Overview: A young center trying to solidify himself as a legitimate backup. Incredibly long and athletic for a 7-footer. Skinny build reflects the time he spent as a collegiate high jumper. Will play well above the rim when he can get his feet set, but struggles with contact and is easily pushed off balance. Primarily functions as a hustle player and lacks polish both offensively and defensively. Bring some things to the table as a shot blocker due to his wingspan and leaping ability. Doesnt display a great feel for the game, which often limits his ability to use his physical tools. Had a fairly marginal career at UCLA, playing the same complementary role that he does now. Showed some promise during a short stint in the D-League, but remains a very raw player even with a few seasons in the NBA under his belt. Compensates for his unrefined skill set with a nice energy level. Plays with passion. Hoping to earn more minutes with a rebuilding Timberwolves franchise.
Offense: Gets essentially all of his offense by working without the ball. Does a decent job cutting the rim when the opportunity presents itself, but is mostly a pressure release for driving teammates. Presents a large target and has decent hands. A nice alley-oop option if nothing else. Decent finisher around the rim when he has space, likes to try and dunk the ball over defenders when the opportunities presents itself. Finishes at the rim at a respectable rate, but has some issues getting and maintaining position to do so. Lack of bulk allows opposing centers to knock him off balance easily, but when he isnt pushed out of position, he draws a lot of contact on his shots. Gets to the free throw line at an outstanding rate on a per-minute basis. Will take an occasional jumper, showing mediocre touch and mechanics from the midrange. This lack of form is reflected in his poor free throw percentage. Wont get touches in the post unless they come during garbage time, and has little back-to-the-basket ability. Gets most of his points by virtue of his mobility. Runs the floor well, rolls quickly to the basket after setting screens, and is able to crash the glass aggressively from the high post. Poor passer who seldom puts the ball on the floor and lacks ideal decision making ability. Will never be known for his ball skills, but has improved his ability to make an impact offensively slightly since his rookie season.
Defense: Decent defender overall, who shows a high activity level, but is limited by some of the same things that hurt him offensively. Can use his length and leaping ability to block shots denying quite a few attempts just by going straight up and occasionally providing highlight reel-caliber rejections when he can get himself in position. Very aggressive with his hands when his man tries to back him down, leading to fouling. Has a lot less trouble when his opponent looks to use a finesse move. Often the target of isolations in the post. Has the lateral quickness to defend the midrange against most centers, but seldom gets the chance to do so. Hedges the pick and roll well and is capable of switching off to defend many players. Has some issues boxing out due to his lack of lower body strength and ideal rebounding instincts, but manages to clean the glass at a respectable level due to his athleticism. Extremely foul prone, which often limits his playing time. Seems to lose focus at times, but will have some nice possessions when he shows a sense of urgency.
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