khans2k5 wrote:If Towns couldn't stay in front of Kaminsky why do people think he's going to be a really good PnR defender staying in front of guards? Just curious because people talk up his athleticism, but I don't see it as the elite level guys like AD have and use to be PnR defensive terrors. I don't think Towns is particularly quick which is what good PnR defensive bigs use to shut down the PnR. I think he'll be fine, but I don't think he's a premier defensive PnR defender. Also guys like Marc Gasol, Hibbert, Bogut, etc. are all big and not particularly quick yet they anchor some of the best defenses in the league. They learned how to wall up without fouling and are elite rim protectors because of it. You don't need to be a great athlete to protect the rim. Hell even Duncan can barely move yet he is still one of the best rim protectors in the game. You just need the size which Okafor has and a lesson in how to challenge shots without fouling. I don't see Okafor being a terrible athlete so I don't see why it's unreasonable to think he can be an acceptable defender given time to learn. I don't buy into the argument that he's reached his defensive potential as a 19 year old when most guys have to learn to play defense in the NBA as it is a different beast than any other level. I think Towns' defense is being a little bit oversold as a savior level while Okafor is being given little room to improve.
AD is one of a kind freak. Towns may be the closest thing. He has great skills, great NBA body with terrific reach, nice athleticism, and motor. Plus, from all accounts he's going to get better. If Flip means it when he says he wants two way players, Towns is the Man. With KG grooming him, I think he can be an impact player by year two and an all star by year three.
thedoper wrote:I am sure we will be getting definitive, apparently scientific of these 2 guys at every point of the rest of their basketball career. They are linked to each other from here on out. The video is good though because of the side by side cutting. Every time I watch film it just makes me want Okafor more and more. He just seems like such a natural basketball player. I see McHale in him more than any of the modern comparisons (Like Al or Brooks Lopez).
McHale was an All-NBA defender... but funny how Okafor supporters (for No. 1) tend to bury that end of the floor deep in their minds...
McHale was not an all NBA defender after his Freshman year at Minnesota. Hindsight is 20/20, I am not burying anything.
Camden wrote:Except you weren't comparing Okafor to Minnesota McHale, but whatever you say...
I am comparing them at the various steps of their careers since this is all about projection. I saw Mchale play in person quite a few times and was a huge 80s Celtics fan. I know the comparison is a good one from what I physically saw with my own eyes. Okafor is going to be great, potentially on both ends of the floor because as many coaches say, great defense can be taught.
It looks like a lot of Okafor's defensive woes are due to positioning and fundamentals. He will never be Mutombo or Olajuwon, but he can be solid/good. Probably won't average much more than 1 block per game. If Flip feels like he can get him to play solid defense, then to me it's an easy pick. Flip has to see aspects to in Okafor's defense that look fixable for him to take him. If it looks like he just doesn't have the athleticism to mold him into a competent defender, then walk away.
As far as Towns he needs to develop a more sophisticated post game. With teams moving to small ball I think a great post player can make a killing right now. He needs to add more moves and develop better footwork.
Towns needs to get stronger in his base. Okafor needs to shed a few pounds to help him move better.
Towns needs to gain control defensively. Sometimes he plays too aggressive, even out of control. He needs to learn it's ok not to always go for the homerun. That being said you love the intensity, just needs to channel it better.
Okafor needs to really develop his mid range game. He showed signs of it with that Duncan bank shot. He has to develop a mid range game, he can solely be a post guy.
Both guys have flaws. Both have strengths. We have to nail this pick.
