NBA Draft 2012 Prospect Profile: Arnett Moultrie

Orlando Pinstriped Post turns its attention to the 2012 NBA Draft with a look at mid-tier draft prospects who might be available when the Orlando Magic select 19th overall. Previously in the series: Meyers Leonard and Terrence Jones.

Arnett Moultrie is an interesting prospect: a combo forward for much of his college career, he has the body of an NBA power forward or center. Moultrie dominated the SEC as a senior, ranking second in the conference in scoring (16.4 per game) and first in rebounding (10.5). In addition, he shot 54.9 percent from the floor and an impressive 78 percent from the foul line.

Joe Treutlein of DraftExpress notes Moultrie made great progress defensively as his college career wore on, but, disconcertingly, he's still not a factor as a shot-blocker. Despite his size--he's listed at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds--Moultrie didn't even manage one block per game for Mississippi State, playing nearly 36 minutes per contest.

There's also some question as to how Moultrie's game will translate to the NBA, as he did his best work with his back to the basket when he was able to simply overwhelm his smaller, lighter opponents, according to Treutlein. He won't have those physical advantages against most NBA defenders.

Why he fits for Orlando:
The Magic's frontline needs an infusion of athleticism. Apart from Dwight Howard, Earl Clark is Orlando's only athletically gifted big-man, and he's such an offensive liability that it's difficult to play him rotation minutes. Moultrie, with his put-back skills, figures to be a more valuable offensive player than Clark.

Why he's not a fit for Orlando:
As the Magic still have Dwight Howard and Glen Davis, and could retain restricted free agent Ryan Anderson, the power positions are arguably Orlando's strongest. Moultrie can't help Orlando's deficiencies on the wings or at the point. Further, as he'll turn 22 in November, Moultrie doesn't have nearly as much room to grow as some other prospects who might be available.

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