This topic contains 14 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Illadelph 8 years, 9 months ago.

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  • #60527
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    ChicagoCasey
    Participant

    Underrated –

     

     

    Jahlil Okafor – I know most people will think "How is he underrated when he’s projected to go number 2 in the draft". He’s underrated to fans. I’ve read alot of things here on forums on this site, twitter, espn, etc….. act like he won’t be any good or he can’t be great. Most people are falling for the new car and the new great thing and bypassing on what’s always been great. People saw how great Okafor been for so long people just got bored and they saw a new great player(s) emerge and fell in love with them and forgot about Okafor in Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Kristaps Porzingis, and Mario Hezonja. 
     
     
    I believe Okafor have great upside due to the fact he have outstanding measurement in standing near 7′ 270 pounds having a 7’5" wingspan, 9’3" standing reach, with great footwork. Most of what Jahlil Okafor is pegged for as his weaknesses is mostly easily fixable. He’s pegged for being a bad PnR defender, rim protector, defensive rebounder, free throw shooter. I’ve watch a lot of Duke games and when the opposing team PnR Okafor man Okafor always be in a bad position. He’s always like behind the play and being out of the play. With proper coaching that issue won’t be much of an issue. He might not be great at it, but he can be average to above average at. I’m not concerned also by he rim protection skills do to the fact that he have elite physical tools. He won’t be a shot bloker like Anthony Davis, but he can be a below the rim defender like Demarcus Cousins. Demarcus Cousins faced the same criticism coming out. Now he’s a good defender. He can be a pretty good up and down vertical rim protector. Like his PnR defense Okafor seem to have mental gapse when defensive rebounding the ball. He would let players get in front of him for position for an offensive board. Getting mentally stronger would help him alot and that should come with age. The last weakness is free throw shooting, that’s concerning to me but not that concerning. He had great games from the free throw line and he have great touch at the rim to not think that will not improve.
     
    His offense is unreal. I’ve saw some mesmorizing stats about him that have me to think "how can’t he become a star in this league". He field goal percentage is outstanding at 66% from the field and he’s not your run-and-jump offensive player that field goal percentage is overblown. He is finishing like 75% at the rim as well which is historic on the college level and he was also great in double team situations. He was great as a PnR man, cutter, ISO, and offensive putbacks. He’s elite at all of those and thats not even including his post game, which is the best at his age in the past 20 years. He have tons of post moves and counter moves that will have you going crazy. Outstanding passer out the double. To the people that say "He can’t thrive in the New three point shooting NBA" shut up. He will force tons of double teams and he will make three point shooters get open looks. In my opinion he’s the best player in this draft.
     
    Emmanuel Mudiay – He don’t get much respect in the fan perspective just like Jahlil Okafor. I’ve seen fans compare him to the likes of Michael Carter-Williams and to the likes of Iman Shumpert. Most fans see the basic traits of Mudiay and say he’s just another tall point guard that can’t shoot and is turnover prone. People don’t see past that. Mudiay is a great passer, good post up player for his position, and can really score the ball.
     
    Fans just believe he’s just another " European " prospect that nobody heard of and didn’t play stiff competition. They don’t know that he played agaisnt most of the players in thus draft class, returning college players, and the top high school prospects when he was playing high school ball, going to camps, and all star practices/games. He was the by far the best player in the court at the Nike Hoop summit that included Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns, Justise Winlsow, and more top prospects.
     
    Tyler Harvey – I fell like he’s being overlooked in mock drafts. I’ve see him being a late first round pick, but i see sites have him underdrafted and going mid – late second round. He’s a great shooter that can create off the dribble. He’s like a poor man’s Steph Curry in the was they both create three point shots off the dribble. I would take a flyer on him in the late first because he have an elite trait and that’s being able to shoot the ball.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
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  • #993343
    AvatarAvatar
    Illadelph
    Participant

     Jahlil Okafor underrated?  Wha?

