I don't necessarily want to sway opinions but I just needed to voice this point. I've had an opportunity to really sit down and dissect Okafor's game and I have to say that he doesn't impress me as much as the centers from the 2014 draft. Okafor reminds me of a healthy Eddy Curry sans the weight/stamina issues or Al Jefferson sans the rebounding. That's all good and well but not something you want out of your no.1 pick if there is star power to be had. And on top of that, his game still seems very unpolished to me for a guy who is regularly lauded for his post moves/footwork.
Meanwhile, I'm looking at a Jusuf Nurkic and he has a lot of Okafor's offensive talent BUT figures to be a monster on the boards and on defense. That guy is as nimble as a forward despite his size and can cover guards on switches in the pick and roll. Okafor can't say the same.
And I still think the grand poo-bah of the young up-and-coming centers is Joel Embiid. Yes, there are grave concerns about his health but if he checks out, the guy has the body and skillset to be the second coming of Kevin Garnett. There is no question in my mind that if I had to choose between the 3, I go with Joel Embiid to build my franchise with. He has everything in his game and will become more fluid as he acclimates himself to this level of play. I'm not sure if this means anything...I'm just saying.
12/9/2014 10:38 PM
