Danny, go get Bismack Biyombo

[KG Living Legend]

 18 years young, 6'9" 240 Pounds, and he plays center.

 Your not sold yet. He can run like a deer, can jump out of the gym, he loves to play defense, he's tough as nails, he has a grown mans heart and determination, and his arms hang down to the ground, are you ready for this, a 90 inch wingspan, thats 7'6". When you combine his agility and quickness and strength and determination, with his size and arm length, you have the best defensive prospect in the Draft.

  Bismack Biyombo is a wonder—an 18-year-old boy, with a man's heart and demenor. In all the time I've listened to interviews and watched players on film, I've rarely come across a player that sounds as confident as Biyombo, as well as backs it up on the court.

I'm going to let the facts speak for themselves.


Physically, He's a Monster

A freak athlete, one of a kind intensity coupled with a stupid vertical leap. He has the reach of a pterodactyl. His arms literally look like they've been surgically implanted when he's running around. You can be skeptical of a 6'9" center, but you cannot teach reach, and if his wingspan is really in the 7'6" to 7'7" range, he'd probably be able to hold his own. He actually has a good two or three years to grow, and he could be 6'11" by the time he's 21.


Stat Stuffer, Yet Inexperienced

This kid started playing basketball no more than three years ago. He leads the most competitive league in the world outside the NBA in blocked shots and is amongst the league leaders in rebounding per 40 minutes and free throw attempts per 40.

This would explain the rawness of his game, but low usage centers that can rebound, block shots and defend at his age are very rare. Picture Blake Griffin, center style with less skill but grabbing more rebounds with more defensive intensity.


Franchise Center Character

From a June 14 interview with NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper:

So, do you believe you will lead the NBA in blocks?

"I do."

Will you lead the NBA in blocks?

"Yes."

Can you lead the NBA in rebounding?

"Yes, I will."

You will lead the NBA in rebounding?

"Yes. Of course. Hundred percent.

"I don't care how tough people are over there. I don't care how strong they play over there. I know that I'm strong, too. I know that I'm tough, too. I never let people just beat me easy. They're going after me and I'm going to go after them."

[shookones99]

I would love to get him.  The rumors that he may actually be like 24 or 25 years old are quite concerning tho.

Also, I'd be shocked if he made it to the 25th pick.

[Fafnir]

What sort of assets are you willing to give up to move higher in the draft to get this guy? He's not lasting till the 25th pick.

[mgent]

He's got one of those "sounds like a defender" names.

[boscel33]

I would love to get him.  The rumors that he may actually be like 24 or 25 years old are quite concerning tho.

Also, I'd be shocked if he made it to the 25th pick.

sort of like oden.  peole think he's older than listed.

i'm for going after anyone that will help.  we have obvious needs, so i would not be in favor of going after another pg, for instance.

[jgod213]

interesting dynamic here...it seems that, as Biyombo becomes more of an "NBA household" name for fans it seems like he's vaulting up their wish lists as well - yet, as NBA scouts and analysts get a better look at him he appears to be dropping in a lot of mocks.

NBADraft.net has projected him to fall all the way down to Portland at 21.  A list that was updated about a half hour ago.
http://www.nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft

What a question mark he is turning out to be.  The age question is a HUGE issue, but despite what it actually is, he still only played ball for about 36 months - he's going to get better.  Interesting to see both Morris brothers going infront of him.  You would have to think that Danny could finagle SOMETHING if all it took to get him was a move that vaulted him up 4 spots.

Despite this NBAdraft mock, i can't help but think that a lot of GMs are posturing with their views on Biyombo.  Seems like there's too much raw talent for him to drop that far.

[wedman8]

Draftexpress.com has him at the 14th pick.

I wrote something about him this morning. http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=46423.msg1026246#msg1026246

[Marcus13]

since we can't do a S&T at draft time - I dont see what assets we have that we'd be willing to give up to trade up

Especially for a project that we all know has the potential to Bust