    And Towns is not some new kid that came out of nowhere.  He has been on most peoples’ radar for years.  Towns did not get the whole "NBA ready" hype that Okafor got from day one.

    For being so "NBA ready", Okafor has some weaknesses.  He is a horrible free throw shooter.  He is a defensive liability in the sense that he cannot switch off on to smaller and faster players, and is easily taken out of rhythm in the pick and roll defense.  Okafor cannot shoot the three like a lot of NBA bigs can, and therefore will not be able to spread the floor.  Okafor dominated inferior college competition, but that sheer size/strength advantage will not translate to the NBA very well.  Do you see Towns dominating Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins, etc?  

    Okafor, at this point, has an advanced post game for the college level, and has very good footwork for a college freshman.  He also happens to be long, and has a big wingspan.

    I think he is overrated, NOT underrated… lol.

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    • #993580
      AvatarAvatar
      Jr. ROXAS
      Participant

      Of course he can’t switch onto smaller players in the pick and roll he is freakin 7 feet 270. If a big switches into someone like Chris Paul, Lawson or any other guard, you will get beat most of the time. This switching onto guards thing is getting really redundant.

      I mean, Dwight Howard can’t do it effectively and neither do a lot of today’s bigs but that fact should be accepted. Even Tyson Chandler who you all think is the best in switching assignments gets beat most of the time by quicker guards. Okafor will be a good defender, you can book that. And certainly not the horrible, atrocious defender you all make him out to be.

       He has the IQ and size to be good at D just like how Marc Gasol is right now. And his shooting will improve eventually, he has decent form on his shot. It’s not like he’s Drummond or Bogut or anything where they absolutely dread shooting from outside. This guy can hit the occasional 12 footer. Seriously, I agree with OP that maybe at least in this site, Okafor is pretty underrated. His strengths should be waaay ore recognizable than his weaknesses but that does not seem the case with some people here.

       

        

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    • #993439
      AvatarAvatar
      Jr. ROXAS
      Participant

      Of course he can’t switch onto smaller players in the pick and roll he is freakin 7 feet 270. If a big switches into someone like Chris Paul, Lawson or any other guard, you will get beat most of the time. This switching onto guards thing is getting really redundant.

      I mean, Dwight Howard can’t do it effectively and neither do a lot of today’s bigs but that fact should be accepted. Even Tyson Chandler who you all think is the best in switching assignments gets beat most of the time by quicker guards. Okafor will be a good defender, you can book that. And certainly not the horrible, atrocious defender you all make him out to be.

       He has the IQ and size to be good at D just like how Marc Gasol is right now. And his shooting will improve eventually, he has decent form on his shot. It’s not like he’s Drummond or Bogut or anything where they absolutely dread shooting from outside. This guy can hit the occasional 12 footer. Seriously, I agree with OP that maybe at least in this site, Okafor is pretty underrated. His strengths should be waaay ore recognizable than his weaknesses but that does not seem the case with some people here.

       

        

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    • #993593
      AvatarAvatar
      Jr. ROXAS
      Participant

       And another thing, he’s a center for Christ’s sake. Where in the NBA do you see a lot of CENTERS shooting threes? Let’s take a look at the NBA’s elite centers right now and how the rank in the 3 point shooting category:

      1) Cousins- No 3 point shot

      2) Marc Gasol- No 3 point shot

      3) Al Jeff- No 3 point shot

      4) Dwight- No 3 point shot

      5) Denadre Jordan- No 3 point shot, 

      …and so do most if not all of the 5s in the NBA right now. If you want a big who can shoot the 3, don’t find it on a player who obviously does not have it in his arsenal but is already good in the low post.

      And what do these guys have in common? They find a way to be effective even WITHOUT a three point shot, and you can say the same with Okafor. He has elite size, underrated agility and elite post moves. Seriously, you are nitpicking Okafor’s weaknesses too much. Just focus on what he does well, or should I say extremely well.

