VITALS: 6-7, 196, Stanford OVERVIEW: Childress is an early-entry candidate from Stanford, where he averaged 15.7 points for the Cardinal after missing the pre-conference portion of the schedule due to a stress reaction in his left foot. Childress also led the team in rebounding at 7.5 per game and made a career-best 39.5 percent of his 3-pointers, demonstrating improvement in both areas. Childress is a terrific athlete who uses a wingspan of a 7-footer to excel on defense. The Southern California native is a former McDonald's All-American whose all-around game makes him an attractive selection. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Childress is projected as a late lottery selection. There are rumblings that Chicago (3) and Charlotte (4) are interested, but more realistically, Childress slides past them. Philadelphia (9) might be the first legitimate suitor, with Cleveland (10) and Golden State (11) not far behind. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Willie Anderson, Shane Battier COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Willie Burton, Chris Jeffries ROLE PROJECTION: Immediate starter. POSITIVES: Childress is a well-rounded player who is all the things that a swingman should be - he's athletic and good shooter, solid defender and decision-maker. Additionally, Childress' rebounding and shot-blocking prowess show that he plays bigger than he stands. He will be capable of stepping into a starting lineup right away, unlike most of the prospects in this draft, and his sound game ensures he won't be prone to making typical rookie mistakes. SHORTCOMINGS: Lacking a take-charge attitude, Childress was never a prolific scorer at the collegiate level, so there is no reason to believe he will be one in the NBA. More than anything, Childress is a glue guy, but not the type of player one can build a franchise around. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Some people are saying he'll be a top-three pick. He can really defend, really understands the game and (former Stanford and current Golden State head coach Mike) Montgomery did a great job coaching him. I know Golden State probably wished they had an earlier pick." - Memphis Grizzlies scout Rodney Heard
