RealGM

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Not sure how there's not already a dedicated thread. Have only just begun looking into Poku, but he's on the fringe of my Top 10 already. I think if you see someone his age with size and skill it's a super intriguing package. I'm sure some are afraid he's "next Bender", but I wouldn't let Bender's failure necessarily preclude me from being high on a similar prospect with likely a bit more athleticism, better rim protection, higher IQ, and even higher skill level, especially as a shooter and passer.

good balls skills for his size either way but he doesn't look 7 foot to me tbh, maybe closer to 6-9 or 6-10?

clyde21 wrote:good balls skills for his size either way but he doesn't look 7 foot to me tbh, maybe closer to 6-9 or 6-10?

This Stepien article says he's 7' with 7'3" ws and 9'1" SR. Trying to find out where they got that from.

https://www.thestepien.com/2019/05/06/2020-international-guide-curious-case-aleksej-pokusevski/

Ah, measurements here. So I'd buy 6'11" or 7', and that could be without shoes. Looks like the length is legit. https://eurospects.com/?page_id=8163

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EvanZ wrote:

clyde21 wrote:good balls skills for his size either way but he doesn't look 7 foot to me tbh, maybe closer to 6-9 or 6-10?

This Stepien article says he's 7' with 7'3" ws and 9'1" SR. Trying to find out where they got that from.

https://www.thestepien.com/2019/05/06/2020-international-guide-curious-case-aleksej-pokusevski/

He is listed by FIBA at 6-foot-11.

https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18/2019/player/Aleksej-Pokusevski

I could be literally anything, I think. I had him 19 on my board from a couple of weeks ago, will probably move him up to late lottery (10-14) next go around.

Really exciting upside, but he's also a massive project, wouldn't want to go any higher with him because of that.

GimmeDat wrote:I could be literally anything, I think. I had him 19 on my board from a couple of weeks ago, will probably move him up to late lottery (10-14) next go around.

Really exciting upside, but he's also a massive project, wouldn't want to go any higher with him because of that.

He should be a lottery pick. At worst you get a backup big that can stretch and protect with ball skills.

I've got him top 5 right now. Definite bust potential, but in a weak draft I'd take a chance on his upside long-term.

GimmeDat wrote:I could be literally anything, I think. I had him 19 on my board from a couple of weeks ago, will probably move him up to late lottery (10-14) next go around.

Really exciting upside, but he's also a massive project, wouldn't want to go any higher with him because of that.

Pretty much where i got him, i think hes worth the dice roll in the top 20.

If he hits he could be the best player in the class. But hes also unlikely to provide positive value over his rookie deal.

Would rather chance it on this kid than an Obi.

The test for him will be if he can adapt to NBA speed, and if he's going to play on the perimeter, whether he can put the ball down and get past anybody. He looks a bit like Pasecniks in the 2018 draft.

Pokusevski is definitely closer to 6'9 than 7'0. I'd say tops he is 6'9.5... slender frame makes him look taller.

See top of page. Listed at 6'10 then listed at 6'11 w/o shoes... then 7'0 w/ shoes...

Dont know him at all, but looks like Bruno Caboclo type of project. Not similar player, but whoever drafts him better not expect contribution for a few years at least.

clyde21 wrote:good balls skills for his size either way but he doesn't look 7 foot to me tbh, maybe closer to 6-9 or 6-10?

getrichordie wrote:Pokusevski is definitely closer to 6'9 than 7'0. I'd say tops he is 6'9.5... slender frame makes him look taller.

Before the season, his club, Olympiacos, measured him at 7-0 without shoes on, 7-3 wingspan, and 205 pounds.

In some rare minutes where he played with their senior team, he was noticeably taller than players with official barefoot heights of 6-9 or taller. There is zero chance he's around 6-9 or 6-10.

UcanUwill wrote:Dont know him at all, but looks like Bruno Caboclo type of project. Not similar player, but whoever drafts him better not expect contribution for a few years at least.

This last season, he was on Olympiacos' development team, playing in Greek 2nd division (before that he was playing many years in their youth teams). He's a legit 7 feet (despite some doubts in this thread), and he is very highly skilled for a guy his age and his size, in terms of dribbling, passing, and shooting. He has definite potential as a face up / spread power forward.

With that being said...he's obviously a massive project. His body is like at least 5 years away from him being able to contribute consistently for a team like Olympiacos in EuroLeague.

TB wrote:I've got him top 5 right now. Definite bust potential, but in a weak draft I'd take a chance on his upside long-term.

If he lives up to his measurement, he is the Giannis of this draft and Giannis was someone I wanted just for potential at the time.
In a weak draft, him not getting picked in the lottery is insanity teams need to hire new scouts.

He is a monster in 2k. My goodness, him and Ariel Hukporti. My goodness!

Is he a draft&stash prospect or is he coming to the US next season?
If he comes over he's probably going to spend the majority of his Rookie season in the D-League. Otherwise I could see him slipping to #31.
Anyway, I hope won't get pick too early. The pressure would be enormous. Just look at Bender, Bamba or Darko, amazing prospects but not NBA ready at all. Two of them still have a chance but Darko clearly failed.

EvanZ wrote:

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Not sure how there's not already a dedicated thread. Have only just begun looking into Poku, but he's on the fringe of my Top 10 already. I think if you see someone his age with size and skill it's a super intriguing package. I'm sure some are afraid he's "next Bender", but I wouldn't let Bender's failure necessarily preclude me from being high on a similar prospect with likely a bit more athleticism, better rim protection, higher IQ, and even higher skill level, especially as a shooter and passer.

You know who his highlights remind me of? A young Keith Van Horn. Maybe when he was a sophomore in college.

Catchall wrote:

EvanZ wrote:

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Not sure how there's not already a dedicated thread. Have only just begun looking into Poku, but he's on the fringe of my Top 10 already. I think if you see someone his age with size and skill it's a super intriguing package. I'm sure some are afraid he's "next Bender", but I wouldn't let Bender's failure necessarily preclude me from being high on a similar prospect with likely a bit more athleticism, better rim protection, higher IQ, and even higher skill level, especially as a shooter and passer.

You know who his highlights remind me of? A young Keith Van Horn. Maybe when he was a sophomore in college.

Watch on YouTube

I had a high socks phase because of KVH.


Not a bad comp. I have been all over the place with Poku. I've had him as low as ~22 and as high as 9 on my BB.