[zcnumerounoParticipant]

 He’s as advanced of a post player for his age that I’ve ever seen.

I do see him as an Al Jefferson type center in the NBA — a good starter.

However, I don’t think he’s worthy of a number one pick. He only plays half the game well. He looks lost defensively, and as a center who’s thought of as the top prospect, you need to be able to rim protect.

If I were the GM at the #1 spot, I’d go for Towns. I feel like he’s the better all-around player, although Okafor is the best offensive player in the class (Russel is making a case for that distinction, though.)

Im sure I’ll get negged for this, but I just felt that it would make for a good debate.

[ChewyParticipant]

 is certainly worth debating. They both look to be franchise type talents. Towns fit the new mold of post players as he can stretch the floor with his shooting.

Okafor is an old school post player who likes having his back to the basket. One thing that I don’t think it talked about enough is Okafors willingness to pass out of the post. There have been games where he has had a hard time reading where the double teams are coming from, but as a young big, just having the awarness that they are coming is a big step. I’ve seen him throw some one handed cross court skip passes to wide open 3’s. I think he will develop into a big that you can run an offense through because he can be unselfish when the defense overplays him.

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 is certainly worth debating. They both look to be franchise type talents. Towns fit the new mold of post players as he can stretch the floor with his shooting.

Okafor is an old school post player who likes having his back to the basket. One thing that I don’t think it talked about enough is Okafors willingness to pass out of the post. There have been games where he has had a hard time reading where the double teams are coming from, but as a young big, just having the awarness that they are coming is a big step. I’ve seen him throw some one handed cross court skip passes to wide open 3’s. I think he will develop into a big that you can run an offense through because he can be unselfish when the defense overplays him.

 

 

[trelos6Participant]

I think a strong case can be made for either Okafor or Towns to be the #1 pick.  Hell, I’ll throw Russell into that conversation if he can lead OSU to the Sweet 16 (depending on team needs).

Also, say Miami crash out of the playoffs and magically secure the #1 seed, surely they’ll be looking at Mudiay as their current PG situation is dreadful. (Though, I’d take Russell to play PG over Mudiay).

 

  

[trelos6Participant]

I think a strong case can be made for either Okafor or Towns to be the #1 pick.  Hell, I’ll throw Russell into that conversation if he can lead OSU to the Sweet 16 (depending on team needs).

Also, say Miami crash out of the playoffs and magically secure the #1 seed, surely they’ll be looking at Mudiay as their current PG situation is dreadful. (Though, I’d take Russell to play PG over Mudiay).

 

  

[MopgrassParticipant]

Okafor Strengths: 

1) NBA size 2) Superior post skills. 3) Superior footwork 

Towns Strengths:

1) Shot Blocking 2) Speed and mobility 3) Mid-range jumper

I think people forget how good Towns’s mid-range is (very) because he’s on Kentucky and isn’t supposed to shoot from there. Sometimes Towns’s footwork looks as good as Okafor’s and other times he backs himself into an awkward corner and forces things. Some of Towns’s inside moves are really great, but not when he tries to take over the game. Some of the issue looks like it’s because he’s on Kentucky and probably fears not getting the ball again that game (possible). He also isn’t on s team where he gets enough play time and focus to make mistakes and learn from them. If Okafor missed 3 shots, he’ll get the ball back in a few plays. If Towns missed 3 in a row, the Harrisons might not let him have the ball back that day. 

Okafor has some superior skills, but Towns may end up being able to do everything well. That, to me, is as unique as Okafor’s skill set. I prefer Towns’.

[MopgrassParticipant]

Okafor Strengths: 

1) NBA size 2) Superior post skills. 3) Superior footwork 

Towns Strengths:

1) Shot Blocking 2) Speed and mobility 3) Mid-range jumper

I think people forget how good Towns’s mid-range is (very) because he’s on Kentucky and isn’t supposed to shoot from there. Sometimes Towns’s footwork looks as good as Okafor’s and other times he backs himself into an awkward corner and forces things. Some of Towns’s inside moves are really great, but not when he tries to take over the game. Some of the issue looks like it’s because he’s on Kentucky and probably fears not getting the ball again that game (possible). He also isn’t on s team where he gets enough play time and focus to make mistakes and learn from them. If Okafor missed 3 shots, he’ll get the ball back in a few plays. If Towns missed 3 in a row, the Harrisons might not let him have the ball back that day. 

Okafor has some superior skills, but Towns may end up being able to do everything well. That, to me, is as unique as Okafor’s skill set. I prefer Towns’.

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I hate when people say "he’s not a two way player" as if these 18-21 year old kids won’t get better. Look at guys like Hassan Whiteside who worked hard and improved their game, and now have an NBA contract and starting potential. Gerald Green, JJ Reddick, Klay Thomson, Mike Conely, Paul George, Gordan Hayward, Jimmy Butler. All these guys were pegged as system players, or just good at one or two things. Now they are some of the more complete players on their teams who contribute on both sides off the ball. 

