Scout's Take

On Grizzlies rookie Shane Battier, who through Sunday was averaging 14.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.70 steals:

There were questions about his athleticism before the draft, but not now. He's a 6'8" shooting guard who knows how to use pump fakes and the threat of the three-point shot to create space against quicker defenders, and he can post them up if necessary. He came into the NBA not afraid to take the big shot, something a lot of other guys won't do for years. He wants to play defense, and he doesn't give up on a play. Here's how I look at it: If you draft a high school kid, you may get one good season out of his four-year rookie contract. With Battier you're going to get four good years.