I feel like we're both using a lot of words to come to the same conclusion...
I think Edey hard to project because no one is like him but I also think assuming he will be a backup is a possible mistake and he may end up being a backup initially. At the end of the day, anyone who gets him will have to have a plan.
Re: Young Center Prospects to Consider
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:00 pm
by jayu70
Latest Center Rankings:
1. Alex Sarr 2. Kyle Filipowski 3. Donovan Clingan 4. Yves Missi 5. Kel'el Ware 6. Izan Almansa 7. Zach Edey 8. Oso Ighodaro 9. Adem Bona 10. Ugonna Onyenso
Donovan Clingan | C | UConn | Age: 20.0 | Top 100: 5
Spoiler:
Clingan single-handedly changed the complexion of UConn's Round of 32 matchup with Northwestern, putting a lid on the basket and making the contest feel over almost as soon as it started on Sunday. Clingan is moving like a different person compared to three months ago, covering ground exceptionally well comparatively and giving UConn a plethora of ways in which to guard ball screens. He was hedging well out beyond the 3-point line for much of the first half, having the agility to extinguish the ball handler at the level of the screen before recovering back to the paint and contesting shots at the rim, blocking eight shots in 27 minutes.
His much-improved conditioning is allowing him to make multiple efforts going up to protect the rim and then flipping his hips to go right back up again, blocking shots with both hands and showing impressive timing and instincts while usually keeping the ball in bounds so his team can retain possession. Clingan also crashed the boards, finishing with 14 rebounds to go with 14 points and doing a decent amount of facilitation as a hub for UConn's offense. Still, it was his work defensively that stood out most vividly and the skill set that gives him a chance to be a true difference-maker on that end of the floor in the NBA. -- Givony
Zach Edey | C | Purdue | Age: 21.8 | Top 100: No. 14
Spoiler:
Edey and Purdue steamrolled through the first two games of the tournament, setting a school tournament record with 106 points against Utah State on Sunday, with Edey turning in 23 points and 14 rebounds in just 26 minutes. He had 30 points and 21 rebounds against Grambling in the first round, continuing his historically dominant run as Purdue aims to erase the memory of last year's first-round loss.
It's all par for the course for Edey at this point. It's evident how dominant he is at the college level, not only with his size, but with his motor and competitive nature. NBA teams are trying to solve for what it means in terms of projecting him into the right role within a winning framework. Purdue will play No. 5-seed Gonzaga in the Sweet 16, with the winner of Creighton and Tennessee awaiting after that -- a reasonable pathway to a potential Final Four berth. A possible Elite Eight matchup against Creighton's star rim-protector, 7-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner, would give scouts something new from a matchup perspective.
It's hard to get overly nitpicky about Edey's remarkable season at this point. But the deeper Purdue can go in the tournament, the longer NBA teams have to consider the ways in which his unique mix of size, strength and production might break the current conventional mold for big men at their level, no matter what he may give up defensively. -- Woo
I am straight conflicted on drafting this kid in the lottery.
Re: Young Center Prospects to Consider
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:14 pm
by King Ken
Jamaaliver wrote:I am straight conflicted on drafting this kid in the lottery.
I'm not. While Edey my top choice for the Hawks. Clingan is a distance 2nd choice for the Hawks and the gap between him and 3rd is massive as well. Hawks need to leave with Edey and if they can't, get Clingan. Leaving the draft without either one of them is a massive fail
Re: Young Center Prospects to Consider
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:21 pm
by tbhawksfan1
Really hard to choose between Fili and Clingan. I think that both will be good but that Clingan has a higher floor. Defense don't miss shots
I really like my idea of Fili who has huge offensive upside paired with Edey as our PF and C of the future
Re: Young Center Prospects to Consider
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:01 pm
by Jamaaliver
IMO, he has as much talent as any center in this draft.
His slight frame and questionable motor are the only things holding him back.
Seems like Missi hasn't been given deep consideration this draft season.
He's a Capela-clone. But he's really raw. Years away from contributing consistently. I think he has more raw upside than Clingan due to his athleticism.
Missi is a project, but one with elite tools that project exceedingly well toward an NBA role. As a legitimate 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan, Missi might have the best frame of any low-usage center prospect in the class. He’s a terrific athlete who moves his feet fluidly in space given his size, and he possesses the hops to sky for impressive lob finishes, both in transition and from the dunker spot underneath the hoop. He blocks shots well and has potential to stick with guards for multiple slides on defense. He made the Big 12 All-Defense team as a freshman, while averaging 10.9 points per game on 62 percent from the field.
He profiles as a Clint Capela-style NBA big man who can guard a bit in space once he gets the nuances of ball-screen coverage down and protect the rim with his physical frame. He needs to put on a bit more weight in his lower half and get stronger through his base, as he too often gets moved on the block and can struggle on the defensive glass. But he has the look of a competent defensive starting center if he can reach his ceiling.
Holmes was intriguing as a freshman, put himself on NBA radars as a sophomore, and fully blossomed into one of the best players in college basketball this season as a junior for Dayton. The 6’10, 235-pound big man has always been an excellent shot blocker on defense and lob catcher on offense. This was the year he became more skilled offensively. Holmes made seven three-pointers combined his first two years of college basketball before knocking down 30 this season at a 38.5 percent clip. Holmes also made a big leap as a playmaker, improving his assist rate from 12.1 to 19.3 percent over the last year by initiating the offense at the elbow more than ever. Holmes’ newfound ability to attack the defense off the dribble from the top of the key is a fascinating development for a player his size. If the guards step up, Dayton knows it has a star big man who can go toe-to-toe with any player in the tournament.
One thing is certain about him is that he'll make an impact in the city of the team that drafts him. He currently has his own non profit that focuses on homeless and he invites a few of them to every home Baylor game.
HMFFL wrote:One thing is certain about him is that he'll make an impact in the city of the ream that drafts him. He currently has his own non profit that focuses on homeless and he invites a few of them to every home Baylor game.
That's really impressive. Especially for someone so young.
+100 points to Yves for maturity and selflessness
Re: Young Center Prospects to Consider
Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 3:22 pm
by Jamaaliver
I've heard whispers that Pistons may not be sold on him long term.
I wasn't a big fan of him as a prospect but I like him a lot more as a pro. He just needs to lock into a role. Monty is elite at that. Duren wants to have elite success, just listen to Monty. He got Ayton paid