With the 27th pick in the NBA Draft the Denver Nuggets select...
Lucas Nogueira, C, CB Estudiantes.
Nogueira and Crabbe were the only guys I still liked here and Nogueira gets the call. Some definite red flags but if there weren't he would've been already drafted.
NBA Comparison: Joakim Noah/Samuel DalembertStrengths: A project, but one with loads of untapped potential ... His game has made some noticeable strides over the past 6 months ... A high level athlete even by NBA standards with ridiculous size/length at 7' feet, with a 7'6 wingspan. His combination of length and fluidity/athleticism makes him an extremely intriguing prospect ... Quick reflexes ... He even shows some touch around the basket and a decent offensive feel. While not much of an outside threat, his midrange game shows some ability and potential to develop ... He's best at scoring on garbage baskets and can get out on the break and finish ... Seems to understand what he does well offensively and stays "within himself" ... Solid rebounder. Goes after the ball on both ends and although his positioning could improve, he's got natural rebounding abilities ... Quick feet. From Brazil, and his footwork is excellent, a "futball" upbringing has given him excellent foot dexterity. Able to slide his feet laterally better than the average 7-footer ... Solid hands. A 60% free throw shooter, which is not great but good for his age and position and should improve ... As the 2012-13 season has progressed, his defense has shown some improvement.
Weaknesses: Nogueira must become more intense defensively ... Has a lot of defensive potential because of his size, but at this point he's a huge defensive liability and would not see the court in the NBA because of it ... Lacks basic fundamentals on the defensive end and either has not received basic coaching instructions, or is difficult to coach. His lack of strength, confidence and focus on defense is a glaring hole to his game ... Needs to just relax and be more patient instead of trying to "make plays", his length alone should make him an imposing opponent but he routinely takes himself out of plays biting on fakes as well as getting overpowered ... He does not appear inspired to play defense and has no idea how to use his length to his advantage by staying patient, on balance and just reacting to plays ... His lack of strength is another major concern as he has a slight frame and gets pushed off the block easily ... His feel for the game is still a work in progress ... He doesn't seem to understand what he's capable of and forgets that he's so much bigger and more athletic than nearly everyone he faces ... Could learn to be a shot blocker over time ... His body lacks strength but it appears that he could add enough muscle to at least hold his position in the post ... He's a 1992 kid, so at just 20, it's important to remember that bigs take the longest to fill into their bodies and develop ... Toughness, intensity and passion for the game have been knocks on him. He seems to be maturing mentally and physically the past couple of seasons ...
Notes: Nicknamed "Bebe", unfortunately at this point his game is as soft as a baby ... If not for such a disappointing showing at the 2011 Treviso adidas Eurocamp in front of the entire International scouting contingent, he would likely be looked at as a lock first rounder and possibly even a lottery talent ... With his combination of length, fluidity and age, plus the added allure of being an international player, he appears to be the ideal late first round "project" that a team like San Antonio/OKC would target to stash overseas for a few seasons ...
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
How beautiful if nothing more
Than to wait at Zion's door
I've never been in love like this before
Now let me pray to keep you from
The perils that will surely come
6/13/2013 7:00 PM