I remember watching Thon and he looked unstoppable.
Following 2016 potential draftees
- Thread starter Dr. Jones
- Start date
I remember watching Thon and he looked unstoppable.
Thon's handling and passing off the dribble is light years ahead of Gobert and Favors, even if he hasn't played at a pro level yet. That alone would give the Jazz a dimension they haven't had, basically an ability to play faster, push the ball and run more. Plus it looks like Maker will hit a fair percentage of his shots and provide basic rim protection. I think he's a legit option at 12.
I think there's a legit argument for Thon at #1. Even though there's no way it happens.
Thon doesn't live up to the KG/KD hype, but he looks to me to be as interesting a prospect as Favors did in 2010.
I respect your takes. Let's debate. Tell me what it is that makes a 7 footer with other-worldly athleticism, work ethic, and skills any less of a great prospect than ANYONE else in the draft.
Are you suggesting Thon is going to be able to handle the ball in the open court on fastbreaks? I highly doubt this ever happens.
are you trolling or just posting stupid **** by accident?
Posting the truth. Sticky it.
How can I sticky when your posts leave me limp.
catchall never said he wants Thon to lead a fast break. You do realize handles are good for far more than going coast to coast? Yeah, of course you do. Troller.
prodigy
Well-Known Member
it's pretty amazing a guy with his size/frame can even go around 20 considering Isaiah Thomas fell all the way to 60.
when I watch him I feel like he's a real student of the game. his decision making skills are undeniable and plays so unselfishly.
great skill set for a pure point guard and seems to have a mental toughness about him as well.
The game is about nuance and split timing. I ultimately look at how intelligently a player moves, how quickly they react and make decisions, how fast their hands and feet are. How do they handle the ball, how do they use subtle hesitations, how do they change speeds in a single sequence, how do they create shots for themselves, how refined and nuanced is their timing, how deft their shooting release is. These are things you can't ultimately teach.
Ben Simmons is elite in many of these respects. His ability to handle the ball on the floor, know when and how to drive, finish in multiple ways at the rim, etc. are already as advanced or even more advanced than the modern-day Blake Griffin who has learned to be an effective player away from the rim. The minute Simmons gets a reliable jump shot (assuming he ever does), he's already more dynamic than Blake Griffin and hence a top 15 player in the league.
Thon's movements are rudimentary. His handspeed and footspeed are good for a 7-foot player, but I wouldn't call them elite. He has to gather himself to be explosive. He's strong enough, but needs to add core and base strength. He can dribble, but can't really change directions with his dribble. He has good court vision and can make basic passes, but they aren't super timed. He can hit open jumpers with his feet set if he's given space, but he's doesn't look like he's going to hang over defenders and hit tough jumpers. His skill level is similar to Derrick Favors a year or two after Derrick was in the league. So take Derrick Favors, make him 2 inches taller, keep his weight down in the 235 lbs range to help his mobility, make him a slightly more confident ball handler and passer, give him a couple quicker post moves, and you've got what Maker should become. Not an All Star, but top 30 - 40 in the league. To be able to draft that at 12 is a coup--as much as being able to draft Andre Drummond at #9 or Andrew Bynum at #10. Plus he might hit 70% of his FTs.
As far as big prospects, I'd still put Simmons, Bender and Skal ahead of Maker. I like Marquese Chriss like everyone else, and think he should go in the 6 - 8 range.
That said, I think I'd put Maker ahead of Deytona Davis and Henry Ellenson. I wouldn't blink if someone took Maker in the 9 - 12 range. He's been off everyone's radar because he was never considered part of this draft class. But still, he was considered a top-3 recruit in a loaded class next year. There's a reason for that.
That said, I think I'd put Maker ahead of Deytona Davis and Henry Ellenson. I wouldn't blink if someone took Maker in the 9 - 12 range. He's been off everyone's radar because he was never considered part of this draft class. But still, he was considered a top-3 recruit in a loaded class next year. There's a reason for that.
Great post.
My counter is simple. A guy that is better than 7 feet tall, long, and can jump out of the gym (while also showing real promise with handles, passing, and shot) is worth a #1 in a weak draft.
I take him him high and start him off by breaking him down. Starting over. Teach him how to shift from his current mentality of an offensive-minded SF (lol) to a defensive minded C. Nail rim protection and rebounding then move out from there. make him earn offense.. starting at the rim and moving out from there.
The guy should be able to be a top defensive C in the league as a FLOOR. Srs.
Damn, what a floor.
You're talking about a legit 7-footer who can guard some on the perimeter, run the floor, hit honest jumpers and still defend the paint. That's almost ideal for the modern center position. Most players have their shortcomings. Anthony Davis doesn't bang inside. Andre Drummond can't hit FTs. Myles Turner is still slow laterally. Etc. If Maker can gain strength and play the 5, yes, he's a nice package for a 7-footer. Plus he appears to have the motor and the work ethic.
But I agree that his identity is as a defensive-minded center. People should be comparing him to DeAndre Jordan, Hassan Whiteside and Rudy Gobert and stop comparing him to KG/KD/AD.
I'd compare him to Yi Jianlian.
talk to text sucks, amirite?
i speak facts
You speak in massive hyperboles and hope to find your nut.
You can't be serious... There's no comp there at all.