Malik Pope Thread

I'm working on looking more into this guy. I lost track of him a year or two ago, but the numbers show slow improvement leading to his senior year where he probably took a minor step back.



Here's some old videos from DraftExpress a couple years ago.



To be honest, I don't know if those same concerns (and strengths) exist anymore. I've been watching mostly Moe Wagner stuff. I'll try to get some insight on Pope this week.

 

This guy might be my favorite of the guys we're bringing in.

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/6/14/17461764/malik-pope-nba-draft-san-diego-state

That's an excellent piece on Pope and his journey. Pope blew up a couple years ago, but never took the next step in his development for whatever reason. He's got incredible raw tools and if someone can get into him mentally, he could be an extraordinary steal.

Pros:

• Height and length are remarkable. He's got some legitimate guard skills at 6'10" with over a 7' wingspan.
• He's got sudden athleticism, the kind that pops in the NBA. He gets off the ground quickly and smoothly and can really throw down.
• Is a good passer. He can grab a board and push on his own with his head up to find others. Lamar Odom-esque in that respect.
• He shoots a smooth ball with good rotation. Low volume, but high percentage from outside.
• He's got big hands that can secure the ball in space really well and easily. Also helps him fire passes one handed.

Cons:

• Mentality is sometimes off. He's not always aggressive, can tend to blend in with the game. Another way he's Lamar Odom-esque.
• Physically built like an immature tree. He's razor thin and gets pushed around because of it. Lack of fight on the inside at times.
• Decision making can be baffling. Sometimes he'll make a great pass and then the next play he'll throw a one handed pass right to the defender.
• He tends to get tired quickly and fade on the court. Hands down, feet not moving, and attention to detail disappears.

Overall, he's probably got the best tools to be an NBA player. His athleticism and physical attributes are certainly NBA caliber, but everything else about his game might not be. Here's what he looks like when he's at his best:

 

You posted that in the Johnathan Williams thread.

I was confused because I can't remember Williams pulling that off.

 

Maybe? It's sort of tough. Lewis was a killer and a scorer. Pope is so much more laid back, especially his junior and senior year he just wasn't aggressive enough on a consistent basis. I really do see a poor man's Lamar Odom.