Explain to me why Mickey can't play center

[aingeforthree]

A couple days ago RedsArmy had a good post summarizing some thoughts from summer league. (See http://redsarmy.com/2015/07/19/what-we-learned-from-the-summer-league/.)

One of the good points from that post had to do with Jordan Mickey, and how his stature measures up to other “bigs” in the NBA:

Most people were lukewarm about the Mickey selection because they made the mistake of generalizing him as just a “undersized shot-blocker.” Not to get too off topic here, but when it comes to defensive potential, the most important thing is wingspan and athleticism. NBA players are never really as tall as you think. Dwight Howard is 6’9, Kevin Love is  6’7 3/4, Al Horford is 6’8 3/4, and Blake Griffin is 6’8 1/2, but yet all of these guys are listed at 6’10 or above on ESPN.
 
Although Mickey isn’t a full 6’10- 7’0, he can still hold his own down low thanks to a 7’3 1/4 wingspan (same as Karl Anthony-Towns) and a 37 1/2 vertical (which is better than Towns).

Completely agree. I’m absolutely not worried about Mickey’s height and length. I guess you could make the argument that he’s not heavy and strong enough to match up against big bruising post-up types, but I’d reply with a) there aren’t many of those guys left in the NBA anyway, b) let’s give the kid a chance to bulk up a bit, and c) you can always pair him with a beefier non-shot blocker (like a Sullinger) capable of better handling those types.

Thoughts?

When you have that type of wingspan and are 6'8", you can play and defend both PF and Center IMO.  To boot, his athleticism is off the charts.  Vertical isn't too darn shabby as well.

He can play both pretty easily IMO.

Of course, I'm talking when he's actually developed.  He still needs to get bigger, which at 21, he can easily do in the next couple of years.  He might be limited in his position based on his weight at this point, but that won't be the case in a couple of years when his body fills out.

[PhoSita]

He can, in todays NBA..

Sure, against small lineups like what the Warriors used to beat the Cavs.

[sofutomygaha]

It doesn't really play to his strengths, though, eh? On defense, two things you typically rely on your center to do is to fight and deny position to other bigs and to box out on the boards. Mickey's got the tools to play some great help defense and to crash the boards. You saw how much trouble he had with Jack Cooley in summer league- there's a guy who's not a great player but he's a big, strong, bullish player under the basket. Mickey couldn't keep him off the glass at all.

You can play offense however you like. He can play center on offense if you choose to run an offense with a mobile center.

[Al91]

Earlier today I told a friend that I think Draymond Green comparisons are too plentiful in regards to Mickey. In general, I think Draymond Green comparisons are far too prolific. My exact words from another text to my friend,

"Eh. Some think so, people whose opinions I really respect think so [re: is he worth first round money]. I guess I'll go with them but Draymond Green has had one MEGA season under his belt only. He was good two years ago but not THIS good. I'm warying of declaring the NBA 'the land of 6'8 centers' after one good showing. Jordan Mickey is very similar in size and play, minus the long ball."

I'm happy we got Mickey to sign a deal, one that I think works best for the team. But I'm holding off on assuming he can play anything but PF until the season begins. We're way maxed out on PFs that probably shouldn't play C, yet we make them play C. I'd be more optimistic regarding Mickey's playing time and position if we shed Olynyk this off season.