Just under a double double with 26mpg. Hard to tell who he reminds me of but I am starting to think his downside is David Lee which is fantastic as Lee has had a good NBA career.

He measured 6'11 with a 7'1 wingspan. In 2013.
He's 22 years old.
According to 82 games he's played pretty much all of his minutes at center

martin wrote:Really like Willy and next 2 off seasons will show us exactly who he is. He's got to get stronger and a little quicker, both of which I think he can do, and then add a consistent jumper.

Yeah I think he's real close. The starts really are giving him needed experience against starting caliber bigs. Willy is gaining confidence and learning the little tricks of the trade. He's much more active and quick footed than he looks. Both Willy and KP need to get with a big man coach like Hakeem.

Biggest fear I had with him was on D, but it looks like he can compete at this level on the defensive end.

He has a better frame to add weight and muscle than KP, and his footwork on D is evolving, but not bad. If he does the proper video work and looks at the tendencies of his opposing centers, I don't see any reason why he can't be a decent defender.

I was high on him when he was drafted because I remember hearing that he would have been a late #1 but for his Spanish contract + he comes from a BB family, something I always like to learn, and I was really looking forward to seeing him play this year, but I have to say that he's emerged as a competent NBA player sooner than I had expected. The Noah injury is a great chance for him to close out the season on a high note. I figure he is a lock for second team rookie honors, but if he has a strong finish he might make first team.

I'm going with the poor man's Mark Gasol comparison. I see the beginning of a solid midrange J, and he understands how to pass. Gasol is not a physical specimen but has become a very good defender because of his BB IQ, and I think Willy is smart enough to learn this aspect of the game.

Other than Porzingis, Willy has been the best pickup by Jackson/Gaines/Mills.

That said, he's only going to get better

SupremeCommander wrote:don't get me wrong - I love Willy and have had high hopes for him a long time ago - but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows... there have been times where he just straight up looks lost out there

That said, he's only going to get better

NYKBocker wrote:

nixluva wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:don't get me wrong - I love Willy and have had high hopes for him a long time ago - but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows... there have been times where he just straight up looks lost out there

That said, he's only going to get better

Meh! What Rookie doesn't have those moments where they look lost? You can't get too high up on that stuff. What I noticed is Willy does learn from his mistakes and adjusts in game. That's the quality you're looking for in a prospect.

Absolutely. Even vets are still making mistakes. Like nixluva said, Willy learns from his mistakes. His in game adjustments are phenomenal at this stage of his career.

I've been a big supporter of before the overwhelming majority of the board. Took it on the chin for suggesting he'd soften the blow of no 1st. Click the link. I just prefer to acknowledge the whole story. THJ didn't look lost like Willy sometimes does. Doesn't mean that I think Timmy will be a better pro than Willy. It also doesn't mean I think he's a low quality prospect. What the ****

SupremeCommander wrote:

NYKBocker wrote:

nixluva wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:don't get me wrong - I love Willy and have had high hopes for him a long time ago - but it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows... there have been times where he just straight up looks lost out there

That said, he's only going to get better

Meh! What Rookie doesn't have those moments where they look lost? You can't get too high up on that stuff. What I noticed is Willy does learn from his mistakes and adjusts in game. That's the quality you're looking for in a prospect.

Absolutely. Even vets are still making mistakes. Like nixluva said, Willy learns from his mistakes. His in game adjustments are phenomenal at this stage of his career.

I've been a big supporter of before the overwhelming majority of the board. Took it on the chin for suggesting he'd soften the blow of no 1st. Click the link. I just prefer to acknowledge the whole story. THJ didn't look lost like Willy sometimes does. Doesn't mean that I think Timmy will be a better pro than Willy. It also doesn't mean I think he's a low quality prospect. What the ****

THJ did in fact look lost! I'm not sure what you're actually pointing to when it comes to Willy but sure I've seen him get crossed up but overall he's been very good and as I said that's pretty much expected for a rookie. No one is suggesting you aren't high on Willy. Just think he's been mostly good and minimally bad this season and he's a fast learner.

martin wrote:Really like Willy and next 2 off seasons will show us exactly who he is. He's got to get stronger and a little quicker, both of which I think he can do, and then add a consistent jumper.

Agree. All 5's that stay in league and do well have that 15 foot elbow jumper.