[valentine]

If thats not enough to make him skyrocket into the top 10, he also killed it in interviews. Add in the fact that hes the 3rd tallest guy in the draft.

For a guy with a supposed ‘terrible guardian’, he seems to have been raised pretty well.

Time to stop listening to bad media opinions and believe the hype with Maker. He can offer elite rim protection, stretch the floor and defend in space. With an NBA strength program, he will be a beast.

 

The US scouts and Draft sites were salty at him since he bluffed them all, so lowballed his drsft stock. 

 

Factor in the general dislike for Aussie players (calling out MikeyV, Givony + others), and a major draft steal is on the table for a lucky team wanting a prototypical NBA bigman)

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Just curious…have you watched Maker play? 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Just curious…have you watched Maker play? 

[Hype Machine]

Naah, I spend all day watching the animal channel and just post threads on here during the commercials.

 

[Hype Machine]

Naah, I spend all day watching the animal channel and just post threads on here during the commercials.

 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 9 to the raptors

[Hype Machine]

Youre right man…Jonas showed me something in these playoffs and their skill set has a nice contrast

[Hype Machine]

Youre right man…Jonas showed me something in these playoffs and their skill set has a nice contrast

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 9 to the raptors

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

What was his vertical measured at? And was it standing or running? I’ve seen him play a couple times and he didn’t look particularly athletic, especially in comparison to some other big men prospects like Anthony Davis, noel etc. I guess those guys didn’t participate in the combine though.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

What was his vertical measured at? And was it standing or running? I’ve seen him play a couple times and he didn’t look particularly athletic, especially in comparison to some other big men prospects like Anthony Davis, noel etc. I guess those guys didn’t participate in the combine though.

[Hype Machine]

 32" No Step vertical (highest ever)

36.5" Max – just a shade behind Willie Cauley Stein

 

Theres reports of botched testing but he came in with a 9’3" standing reach so I dont think he was under there since it was comparable to other guys with his height and wingspan)

 

And while he might not have looked that athletic, he is 7’1" so gotta put that in perspective. Hes no David Robinson but looks like hes closer to that WCS level.

 

In the HS championship game, I saw him playing a full court press for the entire game as the first defender and he was a menace with his length and speed. Source: Scouts Honor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[raybeasParticipant]

had a 35.5″ standing and 37.5″ max, so he’s not quite a Cody Zeller-level athlete.

So much for ‘Highest vert ever for a big man.”

[Hype Machine]

 Rabies, it applies to players who are 6’11" and over without shoes.

Cody Zeller is 6’10" without shoes. Plus he’s a suspected combine cheat. His remarkably small wingspan and standing reach…and record breaking vertical. Suspicious to say the least.

Has anyone ever watched a Zeller game and thought he had a record setting vertical. 

 

 

 

 

 

[raybeasParticipant]

6’10.75″ in socks not “big” enough?

Who exactly has accused him of being a “combine cheat”? The same tools who said he had a 6’8″ wingspan? There is youtube video of his verts. Watch if you want, or don’t. Also discount his speed and agility times, since he’s a combine cheat.

Thon Maker’s upside is Cody Zeller plus half a shot-block per game.

If he is the age he claims. I’d wager he’s older.

[raybeasParticipant]

6’10.75″ in socks not “big” enough?

Who exactly has accused him of being a “combine cheat”? The same tools who said he had a 6’8″ wingspan? There is youtube video of his verts. Watch if you want, or don’t. Also discount his speed and agility times, since he’s a combine cheat.

Thon Maker’s upside is Cody Zeller plus half a shot-block per game.

If he is the age he claims. I’d wager he’s older.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Well if you really watch Hornets games it’s obvious Zeller can jump really high.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Well if you really watch Hornets games it’s obvious Zeller can jump really high.

[Hype Machine]

 Rabies, it applies to players who are 6’11" and over without shoes.

Cody Zeller is 6’10" without shoes. Plus he’s a suspected combine cheat. His remarkably small wingspan and standing reach…and record breaking vertical. Suspicious to say the least.

Has anyone ever watched a Zeller game and thought he had a record setting vertical. 

 

 

 

 

 

[raybeasParticipant]

had a 35.5″ standing and 37.5″ max, so he’s not quite a Cody Zeller-level athlete.

So much for ‘Highest vert ever for a big man.”

[Hype Machine]

 32" No Step vertical (highest ever)

36.5" Max – just a shade behind Willie Cauley Stein

 

Theres reports of botched testing but he came in with a 9’3" standing reach so I dont think he was under there since it was comparable to other guys with his height and wingspan)

 

And while he might not have looked that athletic, he is 7’1" so gotta put that in perspective. Hes no David Robinson but looks like hes closer to that WCS level.

