Lucas 'Bebe' Nogueira

[tcorbin]

I think the first center drafted by the Hawks in the first round in the last 17 years should get a thread. He already has a nickname of Bebe. i'm not sure if that will stick in Atlanta, maybe Be or Bees. I heard about him about a year and a half ago, and really wasn't that impressed with him. Then i heard he moved to Spain to play some serious ball and was doing well, then i started to get alittle more interested. The last couple of weeks i got on the bandwagon when i saw film of him playing in Spain and he looked smooth, not stiff, running around in the full court and half court.

I still like Steven Adams, i think Adams will become a poor man's Marc Gasol, but i think Bebe in time, will become a rich man's JaVale McGee. I don't expect either one of make an all star team, but each could be a legit NBA center in 3-4 years. I think this is the best pick the Hawks could have made talent wise, need wise, and financially.

[td00]

'Bebe will need at least 3 years to be ready to play here'.

I was disappointed only in the regard that there was a need at SF, PG and more immediate help at C.

Its still early in the summer, but I sure would like to see this kid along with Schroeder in Vegas learning the system at the minimum.

We are taking this draft down to the bottom and building it back up.

[dms269]

He is a very good blocker, but he is still very raw. I participate in sim leagues and I remember that a couple years ago he was considered a top prospect for his class. Like they said last night, he was considered very good but then kinda plateaued for a while. He is only 20 which means even if he doesn't come over for a couple of years, we still get a a solid young player. He needs to bulk up but he has the height.

[Jamaaliver]

Bebe's Nickname...Sideshow Bob?

[Jamaaliver]

I keep hearing Joakim Noah comparisons, which would make me very happy.
He has the size and, apparently, that type of athleticism. I imagine the Spanish league he plays in is more competitive than our D-League. Hope, they're coaching him up properly over there.

I heard he has a $2 million buyout from his current Euro Team. This pretty much guarantees he won't be over this year.