At #26 I'd be interested in several of the potential wings who could be available there... Kyshawn George, Dadiet, Djurisic, Flowers, Karaban.
But, a guy I have my eye increasingly on is 19 yr old PF Izan Almansa from Spain. Measured 6-9 with a 7-1 wingspan at the combine. He is a multi-skilled, high IQ, high motor player and high level rebounder. He is the type of player we have needed and have lacked seemingly forever.
The Ringer:
Almansa was considered a lottery pick prior to his underwhelming G League season.
Accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder.
SHADES OF: Kevin Love
Feel for the Game
Rebounding
PLUSES
Strong elbow and post playmaker with the ability to handle double-teams and locate shooters and cutters. His NBA team could use him in dribble handoffs since he can also dribble to the basket or turn his back into post-ups.
Beautiful post scorer who moves with purpose. He loves using spin moves straight into hook shots, and it works no matter the angle or the defensive contest. Sometimes, he’ll even do it with his left hand.
Fundamental screener and eager roller with amazing hands. Though he’s capable of dunking over defenders, he primarily finishes through length and contact using his soft touch. He’s patient and uses head and ball fakes to let defenders fly by when needed.
A potential short-roll menace if paired with the right point guard. He’s a strong dribbler and passer, and he also has a push floater that could punish defenses that leave him open. If his shot develops, his open-floor ballhandling would open up his game even more.
Elite rebounder on both ends with a nose for the ball.
He’s like a magnet.
High-effort defender with the ability to play in different schemes. He’s nimble enough to switch or blitz.
MINUSES
Subpar free throw shooter and stiff from 3. At this stage, his shooting development is purely hypothetical. But how could someone with his soft touch not end up learning how to shoot 3s?
As a drop-coverage big man on defense, he’s more of a positional defender than an imposing shot blocker. And on the perimeter, he’s solid but not a stopper.
NBA Draft Room:
Draft Notes
Almansa is an incredibly productive and efficient player who might not be the flashiest player around but really gets it done on the court.
He’s an interior focused big man who loves to mix it up in the paint, plays with a lot of energy and effort and contributes in all aspects of the game.
Almansa has great hands, catching everything thrown his way and doing a great job of securing rebounds. He also has a really good feel for cutting and getting himself into position for layups, post scoring and positioning for rebounds. Has a natural feel for the game.
Moves very well up and down the court and is an overall plus athlete with agility, coordination and bounce.
Expanding his shooting range will be key to his success at the NBA level.
