Dat2U wrote:nate33 wrote:9 and 20 wrote:Looks like Essengue might be a top 5 or 6 pick now. Super young, productive, good size.
His measurements haven't changed much since the last time.
Last year, he measured 6'-9" barefoot with a 6'-11" wingspan and a 9'-3.25" standing reach. He was 198 pounds.
He has gained an inch in height an 1.75 inches in wingspan, but lost 1.5 inches in standing reach (probably because he tanked it to boost his vertical leap numbers). My guess is most of the wingspan improvement was his torso filling out a bit as he matured.
I think he's an interesting high upside gamble, but I don't really think these measurements place him firmly in the top 6. I think he could go anywhere between 6 and 20.
The production at his age is impressive. He seems to have good feel. An event creator defensively and a monster in transition. He scores on timely cuts to the rim to the dunker's spot, the ocassional open 3, putbacks on offensive rebounds & of course, on the break. Apparently his combination of length & athleticism make him tougb to stop on the move leading to a jaw dropping foul rate.
So he excels and has mastered the 'edges' of the game to be productive at a young age in his league. The C length & wing mobility give you hope as a switchable big capable of guarding all 5 positions.
The 'meat' of his game is light on substance however. The handle is basic and he doesn't look comfortable with it. He can attack some closeouts although alot of his limited forays to the basket are mostly of him backing people down. The shooting is built around his willingness to shoot them despite low %s. The form looks slow but he's not really being guarded so its not an issue yet. His passing is interesting and he does offer some promise to eventually provide connective passing. Defensively, he can be disruptive but consistency & attention to detail has been an issue but at 18 those things can improve. I just think he's an underskilled F or a wispy C project that must refine his skill or be destined to be a backup energy big stuck b/w positions.
Essengue reminds me of Bilal, but with even poorer handles and shooting, late 1st round pick if at all for me.
I don't see Essengue becoming a stretch 5 
Both are primarily floor runners and slashers looking for dunks and put-backs, they will shoot sometimes, but it's ugly. I am extremely skeptical of most of these Frenchies transitioning to the NBA, but it happens.
but yeah, I am pretty skeptical of Sarr, Essengue and Bilal all for different reasons. But I guess that is just being a young player. Since we have two of them, I am irrationally cheering for them.
as he quickly loses momentum going downhill. Alot of his rim runs ended with his back to the basket and using his lower body strength to carve enough space to find an angle to release his shot. He will also be targeted relentlessly on defense.