To expect a teenage kid to come into the league and take the NBA by storm is almost nonexistent these days. The game is too fast, and the players too good. Most of the time you won’t see a team compete untill their star player is on their second contract, and even then it takes some time and team building for the team to truely be competative, and thats assuming the GM hasn’t messed everything up (I’m crossing my fingers for you OKC and Pelicans). 

You don’t draft a player for what he will do today, but what he will be able to do when he’s in his prime of 26-32. The time before that should be all about player developement, and implementing a system/culture that promotes winning. GM’s give up on players too quickly in my opinion, and it constantly comes back to haunt them. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I hate when people say "he’s not a two way player" as if these 18-21 year old kids won’t get better. Look at guys like Hassan Whiteside who worked hard and improved their game, and now have an NBA contract and starting potential. Gerald Green, JJ Reddick, Klay Thomson, Mike Conely, Paul George, Gordan Hayward, Jimmy Butler. All these guys were pegged as system players, or just good at one or two things. Now they are some of the more complete players on their teams who contribute on both sides off the ball. 

To expect a teenage kid to come into the league and take the NBA by storm is almost nonexistent these days. The game is too fast, and the players too good. Most of the time you won’t see a team compete untill their star player is on their second contract, and even then it takes some time and team building for the team to truely be competative, and thats assuming the GM hasn’t messed everything up (I’m crossing my fingers for you OKC and Pelicans). 

You don’t draft a player for what he will do today, but what he will be able to do when he’s in his prime of 26-32. The time before that should be all about player developement, and implementing a system/culture that promotes winning. GM’s give up on players too quickly in my opinion, and it constantly comes back to haunt them. 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

All the players you mention are wing players who learned how to shoot better and create their own shot (Butler, Green), or learned to play acceptable defense (Reddick). Considering Okafor plays the post it is different. I think it is really hard for a big man to increase his footwork and positioning on defense, as it might be just a matter of quickness and athleticism. Having a big guy defending the post remains important, and developing those qualities remains very difficult. The only example I could think of is Hibbert who learned to defend the post better by being big and jumping straight up. I believe Okafor can learn that as well, but remains to be seen.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

All the players you mention are wing players who learned how to shoot better and create their own shot (Butler, Green), or learned to play acceptable defense (Reddick). Considering Okafor plays the post it is different. I think it is really hard for a big man to increase his footwork and positioning on defense, as it might be just a matter of quickness and athleticism. Having a big guy defending the post remains important, and developing those qualities remains very difficult. The only example I could think of is Hibbert who learned to defend the post better by being big and jumping straight up. I believe Okafor can learn that as well, but remains to be seen.

[zcnumerounoParticipant]

There’s a difference between not being a two-way player and being completely helpless on one end of the court.

[zcnumerounoParticipant]

There’s a difference between not being a two-way player and being completely helpless on one end of the court.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I hate it when people say someone is a good defender only because they can block shots. Defense is way more than that.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I hate it when people say someone is a good defender only because they can block shots. Defense is way more than that.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Okafor is as polished a low post player I have seen in a long time. His weaknesses are well-known by now. He’s not a great rebounder for being huge and is a pretty bad defender. I’ll cut him some slack for being poor defensively because he’s just a 19 year old kid. He’ll improve but a Dwight Howard in his prime he will never be. He’s lost in pick and roll situations. He’s really young and he’ll improve in all areas. I think he’s a very low risk player. You know what you are going to get with Okafor. I think he’ll be a good NBA player and have a long career but he’ll never be a superstar.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Okafor is as polished a low post player I have seen in a long time. His weaknesses are well-known by now. He’s not a great rebounder for being huge and is a pretty bad defender. I’ll cut him some slack for being poor defensively because he’s just a 19 year old kid. He’ll improve but a Dwight Howard in his prime he will never be. He’s lost in pick and roll situations. He’s really young and he’ll improve in all areas. I think he’s a very low risk player. You know what you are going to get with Okafor. I think he’ll be a good NBA player and have a long career but he’ll never be a superstar.

[tuck243Participant]

For starters, we don’t know how good Towns really is because of UK…  Most of the time they’re not even trying to pass him the ball down low when he has good position.  He also sitting right next to MCS defensively, his rim protection can be a little misguided because you literally have to worrying about getting your shot pass 2 people…   We truly don’t know just how good this kid is…

Okafor – He looks completely helpless on defense?  In what games? He tend to go straight up and do a decent job protecting the paint…  Is he a great at defending the pick and roll?  No…  Name all the post men in the NBA that can…  These are things that he’s getting better at and progressing on through this season.  

The thing is, Okafor and Towns really can’t show us just how great they really are…  Due to the NCAA and zone defense, they can’t always get the ball in the post.  They also can’t dominate even if they get the ball down there versus single coverage because they immediately get double teamed.   

