Sam Mackinnon?

[CV3bandwagon]

The lastest rumor I've heard is that the Raptors, Spurs, Cavaliers, and Lakers have possible interest in Sam Mackinnon. I know he's Australien, plays in the NBL, and that's about it?

Dose anybody think he actually has NBA game? Chris Sheridan and a Newspaper in Australia seems to think there is a chance he ends up in the NBA next year. I just like to get a take from the experts who have seen him play.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21659876-5006371,00.html

[brodiejay]

Well I've seen him play in Australia in the NBL and he is definately the best player in the league. He currently playes for my home town Brisbane Bullets and just won us the championship, Finals MVP, Leauge MVP, and Defensive player of the year. He is a seasoned star and while not amazingly gifted athletically, he's definately not slow. I could see him playing a role very similar to that of Jorge Garbajosa of the Raptors only he is a better defender. He has a similar skill set and is very polished in all areas. He has loads of international experience and has played well against many NBA players over the years. He's still only 30 despite his experience and is definately in his prime. It appears that the Cavs and Raptors are most interested. Here is a great assessment that I think is very accurate.

http://hoopsaddict.com/2007/06/09/scouting-report-on-sam-mackinnon/

[brodiejay]

Oh by the way, He's 6'5" and around 230 punds. He's deceptively strong and a great defensive stopper. I could see him playing the 3 even though he is a bit undersized. In saying that, he has proven in the past that he can defend any position on the court 1 through 5! He can legitimately defend centres and point guards! Even though he is not amazingly quick he has always been able to shut down anyone. Even players like Lebron James that are considered very quick and athletic.

[CV3bandwagon]

Well the Raps actually had him in along with a few other potenial FA's in for a private workout. I'm not kidding when they actually told him "he wasn;t sexy enough on the court." I don't think there's any chance he signs on now. Especially after we got Delfino and Kapono. We've got a logjam on the wings.

[brodiejay]

Yeah I read that too. I understand the sentiment but that's a pretty funny choice of words. Agreed on the logjam, I think Kapono could fit in nicely to the Raptors' system and could surprise a few people this year.

[11player]

Mackinnon is a good player, at least 6'6 in socks, probably 6'7-6'8 in shoes and about 230lbs. He's tough, plays hard, good shooter, good all around player, but I don't think NBA teams will be seriously looking at him.

He has no upside at this point, doesn't have enough quickness/athleticism to guard the league's best SF and run the fast-break and won't be much than a back-up at this point.

Maybe if some team is interested in the aussie market and if he looses some weight, but that's a long shot.

[Big Slam]

....while not amazingly gifted athletically, he's definately not slow.

Huh?

The dude they called Sam "Slam Dunk" McKinnon not athletically gifted? Dude had springs in his heels back in the day. Sure, his vert might have dropped a little, but he is 30 now.

Sam had some serious ups - hence him averaging 1 block a game and 8 boards a game over his entire career.

Sam's quality - but about 6 years past his prime.

[Big Slam]

P.S. He also won the '96 dunk contest.

Not gifted athletically......................phhhssseesshhhhh !!

[brodiejay]

P.S. He also won the '96 dunk contest.

Not gifted athletically......................phhhssseesshhhhh !!

Yeah I completely agree mate. I DID mean nowadays and by NBA standards. I remember some sweet dunks of his back in the day but yeah I agree that he is probably 6 years past his athletic prime, but playing maybe his best overall basketball.

Sorry if you thought I was selling the man short. I know who would win in a dunk comp between him and me!