 

In the HS championship game, I saw him playing a full court press for the entire game as the first defender and he was a menace with his length and speed. Source: Scouts Honor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Nobody has watched him play a real basketball game, and dunking over 150cm Canadian children doesn’t count.  If he is in the lottery, very likely he is a bust.

If someone like the Spurs draft him and develop him over several years, lots of D-League, maybe he does something.

No international games, no college and McDonalds All-American games, hiding from most of the prospects games, shooting 0 for 5 at a Hoop Summit game, if he had real ability he might have played in a real game every now and then.

Does anyone know if his age is even correct, and why would this "guardian" stage manage all this and stop a basketball player who is said to be great from actually playing basketball games.

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Scouts didn’t watch him because they assumed he would go to college and they would get a full year to check him out. Basically, they snoozed on him. He played a full slate of High School games, and won the national championship, so they could have watched him there if they wanted. There’s full games on the internet. 

He’s eligible for the draft…and he’ll get drafted. It’s not hiding, but rather simply being smart. 

He wasn’t eligible for McDonalds All American games because he was in Canada. He played for the International team for the Hoops Summit, and there hasn’t been much of a chance to play internationally without interupting other basketball commitments. 

He was MVP at the NBPA top-100 camp, and had a great matchup with DeAndre Ayton at Basketball without Borders. He was also MVP of the Canada HS championship game which was very, very impressive. 

The media likes to hype him up as a "Man of Mystery". Truth is, there have been more than ample opportunities to catch him. He’s done everything in his power to dim the hype and mix-tapes, and never felt obligated to give the media what they wanted. The mix tapes have helped him and harmed him at the same time. In the games I’ve watched, he’s mostly been a high-motor 7-footer who shoots too many 3s and covers unbelievable space on defense. 

His plan all along was to get drafted, which he will. NBA prospects only go to college because they have to wait a year to get drafted. If they could go to the NBA straight from HS, they would. Once he gets in the league, there’s no favors from anyone but a Sudanese refugee is probably going to need that guaranteed few million more than most. 

As for his age…I’ve stated multiple times that if anything he’s probably younger than listed. If you were an immigration agent and you saw 2 young brothers who were extremely tall and your job was to to guess their age, it would be highly unlikely to assume they were younger than they really are. They wouldn’t have known that both were going to be 7 footers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcH_7pJ2HPs

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Scouts didn’t watch him because they assumed he would go to college and they would get a full year to check him out. Basically, they snoozed on him. He played a full slate of High School games, and won the national championship, so they could have watched him there if they wanted. There’s full games on the internet. 

He’s eligible for the draft…and he’ll get drafted. It’s not hiding, but rather simply being smart. 

He wasn’t eligible for McDonalds All American games because he was in Canada. He played for the International team for the Hoops Summit, and there hasn’t been much of a chance to play internationally without interupting other basketball commitments. 

He was MVP at the NBPA top-100 camp, and had a great matchup with DeAndre Ayton at Basketball without Borders. He was also MVP of the Canada HS championship game which was very, very impressive. 

The media likes to hype him up as a "Man of Mystery". Truth is, there have been more than ample opportunities to catch him. He’s done everything in his power to dim the hype and mix-tapes, and never felt obligated to give the media what they wanted. The mix tapes have helped him and harmed him at the same time. In the games I’ve watched, he’s mostly been a high-motor 7-footer who shoots too many 3s and covers unbelievable space on defense. 

His plan all along was to get drafted, which he will. NBA prospects only go to college because they have to wait a year to get drafted. If they could go to the NBA straight from HS, they would. Once he gets in the league, there’s no favors from anyone but a Sudanese refugee is probably going to need that guaranteed few million more than most. 

As for his age…I’ve stated multiple times that if anything he’s probably younger than listed. If you were an immigration agent and you saw 2 young brothers who were extremely tall and your job was to to guess their age, it would be highly unlikely to assume they were younger than they really are. They wouldn’t have known that both were going to be 7 footers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcH_7pJ2HPs

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Nobody has watched him play a real basketball game, and dunking over 150cm Canadian children doesn’t count.  If he is in the lottery, very likely he is a bust.

If someone like the Spurs draft him and develop him over several years, lots of D-League, maybe he does something.

No international games, no college and McDonalds All-American games, hiding from most of the prospects games, shooting 0 for 5 at a Hoop Summit game, if he had real ability he might have played in a real game every now and then.

Does anyone know if his age is even correct, and why would this "guardian" stage manage all this and stop a basketball player who is said to be great from actually playing basketball games.

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 What does Maker do well offensively? I hear "space the floor" and I interpet that as code for "Likes to shoot 3-pointers"…I’ve heard he’s got a great motor. Can he pass the ball? Does he post up? Is he a guy that will make a living off dump offs on the baseline? What’s he going to do well in the NBA? 

I remember Jeff Goodman specifically tweeting a couple years ago that he’s a legit defensive presence as a guy that can help off and defend the paint especially well. Think he went as far to compare him to KG. 

