Tony Mitchell's Potential
I believe pretty much all his stats have decreased from last year, and his team is horrible...I haven't really seen any of his games, so I can't comment on him in particular. But for every guy who succeeds based on athleticism alone, there's 10 that absolutely flop. It's hard to know what he is, I think he needs at least one more year in school
He could become one of those ultra versatile forwards like Josh Smith if he is developed the right way and taught proper defensive techniques. His offense would come along a little slower, but he has the build where if you pair that with his athleticism it'll be tough to stop him once he gets consistent minutes in the league.
Seems like a guy who'll really sink or swim based on the talent development in the franchise where he ends up. Put him on Sacremento? I don't think he becomes anything more than a Chris Singleton-type. Get him to a San Antonio/Boston/Chicago situation? He could be a Shawn Marion Type two way player. Lots of upside for a guy who potentially could be available in the last third of the draft!
Having done a little more research, I'll change my prognosis; With an increase in his basketball I.Q., this guy could be really special. Insane athlete, solid looking stroke, is destructive at the college level on D.....If he concentrates on being a 4 instead of a combo.....Look out.
He is probably the best pure athlete in the class. Crazy build, it looks like he's gonna turn into a blake griffin body.
He will probably participate in the dunk contest one day... He can do a (Vince Carter-ish)-- Full around the world windmill at 6'8-6'9 with a 7'3 wingspan, it's ridiculous.
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Blocking shots at their peek, almost getting goaldteding, he is a complete eraser down, getting up there with high speeds like that of a Nerlens Noel, deflects numerous of shots that his bpg don't indicate.
As far as speed, he is a total BLUR running down the court, something that is extremely valuable for someone who can play the 4.
Decent ball handler, he can push the ball up the court on a fast break.
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He looks like someone that is going to be a low IQ player for a good deal of time, but with a good coach in the NBA teaching this kid how to better play the game and convincing to play inside, he can absolutely turn into a monster and somewhat live up to his potential.
His upside as a PnRoll player is extremely high, he would have to learn the mental part of it but that could come with time. His ability to shoot the ball would also allow him to PnPop.
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Him trying to play SF (because he can) and actually coming out and saying he was working on it, is a huge buzzkill. His potential as a 4 is extremely high, like lotto pick worthy. His potential as a SF, is 2nd round worthy.
He's probably the biggest 'Boom or Bust' prospect in the entire class.
With that said, he is a better prospect than Mcadoo and Poythress, **and by that I don't mean he deserves to be higher than 23.