Posted by BRIGGS:
I think Ira brought this guys name up and the more I watch him--the more he might make a lot of sense for us. I thought he would be picked pretty high but I had my doubts that Dantoni would like him. When you see a burly C the first thing that comes to mind is that our coach would say no. But how can we look at his results as a sophomore on a fast-paced team and deny that this kid is a player. That game the other night really cemented in my mind--I'm sure with a few others just how desperate we are for a guy who can play some pretty good 5 in this league. Maybe this guy cant jump out of the building but he's much more advanced in terms of skills[really he has all of them] he's a big kid who has a pretty diverse set of offensive skills and that Kendrick Perkins type body with big shoulders and long arms that is great for rebounding and will help him block a few shots. He's scores the ball pretty easily and would look good next to David Lee. I see this kid coming in and being able to help right away--he already has the skills. It does show you just how fast a good player can go from A-B in terms of results with more PT. On first impression he kind of looks like a slightly better version of Jake Voshkul--but the more that you watch him--he's a pretty skilled player for his size.
Here is some game tape against Washington and I think that you can pick up what Im saying
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOy-j5eoJ20&feature=related
Yes - this kid is a very solid and skilled big man. I think he has some diverse offensive skills and is someone who can play out of the low post but also pop out to 15 feet on occasion. He's a very intelligent player and makes up for an overall lack of athleticism with great instincts (typically not seen in big guys). He seems to be in the right spot on defense and contests a # of weak side shots. I also notice he has a knack for finding slots to allow his guards to get him the ball off penetration.
I like him -- probably the type of pick-up the board would be less than enthused about but in the long run would turn out good for the team.
One issue would be putting him with Lee & Gallo -- together those 3 may not be able to hang with the NBA athletes - at least at the defensive end.
3/3/2009 10:49 AM
