Ellenson will be first MU player drafted in the first round since Jimmy Butler in 2011 (Meredith Gillespie/meredith.gillespie@mu.edu)
There’s no question that Henry Ellenson will be selected in tonight’s NBA Draft. The mystery is where he’ll end up. Here’s where NBA and NCAA pundits have him going.
Updated: June 23
Ellenson may not fall this far on draft night—Toronto, Milwaukee, Denver, and Phoenix will all be tempted—but if he does, it’s hard to imagine he slips past Detroit. He’s a perfect stretch–four for Stan Van Gundy, with the potential to play next to Andre Drummond or come off the bench as a stretch–five while Drummond sits. His defense will be a work in progress, but this low in the draft, his size and skill would be a steal.
Updated: June 23
Gary Parrish, CBS Sports: 9th overall to Toronto Raptors
Updated: June 22
Updated: June 14
Updated: June 22
With Phoenix’s second pick in the first round, I have a feeling that they will add another power forward to go along with Marquese Chriss. Ellenson will likely be able to step in right away and help out with his ability to rebound and score the basketball. He’s also an improving shooter and should be able to hit the 3-pointer at the next level.
Updated: June 23
Henry Ellenson gives the Indiana Pacers a stretch 4 and some depth behind Myles Turner.
He could be viewed as the best available player, given his 6’11 ½” size, ball skills, shooting stroke and rebounding presence. Below-average athleticism knocks him out of the lottery.
He doesn’t project as a defensive asset, but at No. 20, the Pacers aren’t nitpicking. His offensive versatility is tailor-made for today’s power forward position.
Updated: June 22
The Hawks consider Ellenson a top-10 talent. With the uncertainty of re-signing Al Horford, a big who can slide between power forward and center would be an asset.
Updated: June 22
His versatility as an offensive threat may help the Bulls. He can be a stretch four and he has a nice low-post game.
Updated: June 22
The Raptors need a power forward and the 19-year-old is a perfect fit.
Updated: June 23
Big men are at a premium. Especially ones as skilled as the double-double threat Ellenson. Post up in the 6ix. Has a ring to it (cc: Drake).
Updated: June 22
There was a report early this year that in 2015 the Cavs considered trading Kevin Love to the Suns. Well, that didn’t happen. But the Suns can get the next best thing in Ellenson, who’s like a poor man’s Love.
Updated: June 23
Updated: June 23
Updated: June 23
Ellenson has the potential to play both the power forward and center positions at 7-0, which makes him very attractive to teams who need rebounding, scoring and potentially outside shooting. His poor shooting percentage is viewed as an anomaly, and that’s mostly due to the fact that his shooting mechanics are very good. If he doesn’t develop into the shooter teams hope he can be, he likely won’t be around the league very long.