Prospect Profile: Marreese Speights

[pointman]

How many times have the Warriors been abused by undersized, athletic PF's the last couple of seasons? The likes of Milsap, Landry, Maxiell, and Thornton turn into All-Stars when they face the Warriors. We're too small, too light, too this, too that. We have no answer on our current roster, but Marreese Speights just might be what the doctor ordered. Although he's raw, he possess the tools (impressive wingspan) and skills (shooting touch) to grow into that physical pressence in the paint the Warriors so desperately need.

Sitting on the bench on the Championship winning Florida Gators last year, he patiently waited for his turn to shine. This year he has emerged behind the shadows of Joakim Noah and Al Horford to man the paint for the Gators. Only a sophomore, he has wowed scouts and made a name for himself with his efficient and powerful play. His per-40 production is outstanding (23.9 pts, 12.8 reb, 2.8 blk). He ranks 6th overall in EFF/40 with 31.0 behind Michael Beasley (37.7), Reggie Williams, Kevin Love (32.8), Luke Harangody, and Jason Thompson (31.1).

Speights is a great prospect who will need time to mature, but whether he declares for this year's draft is still unclear. Teams will drool over his shooting touch and NBA ready body that oozes with potential. Whatever he decides, he will likely be a lottery pick....

http://mindofmullin.blogspot.com/2008/04/prospect-profile-marreese-speights.html

[Abyss Impact]

We already have Patrick O Bryant.

[tsherkin]

In fairness, Thornton is starting to torch EVERYone...

Nellie will never use him, given his propensity for back-to-the-basket offense (David Thorpe compared him to Al Jefferson, according to DX) but if he gets some burn, that'd be VERY helpful.

*gasp*

Can you imagine Speights and Wright in a frontline together? *shudder*

Apparently has a decent 15- to 17-footer and he shot nearly 70% from the line. Little bit of a hook to the left and right, a spin away... Weak defender (he's 19), weak handles, but still 6'10/245...

Speights is an intriguing prospect.

Abyss is right, though; POB is expiring and hasn't done anything, so he'll be cheap; if you want an athletic big, he's larger and heavier and has just as much potential.

[TB]

POB is as good as gone. We had our chance to pick up his option and failed to accomplish that.

As for Speights, he is definitely a legit prospect. As Sherkin mentioned, Thorpe is comparing him to Jefferson, which bodes well for him because Thorpe is a solid source of scouting information.

if he leaves this year (which is the only way we could possibly get him) i would love to see a frontcourt rotation of (minutes):
Wright 25 / Al 18 / Speights 5
Goose 33 / Al 10/ speights 5

of course, this is the rotation i want regardless, just insert whoever in Speights spot, wether it be a rookie (ibaka, hansbrough, Love, speights, etc) or a vet (cro?). As long as its not azubarntrus im okay.

sherkin whats your thoughts on biedrins? i think i recall twice when you have mentioned ideas for our frontcourt without mentioning him.

[MightyReds2020]

If Speights is just a great "prospect", then he will just be sitting at the end of the bench, and he'll be replaced by yet another "big" in 2 years, and the cycle starts.

[tsherkin]

Oh, my bad.

I like Biedrins. I think he's never going to be a significant offensive presence because he's not very big and he can't shoot worth a damn but his rebounding and help D are extremely valuable. He's mobile, he can finish very efficiently... He's a guy who's already a starting-caliber center in the NBA despite his flaws, so for him, just getting consistent PT would be fine. I can't fathom why he's getting like 27 minutes a game instead of over 30 (I mean, I understand it's Nelson but you know what I mean)...

And actually, he's amidst setting a career-high in FT% at nearly 62%, which is a HUGE step forward for him.

Also, AWESOME signature...

[HeyIt'sMe]

Speights has outstanding offensive tools. He has incredible touch on his shot and really can score the basketball, but he's got to improve his all around game in pretty much every other facet. He's a pretty good rebounder and can block shots, but he's not a good passer, he's considerably weak defensively, and seems to not give a full effort all the time, which is why he doesn't play all that many minutes.

He's a good prospect based on potential, but he's got a lot to work on.