Patience with Yabu

[Chris22]

I really liked his rebounding and defensive efforts. No layups TAP TAP

Also when okafor fouled him he got straight back up while jahlil stayed down a while. He really is a big unit and has some speed, once he's more used to the game if he can use his body more effectively he'll be an asset.

However his ball handling was sub par the first game and his shot hasn't fallen yet. There's still another 2 preseason games left so he has time.

Let's be patient, worst case he's good for 6 fouls but the dancing bear no doubt has talent

Yabu got hit by Okafur and Okafur got up hurting. LOL
Yabu also stole the ball twice for breakaways. Nice.

[Granath]

Uh, folks, does anyone else remember that Yabusele just had foot surgery in May? That he missed all of Summer League and was only healthy about a month and a half ago? That's going to put the guy a bit behind. Never mind he's very raw - a fact that we already knew.

Patience? Why wouldn't someone have patience with him at this point?

[mgent]

Guess my eyes are deceiving me.  I saw a guy who seemed stronger and bigger than his peers who was keeping pace and in some moments quicker than them.  He positioned well sometimes, hustled to the ball off the boards, and demonstrated an unusual handle for a behemoth.  If he keeps his focus on improving defense and rebounding (let the offense evolve) I think he will contribute in real (not just garbage) situations.

Agree with all this.

A few of the things he did legitimately shocked me.

He could be a Lamar Odom type player if he develops.

[positivitize]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

[liam]

Uh, folks, does anyone else remember that Yabusele just had foot surgery in May? That he missed all of Summer League and was only healthy about a month and a half ago? That's going to put the guy a bit behind. Never mind he's very raw - a fact that we already knew.

Patience? Why wouldn't someone have patience with him at this point?

This is a very good point. Yabu's energy has been really good but he does look like he's working into game shape. I mean he's no Kuzma but I'm still very high on him! 

[moiso]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

It's tough to jump with a bowling ball in each of your back pockets.

[ChillyWilly]

Guess my eyes are deceiving me.  I saw a guy who seemed stronger and bigger than his peers who was keeping pace and in some moments quicker than them.  He positioned well sometimes, hustled to the ball off the boards, and demonstrated an unusual handle for a behemoth.  If he keeps his focus on improving defense and rebounding (let the offense evolve) I think he will contribute in real (not just garbage) situations.

Yet plays below the rim. Am I the only one seeing this?

[ChillyWilly]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

That is an understatement. To me it negates everything about his game.

[mef730]

I love being a Boston sports fan, but wow, this is the only city where fans get agitated after a player's first couple of preseason games.

Mike

[Kuberski33]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

That is an understatement. To me it negates everything about his game.

Jumping ability isn't required to a great rebounder.  To me he looks like someone who has the potential to be pretty good in that department. I'd say give him time to get used to the NBA game. I'm liking what I see so far but he's very raw.

[liam]

Yabu had 8 rebounds in 16 minutes. That's like 15 rebounds per 30 min a game. I think he's playing well, just waiting for his shot to fall.

[Bobshot]

Yabu needs to lose about 20 lbs. He's a big guy with a paunch--much like Sullinger. He would be quicker if he was lighter. He's a big body under the basket, but he isn't solid like Baynes.

The guy I like is Theis. He looks in great shape, has a lot of extension, and knows where to go on the court. He can play inside or outside. Rebounds offensively very well, and plays good defense. I think he's surprised Stevens, and he might just wind up in the rotation.

They probably had guys like Yabu slated for the rotation, but Theis has shown more so far. He and Tatum have been the surprises, and should be in the rotation. Tatum could be ROY on a team where he could start.

[KG Living Legend]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

That is an understatement. To me it negates everything about his game.

Jumping ability isn't required to a great rebounder.  To me he looks like someone who has the potential to be pretty good in that department. I'd say give him time to get used to the NBA game. I'm liking what I see so far but he's very raw.

 He's coming back from an injury. Dude can jump no question. It's pretty impressive actually.

 Just check the first dunk at 20 seconds

https://youtu.be/v1mAITjzZJo

 Here at 40 seconds, a really quick drive for dunk

 https://youtu.be/TIDUgWu9ceQ

[Greyman]

Guess my eyes are deceiving me.  I saw a guy who seemed stronger and bigger than his peers who was keeping pace and in some moments quicker than them.  He positioned well sometimes, hustled to the ball off the boards, and demonstrated an unusual handle for a behemoth.  If he keeps his focus on improving defense and rebounding (let the offense evolve) I think he will contribute in real (not just garbage) situations.

Thank you, I agree. I thought he was a great in garbage time. I didn't see what some of these other poster see. Strong, fast and very active.

Yeah, I also really liked what I saw.  Very active, played the passing lanes well, rebounded pretty well.  I'm not concerned that his jumpers didn't fall.  We already know that he can shoot.  Ojeleye, on the other hand, looks like a stiff.

I went back and re watched the 76ers game. You guys are right, he did lots of really good things in that game. You don't have to be graceful, its about getting the job done.

[Beat LA]

I saw an athlete who puts in the work but doesn't actually know how to play basketball yet.

He also looks like he might have trouble jumping.

It's tough to jump with a bowling ball in each of your back pockets.

Right?  Dude puts the "donk" in Donkey Kong .