Andre Kirilenko-esque prospect: Miikka Muurinen

[Lockdown504090]

I actually havent seen a player like this before. The closest thing that comes to mind is Chris Boucher. A super tall and athletic, shooting hustle guy that doesnt clear the D-board and doesnt really dribble like that, but has really active hands. I wonder what positions he can contain on the catch/dribble. He would look awesome on memphis.

[FrodoBaggins]

Kirilenko was 6'9" barefoot with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a standing reach somewhere in the 9'0" to 9'4" range based on comparisons to 6'8.5" to 6'9" barefoot guys with 7'4" or less wingspan measurements in the DX database. Muurinen is reported to be 6'10"/6'11" with a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan. Using the same method for 6'9.5" to 6'10" barefoot guys with 7'2" or less wingspans, Miikka's estimated standing reach falls in the same 9'0" to 9'4" range.

When Kirilenko went back to EuroLeague, his measurement with CSKA at that time, was that he had a 7-6 wingspan.

Was that 2011-12 or 2015? Was it an official measurement or briefly mentioned?

[brutalitops]

I cant think of a worse comparison, Apart from long wingspan and blonde hair

[brutalitops]

I actually havent seen a player like this before. The closest thing that comes to mind is Chris Boucher. A super tall and athletic, shooting hustle guy that doesnt clear the D-board and doesnt really dribble like that, but has really active hands. I wonder what positions he can contain on the catch/dribble. He would look awesome on memphis.

Slightly slower KD without handles, You see the KD comparisons and go "No way KD is a HOF" yeah, But its probably the closest, Yeah if he hits 30% of Durants skill he's a 12 year pro,

Boucher has really kind of struggled with the 3, inconsistent and unless left alone he doesn't really like letting it fly, Muurinen is much more aggressive with his shot.

he can clearly put the ball on the deck but I dont think like KD he's going to be able to match your traditional 2/3's with the ball on the ground, But like his fellow countryman he's going to be able to take it to 4/5's if teams want to go that way

[Mirotic12]

Kirilenko was 6'9" barefoot with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a standing reach somewhere in the 9'0" to 9'4" range based on comparisons to 6'8.5" to 6'9" barefoot guys with 7'4" or less wingspan measurements in the DX database. Muurinen is reported to be 6'10"/6'11" with a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan. Using the same method for 6'9.5" to 6'10" barefoot guys with 7'2" or less wingspans, Miikka's estimated standing reach falls in the same 9'0" to 9'4" range.

When Kirilenko went back to EuroLeague, his measurement with CSKA at that time, was that he had a 7-6 wingspan.

Was that 2011-12 or 2015? Was it an official measurement or briefly mentioned?

I think it was info they had through both those years.

CSKA used to have the listings of their player's wingspans on their rosters, which was a nice feature.

It's pretty normal that right before the season starts, that European teams release some player physical results. That's pretty typical for European teams. They typically measure and weigh the players before the season. And sometimes, there will be a mention of the results somewhere in the local medias of clubs, if you know where to look language wise.

But CSKA having it listed on their rosters was a nice feature.

Anyway, European teams go by barefoot height listings, although some European teams allow their American players to use in shoes for their height listing.

Kirilenko was listed as 2.06 for height (6-9) and 2.29 (7-6) for wingspan. The reason I remember that is because since CSKA had this on their rosters, you could always quickly just go to their roster and compare the numbers to draft measurements and NCAA and NBA listings.

So when Kirilenko went to CSKA, I looked at what they had listed, to see how it compared to his NBA measurements and listing.

I remembered it, because I was kind of surprised that it turned out he was listed by the NBA at his barefoot height, which was 6-9 according to the CSKA listing and his NBA draft measurement.

That's how I noticed his wingspan and remembered that. Because the wingspans didn't match, and because it was so huge for a guy at his height. It was at 7-6 according to the CSKA listing, which was more recent than the NBA draft measurement.

And even though you can obviously tell Kirilenko had really long arms by looking at him - even then, 7-6 was surprising. But that really helps explain why he was so good at getting steals and blocks.

[Hugi Mancura]

He is a prospect. Lot of holes in his game as you expect from high school kid. Hopefully year in professional team will help him close lot of those holes. What his future will be we will see. Lottery bound.

He was going to participate to 2027 draft, but does this move help him to jump one year forward. He is old enough to participate 2026 draft.

[UcanUwill]

I remember back in the day, every white player who could shoot was considered either the next Larry Bird or Dirk Nowitzki.

Now every white player who can jump and play above-average D is considered the next AK, like Cooper Flagg or this guy

I got other comparisons. Matas Buzelis? Jan Vesely? Tom Chambers?

When we made that Franz pick out of the blue, a couple of those who watched his MICH games said he was like AK47 on defense. No one of us really thought Franz was gonna be an offensive hub.

So why not Miika as a rookie Franz? Before we all found out he had more in his arsenal than just receiving a pass while cutting

Seriously, I think Miikka will be way more of a bigman that Franz. He might end up being a center even, he is born in 2007, probably not done growing yet. I am not sure he can develop perimeter skills Franz has, anticipating that would be very optimistic.

Miikka could be what Tyrus Thomas or Thomas Robinson supposed to be, but never were.

[UcanUwill]

I cant think of a worse comparison, Apart from long wingspan and blonde hair

He is long forward with versatility, with very high motor who gets a ton of steals and blocks shots. It is definitely not the worst comparison. Of course AK had super high IQ and passing game, Miikka's IQ seems a bit low, he jumps after every pumpfake, gets a ton of stupid fouls, but he is also 18.

