Raptors NBA Draft Thread: Jared Sullinger

[LittleOzzy]

NBADraft.net: http://nbadraft.net/players/jared-sullinger

DraftExpress.com: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jar ... nger-5029/

This thread will be open at the conclusion of the season.

[fredericklove]

Patient, mature and extremely polished in the post, Sullinger backs players down with brute force and has excellent footwork, being capable of finishing with a jump-hook or spinning into a smooth turnaround jumper. He rarely finishes plays above the rim, usually using his excellent touch to finish plays with his skill-level rather than sheer explosiveness. This is what differentiates him from other top-10 candidate big men such as Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond or Thomas Robinson.

His soft hands allow him to catch most anything that's thrown his way, making him an ideal (and very rare) target to build a half-court offense around. While not the most prolific passer at this stage, Sullinger shows good vision passing out of double teams, turns the ball over at an extremely low rate and rarely forces up bad shots, which only adds to his to his terrific scoring efficiency.

Facing the basket is where Sullinger seems to have improved the most this season. He's regularly stepping out to the perimeter, and is attempting one 3-pointer per game, making 45% of his shots from that range thus far and 36% of his overall jumpers.

Where he's even more dangerous is in the mid to high post, where he sees a large amount of isolation plays in Ohio State's offense every game. Sullinger can put ball on the floor effectively and attack his matchup in a straight line off one or two dribbles, being very difficult to contain thanks to his strength and aggressiveness. Sullinger bounces off opponents and can make difficult shots on the move thanks to his excellent touch, at times using the glass. This is a part of his game that should translate very nicely to the NBA level.

With that said, question marks linger about his potential on this end of the floor at the NBA level, mainly due to his average physical tools. Slightly undersized for a center and not especially agile for a power forward, Sullinger doesn't cover ground very quickly on the perimeter, and isn't explosive enough to offer much of a presence in the paint rotating from the weakside.

He's very intelligent on this end, knowing how to bait opponents into take the shots he wants them to, and doing a good job contesting shots and bodying up opposing big men without fouling. His smarts and solid intensity level help him here, as does his above average length.

To Sullinger's credit, there is already a model in the NBA for players in his mold (such as Kevin Love, Luis Scola or Paul Millsap) who can be incredibly effective with similar limitations, so it may not be prudent to overanalyze his flaws and ignore his tremendous productivity.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA ... nger-3849/

[fredericklove]

Swishscout clips

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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDzCUNu7yvo[/youtube]

[22haytham22]

I think a Glen Davis player is not what we need

[Mister Ze]

Given that Ed Davis and Amir are both on contract it wouldn't make sense to draft this guy. He isn't much of an upgrade either.

[Dr Positivity]

Sullinger is sick. Feel for the game, basketball IQ, very underrated physical tools (Rare power, understated athleticism). Future 1x/2x all-star IMO

[I_Like_Dirt]

Yeah, I get the impression that, health permitting, Sullinger is going to be in the Boozer/Randolph PF range and I'd be fine with that.

[ty123]

He's a dozen times better than Bargnani.

[KL78192020]

Some places list him at 6'9 other 6'10. Which is it?

[fatal9]

I see a more talented Paul Millsap type ceiling, and low bust potential (he'll at least be average). Would rather have him at PF than Bargninny tbh.

I've noticed PFs with his physical traits (average to below average length and athleticism but stocky build) who have skills have actually crossed over pretty well to the NBA and generally get underrated during the draft (Millsap, Boozer, Davis, Blair were all second round picks for example), so maybe scouts don't give them the credit they deserve. He's not as "sexy" as rest of the prospects but at 8...will probably be the best player available.

[tecumseh18]

Some places list him at 6'9 other 6'10. Which is it?

6' 8.

Really, we won't know for sure until the combine.

[Landomar]

I think that Boozer is a great comparison for Sullinger. In the NBA you're looking at a good inside scorer, a good rebounder, and a guy that you have to hide on defense. Definitely not the total package at PF, but a valuable player that has a good chance to be in a few allstar games.

[ty123]

I think that Boozer is a great comparison for Sullinger. In the NBA you're looking at a good inside scorer, a good rebounder, and a guy that you have to hide on defense. Definitely not the total package at PF, but a valuable player that has a good chance to be in a few allstar games.

Lol this is hilarious. Sullinger is the anchor for probably the best defensive team in college basketball. His defense won't be anywhere near as bad as Boozers.

[T0R0NT0_RAPT0RS]

Glen Davis ceiling, and should be drafted well past our spot.

[fredericklove]

So ozzy you had to steal the OP lol.

[BirdmanPresents]

So ozzy you had to steal the OP lol.

Everytime I go into one of these threads it makes me re-evaluate who to take with 8th. So hard to choose, this is for sure a deep draft.

[arbsn]

hahahahaha there is absolutely no way we draft fatty

[SkywalkerAC]

no interest from me.

[JamesNaismith]

I really like Sully but let's be serious Bargnani isn't going anywhere.

To bury his talent for 15-20mins is just wrong. I don't think he's KLove but I really think he could have a Milsap/Boozer effect in his prime. I wish we had a nice trade set up to ship out Bargnani for an upgrade on the wing or PG and I would be all over this BUT that's not happening so PJ3 and Lillard sadly remain my choice (pending Lamb not falling to us).

[BirdmanPresents]

I see Sullinger as a less athletic Elton Brand. Watching Brand during the Philly-Chitown game really reminds me of watching Sullinger earlier this year. Don't see Sully being as strong as him, but he's got a big caboose to create space and get position. They have similar height and both play an under the rim style (again Brand being a bit more athletic).

I'm not saying Sully could be Brand in his prime, but I think he would be able to produce similar numbers to Brand in Philly consistently throughout his prime years:

15pts, 9rbs, 1+block, 50%fg