Anyone else think KO can become someone like Al Jefferson?

[Robert24]

They both came into the league as guys who're very skilled in the post. I think the only advantage Al had was that he was a bit better at rebounding, but Kelly's still pulling down 8.5 Per 36. Al had 10.7 Per 36 his rookie year. Al and Kelly are both below average defenders and are both known as soft players right now in the league.

[kozlodoev]

They both came into the league as guys who're very skilled in the post. I think the only advantage Al had was that he was a bit better at rebounding, but Kelly's still pulling down 8.5 Per 36. Al had 10.7 Per 36 his rookie year. Al and Kelly are both below average defenders and are both known as soft players right now in the league.

Olynyk will never be confused for Al Jefferson when it comes to low post scoring.

[D.o.s.]

And hopefully Kelly will never be confused for Big Al on defense.


...there's still time for him to improve his D, right?

[kozlodoev]

And hopefully Kelly will never be confused for Big Al on defense.

In terms of effort, probably not. In terms of results, the jury is still out.

[slamtheking]

Big Al had low post moves in his rookie year that had people reminiscing about Mchale.  KO is much older and no one's thinking Mchale with this kid.  I think he'll be a good player but much different from Big Al offensively.

[Celtics4ever]

Not until he gets a lot stronger and less passive.  Also, Big Al has more lift than KO.

[Section301]

They both came into the league as guys who're very skilled in the post. I think the only advantage Al had was that he was a bit better at rebounding, but Kelly's still pulling down 8.5 Per 36. Al had 10.7 Per 36 his rookie year. Al and Kelly are both below average defenders and are both known as soft players right now in the league.

I wouldn't characterize KO as "very skilled" in the post.  He has a nice touch, and a good up and under move, but it's a move that defenders are learning to to wait for and block.  I believe he lacks the power component necessary to be a consistent low post option 10-12 times a night, which is what you get with Al.  If he develops (or has, but hasn't shown) a turnaround/fadeaway that allows him to get his shot off and take advantage of his height, that would require his defender to hedge against that possibility, which would open up a better path for that up and under. 

Al has averaged 16 and 9 for his career, with two years of 20+ and 11+.  I am doubtful that KO will be a 20ppg scorer at any point in his career, but I'd be happy to be wrong. 

[Fred Roberts]

I think Sully is closer to Big Al than KO. Not that Sully's very close either . .. but he's an undersized banger rebounder w/ some ability to score in the paint.

KO may be better suited modeling his offensive game after the likes of Bargnani, Dirk and other mid-range to outside shooters.

[Chris]

Big Al was MUCH stronger as a highschooler than KO is now.  He also has a very different style of low post game.  Jefferson just has exceptional touch and footwork, that simply can't be taught, and while KO is above average in those areas, he is nowhere near Al. 

[fandrew]

Big Al was MUCH stronger as a highschooler than KO is now.  He also has a very different style of low post game.  Jefferson just has exceptional touch and footwork, that simply can't be taught, and while KO is above average in those areas, he is nowhere near Al.

Big Al was not that strong as a rookie. He was kind of fat, and not a whole lot of muscle as a rookie. It took him until his third season to get into NBA shape, because of his foot injuries his first two years. But he was 19 when he came into the league, and about 21 when he broke out with his 16/11 season. The big difference between them is really just their age difference. By this point Big Al was already a 20/10 guy, with great footwork and a nose for getting rebounds (although still slow-footed in other ways.)

I also think that KO is already a better defender than Big Al, simply because he puts effort into it. KO has all the footwork tools, and the exceptional touch that you mentioned that Big Al has; we saw that in summer league and preseason. What he lacks right now is confidence, and once that comes I think we will start seeing 15/8 games from him this season pretty routinely. And once the game starts to slow down for him he is going to be an important piece to this team offensively and pretty good defensively. The guy puts a lot of effort into his game and improving on both ends of the floor, from what I have read.

[2short]

mmm how about a smaller less productive jack sikma?

[PhoSita]

I don't see that comparison, honestly.

[Section301]

Big Al was MUCH stronger as a highschooler than KO is now.  He also has a very different style of low post game.  Jefferson just has exceptional touch and footwork, that simply can't be taught, and while KO is above average in those areas, he is nowhere near Al.

Big Al was not that strong as a rookie. He was kind of fat, and not a whole lot of muscle as a rookie. It took him until his third season to get into NBA shape, because of his foot injuries his first two years. But he was 19 when he came into the league, and about 21 when he broke out with his 16/11 season. The big difference between them is really just their age difference. By this point Big Al was already a 20/10 guy, with great footwork and a nose for getting rebounds (although still slow-footed in other ways.)

I also think that KO is already a better defender than Big Al, simply because he puts effort into it. KO has all the footwork tools, and the exceptional touch that you mentioned that Big Al has; we saw that in summer league and preseason. What he lacks right now is confidence, and once that comes I think we will start seeing 15/8 games from him this season pretty routinely. And once the game starts to slow down for him he is going to be an important piece to this team offensively and pretty good defensively. The guy puts a lot of effort into his game and improving on both ends of the floor, from what I have read.

I disagree strongly.  I think KO is good, but to characterize his touch as exceptional is not in line with the definition of the word.  Also, he has some nice moves, but to say he has "all the footwork tools" is just...excessive. 

McHale as rookie had exceptional touch and all the footwork tools.  KO is no McHale.

[moiso]

It's probably too early to judge KO but I don't see any similarity with Big Al.  Big Al showed flashes of potential greatness immediately.  He was showing moves in each game that nobody in the NBA was making at that time.  He had such a quick release and could shoot right in big men's faces.  He attacked the boards. 

I see Olynyk as a potential very good all around offensive player but nothing like the beast Al was in the post or on the boards.  I actually thought Al would turn out more dominant than he is right now.

[LooseCannon]

That would be a lot of hours in a tanning bed.