Todd McCollough before he got sick. Isn’t Kaman American born? Also Bill Laimbeer (good comparison maybe?). Raef LaFrentz too. He was considered the antidote to Shaq because he could block shots and pull Shaq out of the paint. Shawn Bradley didn’t have too bad of a career. Spencer Hawes?
He actually reminds me a lot of a young LaMarcus when we drafted him, at least in terms of him being a highly touted defender out of college who was knocked for being too slight to play in the pros. Similar agility and footwork, and both showed signs early on of having some shooting touch. And of course the comp for LA was always Rasheed Wallace. Here's the statistical comparison of each during their season at age 21. Zach compares extremely well so far, but you have to remember it was their first seasons and his second. Even if you compare them all in their second years, he comes off very well. But the sample sizes are still very small. It's interesting to note that Sheed and LA both averaged 30+mpg in their second season, and Zach is averaging only 21, and is feasting on second units. Anyway, here's my feel for his career trajectory.... Most raw talent: Sheed --- > LaMarcus -> Collins (Sheed was just in another class.) Most mentally all there: Collins --------> LaMarcus --> Sheed (Sheed was a much-loved teammate. LaMarcus wasn't. But LaMarcus didn't get techs.) Guy you want defending the post against a big: Sheed ------> LaMarcus -> Collins Guy you want for help defense: Collins ---> Sheed --> LaMarcus Most expensive guy to retain long-term (combination of talent/hype/desirability around league): Sheed -> LaMarcus --> Collins (I just don't think Collins is a superstar in the making, and probably won't make an All Star game ever. I just don't think he'll be a max contract guy.) None of them will be remembered as reliable rebounders. Aldridge is our all-time leader in boards, but that's mostly him being here so long. If Collins is with us long-term, I can see him going for the franchise record for blocks--it's interesting that Sheed and LA both were never really close to the record, considering how long they played here. Both guys were in the top 6 in total minutes played here. None of these guys are going to be confused with true superstars, but they're all guys that if they are healthy, well, you are going to have an advantage at that position at least 5 out of 6 nights.
McHale...KM played four years in college and entered the league same size as Zfence. In 2 more years Zfence will be much more refined and effective down low. Also, Zach is finding ways to impact the game on his own as did KM. And he displays the same smarts and heart that KM had. They both have square shoulders and a small head.
A touch of McHale, a bit of Sheed, and the attitude of @Chris Craig . That makes him one "Bad MF'er."
