tmorgan wrote:It’s pretty much a done deal at this point. Those that (rightly) see Cade’s lack of explosiveness as a detriment to his future performance have made their points. I understand the doubt. Just remember how many truly elite players there have been that weren’t in any way exceptional athletes in terms of speed, leaping, and quickness. Starting with Bird… and Magic.
Feel for the game, vision. change of pace, posting up smaller guards, these are all real things. Cade does them. I honestly don’t know how Cade’s NBA career will unfold, as he’s a fairly unique player. But he’s definitely worthy of the top pick for a team like Detroit.
His negatives can be summarized in a 3 points.
1/ The main criticism isn't his lack of athleticism, average in the league at best, arguably below average compared to players based on the natural position of his body size. For a superstar, average athleticism is the exception, not the norm. This isn't a huge issue for skill based players.
2/ Questionable passing IQ/questionable decision making/overrated passing skills or some other similar framing, his assist to turnover ratio is tragic for any prospect trying to play point guard in the league.
3/ Cade doesn't elevate his team like a quality PF/point forward. There is no efficiency metrics that shows that Oklahoma State is worse with him on the bench (or better on the court). This could be lumped into point 2 because Cade's main draw is his ability to play the point forward for a 6'8" player. If this part of his game doesn't work out, there is really no reason to take him as a wing prospect over other players.
All of this boils down to the thesis that Cade will be a middling point forward who will basically fit into the mold of an oversized shooting wing (with a good shot) with some play making abilities. This while being a great outcome is not an outcome you want for a #1 prospect.
