Draftees 2016 – Brown, Yabusele, Žižić, Jackson, Nader

[cl2117]

Spoiler:

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Claws beat SLC Stars, 104-95.
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See that right there is what worries me. Mickey is pure garbage, and scored almost as much as Nader, who we collectively hope has some ability that he could bring to the Celtics.

We'll never know until Nader faces real NBA competition. But looking beyond the stats, he seems to have a diverse offensive game, good size for his position, tools to become at least decent on defense, and by all indications, a great work ethic. I'm cautiously optimistic he can become a rotational player at best. Barring a trade that sends multiple players out, he'll only likely be a 12th-to-15th guy on the roster next season (like James Young this season).

Nader has this old-man style game (and I mean that in a good way) where I think everything he does look legit, but it's just a matter of whether he can keep up with the athletes at the next level.

Reminds me of Pierce in the way that he seemed like he was almost moving slower than the rest of the guys, but it's all efficient motion and then he has deceptive speed where he wants to. It's just hard to measure how that translates to the NBA because it's all well and good until these super athletes aren't giving you the cushion you got in college/G-league and it's harder to keep them in front of you on the other end.

I think if he doesn't get shipped out he'll be groomed for a Jerebko type role off the bench.

[24istheLAW]

Spoiler:

See that right there is what worries me. Mickey is pure garbage, and scored almost as much as Nader, who we collectively hope has some ability that he could bring to the Celtics.

We'll never know until Nader faces real NBA competition. But looking beyond the stats, he seems to have a diverse offensive game, good size for his position, tools to become at least decent on defense, and by all indications, a great work ethic. I'm cautiously optimistic he can become a rotational player at best. Barring a trade that sends multiple players out, he'll only likely be a 12th-to-15th guy on the roster next season (like James Young this season).

Nader has this old-man style game (and I mean that in a good way) where I think everything he does look legit, but it's just a matter of whether he can keep up with the athletes at the next level.

Reminds me of Pierce in the way that he seemed like he was almost moving slower than the rest of the guys, but it's all efficient motion and then he has deceptive speed where he wants to. It's just hard to measure how that translates to the NBA because it's all well and good until these super athletes aren't giving you the cushion you got in college/G-league and it's harder to keep them in front of you on the other end.

I think if he doesn't get shipped out he'll be groomed for a Jerebko type role off the bench.

Nader looks "deceptive" because his feet are always under him. He moves like a soccer player. Probably not a coincidence, given where he was born.

[Celtsfan1980]

Where would Nader be drafted this year?

[cl2117]

Where would Nader be drafted this year?

Early 2nd rounder? Maybe late first to a team like the Spurs/Warriors who think they could use him off the bench from the jump for small spurts.

I think he just doesn't have the ceiling that you look for when picking in and around the lottery or even early 20s when you could still get what is considered a "lottery talent".

[Triple M]

is Yabusele going to be eligible for the playoffs for Maine???

will be interesting to see Nader, Yabusele, Zizic get extended experience beyond their respective regular seasons.

[Jingles]

My hopes and expectations for Zizic are reaching unhealthy levels considering that he plays a pretty traditional straightforward big-man game—set good picks, drive to the rim, finish strong through contact, grab rebounds. But even if he's not a floor-spacer (though his FT ability gives me hope), I think he'll be able to do some really nice things on this team next year.

At worst he's a better version of Zeller, who is quite often put in highly advantageous situations in the paint but lacks the ability to do anything with it (seriously, the amount of bunny layups he misses/has blocked/whatever is stunning for a man his size). Zizic looks like he will do infinitely more if given those same opportunities. If he can defend and rebound—and ideally pass a bit—forget about it. Just adds another layer of versatility and ability to go big on occasion (the bigs destroyed GS, for example). Down the road, he looks like someone who could be an ideal pairing for an athletic perimeter 4. Can't wait to see him in green. Amazing we're sitting this close to #1 in the conference and getting to dream on so much future potential without even accounting for the top 4 pick added in June and lotto pick added next year.

[24istheLAW]

The input we've gotten from Murta/a few other seemingly credible sources about his lateral mobility has tempered my expectations of Zizic to seize a role out of the gate beyond Tyler Zeller's 10 MPG.

[Murta]

The input we've gotten from Murta/a few other seemingly credible sources about his lateral mobility has tempered my expectations of Zizic to seize a role out of the gate beyond Tyler Zeller's 10 MPG.

It might end up: "if not him, who?" situation.

Lateral mobility per se is not a problem, he'll be in top 15% among centers when he enters the league, it's the lateral explosion on defense - changing speeds and directions. Though, neither in Cibona nor in Darussafaka is he getting any help from the guards, while Celtics have the best defensive guards in the world. That could change a lot of things. Be it as it may, tempering expectations for rookies is the best approach.

[Gant]

My hopes and expectations for Zizic are reaching unhealthy levels considering that he plays a pretty traditional straightforward big-man game—set good picks, drive to the rim, finish strong through contact, grab rebounds. But even if he's not a floor-spacer (though his FT ability gives me hope), I think he'll be able to do some really nice things on this team next year.

