Yes but do you live in Adelaide. NBL is definitely an upgrade over 6 feet 6 and under filipino league. And his numbers per 40 are off the chart. He is currently averaging 14.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1 block in 21.2 minutes per game. Here's some footage from this season. This might be his first game in the NBL. What I find most impressive is he starts the game guarding the point guard. If he can do that then the kid has good lateral and can play the 3. I didn't watch the whole game. But one other thing I like about this kid is he never stops playing. He just jumps from one league to the next. That's someone who is determined to make it. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yqx94SZSsLM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> There are more videos of Adelaide. If someone watches them I would love to here your thoughts. One thing I am sure of. Morey sees something in him. Maybe Morey thinks he found another Parsons.
He is about the same size as Kenneth Faried, and has been a beast rebounder in Australia. Diamon is the Human Manimal! http://content.draftexpress.com/profile/Kenneth-Faried-5325/
If history follows itself, undersized power forward will "Jeff Adrien" the next Jeremy Lin off the team. Meaning Simpson makes it over Courtney Fortson next year, then "Forts-ANITY" blows up somewhere else.
Played for the Adelaide 36ERS in the Australian national league which is a good standard league and one of the better leagues in world Basketball.. Good rebounder but a raw offensive player.
Okay I just spent my night (hasten to say waste) watching 2 of Diamon's most recent games in the NBL. I do not see it. He is a pathetic free throw shooter. Doesn't run the court well. Never saw him take any shot outside the post area. He shoots a high percentage inside but he won't get those shots as a pf in the NBA at least not on a regular basis. IMO Jeff Adrien is a better PF than him. He covered bigger men than him in the NBL but not well. He is probably an above average defender but not the second coming of Chuck Hayes. Honestly I do not even see a lot of upside with this kid. So what is Morey up to. Could this be a knee jerk reaction to Wednesday nights game. The team had to go to a zone because no one could guard guard Millsap when Jefferson and Favors were on the floor. Utah new that and beat us up with that and then beat us up with the 3 when we went to zone. And so McHale says you got to get some muscle to guard the 3 spot. I got 2 weak ass white boys. And Morey searches the universe for someone that is available that can still can contribute in the playoffs. And then only one with any skills is a rough rough Diamon Simpson. He is more physical than our other 3's and I suspect he would guard Millsap better than our other 3's. Maybe? Maybe I am wrong. It's only 2 games and a few highlights I saw but if he can't guard 3's I see nothing about him that makes me think he will be here long term. Nothing about this kid makes me think he is special. No upside or amazing athleticism. He is nothing more than a professional basketball player. A journeyman who has enough talent to play around the world but not in the NBA. I hope he proves me wrong but if this kid is brought in here to help with defensing big 3's than we need another 3 this off season.
I think he's a Vipers signing. The Vipers are barely in to make the playoffs this season. Going 2W-9L with Morris really hurt them. I guess this is the connection? http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6639
The NBL is a joke. This is like the Marcus Cousans and all those d-league signing towards the end of last season. Meaningless.
Maybe... We'll know on Friday. If he's suited up in a Rockets uniform then McHale got pissed no one could guard Millsap and this is Morey's best answer. Incidentally the NBL seems to think he will be suiting up. Of course how would they know. www.nbl.com.au They've already given him a number. If it's true can you imagine how bad Morris must be playing in practice to bring in this kid over him. EDIT: One thing I could be wrong about is his ability to score in the paint at the NBA level. It seems it's all he does and he has shot well in the paint at every level so perhaps he can do it here too. There's no evidence of that but watching Scola get repeatedly blocked to the ground was kind of sad.
I do live in Adelaide. Used to work at the 36ers and granted I haven't been to see them this year I did catch a few games on tv. Didn't stick out much, nothing spectacular just a guy that does all the team things. Goodluck to him
damn marcus cousins faded into obscurity. i actually thought he had a chance. he had a midrange to go along with a hook shot.
Good day to you sir. I have watched 2 and half games and I have to agree with your assessment. I would describe him as a journeyman. He is good at scoring in the paint but I am not sure if it will transfer to the NBA. If I had to bet I would say no. But I am anxious to be proven wrong.
