Melo versus Ezeli

[ScoobyDoo]

I know it's only been one week of Summer League and it's a long Summer, training camp & season, etc...

But Ezeli looks like an NBA ready banger with very good up and down the court speed and athleticism. Also, just looks tough around the rim, physical - good motor.

Has anybody else watched him play in SL yet?

He reminds me of a young Ben Wallace - just bigger and longer. I'm not saying he has that talent - just reminds me of that.

Also seems like his mentality would be a great match with KG's. Seems a like a work horse mentality...

I really wanted us to take this guy at 22 - figuring if he could just be a defensive anchor, board and run, he'd be a good fit.

I'm discounting Melo as possibly the better longer term player and perhaps that is why we drafted him over Ezeli -but what do you guys think based on what you've seen so far in SL?

 

[KCattheStripe]

I don't want to talk about it.

[T-LoDaniels]

I think Melo's defensive potential is very very high. Ezeli is probably the better two-way player at this point, but I'd probably take Melo over him.

[arambone]

ezeli played 4 years of college ball, so he should be more nba ready. Hes had a lot more coaching and reps.
Melo basically had 1 year of real college minutes, and showed incredible improvement.

Melo has better offensive potential, especially with that jumper and passing.

Ezeli has even worse hands than melo, believe it or not.

Melo has the better footwork and the better shot blocking instincts.

Expect ezeli to look like the better player for another year at most.

[ScoobyDoo]

yes, i think it's hard to tell at this point who might end of the better player. I can see some potential in Melo.

What I like about Ezeli so far is the glaring physical style of his play.

There was a play against Denver where Kenneth Faried tried to post and bang Ezeli and it looked like he hit a brick wall. And I like the way he gets up and down the floor.

Interested to see how Melo does in Vegas.

And good ;point about Ezeli maybe looking better for the 1st year of two.

[FrDrake]

When I saw Vandy play in the tournament I couldn't believe the size and mobility of Ezeli.  He obviously wasn't a finished product on offense but with his build he looked like a seven-year NBA veteran playing in the NCAAs! 

Melo may have a higher ceiling (and a lower floor) but worst case scenario I cannot believe Ezeli won't be at least a serviceable backup in the NBA for several years and may someday start.

[Fred Roberts]

I like this guy too, but I also like Melo. I think it was a bit of a toss up, and Melo's extra height may have made the difference. He's about an inch taller.

[ScoobyDoo]

Yeah, that's a good description FrDrake. Ezeli looks like an athletic version of Kendrick Perkins.

He also seems like he's one of those guys who is "strong for his size", like a Tony Allen type. People have a tendency to "go the other direction" when they bump into him.   

[TA9]

I liked Ezeli over Melo too.
But the only reason i did that was because i thought that Ezeli was more polished as a player than Melo is. Melo (In my opinion) has more talent than Ezeli so just hope that he takes advantage of this.

[Alleyoopster]

Haven't seen Ezeli play.  So, I can't make a comparison.  I wasn't a big fan of the Melo pick. But, I thought he played pretty good against Atlanta.  Could have been the competition...can't say for sure. However, if continues to improve he may prove to be a better pick.

I don't know if this is going to be a trend with him, but he seems to be able to make the spectacular blocks from the shooter's side or from behind.  But, when they square up to him, he doesn't seem to have much vertical lift and they seem to be able to get off an uncontested shot.  I believe he has to attack the ball as the shooter releases it.  Rather than waiting until after the release.

[chambers]

I liked Ezeli over Melo too.
But the only reason i did that was because i thought that Ezeli was more polished as a player than Melo is. Melo (In my opinion) has more talent than Ezeli so just hope that he takes advantage of this.

ditto, Ezeli is more NBA ready, but Melo has a higher ceiling. I like Ezeli and I would have been happy with him as our 22nd pick.
We just needed a big to one day be a defensive anchor.
Danny and all the other GM's felt something about Ezeli made him laaaaate (last) pick of the first round.

[SHAQATTACK]

I hoped DA would take BOTH , I was that serious about getting centers. The amounts 5's are getting and they aren't very good 5's is crazy.  I'm glade he took Sully though , as he will help the team sooner.  But, those two bigs will be worth a kings ransom one day.  Melo is so smooth, agile and has a nice touch .  He is just behind in deveoplment and he looks better everyday. Some weight room and KG and   In 2 years Melo will blow by Ezeli in skills.  

I was greedy and wanted both. ....