Post by kmatrixg on May 20, 2011 17:08:52 GMT -5
Now Introducing:
Player Comparisons; Best and Worst Case Scenarios
Bismack Biyombo PF 6'9 240 19 C+ D D+ B B- A
Strengths: Athleticism. Through and through one of the best, if not THE best, athlete in the draft pound for pound. With a 7 foot 7 inch wingspan, Biyombo naturally is able to block any type of shot that he tries to get - and he gets a lot of them. High flying F/C with close to a 40" vertical leap. Not too flashy around the rim on offense, but will get a ton of points on putbacks and alley-oops if he's playing with an expert playmaker. The kicker for most teams will be the fact that he's still only 19 years old. Some say he could still grow a few more inches by the time his rookie contract is up. A sturdy 240 pounds - has the body type of Elton Brand, with the athleticism of Serge Ibaka. This kid has upside and will probably see himself drafted sooner than later.
Weaknesses: While it's not a weakness in the general sense of basketball, per se, many are questioning Bismack's actual age - saying he may be closer to 25 than 20. If this is true, Bismack's potential is obviously not as high, however, his maturity and skill level will make up for that over time. When pertaining to basketball skills, Bismack is raw on offense - no more, no less. He doesn't have the hands of Shaq in his prime, but they also aren't as bad as Ben Wallace, who many have compared him to. Offense will be his struggle in the pro's, however with elite athleticism, he shouldn't find it hard to put the ball in the basket from time to time.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Ben Wallace in his prime
Worst Case: Tyrus Thomas
Donatas Motiejunas PF 7'0 215 21 B- B- D+ C+ C+ B
Strengths: Inside/Out complete offensive player. Donatas dominates using quickness, quick release, and an above average athletic ability. He has shown the ability to handle the ball like a guard, proving that when given time and effort, can be a complete all around player. Donatas can fill the basket effortlessly, scoring in huge bursts often creating big separation on the scoreboard between his team and the opponent. Despite being a perimeter player, Donatas has a great variety of post moves, and can matchup pretty well against most defenders. Prefers to face up in the post, where he can use his speed to beat his man off the dribble.
Weaknesses: Strength. Donatas needs to add weight in an elite weight training program. Standing at a meager 30lbs per foot, Donatas will get pushed around very easily in the SSBL against guys like Garnett, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Yao Ming. While he will probably have some success at center versus slower bulkier players, he will definitely struggle to box out no matter what position he plays at.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: If he puts on weight, Dirk Nowitzki
Worst Case: Nikola Tskitishvilli
Jonas Valanciunas C 6'11 240 19 C+ D C- B- B- A
Strengths: Completely opposite of the Euro-stereotype - Valanciunas is a hard headed, bull dog in the post. He has what all US scouts look for in a big - pointy elbows and not afraid to use them. Unlike most Eastern European prospects, Jonas actually looks like he spent a lot of time eating and training well. He's got good bulk and a wide stance. Explosive, athletic and tenacious on defense. Uses most of his energy on defense, and rarely goes out of his way on the offensive end unless it's setting a monster pick. Even though he doesn't use it often, Jonas has the ability to step out and hit the mid range jumper easily, making him a good FT shooter as a result.
Weaknesses: With all the positives and strengths, there are an equal amount, if not more unknowns with Jonas, definitely a project and will need a lot of coaching. He will be best at PF where he can have mismatches with his athleticism, but he needs post moves and more strength for a better chance at finishing around the rim.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Andris Biedrins
Worst Case: Take your pick of 7 foot Euro busts...
Lucas "Bebê" Nogueira C 6'11 225 19 C C- D+ B C+ A
Strengths: A lanky teenager who can block shots with the best of them. Over a 7 foot wingspan. Quick feet allows him to block a ton of shots on help defense.
Weaknesses: Maturity is said to be the biggest issue with Lucas at this point in time. He often gets frustrated on the court and as a result will often half ass his effort. Struggles on the offensive end. Whether his effort is a result of his lack of size, or his motivation/maturity issues hasn't been pin-pointed yet, but will certainly surface after some time in the SSBL. A true project that should be chosen with caution. Has a lot to learn, yet has all the tools to be a nice player for any team who drafts him.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Martynas Andriuskevicius
Worst Case: Pape Sow
Jan Vesely SF 6'11 240 21 B- C+ D+ B- C+ A
Strengths: Nicknamed "The Dunking Ninja" for his incredible leaping ability. Combines size, strength, and speed for a triple threat athletic ability. Can pretty much do it all on the court, inside, outside, defense and rebounding. Has the bulk to rebound fairly well too. Has established himself as a transition killer in Europe, and focuses on running fast and often during a game. Has some serious highlight reel dunks over the years, and at 21, still has a lot of room to grow.
