VITALS: 6-2, 185, Dijon (France) OVERVIEW: Morlende is a French point guard who spent five seasons playing professionally for Dijon in the French league. A converted shooting guard, Morlende turned in a fine season in 2001-02, his first as a starter. Morlende shot well from beyond the arc that season at 39 percent and averaged 10.8 points in 24 minutes per game. Last season, Morlende was more aggressive on offense, averaging 14.4 points. He was set to play with Virtus Bologna in Italy before becoming injured and returning to Dijon to play 15 games. The 22-year-old Morlende is still learning the nuances of the point guard position since he has played it for just two years. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Bobby Jackson COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: James Robinson ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve. POSITIVES: Morlende possesses solid size for a point guard. He owns solid quickness and an even better outside shot. He pushes the tempo, and thrives in the open court, despite being a good scorer in a half-court setting as well. He also is an excellent free-throw shooter. SHORTCOMINGS: Morlende is your classic shooting guard in a point guard's body. He will have to make the transition to the playmaking position in the NBA, although he spent a lot of time at that spot with his team in France over the last two seasons. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's not the next Tony Parker, but Morlende is a capable combo guard who is athletic and quick." - NBA draft guide contributing writer Jed Tai