If there’s this much hype…why isn’t he considered a top-5 pick? Is he better than Bender? 

Also curious what people think his college production would’ve been? Let’s assume he was going to go to Kansas for the sake of this question…what kind of numbers does he put up? 12-8? better? worse?

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

All good questions about what he brings offensively…

• He has an excellent right handed hook shot that he can get off anytime he wants. 
• He is a very good free throw shooter.
• He is an underated passer. Above average for a 7’1" player, without doubt. 
• Ball-handling for his size is remarkably good.  
• Sets screens and runs hard to the rim, jumps high to finish. 
• Offensive rebounding/putback potential
• And he can hit jumpshots with NBA 3pt range. His percentage isn’t great,but he will have to be respected which is huge for a PF/C

He can do everything at this stage except play through contact. 

He stated he would have gone to Arizona State if he went to college. To be honest, he probably would have been pretty bad (like most skinny 18 yo freshmen). But he has so much room for improvement that others simply don’t have. 

 

[Hype Machine]

All good questions about what he brings offensively…

• He has an excellent right handed hook shot that he can get off anytime he wants. 
• He is a very good free throw shooter.
• He is an underated passer. Above average for a 7’1" player, without doubt. 
• Ball-handling for his size is remarkably good.  
• Sets screens and runs hard to the rim, jumps high to finish. 
• Offensive rebounding/putback potential
• And he can hit jumpshots with NBA 3pt range. His percentage isn’t great,but he will have to be respected which is huge for a PF/C

He can do everything at this stage except play through contact. 

He stated he would have gone to Arizona State if he went to college. To be honest, he probably would have been pretty bad (like most skinny 18 yo freshmen). But he has so much room for improvement that others simply don’t have. 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 What does Maker do well offensively? I hear "space the floor" and I interpet that as code for "Likes to shoot 3-pointers"…I’ve heard he’s got a great motor. Can he pass the ball? Does he post up? Is he a guy that will make a living off dump offs on the baseline? What’s he going to do well in the NBA? 

I remember Jeff Goodman specifically tweeting a couple years ago that he’s a legit defensive presence as a guy that can help off and defend the paint especially well. Think he went as far to compare him to KG. 

If there’s this much hype…why isn’t he considered a top-5 pick? Is he better than Bender? 

Also curious what people think his college production would’ve been? Let’s assume he was going to go to Kansas for the sake of this question…what kind of numbers does he put up? 12-8? better? worse?

 

 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Australian players? Interesting. Plus, tell me again all of the bad things I have written about Thon Maker? Grouping me in with Givony and than "others", rich. If you actually have read what I have written regarding Thon, I never even said anything about him NOT being a 1st round pick. I have a bet with a person who shall remain nameless, but is someone you read pretty ofen on this site, that he will indeed be a 1st round pick.

Now, to throw around "Scouts Honor" as a source for the final game as opposed to watching the North Pole Hoops footage is not exactly something that blows me away. To say you have any idea as to whether scouts have the same access to that footage is anyone else is also assuming something that I am guessing is not true. Plus, I actually and believe I have said that I actually really like Thon Maker as a person. I have spoken with him, interviewed him and he is a smart, down to earth young man.

Just because I disagree with your assessment on a bunch of Australian’s being 2017 "first round locks", and called you out on being a bigot regarding what you said about Adam Silver (you are entitled to your opinion, but you know damn well you did not have to say that last line and what you were saying there), this is just petty. If you are going to call me out for a "general dislike of Aussie players", than show some documentation as to where I have one. If not, than you are as much of a "grunt" as you characterize players from New Zealand (yes, generalizing another group of people, better yet a country) as being.

Now, it seems obvious you are quoting Olgun Uluc almost word for word, but even he ends his article with some doubt as to whether he has changed his perception as a late-first round pick until he has a chance to meet and have individual workouts with teams. His combine numbers are obviously quite impressive and if you saw my take on the standing reaches, Thon was not among the players I listed.

Still, as much as your friend T-Rex feels he can just put on weight with a NBA program, is it not a tad worrisome he weighed in less here than he did at the Hoop Summit? With obvious changes to his upper body? He was at a school with fantastic facilities and the goal was to add weight, he has trouble doing so. To me, that is a concern when it comes to the next level. Does that mean I dislike him as a prospect? I guess, if you want to jump to conclusions. But, in reality, I have liked him in the mid-to-late first in this draft. Still do not discredit those that maybe do not feel as strongly and am a bit skeptical of those who want to take him in the top 10.

