Nikoloz Tskitishvili > Articles

Nikoloz Tskitishvili Draft Capsule - Yahoo Sports

VITALS: 7-0, 225, Benetton Treviso (Italy)

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Rumor has some clubs, including the Clippers, who are willing to offer the Nos. 8 and 12 picks to try and trade up to No. 4 or 5 so they can nab Tskitishvili. He is the draft's hottest rising prospect, and any organization willing to wait a few years for him to develop will likely grab him.

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Dirk Nowitzki

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Raef LaFrentz, Jason Collier

ROLE PROJECTION: Key reserve, future All-Star

POSITIVES: Tskitishvili didn't get much playing time for his European pro team, but that was more a circumstance of seniority than lack of talent. Skill-wise, Tskitishvili is remarkable. He gauges his shots well for incredibly soft touch, and the NBA 3-pointer figures to be a big part of his game. Additionally, Tskitishvili has the quickness and ballhandling to create his own shot.

SHORTCOMINGS: Tskitishvili's lack of strength will probably limit his effectiveness in the NBA paint until he bulks up. He is a complete gamble largely being drafted on speculation and the fact that he is an unknown may be working in his favor. Strong shooting, even from a 7-footer, is by no means a guarantee for stardom at the next level. A player's game has to be well-rounded, and with regard to Tskitishvili, not much is known about that.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: He's the next big thing out of Europe, he's this year's (Pau) Gasol. - NBA international scout Jason Philippi