Scouts' Take: UNC forward John Henson

This is the fourth in a series of evaluations of players who might be available to the 76ers when they make the 15th overall selection in the NBA Draft on June 28. Included are the views of two scouts, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.

John Henson, Forward
North Carolina, 6-10/216

The raw numbers
Averaged 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season at UNC, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 51.1 percent at the foul line. In three years at Carolina, he scored at a 10.3 point-per-game clip, while averaging 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. Shot 49.7 percent from the field for his career, and just 48.3 percent at the line.

The upside
Would give the Sixers the shotblocker they lack, and could run the floor unlike any big man they currently have on their roster.

The downside
Very skinny, and could get bullied in the post. His shooting in general, and his free throw shooting in particular, are cause for concern.

The scouts’ take
Scout One: “He’s a really good, long shot-blocking guy. I think his offensive game is not broken. He can help somebody. High-character guy. He’ll go in the lottery, somewhere in there. But I think over time, unless he really develops his body, he’s going to be a specialist. He’ll be a shotblocker.”

Scout Two: “Odd game, but pretty effective. Very long and thin, obviously. Big hands, athletic. Can really block shots, and can rebound. The guy can really rebound. And I think he’s a much, much improved shooter. As a freshman and sophomore he didn’t make many shots at all, and was a terrible free throw shooter. But his shot looks better. He’s making more shots. His free throw shot is improved. Does everything in the world with his left hand, except shoot free throws. So he’s a little unorthodox. The concern is, he’s so slight. Can he defend power guys in our league? When you’re guarding strong guys in college, they might be 6-7. The power guys in our league are 6-10, 250-260. They’re just going to back him under the rim. But he can succeed as a weakside shot-blocker and runner. And the kid can pass the ball.”

Gordie Jones is an award-winning journalist who has worked in the Philadelphia market for 29 years. He also co-authored a book about the 76ers' 1982-83 championship team with former Sixers general manager Pat Williams.