Can two unicorns share the floor at the same time?
Is that where the game is headed?
Are KAT and Jokic also unicorns?
2017 will be known as the year of the unicorn.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis, NBA big men with unusual versatility, lead the league in scoring. [We] contacted five NBA scouts to find out who they'd pick to follow Simmons, Porzingis and Antetokounmpo.
Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
"Bamba is closest to a unicorn. [He has a] 7'9" wingspan, can handle, pass, shoot threes."
The NBA doesn't have a player with Mohamed Bamba's measurements and skill set.
It's extraordinary how much ground and air space he covers between his length and nimble feet. Bamba has flashed more offensively than just simple finishes off dump downs, dives, lobs and putbacks. His ability to give guards a towering, high-percentage dunk target (9'6" reach) is still valuable, but it's Bamba's improving footwork and shooting range that could earn him his unicorn card.
Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
"Versatile at both ends, but the kid can do everything on offense."
Marvin Bagley III's potential touches every strength and skill across the board.
It's the do-it-all skill set and defensive speed that can separate Bagley as a unicorn. A power forward/center, Bagley shows good ball control with his handle and the ability to initiate the break after clearing the defensive glass.
he's also a tough cover for bigs in the half court, where he can play away from the basket and exploit his first step and quickness. He'll take defenders off the dribble and finish with layups and improvised runners typically used by wings or hybrid 4s.
Throw in developing back-to-the-basket footwork and hook shots and capable mid-range touch.
DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
"I'd take Bamba over Bagley, but there is one more out there I'd take hands down over either."
Within the unicorn family, DeAndre Ayton fits the mold of an Embiid or Karl-Anthony Towns—long, nimble centers with bodies built for the paint and inside-out skill sets to score in volume.
The unicorn potential kicks in once his perimeter game fully develops. He has been shooting threes for some time now. A quick, uncontestable release on his jumper is convincing, even if he doesn't shoot a high percentage right away. Like Towns and Embiid, he's become a threat to pick-and-pop behind the arc, spot up or rise and fire over his man from the elbows or short corners.
With quick spins in the post and the ability to separate into quality one-handed looks around the key, Ayton can score from all three levels, as well as control the glass and block shots.
Bleacher Report
Any of these kids have what it takes to break molds ala Porzingis and Giannis?
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