Kolek planning to go pro
Bradley definitely didn't live up to his draft position, but I'm not sure being too thin was the reason. He came in 45 pounds heavier than Chet and was able to bulk up. He was just inconsistent.And if we have to dig back two decades to find one example, that wouldn't be something that gives me pause. The talk around Chet reminds me a lot of the talk around Durant coming out. He was too skinny, he wasn't strong enough (zero reps of 225), he was going to get pushed around, and all he's done since then is win Rookie of the Year, become a perennial All-Star and All-NBA player, and be named to the Top-75 list.Not saying Chet will be Durant, but dismissing him because of something that at best rarely holds anyone back seems like a mistake. I'm not sure who will end up best, my vote would probably be Chet with Jabari Smith a very close second. I love Chet's unique abilities, but think Smith's skillset is tailored perfectly to today's NBA. Banchero and Ivey should be fine, but I see them as more likely 2nd or 3rd best players on a good team than potential alphas.
Sure, but if we're going to look specifically at rim protection, that wasn't a problem for the aforementioned Bradley. It remained a strength in the NBA. He did lead the league in blocks once and holds the single-season blocks record for both the 76ers and Mavericks (actually all of the top-5 Mavs single seasons).His rebounding and block numbers were also still high in both of the games you mention and his Tier A+B rebounding and block numbers are right on track with his overall numbers, so it's not like he wilted in the face of tough opposition. Will he have to add strength to not be bullied by the Embiid/Giannis/Jokic types? Sure. But that's the case for literally everyone entering the NBA, and some players who have already been in that league for years.
Holmgren has a lot of skills, there's no question about that. But does he do anything exceptionally well? I think the NBA gane is so different but do we expect him to be able to score in isolation or down on the block? Is he sort of in the Anthony Davis mold?
Here's my tier 1 of this draft:1. Paolo Banchero The best chance to be a number 1 offensive option in this draft. Elite handles for his size and very good court mapping. Questions about his defense, but I think he has the tools to be serviceable. Better than Julius Randle, not as good as Giannis.2. Chet Holmgren Elite defensive impact but I only see a complementary scorer. Great fit for OKC as a pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop threat. Marcus Camby with a jumpshot. Weight is obviously the main concern.3. Jabari SmithElite shooting and above average defender. I'm not convinced he can create his own shot or distribute as well as Banchero. If that develops, he could be the best player of this draft. But right now I'm getting Rashard Lewis vibes.4. Jaden Ivey Elite speed and leaping ability gives him a huge upside, but I think he's farther away than the top 3. Improved 3 point shooting, but still kinda suspect. No midrange game, weak left hand, and bad defense. But the athleticism gives him as much upside as anyone in the draft. As a prospect, I think he's similar to Russell Westbrook coming out of college. Can he improve at the same rate?Any of these four could wind up the best player in this draft, but they all have pretty significant question marks.
I understand those who think Banchero should be No. 1. Heck, he is my favorite foe Rookie of the year no matter which team he goes to. But he is very NBA ready and will be closer to his ceiling as a rookie than the other guys. The NBA looks at where they will be in 3-4 years rather than where they are as a rookie, though. Smith and Holmgren both have higher ceilings.
Banchero reminds me a lot of Glenn Robinson, not in terms of his game, but in that I think he will be a very useful, productive player for a long time but probably never hit superstar status.
The most important thing is how Shawn Bradley has completely changed the fate of western civilization.
Who's the last NBA prospect that failed because they were too skinny? Too big, unable to control their weight, sure, but I don't remember many guys that were too thin to succeed.
The Bradley comparisons are lazy (not saying you made them).And the one real basketball skill of Bradley - blocking shots - will be surpassed by Holmgren.
Similaries:1. Tall2. White3. Shot blockerThat's it. Bradley couldn't:1. Handle the ball2. Shoot3. Pass4. Run the floor
Banchero refused to work out with the Magic. It’s gonna be Jabari #1
That's what most experts have been saying for months.