I don't want to derail this thread so look under the thread 2025 Center Pool about a kid playing internationally I posted about with video clips who I would love to get.
Cooper is showing a much more versatile offensive game than Kirilenko. Defensively, I would still take Kirilenko though - dude averaged 3+ blocks per game and almost 2 steals per game in his prime, for multiple seasons. He's legitimately one of the greatest defenders in NBA history. If Kirilenko ever had a star-level offensive game, he would have been an MVP candidate.
Dirk definitely didn't. He made up for it by storing from everywhere though. He could get any shot he wanted. AK was a great athlete. Not as good as Flagg but not too far off
That's true. It's impressive how he developed. I guess time will tell on Flagg too. I just think he's overhyped. He'll probably prove me wrong if he develops a consistent jump shot
Dirk would be a weird comparison for him. Dirk wasn't the facilitator/defender/athlete he is. AK isn't the (potential?) offensive player that he is, was the better defender (as of now), but is much closer a comparison. Almost all these dudes nowadays are overhyped.
I think the Pippen comparison is his ceiling if he realizes his potential Dirk wasn't although I hink he saw the floor better than people gave him credit for. AK was a good athlete. You're right though. I thought OJ Mayo was going to be a star
AK didn't have Flagg's explosiveness/first step or hops, but he had really long limbs (pretty sure bigger wingspan than Flaggs relative to height) and great lateral speed and footwork on the defensive end.
He might and that would be pretty nice length if it's confirmed during the combine. But when I watched AK his wingspan looked FREAKISH. He was probably around 6'9 with a 7'4 or 7'5 wingspan.
I dunno guys. I’ve watched quite a few games now to get a sense of how good this guy is and…. I kind of think he could be Sam Dekker 2.0 at worst or Keith VanHorn at best. I don’t really see what the hype is as a #1 pick. As a fantastic college star yes absolutely. The guy is going to have a great Final 4 run this Spring for sure. Appointment viewing. In the NBA though… I don’t see it as a #1 pick.
Stop it. The kid is one of the best American prospects in the last 20 yrs. He’s more LeBron, Tmac than he is anywhere close to Dekker. I swear some of yall can only see color of skin. That kid is a plus plus athlete, super long and super skilled. Was better than Amen at National team training.
I just don't see it with his athleticism. I know the scouts, and draft people love the guy but they also loved Reed Sheppard. I see the athleticism at the next level catching up to him, and he'll be more of a role player to borderline all-star than superstar. I definitely see a starter with a ton of versatility to play 2-4. But there are just so many shots that he takes, especially the ones around the rim where I keep thinking "that gets blocked in the NBA." I'll be happy to be wrong though cause it would be great to add someone as talented as people think he is to the league. That would be good, but I'm just saying I don't see it. Great college star... not so sure about next level. Also Keith Van Horn was like one of my favorite players growing up. Loved that Utah team with him, Andre Miller, Doleac, etc. and then later those Nets teams with Jason Kidd were awesome. Me thinking he reminds me of Keith Van Horn is not racist, or a put down. I just don't think he's Lebron, or T-Mac. I think he's a versatile 3-4 in the NBA, and his athleticism isn't as otherworldly as hyped IMO.
Very clearly has top tier athleticism. Not elite, but top tier. Similar to McGrady they both look like they’re moving slower because of the smoothness in their movements and being 6’9. He literally already has proven to be able to play with the best in the world at 17, he outperformed Amen at national team camp. I understand you have your opinion, but athleticism isn’t a negative. He’s a far more explosive athlete than Paolo at Duke and close to the same height with better length.