       

       

       

       

       

       

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    • #993453
      AvatarAvatar
      Jr. ROXAS
      Participant

       And another thing, he’s a center for Christ’s sake. Where in the NBA do you see a lot of CENTERS shooting threes? Let’s take a look at the NBA’s elite centers right now and how the rank in the 3 point shooting category:

      1) Cousins- No 3 point shot

      2) Marc Gasol- No 3 point shot

      3) Al Jeff- No 3 point shot

      4) Dwight- No 3 point shot

      5) Denadre Jordan- No 3 point shot, 

      …and so do most if not all of the 5s in the NBA right now. If you want a big who can shoot the 3, don’t find it on a player who obviously does not have it in his arsenal but is already good in the low post.

      And what do these guys have in common? They find a way to be effective even WITHOUT a three point shot, and you can say the same with Okafor. He has elite size, underrated agility and elite post moves. Seriously, you are nitpicking Okafor’s weaknesses too much. Just focus on what he does well, or should I say extremely well.

       

       

       

       

       

       

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  • #993484
    AvatarAvatar
    Illadelph
    Participant

     Jahlil Okafor underrated?  Wha?

    And Towns is not some new kid that came out of nowhere.  He has been on most peoples’ radar for years.  Towns did not get the whole "NBA ready" hype that Okafor got from day one.

    For being so "NBA ready", Okafor has some weaknesses.  He is a horrible free throw shooter.  He is a defensive liability in the sense that he cannot switch off on to smaller and faster players, and is easily taken out of rhythm in the pick and roll defense.  Okafor cannot shoot the three like a lot of NBA bigs can, and therefore will not be able to spread the floor.  Okafor dominated inferior college competition, but that sheer size/strength advantage will not translate to the NBA very well.  Do you see Towns dominating Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins, etc?  

    Okafor, at this point, has an advanced post game for the college level, and has very good footwork for a college freshman.  He also happens to be long, and has a big wingspan.

    I think he is overrated, NOT underrated… lol.

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  • #993349
    Robb_CRobb_C
    Robb_C
    Participant

    Two top 5 picks as underrated?? Jesus Christ the draft needs to start already

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  • #993490
    Robb_CRobb_C
    Robb_C
    Participant

    Two top 5 picks as underrated?? Jesus Christ the draft needs to start already

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  • #993357
    AvatarAvatar
    ChicagoCasey
    Participant

    @Robb_C – If you read what I what I wrote I’ve said clearly in terms of fans perspective that they are underrated and Mudiay is keep slipping on each Mock drafts, one have Mudiay going number 7 to the Nuggets,

     

    @llladelph – Do you know there’s more than just Towns that risen up the draft boards don’t you? If so you would know I could be talking about D’Angelo Russell who wasn’t projected to be in this draft when the college basketball season started. 

    As for Jahlil Okafor being overrated I have to laugh. On Chad Ford (ESPN) latest mock draft he have him going 6th to the Kings. Tell me that’s not underrated. All his weaknesses he could improve on, except for switching on PnR ( ONLY A COUPLE PEOPLE CAN DO THAT ). He can improve on his free throw shooting, defensive rebounding, and PnR defense. 

    LOL when you said his post game is good for a freshman. I got to ask you a question. When was the last time you saw a college player with better moves and a better overall post game? Who? 

    LOL at him only dominating inferior competition, He did dominate the whole country dude. It’s not his fault that he was double team in almost every game he played in. Because I know you going to bring up the Utah and Wisconsin game when he was consistently doubled and sometime tripled teamed. 

    And being NBA ready doesn’t mean you have no flaws in your game.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    • #994184
      AvatarAvatar
      Illadelph
      Participant

      Raycasey – you seem to have a mancrush on Jahlil Okafor… lol.  I watched Okafor in the NCAA finals against Frank Kaminsky and he was ineffective.  Kaminsky is what you could call NBA level talent with 7 foot size, who can shoot the three and spread the floor.  Okafor really struggled against him for someone who is supposed to be so physically dominant.  If Okafor is struggling against Kaminsky, I don’t really see him dominating against elite bigs in the NBA.  Everyone keeps harping on how dominant Okafor is and how his post game is so awesome.  Well, he may develop that later but as of now, I have seen him dominate only shorter and smaller college post players.  Even Kaminsky who is weaker physically and not as good in the post, gave him a hard time.  