Have seen him many times in person and he has a number of good qualities as a prospect and basketball player. He works extremely hard. I think his being actually younger than he is listed is kind of a laugh, but have even come to accept he is likely close to his listed age (though I do not believe he is less than a year older than Matur). There have been ample opportunities to catch him, though not necessarily for NBA guys, who cannot go to many high school events. They still can absolutely watch his games caught on video, so doubt they are "sleeping" on that. It just might be that his winning of the OSBA MVP (not that Canada HS Championship), is not necessarily on the level of his having played against the national schedule they did indeed face this year. Which, at times, he and Athlete Institute struggled with. Also really like how T-Rex never names a single player he went up against in that game, but again, semantics.

So, I want to end with "disagreement" does not mean "dislike". Now, go and find any proof of my "dislike" for Aussie players. You know, with my liking Ben Simmons as the top prospect in this draft and also having been in favor of Dante Exum as the 4th player off the board in 2014. Being highly skeptical of Harry Froling, William McDowell-White and Dejan Vasiljevic being one-and-done first round picks in 2017, does not at all characterize a dislike. It may actually characterize an unfair "hype" around these prospects, who may need time to develop. I also leave room to possibly not be right, or be flat out wrong on things. Still want as much information as possible, rather than jumping to conclusions based on someone being born in the same country as I was. Am all for you loving Australian prospects, just do not assume that criticism on one or two makes a person dislike a whole country of players.

[Hype Machine]

The haste in which you respond to my posts hypping up Australian players is all I need. Ive seen you do the same thing with Euroballer and his guys. Strangely selective with your choice when to intervene on these forums. Nonetheless, I like your draft analysis which is more than I can say about Givoni. I like Ulic’s analysis too but Im bold enough to form my own opinions….most of which he either disagrees with or doesnt care for. You guys do your thing, I’ll do mine. I doubt I’m going to win many credibility contests along the way but people can believe whatever they want based on all the available opinions.

Maker shooting up draft boards after the combine wasnt exactly the hardest thing to predict. So why not just put him in the lottery to begin with. It all seems like a face-saving operation to me by a bumch of draft sites devoid of independent thinking. 

Lastly, people can call me a bigot as much as they like. Id rather they did if thats what they think. Everyone knows its the people who say the right thing openly, but disciminate covertly that are the real problem. But thats beside the point and I dont want to get bogged down on this topic. 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Glad you have chosen to defend those who have been wronged. With him at least, he seems to have more access to some prospects. He just blames conspiracy theories and people "disliking" or "being racist" to Greeks. Than chooses to antogonize people rather than educate them. Add in the extreme statements and his general unwillingness to rank any draft prospects whatsoever so we can at least get an idea of where he sees them playing in the NBA, plus the strange hypocrisy of his hating the NBA yet wanting players to be drafted and play there, than I think you can see I am not exactly "disliking" any Europeans in the least.

Kind of a pathetic response, with you just not being able to back up me "disliking" any Aussie player of note. The "haste in which you respond to my posts". Really? That is the best you have? So the fact you can make an anti-semitic claim openly makes it better than if you kept it bottled up? Also news to me. You could just, you know, not claim he is "greedy" due to his relgious affiliation. Because lord knows, greed does not have a religious affiliation.

Have no idea why someone didn’t just put Thon in their Mock lottery. Lord knows, I do not make the Mock here, but I wouldn’t have either. Bottom line still is, he is not a lottery pick yet. He could be, but their are still absolutely legitimate concerns. He won NBPA Top 100 camp MVP, but will just point out that the same prestigious award has gone to the likes of Chane Behanan and Adam Woodbury. Not comparing him to either, just pointing out that winning a camp award is not necessarily a fast lane to NBA dominance. 

Now, while you have taken on the "us against them" approach of EuroBaller at times when it comes to people disagreeing with you on prospects, it seems that your "hyping" sometimes blurs the line between legitimately scouting these prospects or just loving them because they are Australian. It does not seem like you actively go out and see them play, which is understandable, we get the best access we can. Still, to actually admit that my replying to posts where I am skeptical of your proclamations means I dislike Australian prospects is a pretty poor logic behind that actually being the case. So, ask EuroBaller to give you pertinent information on a prospect he points out that you would like to know more about to see where I am coming from, or just mimic his form of trolling.

[Hype Machine]

Ive been on these message boards for long enough for people to know what they’re getting. Creating a little invitation for trashtalk in my threads is part of my gimmick. No-one clicks on my threads expecting me to have travelled the world scouting these players and reporting first hand. 

But the view count and response rate is high so thats worth something.

Some guys post memes, others do mock drafts or trade scenarios, I talk up Aussie guys occasionally who dont get the hype based on being geographically remote (probably the lone voice on the planet that does!)

 

Find me an internet forum with 100% rational users with exemplary posting etiquitte and who dont bring anything fresh to the table, and I’ll know to avoid it.

Btw Don, don’t get a big head cos I said I liked your analysis. Zagoria is still the best.

