5. Talent
Of course, his extreme abilities are the most obvious to point out.
The entire world knew he had talent. Simply being discussed as a Top 10 pick in the NBA is evidence enough. And even the harshest critics of the move made by Phil Jackson admitted just that.
Still, nobody expected this so early into a career of a projected 20-year old “project.” Stephen A. Smith didn’t expect it; Carmelo Anthony didn’t expect it; Phil Jackson probably didn’t even expect it. We sure as hell know the Knicks fans didn’t expect it.
Now we know how foolish we were. Even James Dolan and the Knicks organization deserves a break from time to time.
Standing well over 7′, he obviously has the wherewithal to finish near and around the basket. He can shoot it. He can also play an athletic style of game which lends itself to the NBA dominant world of the pick-and-roll.
It’s this extreme package of athletic abilities oozing out of such a big man that makes his talents so special. Once he navigates his way through experience and finds his spot on the floor to operate from, watch out.