At worst he's a better version of Zeller, who is quite often put in highly advantageous situations in the paint but lacks the ability to do anything with it (seriously, the amount of bunny layups he misses/has blocked/whatever is stunning for a man his size). Zizic looks like he will do infinitely more if given those same opportunities. If he can defend and rebound—and ideally pass a bit—forget about it. Just adds another layer of versatility and ability to go big on occasion (the bigs destroyed GS, for example). Down the road, he looks like someone who could be an ideal pairing for an athletic perimeter 4. Can't wait to see him in green. Amazing we're sitting this close to #1 in the conference and getting to dream on so much future potential without even accounting for the top 4 pick added in June and lotto pick added next year.

Zeller and Zizic seem very different just because Zeller has fairly short arms and plays smaller than his height, while Zizic has long arms and plays very big. That's a whole different way of being on the court.

I like David Blatt's Steven Adams comparison for Zizic. Adams has a slightly better wingspan and leap. Zizic has a slightly better standing reach. Both are tall and tough. Weight should be about the same.

I'd hope next year, Zizic compares well to second year Steven Adams. (Euroleague is a step above UPitt for preparation, and Ante's rebounding should translate.) Think how much just a solid big strong player like Adams would help Boston.

The player who Zizic might help the most when they play together is Horford. Horford will avoid the giant defenders that way.

[Elrod is Back]

The input we've gotten from Murta/a few other seemingly credible sources about his lateral mobility has tempered my expectations of Zizic to seize a role out of the gate beyond Tyler Zeller's 10 MPG.

It might end up: "if not him, who?" situation.

Lateral mobility per se is not a problem, he'll be in top 15% among centers when he enters the league, it's the lateral explosion on defense - changing speeds and directions. Though, neither in Cibona nor in Darussafaka is he getting any help from the guards, while Celtics have the best defensive guards in the world. That could change a lot of things. Be it as it may, tempering expectations for rookies is the best approach.

Some scouts say he would be a top 10 pick in the 2017 draft, and everything I have seen from his Euroleague play supports that. I am not expecting Karl Towns or Nikola Jokic. But I am expecting someone who can come in right away and be an effective rotation player.

Once we get to see him in action over here we can begin to ponder what his upside might be down the road. The one great thing he has going for him is a rare work ethic. That bodes well for his prospects. His physical tools may not conjure images of Olajuwon, but they are clearly sufficient to be a competent NBA big man. It is his work ethic and competitive fire that will determine just how far he goes, as it usually is with bigs. You get the sense he responds well to coaching and he will have a good coach in Boston.

[Homerclease]

Really trying to temper my expectations for Zizic but it's hard not to be excited. I have a feeling we're gonna wind up killing him early and often for his pick and roll defense and knack for picking up cheap fouls but by the end of next season I'm hoping he can really blossom.

[ConstableGeneva]

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[Darth Celtic]

All I know is summer league is going to be off the hook this year.

Fultz, Jackson, JB, Nader, ZiZic, Yabusele and whoever we get with the wolves 2nd.

[Parliament10]

All I know is summer league is going to be off the hook this year.

Fultz, Jackson, JB, Nader, ZiZic, Yabusele and whoever we get with the wolves 2nd.

That is going to be some team, huh?
We have 2 more 2nd Round picks; if we keep them.

I wish that the Summer Leagues were a little more spread out, time-wise.

[FlatearthZorro]

All I know is summer league is going to be off the hook this year.

Fultz, Jackson, JB, Nader, ZiZic, Yabusele and whoever we get with the wolves 2nd.

Grayson Allen, he's somewhat Danny's type of player. I expect us to take him if he's there.

[ConstableGeneva]

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Mickey added 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Nader had 14 and 8. Claws lost to Canton Charge, 110-99.
Yabusele was still waiting for his working visa as of earlier today.

[djFan71]

Kinda scares me when Mickey can go do and put up numbers. Really just shows you can't go off any D league stats. Nader could be Paul George or Boy George at this point. Who knows?

[Murta]

Kinda scares me when Mickey can go do and put up numbers. Really just shows you can't go off any D league stats. Nader could be Paul George or Boy George at this point. Who knows?

Yep, D-league doesn't tell you who can play in the NBA, only who can't. It is fundamentally flawed as most teams are dominated by small PGs who will never play in the league and players don't play team game because they fight for their future, there is no "honor" in winning D-league trophy.

[Triple M]

only 10 mins for Zizic 2 points/2 rebs
has he hit a bit of a wall.

only 2 games left in the eurobasket
not sure if darussafaka has enough to make the playoffs

[Zaschrona]

Kinda scares me when Mickey can go do and put up numbers. Really just shows you can't go off any D league stats. Nader could be Paul George or Boy George at this point. Who knows?

Yep, D-league doesn't tell you who can play in the NBA, only who can't. It is fundamentally flawed as most teams are dominated by small PGs who will never play in the league and players don't play team game because they fight for their future, there is no "honor" in winning D-league trophy.

Agree. D-League needs to be changed into a truly farm league. All players on the team owned by the NBA team. NHL/AHL system.