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I didn’t even really take it as much of a compliment, since you kind of grouped me in with being biased towards something I am not in the least. Very much understand your "style", that still doesn’t mean you need to make wild assumptions about those who disagree with you, or blanket generalizations.

I am sorry you have not met any other Australian basketball fans? Believe me, living in Canada it was not always easy to find them either, though they were indeed a ton just as passionate as I was, even those who had seen players more than I had. Am sure they do exist, they just maybe do not need to hype their players up to unrealistic expectations. Educating someone about a player is preferential to "hyping" them, at least in my mind.

If you want to tell more about a guy you feel people are sleeping on or do not know enough (or nothing) about, than by all means. Making claims about them being "one-and-dones" does not necessarily do any favors if they do not live up to expectations. Lord knows I have been wrong about guys I thought were or were not good enough. Still feel that their was no need to mention me as someone who "dislikes" Aussie players, felt that was petty and I think you having no real way to back it up and than throwing the "haste" theory out there is pretty #weaksauce. 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

You shouldn’t feed the troll…

[Hype Machine]

Im hardly a troll

[Hype Machine]

Im hardly a troll

[King CaluchaParticipant]

You shouldn’t feed the troll…

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I didn’t even really take it as much of a compliment, since you kind of grouped me in with being biased towards something I am not in the least. Very much understand your "style", that still doesn’t mean you need to make wild assumptions about those who disagree with you, or blanket generalizations.

I am sorry you have not met any other Australian basketball fans? Believe me, living in Canada it was not always easy to find them either, though they were indeed a ton just as passionate as I was, even those who had seen players more than I had. Am sure they do exist, they just maybe do not need to hype their players up to unrealistic expectations. Educating someone about a player is preferential to "hyping" them, at least in my mind.

If you want to tell more about a guy you feel people are sleeping on or do not know enough (or nothing) about, than by all means. Making claims about them being "one-and-dones" does not necessarily do any favors if they do not live up to expectations. Lord knows I have been wrong about guys I thought were or were not good enough. Still feel that their was no need to mention me as someone who "dislikes" Aussie players, felt that was petty and I think you having no real way to back it up and than throwing the "haste" theory out there is pretty #weaksauce. 

[Hype Machine]

Ive been on these message boards for long enough for people to know what they’re getting. Creating a little invitation for trashtalk in my threads is part of my gimmick. No-one clicks on my threads expecting me to have travelled the world scouting these players and reporting first hand. 

But the view count and response rate is high so thats worth something.

Some guys post memes, others do mock drafts or trade scenarios, I talk up Aussie guys occasionally who dont get the hype based on being geographically remote (probably the lone voice on the planet that does!)

 

Find me an internet forum with 100% rational users with exemplary posting etiquitte and who dont bring anything fresh to the table, and I’ll know to avoid it.

Btw Don, don’t get a big head cos I said I liked your analysis. Zagoria is still the best.

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Glad you have chosen to defend those who have been wronged. With him at least, he seems to have more access to some prospects. He just blames conspiracy theories and people "disliking" or "being racist" to Greeks. Than chooses to antogonize people rather than educate them. Add in the extreme statements and his general unwillingness to rank any draft prospects whatsoever so we can at least get an idea of where he sees them playing in the NBA, plus the strange hypocrisy of his hating the NBA yet wanting players to be drafted and play there, than I think you can see I am not exactly "disliking" any Europeans in the least.

Kind of a pathetic response, with you just not being able to back up me "disliking" any Aussie player of note. The "haste in which you respond to my posts". Really? That is the best you have? So the fact you can make an anti-semitic claim openly makes it better than if you kept it bottled up? Also news to me. You could just, you know, not claim he is "greedy" due to his relgious affiliation. Because lord knows, greed does not have a religious affiliation.

Have no idea why someone didn’t just put Thon in their Mock lottery. Lord knows, I do not make the Mock here, but I wouldn’t have either. Bottom line still is, he is not a lottery pick yet. He could be, but their are still absolutely legitimate concerns. He won NBPA Top 100 camp MVP, but will just point out that the same prestigious award has gone to the likes of Chane Behanan and Adam Woodbury. Not comparing him to either, just pointing out that winning a camp award is not necessarily a fast lane to NBA dominance. 

Now, while you have taken on the "us against them" approach of EuroBaller at times when it comes to people disagreeing with you on prospects, it seems that your "hyping" sometimes blurs the line between legitimately scouting these prospects or just loving them because they are Australian. It does not seem like you actively go out and see them play, which is understandable, we get the best access we can. Still, to actually admit that my replying to posts where I am skeptical of your proclamations means I dislike Australian prospects is a pretty poor logic behind that actually being the case. So, ask EuroBaller to give you pertinent information on a prospect he points out that you would like to know more about to see where I am coming from, or just mimic his form of trolling.

