Skal Labissiere

[Smartacus]

I need to see it with Ingram but like you said Duke prospects have been low bust potential lately which is crazy when you go back and think of how so many used to bust every year like Sheldon "The Landlord" Williams.

Shelden was definitely a bust for where he was taken, but at the same time, he had a long career in the league and proved to be a decent rotation role player on a number of teams, at least.

It seems to me that Duke guys don't often turn into "stars" at the NBA level, but unlike Kentucky guys, if they don't turn into stars, they are usually at least useful role players with a good sense of what they can and cannot do, and what kind of role they should play on a team.

Basically, they're generally well coached and developed prospects.  They're the polar opposite of Syracuse prospects, though generally less talented than their Kentucky brethren.

JJ Reddick seems like a good example, maybe not the all star some were hoping he'd be at the NBA level but he's carved out a more than respectable career for himself as maybe not quite a star but an above average starter on a contender. 

Those Syracuse guys have been brutal these past couple of years. Johhny Flynn, Donte Greene, Wes Johnson(who at least seems to have found his niche), CJ Fair, Dion Waiters(might be a player), Fab Melo. That zone defense seems to teach them terrible habits.

[CFAN38]

Watching Labissiere, I have to say I'm not immediately wowed by how he looks.  He kind of reminds me of Channing Frye from a physical standpoint, though he obviously does more inside than Frye ever has.  Lab just doesn't "pop" as the most impressive player on the floor in most of the videos I'm seen of him.

Ben Simmons is more impressive in that respect, but I worry about his defensive position at the next level.  I'd definitely be concerned about the Derrick Williams / Michael Beasley potential with him.

Jaylen Brown looks to have "it" from what I've seen of him, though I don't like to place my hopes for a savior on smaller guard / wing prospects.

Brandon Ingram kind of reminds me of Giannis.  Looks like he could be awesome if he locks in mentally and develops his body a bunch -- as Giannis appears to have done -- but if not, he could be a bust.  Generally Duke guys don't bust, though; I imagine he'll at least be a valuable role player if nothing more.

Dragan Bender excites me.  That dude looks really good, but it's always so hard to tell with foreign prospects.   Henry Ellenson is another guy who I like from what I've seen of him.


We'll know so much more about who the "must have" prospects are once the college season gets underway.

At this early stage I am excited about all of the top 5 prospects. All at least on the surface seem to have nba star potential.

[chambers]

Watching Labissiere, I have to say I'm not immediately wowed by how he looks.  He kind of reminds me of Channing Frye from a physical standpoint, though he obviously does more inside than Frye ever has.  Lab just doesn't "pop" as the most impressive player on the floor in most of the videos I'm seen of him.

Ben Simmons is more impressive in that respect, but I worry about his defensive position at the next level.  I'd definitely be concerned about the Derrick Williams / Michael Beasley potential with him.

Jaylen Brown looks to have "it" from what I've seen of him, though I don't like to place my hopes for a savior on smaller guard / wing prospects.

Brandon Ingram kind of reminds me of Giannis.  Looks like he could be awesome if he locks in mentally and develops his body a bunch -- as Giannis appears to have done -- but if not, he could be a bust.  Generally Duke guys don't bust, though; I imagine he'll at least be a valuable role player if nothing more.

Dragan Bender excites me.  That dude looks really good, but it's always so hard to tell with foreign prospects.   Henry Ellenson is another guy who I like from what I've seen of him.


We'll know so much more about who the "must have" prospects are once the college season gets underway.

He's slightly under 6'8" with a 7'1" wing span so I wouldn't worry about him ever being undersized. He also just turned 19 years old and is possibly still growing.
Think of him as a small forward version of Russell Westbrook, but with better handles and better shooting. Could be a HOF player in all seriousness given his potential impact on the defensive end.
*can pretty much play any position at an elite level except for center.
*can create his own shot in the half court and on the break.
*can finish under contact
*although there are questions about his mid range game, he's still shown elite shooting % from high school 3. (38%)
*iron horse durability like Simmons. Somehow never gets injured.
*potential to be an All NBA defender
*wants the ball in crunch time
*killer instincts of a kobe/MJ kind of guy. Shows no remorse.

Seems like a distinct Westbrook clone even with his 'weaknesses'..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDYq1Q8Gxg