Zach Edey, 7-4

[FrodoBaggins]

No just more so saying I don't get the fascination with comparing him to Gobert and Gobert only.

Here are other tall players who were in the NBA- all these guys were at least 7-3.
This first group were the best players... All of these guys were far more skilled as passers, scorers and played with more finesse and skills then Edey.

Rik Smits
Ralph Sampson
Wemby
Arvydas
Ilgauskas
Yao Ming

Mark Eaton
Shaun Bradley

Tacko Fall
Sim Bhullarf
George Muresan
Manute Bol
Boban
Walter Tavares
Bol Bol
Hasheem Thabeet

This Last group are guys who I would say were limited skill wise, but attempted to be good via size.

Do you think watching Edey he is anywhere close to as skilled as the first group? I would say no. Maybe he is closest to Eaton and Bradley, but he might even be worse than those 2.

Technical foul on JMAC3. Shifting the goalposts and straw-manning. Two shots.

It isn't though. The best bigs in todays game are the best bigs because of Skill, not just being big.
And based on the list I shared above it was same then.

Jokic, Embiid, Bam, Wemby, KAT, Sabonis, Davis, and Chet are the best centers in the league. They all are very good mainly because they are very skilled and pretty much nothing do with size.

You shifted the goalposts because I caught you in a snag. Then, you misrepresented my argument.

We were talking about athleticism/mobility. You were shown Zach's superior combine numbers compared to Rudy. You said Gobert improved physically since then. I said then we should expect Edey to physically improve too.

Given that you and the rest of the haters' main argument against Zach is that he's supposedly slow, I can understand why you had to shift the goalposts and strawman me. That lack of mobility argument doesn't make much sense if he's faster and more agile than Rudy Gobert, Steven Adams, Brook Lopez, Hassan Whiteside, and DeMarcus Cousins.

Gotcha. 1st down.

[JMAC3]

Technical foul on JMAC3. Shifting the goalposts and straw-manning. Two shots.

It isn't though. The best bigs in todays game are the best bigs because of Skill, not just being big.
And based on the list I shared above it was same then.

Jokic, Embiid, Bam, Wemby, KAT, Sabonis, Davis, and Chet are the best centers in the league. They all are very good mainly because they are very skilled and pretty much nothing do with size.

You shifted the goalposts because I caught you in a snag. Then, you misrepresented my argument.

We were talking about athleticism/mobility. You were shown Zach's superior combine numbers compared to Rudy. You said Gobert improved physically since then. I said then we should expect Edey to physically improve too.

Gotcha. 1st down.

I mean Edey could improve sure, but that isn't a guarantee.
We also don't know how much Gobert has improved since he tested 10+ yrs ago.

What we do know is that rookie Gobert was not very good.
He very well could be more athletic than Edey if they did the drills again today.

That is why I am not really putting a lot of stock into it.

[JMAC3]

You think I am backpeddling?

Why because I admitted Edey could improve? I do not talk in certainties. For all I know Tyler Smith might be the best player in this class, do I think it will happen? Probably not but I am also don't have it at 0% to happen.

Here is what I do know about Edey.
1. He is a senior, which hasn't really been a very high likely hood of being a star in the NBA. Like sure it happens, but it is very rare.
2. He is not very skilled when compared to the average NBA center. So, we are relying on him being physically better than other centers to win his matchup.
3. History has not been favorable to big low skilled centers in the past at the NBA level.

Now could he break all those odds and be awesome? Sure.
I just think it is far more likely he doesn't and has an overall underwhelming NBA career.

If he goes pick 20 and turns into Jock Landale or Ivica Zubac level of impact I am not going to beat myself up over it.

[basketballwacko2]

I have Edey going in the 30's if he's there he'd be a value pick, he might go higher if some team falls in love with him.

[GoBobs]

It isn't though. The best bigs in todays game are the best bigs because of Skill, not just being big.
And based on the list I shared above it was same then.

Jokic, Embiid, Bam, Wemby, KAT, Sabonis, Davis, and Chet are the best centers in the league. They all are very good mainly because they are very skilled and pretty much nothing do with size.

You shifted the goalposts because I caught you in a snag. Then, you misrepresented my argument.

We were talking about athleticism/mobility. You were shown Zach's superior combine numbers compared to Rudy. You said Gobert improved physically since then. I said then we should expect Edey to physically improve too.

Gotcha. 1st down.

I mean Edey could improve sure, but that isn't a guarantee.
We also don't know how much Gobert has improved since he tested 10+ yrs ago.

What we do know is that rookie Gobert was not very good.
He very well could be more athletic than Edey if they did the drills again today.

That is why I am not really putting a lot of stock into it.

Current Gobert likely has even less mobility because he has gained weight.

[Big J]

If im OKC i take him in the lotto. I understand the risk of him possibly being unplayable, but dude seems like the perfect C beside Chet if he works out.

Put him beside Chet so that they can take the ball out of SGA & JDub's hands on offense and feed Edey in the post?

[TheSuzerain]

You think I am backpeddling?