[LuDux1]

Kirilenko was 6'9" barefoot with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a standing reach somewhere in the 9'0" to 9'4" range based on comparisons to 6'8.5" to 6'9" barefoot guys with 7'4" or less wingspan measurements in the DX database. Muurinen is reported to be 6'10"/6'11" with a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan. Using the same method for 6'9.5" to 6'10" barefoot guys with 7'2" or less wingspans, Miikka's estimated standing reach falls in the same 9'0" to 9'4" range.

When Kirilenko went back to EuroLeague, his measurement with CSKA at that time, was that he had a 7-6 wingspan.

Obviously with gloves on. VTB inflating players spans is out of control

[SkyHook]

I cant think of a worse comparison, Apart from long wingspan and blonde hair

Plenty of worse comparisons out there. Muggsy Bogues for one.

[peZt]

Dude is apparently averaging less than 12 ppg as a 18 year old in HS but because he has some nice putback dunks and alley oops with Finland, suddenly he is a potential top 3 pick.

Terrible decision to go to partizan and obradovic one year before the draft

[UcanUwill]

Dude is apparently averaging less than 12 ppg as a 18 year old in HS but because he has some nice putback dunks and alley oops with Finland, suddenly he is a potential top 3 pick.

Terrible decision to go to partizan and obradovic one year before the draft

How many 18 year olds where there playing minutes on a good Eurobasket team? Kid is obviously a great talent.

[Lockdown504090]

I actually havent seen a player like this before. The closest thing that comes to mind is Chris Boucher. A super tall and athletic, shooting hustle guy that doesnt clear the D-board and doesnt really dribble like that, but has really active hands. I wonder what positions he can contain on the catch/dribble. He would look awesome on memphis.

Slightly slower KD without handles, You see the KD comparisons and go "No way KD is a HOF" yeah, But its probably the closest, Yeah if he hits 30% of Durants skill he's a 12 year pro,

Boucher has really kind of struggled with the 3, inconsistent and unless left alone he doesn't really like letting it fly, Muurinen is much more aggressive with his shot.

he can clearly put the ball on the deck but I dont think like KD he's going to be able to match your traditional 2/3's with the ball on the ground, But like his fellow countryman he's going to be able to take it to 4/5's if teams want to go that way

I wanted to say this, but I know people are going to throw tomatoes at me. This boy is really letting them go and his mechanics are very stable under pressure.

[bonita_the_frog]

Watch on YouTube

I don't usually think of dunks as being comedic, but he really is a funny dunker

[Blazing_royale]

plays nothing like AK47. More of birdman game.

[BlazersBroncos]

More of a Birdman (w/ a 3) / Boucher from those highlights for me. Maybe Keon Clark (with a 3) is another comparison. Eddie Griffin?

AK is just much more of a wing, better handle and passing by a big margin IMO. More athletic and a more unique H to WS ratio.

[Hugi Mancura]

Dude is apparently averaging less than 12 ppg as a 18 year old in HS but because he has some nice putback dunks and alley oops with Finland, suddenly he is a potential top 3 pick.

Terrible decision to go to partizan and obradovic one year before the draft

He wasn't going to NCAA this year, so it was either back to HS or to pro league. Sure he most likely will have hard time to get playing time in Euroleague games or even local (Aba-league) games, but staying in HS would have been even lousier choice. Watching his game European championships it was obvious he was highlight reel hunting too much. He was often out of position when he tried to hunt steals or blocks and didn't get it. Playing in team which tries to win they most likely want him to choose his opportunities more wisely, so hopefully he learns something.

He was a lottery pick in 2027 before that tournament, and he still is lottery pick after it. I don't think his pick position improved much if at all. He did get noticed so might want to participate to years 2026 draft.

[brutalitops]

Dude is apparently averaging less than 12 ppg as a 18 year old in HS but because he has some nice putback dunks and alley oops with Finland, suddenly he is a potential top 3 pick.

Terrible decision to go to partizan and obradovic one year before the draft

He wasn't going to NCAA this year, so it was either back to HS or to pro league. Sure he most likely will have hard time to get playing time in Euroleague games or even local (Aba-league) games, but staying in HS would have been even lousier choice. Watching his game European championships it was obvious he was highlight reel hunting too much. He was often out of position when he tried to hunt steals or blocks and didn't get it. Playing in team which tries to win they most likely want him to choose his opportunities more wisely, so hopefully he learns something.

He was a lottery pick in 2027 before that tournament, and he still is lottery pick after it. I don't think his pick position improved much if at all. He did get noticed so might want to participate to years 2026 draft.

This is what I noticed a lot, Since he wasn't pulled I think the coach let him or encouraged him to be aggressive with gambling in the lanes. The wingspan will mean he'll have some presence in the NBA but the link to Kirilenko is insane, where AK47 was one of the best and well rounded defenders you would ever see, even giving his lack of foot speed

[SkyBill40]

I see lots of dunking but not much else. So yeah, he's tall and can use his height and leaping ability to make some impressive plays. But can he shoot consistently, and with a quality defender in his face? Can he defend at the NBA level? Are his defensive instincts above the median?

He looks impressive for his age and size, but he needs about 30 pounds on that frame.

[peZt]

Dude is apparently averaging less than 12 ppg as a 18 year old in HS but because he has some nice putback dunks and alley oops with Finland, suddenly he is a potential top 3 pick.

Terrible decision to go to partizan and obradovic one year before the draft