Post#70 » by FrodoBaggins » Fri Oct 18, 2024 5:17 pm
If we're talking about ceiling player comparisons for Edey I don't agree with Embiid let alone Yao. Both could face up and shoot which isn't Zach's game. Duncan also faced up and shot a lot of jumpers. Edey's offensive upside is based on creating intense rim and foul pressure via low-post play, roll-and-cut finishing around the basket, and offensive rebounding. Jump hooks, drop steps, and dunks.
There are really only two guys post-merger who fit that mold and were primary offensive options: Shaq and Dwight. And neither of them is a perfect comparison. Both are more explosive than Zach but smaller and can't hit free throws like him. He's more like Shaq regarding post moves (jump hooks, drop steps, dunks) but unlike O'Neal, he's active as a screener and PnR player like Dwight.
Zach's 25 ppg 2023-24 season Synergy play-type breakdown was almost identical to Dwight's 23 ppg 2010-11 season. 60-65% post-up frequency with the rest of the offense coming from PnR roll man, cuts, put-backs, and some transition. So they're similar on a general level concerning the areas on the court and the type of plays they score from.
However, the specific moves are a little different; Dwight faces up in the post and plays above the rim more as a finisher. Gets out in transition more too. On the other hand, Zach is simply better as a pure post-up player, especially during isolation plays. And he can hit free throws which is huge.
My granular offensive ceiling comps are:
- 2004-2006 late-prime Shaq that can shoot 70-75% FT but plays like Orlando Dwight (more PnR/deep seals off the roll)
- Bigger, stronger, more skilled, less explosive Orlando Dwight that can shoot 70-75% FT. Faces up in the post less, gets above the rim and out in transition less, but is way better in the post, especially in isolation post-up plays.
