Let's not get carried away. While I would be all for taking a shot at him with one of our late lottery picks because he's got that Porzingis ceiling:
1) He was never going #1. Not with a healthy Zion in the draft.
2) He had a season ending injury. I've read that it's not as serious as Ming's and Embiid's, but nevertheless it's the same type of injury and I'd rather get my initial thoughts from stats rather than spin doctors.
3) While he has a nice long range shot, the guy is a toothpick and an injury risk. People like him have also historically had problems playing in the NBA because you're playing against the best physical specimens in the world (guys with tree trunk legs and arms). He will be pushed all around the paint. You want your big to have a 3 point threat but also be able to do SOMETHING in the paint. His dad was 7'7 and averaged 4.2 boards and was a below average player. Shawn Bradley was 7'6" and averaged 6.3 boards per game and was a below average player. Hell, even Rik Smits (a good player) was average at rebounding (6.1 per game). More recently: Thon Maker. Someone like Embiid would tear him to pieces.
Well,
1. I don't think anyone here is thinking of him as a #1 pick. All that is relevant is whether he's worth taking with one of our 4 picks, which are a lot lower, should he fall to one of them (FWIW: Tankathon's latest mock does have him going to us at #12 with the Memphis pick).
2. This is why Danny has medical experts. None of us fans are going to possibly be able to assess his injury and all we can do is trust that Danny's experts make the right call one way or the other.
3.
a) Genetically, his dad (who was even more of a stick in an era that had far more 'big bruising centers' than today's game) still managed to survive a decade in the NBA. That's a good sign. He's also 4-6 years away from reaching his probably peak muscle-mass.
b) He's a much, MUCH better shooter and ball-handler than his dad. So he does bring more to the floor than just length. And he's averaging 11.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per 36 in college. So he brings more to the floor than just shooting.
Personally, I like the kid. He seems to have a great attitude and has been brought up eating and breathing basketball and loves the game. But I do share trepidation regarding the foot injury. That is indeed scary. But then again, all I can do as a fan is trust Danny's medical team.
Topic: Top-5 NBA prospect Bol Bol out for season at Oregon, will enter draft (Read 3539 times)