[Hype Machine]

The haste in which you respond to my posts hypping up Australian players is all I need. Ive seen you do the same thing with Euroballer and his guys. Strangely selective with your choice when to intervene on these forums. Nonetheless, I like your draft analysis which is more than I can say about Givoni. I like Ulic’s analysis too but Im bold enough to form my own opinions….most of which he either disagrees with or doesnt care for. You guys do your thing, I’ll do mine. I doubt I’m going to win many credibility contests along the way but people can believe whatever they want based on all the available opinions.

Maker shooting up draft boards after the combine wasnt exactly the hardest thing to predict. So why not just put him in the lottery to begin with. It all seems like a face-saving operation to me by a bumch of draft sites devoid of independent thinking. 

Lastly, people can call me a bigot as much as they like. Id rather they did if thats what they think. Everyone knows its the people who say the right thing openly, but disciminate covertly that are the real problem. But thats beside the point and I dont want to get bogged down on this topic. 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Australian players? Interesting. Plus, tell me again all of the bad things I have written about Thon Maker? Grouping me in with Givony and than "others", rich. If you actually have read what I have written regarding Thon, I never even said anything about him NOT being a 1st round pick. I have a bet with a person who shall remain nameless, but is someone you read pretty ofen on this site, that he will indeed be a 1st round pick.

Now, to throw around "Scouts Honor" as a source for the final game as opposed to watching the North Pole Hoops footage is not exactly something that blows me away. To say you have any idea as to whether scouts have the same access to that footage is anyone else is also assuming something that I am guessing is not true. Plus, I actually and believe I have said that I actually really like Thon Maker as a person. I have spoken with him, interviewed him and he is a smart, down to earth young man.

Just because I disagree with your assessment on a bunch of Australian’s being 2017 "first round locks", and called you out on being a bigot regarding what you said about Adam Silver (you are entitled to your opinion, but you know damn well you did not have to say that last line and what you were saying there), this is just petty. If you are going to call me out for a "general dislike of Aussie players", than show some documentation as to where I have one. If not, than you are as much of a "grunt" as you characterize players from New Zealand (yes, generalizing another group of people, better yet a country) as being.

Now, it seems obvious you are quoting Olgun Uluc almost word for word, but even he ends his article with some doubt as to whether he has changed his perception as a late-first round pick until he has a chance to meet and have individual workouts with teams. His combine numbers are obviously quite impressive and if you saw my take on the standing reaches, Thon was not among the players I listed.

Still, as much as your friend T-Rex feels he can just put on weight with a NBA program, is it not a tad worrisome he weighed in less here than he did at the Hoop Summit? With obvious changes to his upper body? He was at a school with fantastic facilities and the goal was to add weight, he has trouble doing so. To me, that is a concern when it comes to the next level. Does that mean I dislike him as a prospect? I guess, if you want to jump to conclusions. But, in reality, I have liked him in the mid-to-late first in this draft. Still do not discredit those that maybe do not feel as strongly and am a bit skeptical of those who want to take him in the top 10.

Have seen him many times in person and he has a number of good qualities as a prospect and basketball player. He works extremely hard. I think his being actually younger than he is listed is kind of a laugh, but have even come to accept he is likely close to his listed age (though I do not believe he is less than a year older than Matur). There have been ample opportunities to catch him, though not necessarily for NBA guys, who cannot go to many high school events. They still can absolutely watch his games caught on video, so doubt they are "sleeping" on that. It just might be that his winning of the OSBA MVP (not that Canada HS Championship), is not necessarily on the level of his having played against the national schedule they did indeed face this year. Which, at times, he and Athlete Institute struggled with. Also really like how T-Rex never names a single player he went up against in that game, but again, semantics.

So, I want to end with "disagreement" does not mean "dislike". Now, go and find any proof of my "dislike" for Aussie players. You know, with my liking Ben Simmons as the top prospect in this draft and also having been in favor of Dante Exum as the 4th player off the board in 2014. Being highly skeptical of Harry Froling, William McDowell-White and Dejan Vasiljevic being one-and-done first round picks in 2017, does not at all characterize a dislike. It may actually characterize an unfair "hype" around these prospects, who may need time to develop. I also leave room to possibly not be right, or be flat out wrong on things. Still want as much information as possible, rather than jumping to conclusions based on someone being born in the same country as I was. Am all for you loving Australian prospects, just do not assume that criticism on one or two makes a person dislike a whole country of players.

[VintageKobeParticipant]

I watched him play 2 games last summer in Atlanta. First game he was unstoppable. Second game he fouled out and didn’t look too great. Both games he did thinks I’ve seen no other big men his height do in my life. His handle can be spectacular at times 

[VintageKobeParticipant]

I watched him play 2 games last summer in Atlanta. First game he was unstoppable. Second game he fouled out and didn’t look too great. Both games he did thinks I’ve seen no other big men his height do in my life. His handle can be spectacular at times 

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

He probably doesn’t like Kiwi’s like most Australians don’t. Honestly we don’t like them either and I am a Kiwi born to an Aussie father. His points about NZ basketball players are mostly true, they mostly are big bangers. Kiwi’s and Aussie’s have a love hate relationship. There is over 600,000 Kiwi’s in Aussie and they don’t like that we take their jobs.

