Offseason Hopes / Predictions

I agree you shouldnt do that.

I also never said that was the right idea.

 

Depends who is at 5. There's a solid shot Bamba is there at 5 and if that's the case, I take Bamba. Super unique body even for a big man, great defensive instincts, room to fill out. He's intelligent, mature, and carries himself well. He won't be better right away, but Bamba is going to be very good. I'd say Randle would be better or equal to anyone after Ayton, Doncic, and Bamba though. I'm not sure what to make of Porter. I think Jaren Jackson profiles as a solid starter, but Randle should be better. Bagley could be better than Julius, but I'm not sold yet. Bagley could easily end up being a kid that's good at everything, but not great at anything.

 

He could be, but I'm thinking more like 15/12/3. Something like that for the NBA. Bamba looks like a modern Mutombo to me, but what separates him for me is his intelligence. He's clearly a bright kid with tremendous physical gifts. He might need a year or two to get going, but he should have an impact defensively as a rim protector right away.

 

Bamba had the longest wingspan in the history of the draft combine at 7'10" (Gobert's was 7'9"). Bamba beat out Gobert's standing reach of 9'7" by half an inch. Bamba didn't do any of the athletic testing or scrimmage, but his measureables are incredible and just watching him, his vertical is more than fine. He's on the wildly thin side, but he's still very young.

 

He's also quite a mature kid when you talk with him. I was left very impressed each time he did an interview and how he answered the questions and the kinds of answers he gave.

 

There was another kid they interviewed who was asked, "would you rather play for 10 years or win a ring and retire after one year?"

He answered 10 year career and he explained that the dream is to make it to the NBA and provide for him and his family. A Championship is amazing, that's what the goal is every year, but it's not what he's been dreaming of. I thought it was a well reasoned argument.

And I don't want that kid. I can't remember who it was now.

 

That's a good question to see their thought process. Even though I don't know that it's fair to lump guys in those two compartments, one or the other.

 

I felt the same way about Harrison Barnes when he was doing the interview process before the draft. I remember posting that in a thread about Harrison not sure if it was on CL or LakersBall. If you're trying to build a culture around those kinds of guys having Bamba and Barnes on the same team is a start.

 

I'm not too high on Bamba...he could be great or he could be a bench player.

I've seen too many amazing athletes come into the league and be out of the league within 3 years or be average their entire career.

Guys like Stromile Swift, Von Wafer, Gerald Green, Tyrus Thomas, Marvin Williams and many others...the idea that they come into the league, fine tune their skills and fill out their bodys...that idea only works for a portion of those guys with the right mindset, right coach, right situation, right franchise, no injury issues etc...

High ceiling: absolutely but chances of reaching it is usually minuscule.