I don’t agree that Towns should be lower than #2, but I think so far Okafor is the clear cut #1…  Even with all the double teams he still produce…  (and for the record I don’t think he’s a center, I think he’s a PF in today’s NBA)…

Russell for #1?  No…  He’s not having a Kevin Durant college season…  Even Kevin Durant didn’t go #1 with the season he had.  If DeAndre Jordan and Larry Sanders can make $11 Million  a year then it should tell you just how important big men still are in this league…  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tuck243Participant]

For starters, we don’t know how good Towns really is because of UK…  Most of the time they’re not even trying to pass him the ball down low when he has good position.  He also sitting right next to MCS defensively, his rim protection can be a little misguided because you literally have to worrying about getting your shot pass 2 people…   We truly don’t know just how good this kid is…

Okafor – He looks completely helpless on defense?  In what games? He tend to go straight up and do a decent job protecting the paint…  Is he a great at defending the pick and roll?  No…  Name all the post men in the NBA that can…  These are things that he’s getting better at and progressing on through this season.  

The thing is, Okafor and Towns really can’t show us just how great they really are…  Due to the NCAA and zone defense, they can’t always get the ball in the post.  They also can’t dominate even if they get the ball down there versus single coverage because they immediately get double teamed.   

I don’t agree that Towns should be lower than #2, but I think so far Okafor is the clear cut #1…  Even with all the double teams he still produce…  (and for the record I don’t think he’s a center, I think he’s a PF in today’s NBA)…

Russell for #1?  No…  He’s not having a Kevin Durant college season…  Even Kevin Durant didn’t go #1 with the season he had.  If DeAndre Jordan and Larry Sanders can make $11 Million  a year then it should tell you just how important big men still are in this league…  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Okafor to me looks like the sort of guy who would do really well on a halfcourt based big man offence sort of what Lionel Hollins ran at Memphis for Z-Bo and Marc Gasol. Okafor isn’t the greatest athlete and so would not perhaps be suited to a run and gun team but what he lacks in speed he seems to make up for by having a good understanding of the game.

His basketball IQ for a young bigman of his size is very promising and can be developed, he has shown a willingness to learn and not just rely on his size as so many young big men tend to do in HS and college but are found wanting when up against just as big and more experienced guys in the NBA.

He looks as if he has good ball handling skills for a big man and having this on a team is always an advantage to his team mates. Look at how John Wall noticed the difference when he had Nene in the frontcourt who could pass and move the ball around compared to the low basketball IQ JaVale McGee.

Re-reading Okafor’s profile, it says "He plays to his strengths, knows his limitations and doesn’t try to do things that he knows he can’t" Doing little things like this makes a guy a far better prospect than someone trying to make big plays or be a showstealer etc. It may seem commonsense but a lot of players forget it.

Someone like Okafor’s role on offence isn’t to try and make flashy passes or carry the ball down court, it is to merely get the defensive rebound make a sensible pass ideally to get the ball to his team’s PG and then get down the court and into a post position etc

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Okafor to me looks like the sort of guy who would do really well on a halfcourt based big man offence sort of what Lionel Hollins ran at Memphis for Z-Bo and Marc Gasol. Okafor isn’t the greatest athlete and so would not perhaps be suited to a run and gun team but what he lacks in speed he seems to make up for by having a good understanding of the game.

His basketball IQ for a young bigman of his size is very promising and can be developed, he has shown a willingness to learn and not just rely on his size as so many young big men tend to do in HS and college but are found wanting when up against just as big and more experienced guys in the NBA.

He looks as if he has good ball handling skills for a big man and having this on a team is always an advantage to his team mates. Look at how John Wall noticed the difference when he had Nene in the frontcourt who could pass and move the ball around compared to the low basketball IQ JaVale McGee.

Re-reading Okafor’s profile, it says "He plays to his strengths, knows his limitations and doesn’t try to do things that he knows he can’t" Doing little things like this makes a guy a far better prospect than someone trying to make big plays or be a showstealer etc. It may seem commonsense but a lot of players forget it.

Someone like Okafor’s role on offence isn’t to try and make flashy passes or carry the ball down court, it is to merely get the defensive rebound make a sensible pass ideally to get the ball to his team’s PG and then get down the court and into a post position etc

 

 

 

[hbomb3300Participant]

People talk about Okafor like he’s a terrible athlete.  He is a good, not elite, for a man his size.  With age and conditioning he will be a solid defensive player.  I would agree that Russell has a higher ceiling but it’s just too hard to find quality big men that a low risk pick like Okafor cannot be passed on. 

[hbomb3300Participant]

People talk about Okafor like he’s a terrible athlete.  He is a good, not elite, for a man his size.  With age and conditioning he will be a solid defensive player.  I would agree that Russell has a higher ceiling but it’s just too hard to find quality big men that a low risk pick like Okafor cannot be passed on. 

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Okafor seems to have the intangibles,wanting to improve,good positionning,understanding of the game,being in shape,Basketball IQ. Add that to his talent,you better believe he’ll be taken number one. I’m not sure about his defense but to me the nba tends to be more and more team oriented even on defense so it will depend on the team he’ll be in

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Okafor seems to have the intangibles,wanting to improve,good positionning,understanding of the game,being in shape,Basketball IQ. Add that to his talent,you better believe he’ll be taken number one. I’m not sure about his defense but to me the nba tends to be more and more team oriented even on defense so it will depend on the team he’ll be in

[Author]

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