[FUNKYBUNCHParticipant]

 I know it’s early, but since we can’t do mock drafts yet, I just figured I would ask… Who else out there believes Gobert will get drafted higher than Noel? I think the dude is better just from the little I know about him… not sure he will get drafted higher, but I think he will being the better player…

[pakoe838383Participant]

However, Whiteside would only play in 19 games with Sacramento before being waived earlier this summer amassing averages of just 1.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game.

[JunkYardDogParticipant]

Interesting topic… 

I think Gobert is right now a better prospect and should become a better pro. He has more and better experience (international, professional) and showed lots of improvement in the last 2 seasons. His body is still growing whereas he’s already huuuuuuuge and he only needs to add some bulk (he’s thin but has the shoulders to carry some pounds). Very mobile (able to defend on perimeter players on P&R), good running big man, good teammate, eager to do the dirty work.

Here are some highlights from last season for Gobert. What is really interesting is his defensive ability. He’s a fighter in the paint (absolutely no comparison with french bust Ajinca or Petro) and loves to be under the rim. He’s raw in offense but has good hands to finnish around the rim (lefty…) and he LOVES to dunk. In D he has an already very good timing to be not only a great block shooter but also a constant threat for every other player. All his BS are very "clean" and he can block from individual AND collective D (on help). Not affraid to be on the poster and not a stupid player jumping on every fake. He’s more like Chandler or Ibaka showing very good defensive instincts and IQ. Chandler is the kind of player he can become.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdTECazexFo (in pro A)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=FXSgw_epvDc&NR=1 (last eurocamp)

I don’t buy the hype around Noel who seems to be very very raw and seems to lack some passion.

At the end it should depend on Noel’s season with Kentucky. He has a better exposure and if he shows improvement this season, he will be picked higher than Gobert. But Gobert should turn into a better pro. He only needs some time to add some bulk and adjust to the NBA.

[azertonParticipant]

 IMO Gobert is a kind of Valanciunas with more size and length so with better upside …

[JunkYardDogParticipant]

 Valanciunas has more offensive moves, more offensive game (even if he’s not very polished) but Gobert has some tools in O and offers a better upside in D.

Valanciunas is more a leader than Gobert too. Gobert has to improve in this area.

[azertonParticipant]

 Plus I’m french just like him and I’ve already heard him speak in interviews , to the media and he really seems to be a pretty smart kid , down on earth , extremly focused on basketball , aware of his great potential and his bright future if he puts in the hard work … A really interesting prospect that being said , will probably be the highest french player drafted which is really not that bad knowing all the good french players that play(ed) in the NBA ^^ ..

[GrandmamaParticipant]

I haven’t seen any highlights from Gobert yet, actually going to go watch a few right now.  What I can say though is Noel is extremely raw, and I think it’s definitely a possibility he returns for his sophomore year.  Especially if he has a subpar year…  From what I’ve read though, there is defintely a possibility Gobert gets drafted higher than Noel.

[azertonParticipant]

 Maybe Valanciunas is slighty better offensivly , but I still think Gobert has more upside than him , and IMO he is an even better finisher than Valanciunas around the rim just from the fact that he’s as athletic , as agressive but has a significant advantage on his size and lenght ..

[JunkYardDogParticipant]

Valanciunas has less physical tools but has more leadership and mental tools RIGHT NOW. Which is kind of normal cause he’s older and more mature. He has performed at every level he has faced during the last 3, 4 years. 

I think Gobert should struggle at least 1 year (after his draft next year) before really contributing… time to adjust to the rythm and to add some pounds. But he should turn into a very solid pro and in my mind he’s a better prospect than Noel.

[Anton123Participant]

Interestingly, Valanciunas and Gobert are actually the same age, Jonas is one month older

[JunkYardDogParticipant]

Yes indeed… my bad… I was pretty sure Jonas was 1 year older. 

He’s on the radar for such a long time, I forgot he was from 1992.

Valanciunas is more ready but Gobert has more upside.

[FUNKYBUNCHParticipant]

JYD, thanx for sharing the more highlights! I thought the ones on his profile were pretty sick, then I saw Gobert just swat flies on your highlights posted… very nice! And I like his soft touch around the basket in every highlight shown yet… Wow! Jonas got in the conversation… lol! Jonas V is basically a POOR MAN’S Gobert. There is talent with Valanciunas, but he’s just as raw and he’s no Gobert.

[JunkYardDogParticipant]

I have personaly HIGH expectations on Gobert. I was not a big fan of him 3, 4 years ago when his name began to 

Very good body language, big improvements over the last years, more and more confidence, toughness in O and D, good international experience (with the french A team before the olympics) … and soft touch indeed.

This year his role should be more important with Cholet. If he responds well, he will be huge next year.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 I like what I see defensively. If he can develop up to his potential in this even if he doesn’t become a great offensive player, he’ll still be a great contributor in the NBA.

[avavalisParticipant]

He reminds me of Javale McGee (Less Athletic though) with a correct attitude

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