Why because I admitted Edey could improve? I do not talk in certainties. For all I know Tyler Smith might be the best player in this class, do I think it will happen? Probably not but I am also don't have it at 0% to happen.

Here is what I do know about Edey.
1. He is a senior, which hasn't really been a very high likely hood of being a star in the NBA. Like sure it happens, but it is very rare.
2. He is not very skilled when compared to the average NBA center. So, we are relying on him being physically better than other centers to win his matchup.
3. History has not been favorable to big low skilled centers in the past at the NBA level.

Now could he break all those odds and be awesome? Sure.
I just think it is far more likely he doesn't and has an overall underwhelming NBA career.

If he goes pick 20 and turns into Jock Landale or Ivica Zubac level of impact I am not going to beat myself up over it.

I think you can pretty easily argue that he is as skilled as the average NBA center (and even more skilled in some key areas such as FTs).

There are highly skilled centers but that is not the norm. Most of them do very little to exhibit ball skills in an NBA game.

[JMAC3]

You think I am backpeddling?

Why because I admitted Edey could improve? I do not talk in certainties. For all I know Tyler Smith might be the best player in this class, do I think it will happen? Probably not but I am also don't have it at 0% to happen.

Here is what I do know about Edey.
1. He is a senior, which hasn't really been a very high likely hood of being a star in the NBA. Like sure it happens, but it is very rare.
2. He is not very skilled when compared to the average NBA center. So, we are relying on him being physically better than other centers to win his matchup.
3. History has not been favorable to big low skilled centers in the past at the NBA level.

Now could he break all those odds and be awesome? Sure.
I just think it is far more likely he doesn't and has an overall underwhelming NBA career.

If he goes pick 20 and turns into Jock Landale or Ivica Zubac level of impact I am not going to beat myself up over it.

I think you can pretty easily argue that he is as skilled as the average NBA center (and even more skilled in some key areas such as FTs).

There are highly skilled centers but that is not the norm. Most of them do very little to exhibit ball skills in an NBA game.

Edey is 70% from FT for career, 71% for this year. He is alright there, but hardly anything special.

Jarrett Allen is 74%
Nick Richards is 73%
Mark Williams 71%

Are those guys now skilled centers because they are alright Ft shooters?

[TheSuzerain]

You think I am backpeddling?

Why because I admitted Edey could improve? I do not talk in certainties. For all I know Tyler Smith might be the best player in this class, do I think it will happen? Probably not but I am also don't have it at 0% to happen.

Here is what I do know about Edey.
1. He is a senior, which hasn't really been a very high likely hood of being a star in the NBA. Like sure it happens, but it is very rare.
2. He is not very skilled when compared to the average NBA center. So, we are relying on him being physically better than other centers to win his matchup.
3. History has not been favorable to big low skilled centers in the past at the NBA level.

Now could he break all those odds and be awesome? Sure.
I just think it is far more likely he doesn't and has an overall underwhelming NBA career.

If he goes pick 20 and turns into Jock Landale or Ivica Zubac level of impact I am not going to beat myself up over it.

I think you can pretty easily argue that he is as skilled as the average NBA center (and even more skilled in some key areas such as FTs).

There are highly skilled centers but that is not the norm. Most of them do very little to exhibit ball skills in an NBA game.

Edey is 70% from FT for career, 71% for this year. He is alright there, but hardly anything special.

Jarrett Allen is 74%
Nick Richards is 73%
Mark Williams 71%

Are those guys now skilled centers because they are alright Ft shooters?

I think that's probably warmer as to the median "skill" level of NBA centers. And I don't see how Edey isn't equal or better to all 3 in terms of ball skills.

I'm just rejecting the notion that he's unskilled compared to the NBA standard for centers.

[GoBobs]

I think you can pretty easily argue that he is as skilled as the average NBA center (and even more skilled in some key areas such as FTs).

There are highly skilled centers but that is not the norm. Most of them do very little to exhibit ball skills in an NBA game.

Edey is 70% from FT for career, 71% for this year. He is alright there, but hardly anything special.

Jarrett Allen is 74%
Nick Richards is 73%
Mark Williams 71%

Are those guys now skilled centers because they are alright Ft shooters?

I think that's probably warmer as to the median "skill" level of NBA centers. And I don't see how Edey isn't equal or better to all 3 in terms of ball skills.

I'm just rejecting the notion that he's unskilled compared to the NBA standard for centers.

He has kind of a limited bag, but he has mastered the baby hook which is tough to do. He can also shoot it with either hand.

His free throw percentage means he will probably be able to shoot at least a mid range jumper.

Part of the reason his overall skills are a little behind is he didn't start playing basketball until late in life. He has progressed rapidly though, so there is a possibility of more rapid improvement.

[JMAC3]

Edey is 70% from FT for career, 71% for this year. He is alright there, but hardly anything special.

Jarrett Allen is 74%
Nick Richards is 73%
Mark Williams 71%

Are those guys now skilled centers because they are alright Ft shooters?

I think that's probably warmer as to the median "skill" level of NBA centers. And I don't see how Edey isn't equal or better to all 3 in terms of ball skills.

I'm just rejecting the notion that he's unskilled compared to the NBA standard for centers.

