Those guys are the extreme's. In the case of Butler it is an even more extreme because his physical skills are nothing special. Leonard had/has exceptional physical skills, it was a matter of him putting it all together. I am not saying that KJ will be Butler. KJ is an extreme boom/bust type player. I only bring Butler up to show that it isn't impossible for a player to have really unrefined or under developed skill sets that emerge later. As for Hunter, he falls somewhere in between. He has really improved as a player prior to his injury. He lacks the physical attributes of someone like Leonard and he likely lacks the drive than Butler has. Still, he was really coming along. KJ is very hard to predict and hard to really compare to anyone else. It is rare that a player at his size hasn't really attempted to develop ball handling or shooting until so late. Usually you have guys that either haven't shown an aptitude for it but are exceptional talents that teams take chances on or you have players that are very projectible and just haven't put it together yet......... Martin was likely the best athlete in the 2020 draft and he lasted as long as he did because of his lack of amazing size, a history of being primarily a role player at the lower levels and really undeveloped skills sets. All I can say is that KJ appears to be developing those skill sets (shooting, ball handling, dribbling) faster than most bullish projections would have expected. He has a very long way to go, but he is promising.
Derrick Jones Jr. is one I had not considered, but they are similar types of athletes. The biggest difference is that Jones has a 7'0" wingspan which makes him even more of a physical freak. I will say that SO FAR it appears that KJ has an aptitude on the shooting side that Jones lacks.
It’s clearly helping the Vipers that they have a guy on the floor that would be the most talented player on an NBA floor on most nights. KPJ is really insanely talented. Hope his head is right, but right now he looks good and confident
This is the best he's looked by far so far and you can tell he's getting his legs and pacing back from not playing a year of ball. Ya he's definitely going to be called up along with Martin definitely after the trade deadline and be a core part of this roster. Just uber talent on this guy. His handles are amazing for his age. His body control is amazing.
I agree he is hard to compare. I really like how he's handling himself on the court, shows a level of maturity beyond his years. Of course he's been groomed to be professional and it shows. I wish his base wasn't so wide on his 3pt shot, but if he's comfortable with that stance and can be consistent then so be it. He's obviously a great leaper, but its his timing on shot blocking that I really appreciate--really good anticipation. G-League is perfect development time for him, but I'm glad he got a taste of the NBA before coming down. KPJ could go up now, but I'd rather he get more playing time and give Stone time to clear some roster space, so that when he comes up its as a starter.
Yea man i can’t wait to have KPJ on the rockets, this guy is special. His handle is amazing, his court vision is amazing, his footwork is amazing. He really does remind me of Harden
The talent this kid has at 20 is unreal. I believe he'll make his mark and remain in the league...Get him called up ASAP STONE.
There are a number of intriguing players on the Vipers. I wouldn't be at all surprised if A. Brooks ends up playing in the NBA a long time. He can defend and is a high volume three point shooter that doesn't have any attitude issues and works hard. He won't ever be a star but he could be useful.
Can't wait till KMJ and KPJ are called up and Wood comes back from injury. I'll actually start caring about watching Rocket games again. Because right now Rocket games are just damn depressing.
Kevin Porter looks way better than I ever imagined. Can't believe hes only 20. I want him to draw more fouls, his style is very much like Hardens and he can draw a lot of contact with the way he accelerates and decelerates
I think with KPJ's length and passing ability I saw today, he can actually bring back the lob game with Wood when he comes back because Wall and Dipo were just not finding lob opportunities with Wood. This will also help KPJ have an easier time finishing in the paint like Harden when he became the master of the lob pass because NBA bigs always were second guessing if Harden would lob or lay it in making them flat footed when defending the paint. Can't wait to see a Wood/KPJ pick and roll.
KPJ obviously has it. Then you have Martin, Thomas and Brooks. I can't believe it and wonder if it is possible to have so many good players at RGV.
