Noa Essengue

[EvanZ]

I honestly think everyone is missing the real "big slasher" in this draft. It's not Noa, it's not Queen. It's not Ace.

It's Asa Newell.

[JMAC3]

Last 3 games
4 pts, 4 pts, 3 pts

[BigGargamel]

I can't see how he's not a top 5 pick, his combination of young age, production at high level, physical profile... There is not that much separation between him and Cooper

I really wish there was a role on this board where if people say extremely silly hyperbole like this, they are forced to back it up with actual proof that makes having an opinion like this worth it.

I get being excited about a prospect, but to say this, you need to explain yourself.

[Catchall]

I honestly think everyone is missing the real "big slasher" in this draft. It's not Noa, it's not Queen. It's not Ace.

It's Asa Newell.

Noa is skilled enough to be considered a big wing who can play at the 3 or 4. He's more than just a slasher. Asa is mostly an energy big in the mold of a Precious Achiuwa, imo. He's a 4/5, but a bit underskilled for the 4 and a bit undersized for the 5.

[Catchall]

Last 3 games
4 pts, 4 pts, 3 pts

He's playing limited minutes right now, not sure why. The fact that the draft is coming up might be a factor. He's had some big stat games earlier in the playoffs.

[EvanZ]

I honestly think everyone is missing the real "big slasher" in this draft. It's not Noa, it's not Queen. It's not Ace.

It's Asa Newell.

Noa is skilled enough to be considered a big wing who can play at the 3 or 4. He's more than just a slasher. Asa is mostly an energy big in the mold of a Precious Achiuwa, imo. He's a 4/5, but a bit underskilled for the 4 and a bit undersized for the 5.

If Asa was in that German league he'd be a top 5 pick. You've all been Jedi mind tricked.

[Chi town]

Last 3 games
4 pts, 4 pts, 3 pts

Perfect. Hope he falls.

[JMAC3]

This is like a prospect completely disappearing in the elite, the final four and the national semi-final. If that happened we would roast that player non-stop but for Noa we are ignoring it?

[TheSuzerain]

I honestly think everyone is missing the real "big slasher" in this draft. It's not Noa, it's not Queen. It's not Ace.

It's Asa Newell.

Noa is skilled enough to be considered a big wing who can play at the 3 or 4. He's more than just a slasher. Asa is mostly an energy big in the mold of a Precious Achiuwa, imo. He's a 4/5, but a bit underskilled for the 4 and a bit undersized for the 5.

He's 18 so projection is allowed.

But he absolutely looks nothing like a 3 right now skill wise.

[EvanZ]

Last 3 games
4 pts, 4 pts, 3 pts

Perfect. Hope he falls.

I was watching some youtube guy who said this guy falls down a lot.

[Chi town]

I’d expect Noa to get the Buz treatment year one. Spot mins until he commits to his role and develops an NBA work ethic. It will be an adjustment and culture change in the states.

I do think his D and motor will play and earn him mins. By end of season I think he will be playing meaningful rotation mins.

[Klomp]

Do you think leaving his team to attend the draft will affect his perception among teams?

[The-Power]

Do you think leaving his team to attend the draft will affect his perception among teams?

There's a chance but I think it's not very likely.

It bears mentioning that his team a) let both players choose whether to stay or attend the draft (the team's anger is directed at the league for rejecting the rescheduling proposal) and b) did not count as much on Essengue in the Finals it seems.

If we are being honest, the NBA draft is a much bigger deal for these players than a championship in the German BBL. It's one of those things players probably should not openly admit (because they are expected to claim that they are all about winning no matter what) but it's just the reality for most. These guys went to Ulm as a stepping stone to enter the NBA after all.

For me personally, the choice certainly does not elevate my belief in him but I don't think any team that likes him should be deterred by it at all.

[remi_222]

Ulm gets a decent amount of money, so if he gets injured or something its not worth playing him lots of min. It was a mutual decision i believe

[Chi town]

Do you think leaving his team to attend the draft will affect his perception among teams?

Vecenie said no. Execs are aware but it won’t effect his status.

[Chi town]

Here's a Thinking Basketball video on Giannis and his disciples of big front-court downhill slashers. Names include Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis, Evan Mobley, Ben Simmons (pre-injury), Deni Avdija, Jonathan Kuminga, Pascal Siakam, Zion Williamson, Amen Thompson, Scottie Barnes, etc.

It's hard to say what Noa's downhill slashing potential is, but it is there. Whether that amounts to running inverted PnRs and isolating in early offense & 4-out lineups, or attacking the rim in short rolls and fake hand-offs, or just attacking closeouts and cuts, I don't know. But what I do know is that strength, weight, and power development will be a key determinant.

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=ThinkingBasketball

So how you feeling about Noa with Giddey and Buz?