I think Poeltl has the potential to be an All Star.
The thing that separates him from the rest of the 7 footer club is his incredible footwork and agility.
He's not super fast but he's got great hands and ELITE footwork-something that can't be taught.
To compare him to Tyler Zeller is frankly ridiculous because they are completely different players.
Poeltl's appeal is his overall game. He's a true rim protector with the footwork to be an elite post player.
His biggest weakness is probably his rebounding but with his
footwork/timing and some time lifting weights he'll be at least an average rebounder in the NBA
Don't sleep on Poeltl.
So per your analysis. Who has better footwork. Poeltl or Sabonis?
I think they both have excellent footwork. I think Poeltl has better footwork in the post but Sabonis is no slouch.
Sabonis is used to bullying his way in and then clearing space likely Sully, although he can also use the rim for protection and use the up and under very well.
I think as long as Poeltl can add 20-25 pounds of muscle, because of his height and length he has the potential to be very special.
But yeah, i think Poeltl has better footwork than any othernbig man in this draft, he also has much more promise as a defensive anchor than Sabonis because of his length/size.
I would be very happy if we drafted eother one to be honest, but Poeltl has the higher ceiling because of his size and footwork.
Chambers please watch Utah vs gonzaga round 32 game, then get back to me
Sabonis footwork is something else.
Both have good footwork, but Sabonis relies a lot more on power. That worked well at the college level, but he'll likely find it a lot more difficult in the NBA. Poeltl is the more agile and athletic player, and it shows in his quicker moves inside. Regardless, this is almost a moot point. Neither player will be getting many postups, especially early in their careers. If either does, then that team is serious trouble. You talk about Sabonis like he's the second coming of McHale.
DX on Poeltl's post game:
The talented big man made excellent use of those tools in a significant offensive role this season, as he finished the year among only a half dozen players in high major conferences scoring over 1.1 points per possession on 14 or more possessions per game. Pouring in a spectacular 1.15 points per possession over 14.8 possessions per game, up from a very efficient 1.03 over 8.9 per game as a freshman, Poeltl showed marked improvement on the offensive end, ranking among the most prolific and efficient scorers in the Pac-12 as Larry Krystowiak made Poeltl a priority in Utah's offense. Doing the majority of his scoring one-on-one on the block, the talented Austrian big man's size, footwork, and efficient approach allowed him to make a consistent impact in the scoring column, including a handful of strong performances against quality competition.
Finishing the year ranked fifteenth in the country in post-up scoring, and third in efficiency, while shooting 59% going one-on-one on the block according to Synergy Sports Technology, Poeltl combines solid footwork with simple, but effective moves inside. Able to score on hook shots using both hands with nice touch and mixing in an occasional up and under, Poeltl's post repertoire isn't particularly advanced and he clearly prefers to operate over his left shoulder. He showed marked improvement as a passer from the block as his turnover rate plummeted while he ranked among the most productive passers from the block in the country, particularly when faced with a double team, as he showed far better vision and patience than he did as a freshman. At this stage, Poeltl doesn't project to be a dominant interior scorer at the next level, especially with the way the NBA game is trending. He does, however, figure to be a threat to score with his back to the basket at the next level in spots, and his improved feel for moving the ball could make the team that drafts him more comfortable getting him touches in their offense early on.
It's bc you don't watch NCAA games
Or thats how it looks like. If you object then explain
There hasn't been a player in a long time with Sabonis "post skills" in college ball
And yes he has loads of power and thrust. But he is very clever and has learnt alot from his dad. His up and under, side step, back to up and under, patience, knowing angles, putting your wingspan, length to no adv is that separates Sabonis from say a Sullinger (tries to power everything in around the post, easily projected ).
David West, zbo, scola, AL Jefferson, are only a few names that have the capability to go to work down low and execute. Kevin love is pretty good too. Against players bigger, lengthier. It doesnt matter.
Come on you are better than, retorting with "you must not watch ncaa games" or "what you don't get is". Those comments question the other person's intelligence/the validity of their opinion.
I'm sure this won't happen, but I'd like to see you attempt to understand other points of view instead of immediately dismissing them as lacking information/an understanding of the game. You dismiss others as not understanding your point when you make absolutely no effort to understand theirs. This type of tactic makes people quicker to argue and less likely to listen to your point.