      Look, I’m not saying Okafor isn’t NBA caliber, and a great prospect.  I am saying that he is overhyped, and his fanbois typically overlook the fact that Okafor might not even the best center prospect in this draft!

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    • #994043
      AvatarAvatar
      Illadelph
      Participant

      Raycasey – you seem to have a mancrush on Jahlil Okafor… lol.  I watched Okafor in the NCAA finals against Frank Kaminsky and he was ineffective.  Kaminsky is what you could call NBA level talent with 7 foot size, who can shoot the three and spread the floor.  Okafor really struggled against him for someone who is supposed to be so physically dominant.  If Okafor is struggling against Kaminsky, I don’t really see him dominating against elite bigs in the NBA.  Everyone keeps harping on how dominant Okafor is and how his post game is so awesome.  Well, he may develop that later but as of now, I have seen him dominate only shorter and smaller college post players.  Even Kaminsky who is weaker physically and not as good in the post, gave him a hard time.  

      Look, I’m not saying Okafor isn’t NBA caliber, and a great prospect.  I am saying that he is overhyped, and his fanbois typically overlook the fact that Okafor might not even the best center prospect in this draft!

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  • #993498
    AvatarAvatar
    ChicagoCasey
    Participant

    @Robb_C – If you read what I what I wrote I’ve said clearly in terms of fans perspective that they are underrated and Mudiay is keep slipping on each Mock drafts, one have Mudiay going number 7 to the Nuggets,

     

    @llladelph – Do you know there’s more than just Towns that risen up the draft boards don’t you? If so you would know I could be talking about D’Angelo Russell who wasn’t projected to be in this draft when the college basketball season started. 

    As for Jahlil Okafor being overrated I have to laugh. On Chad Ford (ESPN) latest mock draft he have him going 6th to the Kings. Tell me that’s not underrated. All his weaknesses he could improve on, except for switching on PnR ( ONLY A COUPLE PEOPLE CAN DO THAT ). He can improve on his free throw shooting, defensive rebounding, and PnR defense. 

    LOL when you said his post game is good for a freshman. I got to ask you a question. When was the last time you saw a college player with better moves and a better overall post game? Who? 

    LOL at him only dominating inferior competition, He did dominate the whole country dude. It’s not his fault that he was double team in almost every game he played in. Because I know you going to bring up the Utah and Wisconsin game when he was consistently doubled and sometime tripled teamed. 

    And being NBA ready doesn’t mean you have no flaws in your game.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #993367
    AvatarAvatar
    Numbers_Cruncher
    Participant

    I think Michael Frazier and Anthony Brown will turn out to be quality 3&D players. Frazier could easily be argued to be the best shooter of the draft, and he has enough to be a good defender at the 2. Brown has enough size to defend the 2 or 3 and is probably going to be a very good shooter. 

    I’m not saying Frazier is the next Wesley Matthews, or Brown is the next Danny Green, I’m just saying these guys can play ball in the NBA and will be well worth a late 1st rounder. 

     

     

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  • #993508
    AvatarAvatar
    Numbers_Cruncher
    Participant

    I think Michael Frazier and Anthony Brown will turn out to be quality 3&D players. Frazier could easily be argued to be the best shooter of the draft, and he has enough to be a good defender at the 2. Brown has enough size to defend the 2 or 3 and is probably going to be a very good shooter. 

    I’m not saying Frazier is the next Wesley Matthews, or Brown is the next Danny Green, I’m just saying these guys can play ball in the NBA and will be well worth a late 1st rounder. 

     

     

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