush drives to the basket that much more effective. If he can extend that range beyond the 3-point arc like Booker has, he could end up a double-digit scorer in the NBA.
The final verdict? Well, Trevor Booker has proven himself to be a good NBA rotation player. I think Harrell will be better. Every team needs energy guys, and Harrell brings a lot to the table. I’d love for Ernie Grunfeld to give him a look at 19.
Next: 2) Robert Upshaw