P.S

Vukona gets under his skin, so just mention his name in any of your posts.

[Hype Machine]

 Lol….see my kiwi friend here gets it.

It doesnt help that they dont have basketball courts in New Zealand and they just attach used tyres to rugby posts to form a hoop.

 

 

[Hype Machine]

 Lol….see my kiwi friend here gets it.

It doesnt help that they dont have basketball courts in New Zealand and they just attach used tyres to rugby posts to form a hoop.

 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Vukona gets under everyone’s skin…

And stop taking our jobs! (Just had a south park flashback)

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Vukona gets under everyone’s skin…

And stop taking our jobs! (Just had a south park flashback)

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

He probably doesn’t like Kiwi’s like most Australians don’t. Honestly we don’t like them either and I am a Kiwi born to an Aussie father. His points about NZ basketball players are mostly true, they mostly are big bangers. Kiwi’s and Aussie’s have a love hate relationship. There is over 600,000 Kiwi’s in Aussie and they don’t like that we take their jobs.

P.S

Vukona gets under his skin, so just mention his name in any of your posts.

[omphalosParticipant]

 Once again, Maker is 100% the age he claims to be. A friend went to school with him when he was 11 or 12 in Perth, before his voice broke.

Definitely not a 30 year old man.

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 Once again, Maker is 100% the age he claims to be. A friend went to school with him when he was 11 or 12 in Perth, before his voice broke.

Definitely not a 30 year old man.

 

 

 

 

 

[McDunkin]

The fact that Miles Plumlee exists destroys the credibility of the title of this thread.

 

http://www.homeexerciseequipmenthq.com/who-has-the-highest-vertical-jump-in-nba-history/

[Hype Machine]

 Only applies to guys 6’11’ or taller without shoes. Plumee – too short 

[McDunkin]

Your original few posts and the title of the thread said nothing about a height limit and you didn’t bother to bring the height limit up until someone corrected you on it

[Hype Machine]

When you’re right, you’re right.

There is clearly some details missing within the title of my thread. I also made a spelling mistake, and omitted the fact that his elbow-span was disproprotional to the ridge between his eyebrows. 

#weaksauce

Nonetheless, its a tad strange that so few people are giving Thon props on his extraordinary athleticism or commenting on his draft stock. Seems like proving me wrong on little details or hurling internet insults takes priority. 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

That persons accomplishment. Just a thought. If your original post was less about gloating and saying how terrible media outlets are and more about the things he brings as a prospect, which are of a minor footnote, than maybe you would be actually starting a topic more about the prospect. In the meantime, it is more how you feel about him and how other people should feel more of the same way that you do as opposed to having an opinion from having seen him play basketball. Even if they are wrong, which they very well could be or are, it does not mean you are right. When you make a claim saying he is the "highest vert ever for a big man", it might mean, maybe, define what that actually means. Otherwise, it does not necessarily seem like everyone will follow your definiton blindly.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

That persons accomplishment. Just a thought. If your original post was less about gloating and saying how terrible media outlets are and more about the things he brings as a prospect, which are of a minor footnote, than maybe you would be actually starting a topic more about the prospect. In the meantime, it is more how you feel about him and how other people should feel more of the same way that you do as opposed to having an opinion from having seen him play basketball. Even if they are wrong, which they very well could be or are, it does not mean you are right. When you make a claim saying he is the "highest vert ever for a big man", it might mean, maybe, define what that actually means. Otherwise, it does not necessarily seem like everyone will follow your definiton blindly.

[Hype Machine]

When you’re right, you’re right.

There is clearly some details missing within the title of my thread. I also made a spelling mistake, and omitted the fact that his elbow-span was disproprotional to the ridge between his eyebrows. 

#weaksauce

Nonetheless, its a tad strange that so few people are giving Thon props on his extraordinary athleticism or commenting on his draft stock. Seems like proving me wrong on little details or hurling internet insults takes priority. 

 

[McDunkin]

Your original few posts and the title of the thread said nothing about a height limit and you didn’t bother to bring the height limit up until someone corrected you on it

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Why not just specify: "for someone 6’11 or taller without shoes". Plus, I know this is splitting hairs, but Willie Cauley-Stein was 6’11 without shoes and hit 37". So, if you wanted to give a more clear definition of "big man", it has a pretty wide stretching meaning in basketball. Thon hitting 12’3 is impressive, but you making this claim and than rejecting guys who measured 7’0 with the inch and a quarter you tend to give someone for shoes, is kind of splitting hairs as well.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Why not just specify: "for someone 6’11 or taller without shoes". Plus, I know this is splitting hairs, but Willie Cauley-Stein was 6’11 without shoes and hit 37". So, if you wanted to give a more clear definition of "big man", it has a pretty wide stretching meaning in basketball. Thon hitting 12’3 is impressive, but you making this claim and than rejecting guys who measured 7’0 with the inch and a quarter you tend to give someone for shoes, is kind of splitting hairs as well.

