Aleksej Pokusevski (Poku) really interests me. It seems every other year or so, an intriguing Euro 7 footer is in the draft. Dirk. Darko. Zinger. Bender. Win some, lose some.
Check out his tape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaTyP_DzaiE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUgJwV06pV0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnH3gHnOeO0
Measurements: 7' Height, 7'3" Wingspan, 200 lbs weight.
Pluses: Great handle, floor vision, passer, weak side defender, decent hip mobility so switchable on defense.
Minuses: Weak league (Div 2 Greece, same as Greek Freak), shooting percentages pedestrian, very light (should weigh 20-30 lbs more).
This guy has the highest upside of anyone in this draft, IMO.
I see his role as point forward, similar to Ben Simmons, but with much better upside in terms of shooting.
Given that we have 3 first round picks, this guy just makes so much sense. Could stash him for a year if necessary, due to roster availability.
Would like to know your thoughts.
Hands down the toughest player in this draft to project.
my big questions,
- how much weight can he add to his Brandon Ingram like frame?
- even if he adds 35lbs who does he defend in a playoff series vs the current Bucks? Healthy 76ers, Raptors? Giannis, Simmons, Siakam will be to strong/quick for him and Embiid, Gasol, Lopez will run him over.
- how does he handle being defended by an NBA wing? Does the athleticism and length of the typical 6'7 NBA wing neutralize Poku's unique guard like skill set?
My bottom line,
At the Memphis pick 14-17 I want a little more certainty. While not a strong draft the end of the lottery could yield a nice guard prospect or P Williams who while also a project has a clearer path to the NBA given his physical skills. After that pick I have no issue with the Cs taking a shot on Poku with the understanding that he is likely a bust.
My one question for the Poku lovers,
If Jaden McDaniels was playing in the greek 2nd division and Poku was playing for Washington how that effect their rankings?
Granted McDaniels is a year older but both will likely have to play the swing/4 in the NBA and will need to gain weight. The last measurements for Mcdaniels from 2018 had him at 185lbs but Washington listed him at 200. This puts his measurements in line with Tatum's.