RexBoyWonder wrote:MettaWorldPanda wrote:Just a try hard tweener though

Am i missing something?
Is being listed on a random stat list next to Frank Kaminsky and Derrick Williams proof of something meaningful?
I like the kid, he plays hard. Yet he's in no way a NBA center, and he's not enough of a shooter, passer or creator to be a 4. He's a huger reach at #15
I def think you're missing something, but seemingly by choice.
You see a list of 11 players that have achieved certain statistical thresholds and all you note is the 2 busts from the group? What about the other 80% of the group that consists of 7 guys that proved to be quality NBA starters and one solid rotational frontcourt player that is currently a key part of an ECF team frontcourt rotation? I'd say that's generally great company for a player not projected to be picked in the lotto.
It's unclear to me how you can so conclusively determine he can't play 4 in the NBA due to his shooting, passing or creation. I look at every frontcourt player in this draft class and I honestly give Holmes as good of a chance of being a reliable 3-pt shooter as anyone of them (aside from Da Silva whom is a combo forward). Are you more confident in Ware? Filipowski? Buzelis? If so, I'd be interested to hear why. When you look at 3pt %, FT%, and 3PA rate, Holmes seems as promising or moreso than any of them. I also just like the look of his progression and mechanics over the past year.
I do agree that it's important for Holmes to be a serviceable 3-pt shooter to warrant a NBA role as much more than a backup center. But, I'm bullish on his clear progress on that front.
Holmes would def be on the small side for a full time center. But, he's not Precious-sized. He's a legit 6'9 with a 7'1 wingspan and weighed 235 at the combine. He's basically the exact same size as the Dallas Mavs starting center (Gafford). And I bet his measurables start to look damn good when you compare him to the average teams 3rd big.
You mention
passing and creating to be a 4 in the NBA. For this exercise, I think it's easy enough to stick with the list of players referenced as 8 of the 11 are forwards (some PF/C). I see the 2 busts (Kaminsky really a soft center & Williams a PF). From the remaining 5 forwards (not counting Holmes), I see 4 quality starting PFs in the NBA (some stars) and Obi Toppin (a solid frontcourt rotation piece for the Pacers on their ECF run).
Out of these 8 forwards plus the 2 guards, Holmes has the second highest assist percentage and the 3rd best A/TO ratio (including the guards). Additionally, I look at the starting PFs across the NBA and can tell you that Holmes has better passing/creation numbers this past season than more than half of the PFs did in their college careers.
I can def agree that Holmes doesn't have as much upside as some of that group--and his stats benefit from being a 3-year player. But, only 3 of the guys on that list were 1 and done.
I see a lot of value with solidifying the frontcourt with a guy who can be maximized by playing alongside each of Bam and Jovic. If we can get quality play from one guy to round out the 96 minutes of PF and C role, then A LOT of lapses that Miami currently experiences will disappear.