rosenthall wrote:Thinking about good comps for Noa, I decided to do a little digging.
1). I always thought the Giannis comps were wishful thinking, but I would hope this video of his first summer league dispels even the most optimistic Noa fans that he's somehow on the Giannis track:
In terms of ball skills and offensive repertoire at the same age, Giannis just absolutely crushes Noa in every way imaginable. Watching that video, it's shocking to me that no NBA teams scouted him well enough to take him in the lottery. He looks like such an obviously special talent in hindsight.
2). I think Chet is a closer comp to Noa in terms of functional athleticism. They move in similar ways, both vertically and in space. But Chet clearly has a length to his game that lets him play defense in a way that Noa can't. And Chet's big man handles and offensive game were waaaay more advanced at the same age:
3). I think right now the best comp for Noa is early stage Joakim Noah, or a 6'11 Derrick Jones Jr. Noa and Noah have very similar measurables, as well as types of athleticism. Jo is on. the Mt Rushmore of big man motors, but I think our current Noa competes there too. Looking at this highlight reel -- I think it's the closest match. The game was more big man oriented then, so you see Jo doing a lot of post-ups that wouldn't translate to today, but the perimeter defense, fondness for going coast-to-coast, ability to go north-south and get to the basket -- I think they're quite similar.
I actually was also thinking his comp is DJJ but the potential is maxed out DJJ with giannis like cuts/drives and maybe like 70-80% of giannis's defense.
What makes giannis such a special player is the playmaker ability along with the drives. I don't think noa has that playmaking or ball handling ability. I do think he's a smart player and can be a connective type of passer but I don't see on ball creation from him.
But the body growth/driving ability/cuts could still be the same growth trajectory.
Defensively, Noa doesn't have the explosive/twitch to match Giannis. Noa seems more of a smooth operator type. But again, body/length/agility trajectory is high.
Put all that together above would be a very nice player in his prime. Maybe not MVP/DPOY combo like Giannis but maybe 75-80%? That would be a solid all star imo
Then any type of shooting/playmaking/ball handing improvements would be the cherry on top.
Chet is a different archetype. Noa seems to be a lengthy wing more than a small big. Chet is a skinny big more than a lengthy wing.
Let's see how much more HGH Noa has left
I think he got a few more inches in him