Btw, I agree that Sabonis is good in the post but this is some pretty heavy handed hyperbole to say "There hasn't been a player in a long time with Sabonis "post skills" in college ball". Jahlil Okafor came out just last year and I'd bet my life savings he's a better post scorer than Sabonis (unfortunately I don't have Synergy so I can't compare their points per possession in the post).
Well I do my homework before explaining. I watch games . and will watch it a 2nd time, rewind and watch particular plays several times
If you want to debate all I ask is , watch games. Or at least watch lots of highlights. Something
Not , bc he has a short wingspan, he looks unathletic he is going to be a mediocre player at the NBA level. He will be a poor perimeter defender . Bc he looks like collision etc. I get that if Sabonis is 6'8 and unathletic or is really out of shape , regardless of how skillful he is, likely he won't make a dent in the nba. But this is not the case. His ability(as a soph) to carry gonzaga to the round of 16 also can't be ignored
I do acknowledge others pt of view. That is why I agree poeltl is closer to a Tyler Zeller(not a bad player, that does not fit under the current Celts system ) and it will be a mistake to pick him 7-10 range. Ppl have voiced these opinions and I agree
You are right about Okafor and his capability around the post. I would say Sabonis is just as good. But if you want to add ability to power in, leverage lengtg plus post moves , sure Okafor has the edge. In terms of "skills", like up and understand, side step, running hooks , passing from the post... Well again ... Both are very good
The bolded part is exactly what I'm talking about. You are immediately dismissive of other opinions and assume they are made without enough information because they differ from yours. Saying "you need to at least watch the games or some highlights" assumes that those that differ from you didn't do that.
I have watched Sabonis and I see him as a plus rebounder in the NBA, because he's strong, has a nose for the ball and a high basketball IQ. Due to that I expect him to have a long NBA career. However, I don't see him able to do thrive in the post in the NBA because 1. his lack of length and 2. It is much more difficult to post in the NBA. If he develops a good 3 point shot I think he can be a starter, if not I think he's a quality role player.
Here is a draft express video of his weaknesses. The video makes some points about why he might have issues in the post in the NBA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DB-5uGrXy8
1. He won't be able to score in the post as efficiently in the NBA because He struggles with double teams: One of the reasons teams post up less today than they did previously is because of the defensive rule changes that make it easier to double team. The ability to double team is one reason the Warriors defense stays excellent when they go super small. Sabonis turned the ball over 24% of the time he was double teamed.
2. He struggles with length: Playing in the FIBA under 20's where he faced more length than in college he scored .68 points per possession on post ups. He also only finished 52% of his shots at the rim which isn't very good for a big in those same games.
3. His length, you can dismiss length all you want but it is a factor in the NBA, just look at the rosters of the good teams. In the NBA only 10 bigs played over 10 minutes a game with a wingspan under 6'11 and most of them make up for that with shooting or athleticism neither of which Sabonis currently has.
4. Fit: He needs to be next to a guy who can space the floor and protect the rim in order to be as successful as possible in the NBA. Not many of these guys exist. Is he a 5 in a small ball lineup despite having a shorter wingspan than James Young? Will he be able to stick with the quicker stretch 4's in a traditional 2 big lineup?
The points I made are legitimate and I'd appreciate if you treated them as such. However, I expect you to make some comment dismissing them because it's easier to dismiss other opinions than to entertain the thought that you might be wrong about something.
No. Disagree now
Compare sully or KO vs Sabonis if you want to get down to the nitty gritry regarding this "post" matter
Sully and KO don't have natural post skills or wasn't refined or whatever
So all your reasons regarding avg length, explosiveness apply to them
Be even if you don't have great post skills but have 7'5 wingspan, you can hook it "over ppl". Kind if what valenciunas does
But if you don't have this trait or traits you need to posses a certain set of skills to execute from the post. And Sabonis has these things. He has battled his much bigger , longer, stronger dad repeatedly. Then taught how to " break" through the norm
Even if Sabonis faces a guy who is taller, lengthier , stronger he has ability to break through. Unless he faces such individual but is also a high IQ defender. Won't bite into fakes , positionally sound , beats him to all the spots down low etc. How many front court defenders like this exist in the NBA??
And Sabonis is very good against double teams down low. Either find a way to score , or pass the ball. For example Syracuse knew Sabonis was going to get the ball, they prepared for it, ready to double team . did it matter? This was the pattern for most of the season