He has kind of a limited bag, but he has mastered the baby hook which is tough to do. He can also shoot it with either hand.

His free throw percentage means he will probably be able to shoot at least a mid range jumper.

Part of the reason his overall skills are a little behind is he didn't start playing basketball until late in life. He has progressed rapidly though, so there is a possibility of more rapid improvement.

I think we are ignoring that the actually skilled guys... like Davis, Joel, Jokic, Bam, Lopez, Wemby, Horford, Porzingis, Olynck etc... are all shooting 10-18% higher from the FT line than Edey. It really isn't close.

If he was shooting 85% I would be okay with projecting him as a guy that maybe eventually steps out, but he is at the bottom bottom range of maybe just maybe having jussssttt enough skill to mayyyyyyybee shoot a few mid range shots.

We are grasping at straws to try and prove this guy is some sort of hidden skill.

[FrodoBaggins]

Skill is a vague term. Zach's off-ball movement and positioning are elite. He's a 70-75% FT shooter. He has a post-up bag. He has everything he needs to take full advantage of his monstrous physical gifts: 7'5" height in shoes, a lean, well-proportioned 300+ pound frame, 7'10.5" wingspan, and a 9'7.5" standing reach. And speed, agility, and jumping ability on par with Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside, Steven Adams, Brook Lopez, and DeMarcus Cousins. As per NBA combine numbers.

However, what's most important is that he plays as big and as physical as he is built. Which isn't all that common if you think about it. Zach will probably lead the league in free-throw rate. I'm talking Dwight/Shaq kind of foul pressure.

[FrodoBaggins]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

[JMAC3]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

Asking for the 4th time, where does he rank on your big board?

[RyugaFan]

Lol the age of the forum is showing. Edey cannot be a factor in today's NBA

[Big J]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

This smells like the summer workout clips of Ben Simmons lighting it up during pickup games. Comparing him to Lebron is idiotic. Edey doesn't dribble the ball, set up the offense, or break down defenses and find open teammates like Lebron, Giannis & Wemby.

[FrodoBaggins]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

This smells like the summer workout clips of Ben Simmons lighting it up during pickup games. Comparing him to Lebron is idiotic. Edey doesn't dribble the ball, set up the offense, or break down defenses and find open teammates like Lebron, Giannis & Wemby.

Technical Foul. Strawmanning. Two shots.

[TheSuzerain]

I think that's probably warmer as to the median "skill" level of NBA centers. And I don't see how Edey isn't equal or better to all 3 in terms of ball skills.

I'm just rejecting the notion that he's unskilled compared to the NBA standard for centers.

He has kind of a limited bag, but he has mastered the baby hook which is tough to do. He can also shoot it with either hand.

His free throw percentage means he will probably be able to shoot at least a mid range jumper.

Part of the reason his overall skills are a little behind is he didn't start playing basketball until late in life. He has progressed rapidly though, so there is a possibility of more rapid improvement.

I think we are ignoring that the actually skilled guys... like Davis, Joel, Jokic, Bam, Lopez, Wemby, Horford, Porzingis, Olynck etc... are all shooting 10-18% higher from the FT line than Edey. It really isn't close.

If he was shooting 85% I would be okay with projecting him as a guy that maybe eventually steps out, but he is at the bottom bottom range of maybe just maybe having jussssttt enough skill to mayyyyyyybee shoot a few mid range shots.

We are grasping at straws to try and prove this guy is some sort of hidden skill.

Edey is a similar FT shooting talent to Davis, Bam, Horford. Kind of strange to lump them in with Jokic/Embiid/Porzingis.

[JMAC3]

He has kind of a limited bag, but he has mastered the baby hook which is tough to do. He can also shoot it with either hand.

His free throw percentage means he will probably be able to shoot at least a mid range jumper.

Part of the reason his overall skills are a little behind is he didn't start playing basketball until late in life. He has progressed rapidly though, so there is a possibility of more rapid improvement.

I think we are ignoring that the actually skilled guys... like Davis, Joel, Jokic, Bam, Lopez, Wemby, Horford, Porzingis, Olynck etc... are all shooting 10-18% higher from the FT line than Edey. It really isn't close.

If he was shooting 85% I would be okay with projecting him as a guy that maybe eventually steps out, but he is at the bottom bottom range of maybe just maybe having jussssttt enough skill to mayyyyyyybee shoot a few mid range shots.

We are grasping at straws to try and prove this guy is some sort of hidden skill.

Edey is a similar FT shooting talent to Davis, Bam, Horford. Kind of strange to lump them in with Jokic/Embiid/Porzingis.

Horford at 89% this year. Davis career 80%. Both are better ft shooters than Edey without a doubt.

[Big J]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

This smells like the summer workout clips of Ben Simmons lighting it up during pickup games. Comparing him to Lebron is idiotic. Edey doesn't dribble the ball, set up the offense, or break down defenses and find open teammates like Lebron, Giannis & Wemby.

Technical Foul. Strawmanning. Two shots.

Sorry Frodo, this isn't the Shire. You probably think that all big humans are magical because you are a dwarf.