Nikola Pekovic SELECTED BY: Minnesota Timberwolves, Round 2(1)

SI Rank 4 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Pekovic is one of the best centers and top overall prospects in Europe, but his lack of interest in coming overseas to play in the NBA, as well as a new deal with a Greek League team, may knock him down draft boards. He played for Partizan during the last three Euroleague seasons, averaging 16.4 points and 6.9 rebounds in 23 games in 2007-08. Pekovic led his team to three Serbia League championships as well as two Adriatic League championships. Following the end of the 2007-08 season, in which he was named MVP of the Adriatic League Final Four, Pekovic signed a three-year deal with Panathinaikos - a Greek powerhouse team. Pekovic has an efficient mid-range jumper, but is most productive around the basket, where he uses his size and strength to get easy shots. He was a 58.4-percent shooter from the field and a 77.3-percent shooter from the free-throw line this season. Although he could stand to put on an additional 10-15 pounds, Pekovic is already able to work his body well in the paint, making up for average athleticism and some poor ball-handling skills (2.1 turnovers per game). Pekovic has said several times he does not like the NBA and his new European deal means he won't be available for a few years, which may scare teams from picking him in the first round, if at all.