JaVale McGee SELECTED BY: Washington Wizards, Round 1(18)

SI Rank 6 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Possibly has the biggest upside for growth of any player in this draft. After playing behind Western Athletic Conference player of the year Nick Fazekas as a freshman in 2006-07, McGee had a breakout season in 2007-08 and many believe his game will continue to develop. McGee averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, a league-high 2.8 blocks and was picked to the all-WAC second team and all-defensive team. Displayed thunderous dunks on one end of the court and was a physical defender on the other end. He also has a solid midrange jumper and nice touch for a big man, connecting on 33.3 percent of his shots from beyond 3-point range (14-for-42). One NBA scout said McGee's skill set is 70 percent better than most NBA guys who have a job today. McGee has a large frame and wingspan, and has the physical attributes to become a force in the NBA. He'll need to gain some weight and strength, but that shouldn't be a problem. McGee is still developing physically, as he grew two inches in his two years at Nevada. His free throw shooting is the only other major concern. Despite having a nice stroke away from the basket, McGee shot just 52.5 percent from the free throw line. He also comes from a strong basketball lineage. His father, George Montgomery, went to the University of Illinois and was drafted by Portland in 1985 and his mother, Pam McGee, led Southern California to NCAA titles in 1983 and '84. McGee was on many draft boards as a possible top five pick in 2009, but decided to forego his next two years of eligibility and enter the NBA draft this year. He is a mid first-round pick and could move up and be a lottery selection.