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After a strong junior season and another improbable run to the Final Four, Butler star Shelvin Mack was left in the difficult position of deciding between his senior year or the allure of the NBA. He chose professional basketball. As we detailed several weeks ago while the 6-foot-3 guard was still mulling his decision, the biggest question mark surrounding Mack's game is his ability to play the point at the professional level. Thus far in individual workouts, it appears as though that has been the case.
Following a strong effort in front of Knick's executives on Monday, Mack turned in another solid outing in Washington today in front of members of the Wizards front office. A year after selecting a franchise player in point guard John Wall, would Washington take a flood general again in 2011? The team owns the 6th, 18th and 34th picks overall, meaning wouldn't even be considered until their second-round selection was up, but at that point it's a definite possibility. Wall is the only true point guard under contract for next season and early reports indicate that organization wouldn't be opposed to drafting another.
Mack's projected draft position varies widely in many mock drafts, but he won't be a consideration for the Wizards at No. 6 or 18. Washington's other pick is 34th, and there's a possibility Mack lasts that long, although some mock drafts have him going late in the first round. At 6 feet 3, Mack would be an undersized NBA guard, but the Wizards certainly are in need of depth in the back court, and Mack said he and John Wall, last year's top overall selection for Washington, already know one another well. The Wizards also could use a winning disposition in the locker room after years of being relegated to the draft lottery.
Via Gene Wang, Washington Post
Currently Mack is projected to go anywhere from the middle to the second round to as high as the back end of the first round depending on which mock draft you happen to be looking at, so Washington at No. 34 is certainly in his wheel house. Reputable outlets expect the Wizards to be thinking point guard as well for that selection as DraftExpress currently has the team taking Duke's Nolan Smith with their third and final pick.
Ultimately, the individual workout season has been a good one for Mack thus far. He has impressed several teams and perhaps exceeded what preconceived expectations were for him. Certainly, a reputation as being above all else a winner, will only help him in the long run.