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2015 NBA Draft: 4 prospects due to climb draft boards

By Brett David Roberts

Jan 22, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) blocks an attempt by Colorado Buffaloes guard Askia Booker (0) in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 52-50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) blocks an attempt by Colorado Buffaloes guard Askia Booker (0) in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 52-50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bobby Portis, C, Arkansas

Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) moves against Wofford Terriers forward Lee Skinner (34) in the first half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) moves against Wofford Terriers forward Lee Skinner (34) in the first half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Bobby Portis is expected to be a mid-first round pick. However, he offers great length that cannot be taught as a 6-foot-11 forward who can hit the glass on both ends of the court and finishes well on the interior.

Portis is well-suited to be an NBA power forward and apparently he is still growing, as he is more than an inch taller than when he enrolled at Arkansas a couple seasons ago. He could become a 7-foot power forward, and given his 245-pound frame, that would give a team a nice edge to have a guy with the capability of playing both post spots more than adequately.

What Portis lacks, however, is outstanding athleticism. He makes up for it with his ball skills, but he is not really a big back to the basket guy either.

Portis has some work to put in, and a lot of development to undergo. But that is often the case with 20-year-old prospects, and the old dictum “size cannot be taught” continues to apply to Portis.

With Bobby, it may not be a case of his stock rising, but more to the point if a team decides to reach on him due to being impressed by his workouts.

Make no mistake, he can impress. It will not come by jaw-dropping dunks and displays of athleticism, but he is a smart player and his instincts are good. There is a good possibility he rises from the mid-first round into the late lottery.

Next: A bargain shot pinner?