VITALS: 7-5, 260, Varese (Italy) OVERVIEW: Podkolzine is the greatest enigma in the draft. The Russian center declared for the draft last season, but withdrew. This came despite an outstanding private workout in front of NBA teams, many of which felt Podkolzine was a lottery pick. Podkolzine completed his second season with Varese of the Italian League and saw limited minutes. However, the workout he put forth last year still sticks as the major reference point to his game. Although opinion is varied, the 19-year-old has major potential. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Nos. 5-14. Podkolzine truly could go anywhere in that range. There are a number of good prospects he is competing for position with, most of whom figure to be able to contribute far sooner. However, given the lack of center talent in this draft, Podkolzine is the first player a team would have to look at to fill that need. Washington (5), Phoenix (7), Golden State (11), Seattle (12) and Utah (14) are the leading candidates. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Yao Ming COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Mark Eaton ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve, future starter POSITIVES: Podkolzine is extremely mobile and skilled for a 7-5, 260-pound big man. He can shoot and dribble, and owns a strong, tone body. Players with tools like that come along only once in a generation. In the NBA, Podkolzine has the potential to turn into a good scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. With so few good centers in the league nowadays, his services are at a premium. SHORTCOMINGS: At just 19 and having had little playing time in Europe, Podkolzine is nowhere near ready to contribute in the NBA. His understanding of the game is terrible and his low-post game needs a lot of work. Whichever club obtains him will have a lot of hand-holding to do during his first few seasons. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's hulky. Has nice hands, pretty good agility and good hand-eye coordination, which gives you an idea that maybe he can pan out after a few years." - Charlotte Bobcats director of international scouting Tim Shea
