NBA Comparison: Yi Jianlian

Strengths: Mason Plumlee looks the part of a physically gifted PF prospect that NBA teams covet at 6’11 235 … He’s also a great athlete, with very nice fluidity, leaping skills and explosiveness … Plumlee is a still developing offensive player, who shows flashes of being able to face-up as a triple threat and post down low … He’s a very good catch and finish player, who also is a good partner in the pick and roll game with his PG due to his athleticism and quick leaping skills … Runs the floor like a deer … Has a developing jump hook with both hands, and shows flashes of a turnaround jumper too … Good passing skills from the high post when facing the basket … Functional ball-handler who can utilize 2 straight line dribbles to get to the rim and finish if left open … Has a good first step for his size and long strides … Plays with a solid motor, and rarely watches the ball on offense and does a good job of always being in motion … Not a bad area rebounder on either end of the floor … Also shows pretty good shot-blocking skills ...

Weaknesses: Although he has nice size for the position and is physically impressive, Plumlee needs more upperbody strength … He can be ineffective against physical bigs on both ends on the floor, and seems to lack toughness and determination … Often loses battles down low on D as bigger matchups often seal on him, and he can struggle to establish post position on offense … Even though he has the tools and physique to be a face-up PF, his face-up skills need a good deal of polish all-around for him to be truly effective … His post game also needs polish, as he doesn’t read the defense very well at all and doesn’t get in and out of his counters quickly when his initial move gets cut off … Doesn’t handle help D naturally, and commits turnovers or forces shots in those instances … Doesn’t show alot in terms of instincts and awareness on the defensive end, and PF’s had their fair share of good games against him and the Duke frontline thus far in his career … Right now, Plumlee is more intrigue than production, but he does have untapped potential ...

Overall: Mason Plumlee’s physical tools, athleticism and budding skill level makes him an interesting prospect … His lack of great production, toughness, strength and defensive awareness are the main things holding him back from reaching his potential … He has time and potential on his side, as well as developing time with Duke’s staff …

Notes: Measured 6'10 (in shoes) 234 lbs, with a 6'11 wingspan at the 2011 Amare Stoudemire Skills Academy.

Jorrye Nixon 8/5/11