Big man?

[DERRENMATTS]

Do we need some meat up in the frontcourt? Grant Williams has some serious girth and is an immovable boulder, but he’s also only 6’7”. Theis isn’t a twig, but he can be bullied around. Timelord’s game is built for high flying performance instead of ground and pound positioning.

Being that we have to face Embiid, and now Bam Adebayo, do we need to beef up at the 5?

If we do, I’m endorsing Isaiah Stewart, the 6’9” hercules with swift feet. Not the ideal height, but he’s got a 7’2” wingspan, which makes up for it. This guy likes to mix it up in the paint, not shying away from contact, but jumping right in as if he’s at a mosh pit at his favorite metal band’s concert.

I think he’s got enough foot quickness to do a decent job of covering perimeter players on switches, which is valuable in today’s game. And he has potential to knock down jumpers, extending to the 3pt line.

Seems like a great kid, humble, and his motor doesn’t stop. The only real knock is he’s not a high flyer. But that’s not the end of the world (right, Aron Baynes?).

[freshnthehouse]

I think we do, but I dont know if that player is available at 14.

I wouldn't mind seeing us take a flyer on that giant kid from kansas with our 2nd round pick. I think he'd make a decent 3rd string center, and is a nice guy to have when you play in the same division as Joel Embiid
Mer
On the subject of 2nd rounders, i also wouldnt mind seeing us procure another 2nd rounder and take Sam Merill from Utah State. I think he's got the ability to develop into a nice bench weapon.

[DERRENMATTS]

Like I said in another thread, I don’t see basketball skills from Azubuike. Great size and motor, though.

Another big man I’d consider is Xavier Tillman from Michigan State. Smart and plays savvy like a veteran.

[DERRENMATTS]

Jalen Smith is another option for me. His game reminds me of Myles Turner’s.

Here’s my list of bigs

Onyeka Okwongwu
James Wiseman
Isaiah Stewart
Jalen Smith
Xavier Tillman
Killian Tillie

Both Precious Achiuwa and Aleksej Pokusevski are considered bigs, but they’re more like SF/PF to me.

[DERRENMATTS]

Speaking of Precious Achiuwa, he’s an athletic specimen. If his 3pt shot was more consistent, he’s a lock for a top 7 pick. Not tall (6’8”) but good wingspan (7’2”). Size wise, he’s similar to Robert Williams, but he’s got quicker feet and plays more like a 4/3, while RWill is a 4/5.

If we draft him, we really need to invest in squaring up his shooting. With his motor and quick burst, he can rebound, block shots, get steals.

Handles the ball pretty decently for his position, and if he tightens it up he can be a threat to attack the paint regularly.

[DERRENMATTS]

Paul Reed has identical measurements to Achiuwa.

Precious is a tad more explosive, Reed is a bit steadier shooting.

Reed has swagger in his game.

[DERRENMATTS]

Fresh, I’ve softened up on Azubuike. I remember him only as a raw freshmen and slightly less raw soph. Much more improved over his final 2 years.

Biggest draw is his size (7 footer with a 7’7” wingspan!!). Sets pretty good screens and looks like he’s developing a feel as a roller (lob target and getting himself open for passes). I don’t think he’ll be much used as a scorer, and he’ll need to get his points by offensive putbacks and being set up by others.

Defensively, his size and strength helps him in the post. I don’t have a feel about him switching on smaller players yet. His free throw shooting needs work, and I doubt he develops a perimeter shot. He’s strictly a 5.

[freshnthehouse]

I dont think he'll ever be very good at switching on the perimeter. His length will help, but he's gonna struggle with being quick enough to handle it. He's def always going to be a backup. But I'll take a decent backup on a league minimum deal for four years.

[DERRENMATTS]

From where we are picking, the big guys I’d be good about are:

Isaiah Stewart
Jalen Smith
Xavier Tillman
Precious Achiuwa
Aleksej Pokusevski (though he doesn’t play like a Big)

*edit* forgot to include Xavier Tillman. Really smart and rugged player. Plays the old man game.

[freshnthehouse]

I'd love it if Jalen Smith fell to 26. I think he's got major flop potential, but his upside is through the roof.

[DERRENMATTS]

Nov 17, 2020 12:41:42 GMT -5 freshnthehouse said:

I'd love it if Jalen Smith fell to 26. I think he's got major flop potential, but his upside is through the roof.

Yeah, Smith has a decent looking jump shot from deep that looks intriguing. Not splashy, but looks well rounded.

[DERRENMATTS]

A consensus late first round big man I do NOT want us to draft is Zeke Nnaji. Too much Ryan Hollins in him.