While flipping between the Rockets game, I managed to catch some of the Duke game. Boozer scored a lot of points, but they were all wide open layups, that were created by Dunleavy, Duhon, or Williams. To his credit, Boozer is a good finisher, but he's not a guy who will do much with the ball in his hands. Duhon, Williams, and Dunleavy were having their way all night. Dunleavy can flat out shoot and can pass like a wiz, for a 6 ft 9 guy. He is a 1/2 in a 3/4 body. He will be a matchup nightmare when he comes to the NBA. Duhon is one of the best pure distributors I've seen. Like Dunleavy and Williams, he basically had his way in the open floor. Williams was Williams. Does whatever he wants. If the Rockets have a pick around #5, I would love for them to draft Dunleavy, if he comes out. He would be a perfect fit for the Rockets, if Rudy doesn't limit him to spot-up shooting. He keeps defenses honest because of his ability to dribble the ball to the hoop. Moreover, at 6 ft 9, he's as athletic as most 6 ft 7 SFs, and he's obviously taller. If he develops a post-up game of any kind, look out. I think Dunleavy can be even better than Paul Pierce. Their offensive games are very similar, but Dunleavy is a much better ball handler and passer, as well as a smarter player. I can't say enough about how impressed I've been with the kid this year.
Dunleavy doesn't have near the strength of a Paul Pierce though. He probably won't ever have the strength to really have a back to the basket post game. That being said I like him alot and think he's smart and wily enough to make up for that lack of strength. Would I pick him? Maybe. His shot is a thing of beauty and he can get to the basket of the dribble. And passing well it's second nature to the guy. If he could gain a good 15 to 20 pounds of muscle than we're talkin the next Larry Bird here guys. On his frame though I think it might be difficult. What the hell I'd pick him if Ming was gone. Question is does Eddie really really want to be a small forward or is that just a passing fancy?
I don't think I see Dunleavy as similar to Pierce...Pierce is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA and, if he keeps it up, could be one of the best ever at scoring. Dunleavy isn't the scorer Pierce is, though he has a nice J. He'll definately be a good one in the NBA - maybe a taller Ray Allen.
Huh? Dunleavy has a thin frame that could easily add 15-20 more lbs. He has plenty of room to "fill out". He has improved his strength tremendously since last year. He is a better pro prospect IMO, than Battier, and look how well Battier has done thus far. Besides, Dunleavy is a SF, so he doesn't really have to be 240+ lbs. As long as if he's 220 lbs or so, he'll be fine. He'll be even better defensively, in a zone. With his long arms, and his smarts, I can see him thriving as a zone defender.
Chuck Nevitt had plenty of room to fill out, too. Some people can't put on bulk/muscle no matter what they do, and that's the vibe I get from Dunleavy. Larry Bird had bulk on his frame and was a banger when he was inside. He also had a non-jump shot, which was great for him because it allowed him to get it off quick. Bird had more in common with Adrian Dantley and Chuck during the rocket years than Dunleavy. Dunleavy reminds me of half-way between Brad Sellers and Brent Berry. Like them, he'll be turn into a spot up jump shooter in the NBA, not much more, IMO.
