07-06-2023, 01:46 PM
(07-06-2023, 01:40 PM)Ghost of Podkolzin Wrote: I followed Duke closely and saw many games. Only 20mins/game doesn't lead you to believe he's raw? The FO said that he wouldn't be contributing a lot. I think it's a fandom thing to think otherwise.
Well, he’s a pick and roll big and my duke fan friends inform me that they’re NOT a pick and roll team, so he was a fish out of water there (I hate college sports, so I wouldn’t know). BUT, they all tell me he was clearly a difference maker on defense for them, and I’ve heard multiple pro people, scout types and analytic types, refer to him as one of the biggest defensive difference makers of the college season.
Honestly, I can get behind the idea that he’s going to need some development, but if the Mavs really thought he was three years away from making a significant impact, they 100% would not have drafted him. That’s almost all of his rookie contract.
Believe this: they’re hoping he can play soon. They might be wrong, but they’re hoping.