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While yesterday's Mike Conley deal did not net a commensurate return in terms of available young assets (due to protections, the second 1st round pick in this trade will likely convey in 2022), the Jazz did send their #23 pick as part of the deal (or more technically, they will select for the Grizzlies at this spot), which places the rebuilding Grizzlies firmly in a position to pick up some young talent. And, no player is flying further under the radar than Brazil's 19-year old phenom, Marcos 'Didi' Louzada.

This past season, Louzada was arguably the most talented youth in Brazil's domestic league, the NBB. Not a traditional powerhouse, his team - Franca - powered all the way to the final, only to lose to Anderson Varejao's Flamengo squad. And Didi was a pivotal part of this success.

In final's action, Didi did not receive significant minutes for the first half of this series. But, by the fifth and final game, he not only saw significant playing time, but was his team's leading scorer throughout most of the contest. Unfortunately, Didi hyperextended his elbow and was forced to leave part way through the game. Still, his performance in the NBB playoffs highlighted his strengths and weaknesses on both ends of the floor.

Most importantly, Didi Louzada projects as a ballhawk at the next level. He was the most impressive defensive player that I witnessed in the NBB, boasting elite lateral quickness, which places him in rare company in the 2019 draft class. While still somewhat unrefined, Didi Louzada's defensive instincts, activity, vocal approach, and overall tenacity lead me to believe that he can develop into a lockdown wing at the NBA level. When examining film, the most evident thing that jumps out is Louzada's lateral quickness and ability to track his man. All season long, while defending on the perimeter, Didi was glued to his man's hip. He fought hard over the top of screens and regularly shadowed his man, limiting the effectiveness of both rub screens and pin downs. Didi is a willing help defender and regularly switches or leaves his man to defend the ball at the rim. He possesses quick and active hands, getting low in his stance and regularly stripping the ball without fouling.

GREY 1769 wrote:If this is the same Brazilian player I'm thinking of, then there's at least one plugged in reporter (I think Steve Kyler, but not 100% sure) who believes in his talent and sleeper potential. Hopefully he gets a chance to show what he can contribute.

GREY 1769 wrote:If this is the same Brazilian player I'm thinking of, then there's at least one plugged in reporter (I think Steve Kyler, but not 100% sure) who believes in his talent and sleeper potential. Hopefully he gets a chance to show what he can contribute.

PELICANSFAN wrote:Pelicans snagged him in round 2. Hope he can develop.

jman3134 wrote:There really is only one major Brazilian prospect in this year's draft. There was one other early entry I can recall (not sure if he withdrew), but he is like 5'10 and doesn't project as a viable draft candidate. Moving forward, most of Brazil's top young prospects are bigs and don't sport the same speed/athleticism package as Didi. All this being said, I am almost positive you are referring to Didi.

Edit: when you watch him on film at length, you notice that he has crazy lateral quickness and really unique hips that allow him to change direction very quickly. With the right development, he will be special.

This potential on the defensive end was evident all finals long, when he was tasked with guarding the bigger Marquinhos. He put up a heck of a fight and Marquinhos could not get a step on him all series. He used his physicality to score at times because he is a savvy veteran, but Didi really shadowed him well. Pair this kid with an NBA strength and conditioning coach and you will have something special. Don't just take my word for it.

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What you are seeing - notice he completely closes out on the shooter who drives left. He adeptly contests the shot, but is quick enough to recover in the lane and cut his man off.

jman3134 wrote:True - I just want to temper expectations this year, given the style of play he is used to and the fact that he's 19. He will probably be more of a passive passer that shows some flashes than a guy who dominates.

pelifan wrote:

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jman3134 wrote:Look for him to struggle initially (in summer league) playing through contact with his handle and finishing. He rarely drives into a crowded area, but has not really faced serious pressure D from elite athletes. His handle is good and still developing though. Look for him to hit a bunch of corner threes and hit some cutters. It won't be the flashiest display, but the potential is there.

pelifan wrote:

jman3134 wrote:Look for him to struggle initially (in summer league) playing through contact with his handle and finishing. He rarely drives into a crowded area, but has not really faced serious pressure D from elite athletes. His handle is good and still developing though. Look for him to hit a bunch of corner threes and hit some cutters. It won't be the flashiest display, but the potential is there.

Very strong first game. Beautiful looking shot, blazing fast, athletic especially defensively and had more handle and strength than I was expecting.

jman3134 wrote:

pelifan wrote:

jman3134 wrote:Look for him to struggle initially (in summer league) playing through contact with his handle and finishing. He rarely drives into a crowded area, but has not really faced serious pressure D from elite athletes. His handle is good and still developing though. Look for him to hit a bunch of corner threes and hit some cutters. It won't be the flashiest display, but the potential is there.

Very strong first game. Beautiful looking shot, blazing fast, athletic especially defensively and had more handle and strength than I was expecting.

Thanks for the love, bud. I have this game recorded and will watch.

That said, do you see why I had an issue with teams talking about stashing him in Europe? While his passing would develop, the spacing wouldn't be the same. I envision him as a solid transition option in the NBA. He is super creative with his finishes, though he struggled through contact. It is hard to learn how to handle and finish at the rim when spacing isn't the same in Europe with no defensive 3 and he would likely be relegated to corner 3's without handling the ball enough. Younger guys seem to always come off the bench in Europe regardless of talent level (see Brandon Jennings before his breakout rookie year in the NBA). Didi is a natural for the NBA game. Best way to develop that is by playing basketball with similar rules.