2008 NBA Draft Preview: Alexis Ajinca

Alexis Ajinca is a native of Saint Etienne, France, and is currently playing professional basketball internationally for Hyeres-Toulon. Alexis is one of just a few international players that will be considered in the 2008 NBA Draft. He has only been listed as part of a few websites mock drafts and on those sites that have listed him as part of the draft he has been listed in the second round of the draft or at the very end of the first round. Alexis Ajinca has been ranked highest on collegehoopsnet.com's mock draft as No. 26 and they believe he will be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. Another, website that has included Alexis Ajinca in their prediction of the 2008 NBA draft is draftexpress.com, they have predicted that he will be chosen No. 27 and will be added to the rooster of the Hornets for the 2008-2009 NBA season.

Most of Alexis's strengths on the basketball court are because of his extreme athleticism. His shot range starts under the basket and extends to the three point line, allowing him to make high percentage shots from numerous locations. Alexis has great hand eye coordination and is extremely coordinated in general. Additionally, Alexis Ajinca exhibits great timing when playing basketball. He is also a solid passer and plays a very unselfish game. Alexis Ajinca's strengths on the basketball court have gained him attention of many NBA coaches and team owners.

There are some weaknesses in Alexis Ajinca's game. He is very skinny and needs to become stronger in order to improve all aspects of his game. He struggles immensely when playing man on man defense. His foot work is also lacking and is also just an average rebounder. Lastly, Alexis is very foul proned. These are all skills that Alexis Ajinca will need to improve upon to be successful in the NBA.