From the Arizona Republic, 5/29 He has a body like Karl Malone. He moves his feet like Jason Kidd. He has the arm span of China's 7-foot-5 Yao Ming. And he's only 19 years old. So how come you've never heard of Maybyner "Nene" Hilario? If you're an NBA fan, you will know by June 26, when some team makes him a first-round draft pick. The Suns got their first up-close and personal look at the 6-10, 260-pound Brazilian forward Tuesday at their final round of individual interviews before the league's moratorium on such workouts for next week's Chicago pre-draft camp. "I don't think he's just going to sneak into the lottery," said Michael Coyne, Hilario's Cleveland-based agent. "I think he'll go between No. 5 and No. 8. He's the most athletic big man in the draft." If Hilario goes that high, the Suns won't have a chance to draft him when they pick at No. 9, the first of their two first-round draft picks. But most draft observers believe that "Nene" - "baby" in Portuguese - is likely to be on the board when the Suns pick. While fans might not know much about Hilario, NBA scouts have been watching him since the Goodwill Games last summer in Australia. Playing for Brazil, Hilario averaged a double-double in points and rebounds while coming off the bench. He played 26 minutes against the United States, scoring 13 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking five shots as Brazil took the Americans into overtime before losing. He has grown an inch and has added 30 pounds of muscle. But his athleticism has caught the eyes of scouts. With only 7 percent body fat and a 7-4 3/4 wingspan - exactly the same as Yao - Hilario has a sports background that began with soccer, judo and track. He has developed tremendous coordination and foot speed. "He doesn't have good feet; he has great feet," Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas said after he saw Hilario. Suns coach Frank Johnson said Hilario had a faster time than many of the guards who have been evaluated in a foot-speed shuttle drill the club puts players through. "He has very, very quick feet," Johnson said. "And he has long arms, so he can block some shots. "His offensive skills haven't caught up with his defensive skills yet. I asked him who he thinks he compares to, and he said Hakeem Olajuwon." One concern is that he doesn't have great leaping ability, although his long arms make up for much of that. But he's more polished offensively than high school prospect Amare Stoudemire, who has been projected as a higher pick. Of course, questions persist. One is whether Hilario can get cleared by his Brazilian club, Vasco da Gama, to play in the NBA. Asked about those ties to Vasco da Gama, Hilario grinned. "No mas!" he said, meaning no more. Through his interpreter, Joe Santos, Hilario said the contract is in the hands of lawyers, but he expressed confidence that he will be free to play in the NBA next season. He adds another intriguing player to a draft loaded with athletic power forwards - the Suns' biggest need. "The Brazilian kid is rising fast," said Donn Nelson, Dallas Mavericks assistant coach and player personnel director. That's not a secret anymore. Judo background...cool. 7'4'' 3/4 wingspan. That US game, if I'm not mistaken, came against the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and K-Mart. The leaping thing is strange...you'd think with great feet, and superb athleticism, he'd be a good leaper. I recall the Chronicle calling him a fantastic leaper. Apparently, he's up to 264 pounds. He's listed anywhere from 6'9''-6'11'', with his huge wingspan. If he's closer to 6'11'', and can play center, and will be there at #8...you've got to consider making a deal.
They say he measured 6'11 1/4 in shoes. They also say that with his broad shoulders he could add 20lbs and you wouldn'teven see it. Very interesting.
Good post! I agree. Hopefully, this is not a bunch of hype. The only negative about Nene is his contract. He has some contract issues that will have to be ironed out. I know its only a dream, but I hope the Rockets can get him.
lee-Where did you hear the 6'11'' 1/4 measurement? With that height, weight, and wingspan, he could play center easily. The thing I like is that he has quick feet. Mentioned he has a soccer and track background in addition to the judo. This now begs the question: Suppose you could get Odom, Hilario (#8) and have 12 and 15 left over to fill out the rest of the team...do you trade Ming and a player for that? Very tempting, IMO.
Hey Nike, just curious, but if you think Nene can play center at 6'11, why do you keep reiterating that you don't think Wilcox can play the 5 at 6'10? I know Nene has the wingspan, but we've all seen the kind of athleticism and leaping ability that Wilcox has, so I think that would be a push of some sort. Care to elaborate?
The big things are his weight and wingspan. I don't want another skinny jumping jack playing next to Griffin-he can do that. I want someone that can bang, and has the body to do so. Nene is 260, at age 19, AND has that monster wingspan. If he measured 6'11''.25, he should be fine. From what I saw of Maryland, they usually let Baxter take the banger on the other side. I've sort of backed off, and I'm on the fence over Wilcox's ability to play the 5, because I'm not sure of things like how much more weight he could put on, or if he's a legit 6'10'', his wingspan, etc. IMO, leaping ability alone doesn't let you play center...or Keon Clark would be starting at the 5, and playing 35+ MPG.
Wilcox at center? It will be a cold day in hell before Wilcox plays center. He would get pushed around at the 5 spot. Hilario at 6-10 260 and his 7-4 3/4 wingspan he should have no problem playing center.
I see where you are going Nike, but I think people need to forget about that 220 weight that is listed for Wilcox, because the guy has to be at least 240-250, and I think he has the type of frame to put on more without losing his explosiveness. He already carries his weight really well. I really don't see him as a Keon Clark type "pogostick" He's already more built than Clark. I am not as much worried about Wilcox's ability to put on the weight to be a banger -- I am more worried about whether he has the mentality (a la Ben Wallace). I don't think he has it yet, but if he were to ever reach that point, I think he would be a scary proposition at center for a team like us. But it's probably all moot, as the way it's looking neither of them will be around at 15...now if we end up swinging the trade for Odom and get the Clips 8 or 12, that's a different story.
What about a three-way between us, the Nuggets and the Warriors: Rockets Trade: #1, Kenny Thomas, Mo Taylor, and Glenn Rice Rockets Get: #3, #5, Antwan Jamison, and the Warriors 2003 1st rounder(Maybe) Nuggets Trade: #5 Nuggets get: Mo Taylor and Glenn Rice Warriors Trade: Antwan Jamison,#3, and 2003 first rounder(maybe) Warriors Get: Kenny Thomas and the Number 1 We could get Butler with number 3 and Hilario with number 5. We might be able to give MoT and Rice to anyone between 5 and 8 so we could get Nene. What do you think?
I tend to agree, and this is certainly the safer route. Only Ming has the potential to be better than a trade like that though. If Ming is as good as the Hype all of us Yao doubters will be kicking ourselves. Unless we come alway with Odom, Nene, Welsh and Woods or maybe Haslip.
