Why the celtics should not draft Kristaps Porzingis at 17#

[knuckleballer]

Even if Porzingis does fill out, it's going to take him years to do so.  I'll be surprised if he can handle the physicality of the NBA for a few years.

[greg683x]

"I like your optimism, but he just seems like another dime a dozen euro.  Id rather take my chances with a guy that we know can play against fringe NBA level competition in the NCAA"

He's already playing against better competition than the NCAA. You don't seem to realize that. He's playing against former NCAA stars who are even better now, along with former NBA players like Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, and future Bull Mirotic.

Every big man he plays against are grown men, unlike the NCAA where most centers are 6'9-6'10 and nowhere near as skilled as european pros.

So theres some has been NBA players in europe.  Thats what 5-10% of the players in these leagues in europe??  Youre gonna seriously tell me that other 80% is better competition than the NCAA?? 

you dont seem to realize that all the men I had mentioned that busted over the past 5 years, that have the same body type and profile all played in these leagues as well.  Against Grown Men.  Whats your point??

[D.o.s.]

It seems to me fringe NBA talent proliferates in the NCAA and abroad -- whether or not they're better depends largely on the league. There are pro leagues in Europe that would decimate NCAA teams, and there are international teams that'll take guys who can't make it in the NCAA.


I have no opinion on this guy, though

[NorthernLightning]

Looks like a body builder next to Porzingis.

Do you expect nothing less than Hall of Fame from the 17th pick? Lol.

[NorthernLightning]

you dont seem to realize that all the men I had mentioned that busted over the past 5 years, that have the same body type and profile all played in these leagues as well.  Against Grown Men.  Whats your point??

Defense mentality. How many times do I have to say it? You lump him in with every bust based on physical profile, not based on defensive mentality.

Did you notice how much we struggled with pick and roll defense and with helpside rim protection?

[NorthernLightning]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09v9HBG9KbI

[NorthernLightning]

This video is a year old, when he was even skinnier, but you can see that he speaks fluent English already and seems highly intelligent and humble. In addition to his defensive mentality I may have mentioned once or twice:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNDt5GIPH9c

[celticmania]

Would he come straight to the nba or does he have a contract in Europe ?

[NorthernLightning]

I haven't read about any big buyout if there is one at all.

As far as coming over right away vs staying abroad for a year, they both have their advantages for the Celtics and for him.

The most short-sighted thing we could do is draft primarily for the impact our picks will make Next year. Extremely short-sighted.

[NorthernLightning]

Here's another skinny 7 foot power forward from Europe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Rk6Kf4eCg

[greg683x]

you dont seem to realize that all the men I had mentioned that busted over the past 5 years, that have the same body type and profile all played in these leagues as well.  Against Grown Men.  Whats your point??

Defense mentality. How many times do I have to say it? You lump him in with every bust based on physical profile, not based on defensive mentality.

Did you notice how much we struggled with pick and roll defense and with helpside rim protection?

all that I was able to find about his pick and roll D is that his length helps with it, as it would anyone else his size.  Did you find something else?  or did you just take that statement and run with it?  Everything else I see is all about potential.  He looks like he could be a decent shot blocker in the league if he stays out of foul trouble, which he already cant in europe.  Rebounding and toughness already an issue in Europe as well.

Sorry, Im not drinking the kool-aid.  Sorry to hijack the thread. 

[NorthernLightning]

Congrats on your 10 minutes of research. I've spent 3 weeks on him.

[greg683x]

Congrats on your 10 minutes of research. I've spent 3 weeks on him.

you clearly know what youre talking about.  i'll leave you to your craft.

[footey]

I am totally with Northern Lightning on Porzingis.  This kid has star potential. Star.  Plays like Kirilenko would if he was 7' tall.

[Celtics18]

"I like your optimism, but he just seems like another dime a dozen euro.  Id rather take my chances with a guy that we know can play against fringe NBA level competition in the NCAA"

He's already playing against better competition than the NCAA. You don't seem to realize that. He's playing against former NCAA stars who are even better now, along with former NBA players like Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, and future Bull Mirotic.

Every big man he plays against are grown men, unlike the NCAA where most centers are 6'9-6'10 and nowhere near as skilled as european pros.

So theres some has been NBA players in europe.  Thats what 5-10% of the players in these leagues in europe??  Youre gonna seriously tell me that other 80% is better competition than the NCAA?? 

you dont seem to realize that all the men I had mentioned that busted over the past 5 years, that have the same body type and profile all played in these leagues as well.  Against Grown Men.  Whats your point??

You do realize that Porzingis plays in the Spanish ACB, right?  A league that is almost universally accepted as the second best basketball league in the world, behind the NBA.