[Hype Machine]

 Only applies to guys 6’11’ or taller without shoes. Plumee – too short 

[McDunkin]

The fact that Miles Plumlee exists destroys the credibility of the title of this thread.

 

http://www.homeexerciseequipmenthq.com/who-has-the-highest-vertical-jump-in-nba-history/

[iguapops420Participant]

 I’m not sure exactly what the record Thon broke was, but I was watching the combine live on ESPN when I got home from work, and one of the announcers (bills I think) made a comment that he recorded a 32 whatever no step and 36.5 max very which is a record for a player that height. Could have been a player over 7 ft.  It the remark was made and that’s fact.

[iguapops420Participant]

 I’m not sure exactly what the record Thon broke was, but I was watching the combine live on ESPN when I got home from work, and one of the announcers (bills I think) made a comment that he recorded a 32 whatever no step and 36.5 max very which is a record for a player that height. Could have been a player over 7 ft.  It the remark was made and that’s fact.

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Did you read the article on the sidebar on the main page that talks about the value of the combine’s vertical stat? Its actually not a great predictor of future success in the NBA. Not to say its meaningless, but you should probably take it with a grain of salt. 

On saying that, I’d like the Pistons to pick him at 18 so I don’t want him to climb the boards too high! 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Did you read the article on the sidebar on the main page that talks about the value of the combine’s vertical stat? Its actually not a great predictor of future success in the NBA. Not to say its meaningless, but you should probably take it with a grain of salt. 

On saying that, I’d like the Pistons to pick him at 18 so I don’t want him to climb the boards too high! 

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Weight is an important factor in leaping ability not just height.  If guy is 6′ 10" in shoes and weighs over 250lbs and jumps over 35" he is an elite athlete. 

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Weight is an important factor in leaping ability not just height.  If guy is 6′ 10" in shoes and weighs over 250lbs and jumps over 35" he is an elite athlete. 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

The title of this thread was clickbait

[BallerScriptParticipant]

The title of this thread was clickbait

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Doesn’t Miles Plumlee have a 40 inch vert ?

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Doesn’t Miles Plumlee have a 40 inch vert ?

[McDunkin]

He said miles doesn’t count because he only meant “6’11 and taller while barefoot”

But like the link I posted shows as far as big men (pf/c) Miles had the highest vert ever recorded for bigs

[McDunkin]

He said miles doesn’t count because he only meant “6’11 and taller while barefoot”

But like the link I posted shows as far as big men (pf/c) Miles had the highest vert ever recorded for bigs

[MopgrassParticipant]

He’s pretty easily a top 10 pick.

In last year’s, much stronger class, Willy Cauley Stein got drafted 6th. He’s got 20 pounds on Maker, is quite strong, seems a little quicker laterally, worked longer in a smart system, and just on day 1 wasn’t as hard as it will be for Maker. Overall, why isn’t Maker worth as much as WCS? Experience and weight training. Assuming that was the only difference, that should drop Maker a couple spots. Right?

But wait. 

Maker has a reasonable jumper, has been trained to be the go-to-guy on offense, is known to be a very hard worker, has handles, and is substantially intelligent (4.0 GPA). He is a bit stumbley and is more of a move memorizer than someone who has a sense for what move to make based on what his defender is doing (side note: get excited about Embiid because he intuits most of his moves). Still, a studious guy like Maker will figure it out. He is without a doubt worth the risk of picking him in the top 10. I predict he goes 6th to 9th.

[MopgrassParticipant]

He’s pretty easily a top 10 pick.

In last year’s, much stronger class, Willy Cauley Stein got drafted 6th. He’s got 20 pounds on Maker, is quite strong, seems a little quicker laterally, worked longer in a smart system, and just on day 1 wasn’t as hard as it will be for Maker. Overall, why isn’t Maker worth as much as WCS? Experience and weight training. Assuming that was the only difference, that should drop Maker a couple spots. Right?

But wait. 

Maker has a reasonable jumper, has been trained to be the go-to-guy on offense, is known to be a very hard worker, has handles, and is substantially intelligent (4.0 GPA). He is a bit stumbley and is more of a move memorizer than someone who has a sense for what move to make based on what his defender is doing (side note: get excited about Embiid because he intuits most of his moves). Still, a studious guy like Maker will figure it out. He is without a doubt worth the risk of picking him in the top 10. I predict he goes 6th to 9th.

[Author]

Posts