Weaknesses: A terrible ball handler at times - can find the open man, and has games where he really displays good vision, however lacks consistent focus when playing a point forward type role. Plays too reckless at times, racking up offensive fouls quickly and retiring to the bench for large portions of the game. Needs to find a good medium where he can be aggressive, yet under control.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Andrea Bargnani
Worst Case: Tayshaun Prince
Player Comparisons; Best and Worst Case Scenarios
Bismack Biyombo PF 6'9 240 19 C+ D D+ B B- A
Strengths: Athleticism. Through and through one of the best, if not THE best, athlete in the draft pound for pound. With a 7 foot 7 inch wingspan, Biyombo naturally is able to block any type of shot that he tries to get - and he gets a lot of them. High flying F/C with close to a 40" vertical leap. Not too flashy around the rim on offense, but will get a ton of points on putbacks and alley-oops if he's playing with an expert playmaker. The kicker for most teams will be the fact that he's still only 19 years old. Some say he could still grow a few more inches by the time his rookie contract is up. A sturdy 240 pounds - has the body type of Elton Brand, with the athleticism of Serge Ibaka. This kid has upside and will probably see himself drafted sooner than later.
Weaknesses: While it's not a weakness in the general sense of basketball, per se, many are questioning Bismack's actual age - saying he may be closer to 25 than 20. If this is true, Bismack's potential is obviously not as high, however, his maturity and skill level will make up for that over time. When pertaining to basketball skills, Bismack is raw on offense - no more, no less. He doesn't have the hands of Shaq in his prime, but they also aren't as bad as Ben Wallace, who many have compared him to. Offense will be his struggle in the pro's, however with elite athleticism, he shouldn't find it hard to put the ball in the basket from time to time.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Ben Wallace in his prime
Worst Case: Tyrus Thomas
Donatas Motiejunas PF 7'0 215 21 B- B- D+ C+ C+ B
Strengths: Inside/Out complete offensive player. Donatas dominates using quickness, quick release, and an above average athletic ability. He has shown the ability to handle the ball like a guard, proving that when given time and effort, can be a complete all around player. Donatas can fill the basket effortlessly, scoring in huge bursts often creating big separation on the scoreboard between his team and the opponent. Despite being a perimeter player, Donatas has a great variety of post moves, and can matchup pretty well against most defenders. Prefers to face up in the post, where he can use his speed to beat his man off the dribble.
Weaknesses: Strength. Donatas needs to add weight in an elite weight training program. Standing at a meager 30lbs per foot, Donatas will get pushed around very easily in the SSBL against guys like Garnett, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Yao Ming. While he will probably have some success at center versus slower bulkier players, he will definitely struggle to box out no matter what position he plays at.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: If he puts on weight, Dirk Nowitzki
Worst Case: Nikola Tskitishvilli
Jonas Valanciunas C 6'11 240 19 C+ D C- B- B- A
Strengths: Completely opposite of the Euro-stereotype - Valanciunas is a hard headed, bull dog in the post. He has what all US scouts look for in a big - pointy elbows and not afraid to use them. Unlike most Eastern European prospects, Jonas actually looks like he spent a lot of time eating and training well. He's got good bulk and a wide stance. Explosive, athletic and tenacious on defense. Uses most of his energy on defense, and rarely goes out of his way on the offensive end unless it's setting a monster pick. Even though he doesn't use it often, Jonas has the ability to step out and hit the mid range jumper easily, making him a good FT shooter as a result.
Weaknesses: With all the positives and strengths, there are an equal amount, if not more unknowns with Jonas, definitely a project and will need a lot of coaching. He will be best at PF where he can have mismatches with his athleticism, but he needs post moves and more strength for a better chance at finishing around the rim.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Andris Biedrins
Worst Case: Take your pick of 7 foot Euro busts...
Lucas "Bebê" Nogueira C 6'11 225 19 C C- D+ B C+ A
Strengths: A lanky teenager who can block shots with the best of them. Over a 7 foot wingspan. Quick feet allows him to block a ton of shots on help defense.
Weaknesses: Maturity is said to be the biggest issue with Lucas at this point in time. He often gets frustrated on the court and as a result will often half ass his effort. Struggles on the offensive end. Whether his effort is a result of his lack of size, or his motivation/maturity issues hasn't been pin-pointed yet, but will certainly surface after some time in the SSBL. A true project that should be chosen with caution. Has a lot to learn, yet has all the tools to be a nice player for any team who drafts him.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Martynas Andriuskevicius
Worst Case: Pape Sow
Jan Vesely SF 6'11 240 21 B- C+ D+ B- C+ A
Strengths: Nicknamed "The Dunking Ninja" for his incredible leaping ability. Combines size, strength, and speed for a triple threat athletic ability. Can pretty much do it all on the court, inside, outside, defense and rebounding. Has the bulk to rebound fairly well too. Has established himself as a transition killer in Europe, and focuses on running fast and often during a game. Has some serious highlight reel dunks over the years, and at 21, still has a lot of room to grow.
Weaknesses: A terrible ball handler at times - can find the open man, and has games where he really displays good vision, however lacks consistent focus when playing a point forward type role. Plays too reckless at times, racking up offensive fouls quickly and retiring to the bench for large portions of the game. Needs to find a good medium where he can be aggressive, yet under control.
SSBL Comparison
Best Case: Andrea Bargnani
Worst Case: Tayshaun Prince
