Very interesting video. I'm pretty sure the scenes are from last season. And apologies ahead of time for the robotic voice. But if you've got 23 minutes to spare, it's worth watching. I'm 5 minutes into it. I myself learned a couple of things. I didn't know that his first encounter with America was in New York with a drug deal. What a shitty way to start a new life. His discipline alone should keep him locked up here. 5 practices a day AND school work at the same time?! He's only going to get better. This video makes me want to keep him here. Olshey....pay the man.
Just for fun I ran some numbers on similar centers (big, less mobile Euro centers) at the same age. Vlade, the Gasols, Jokic and Rik Smits. He's kind of right in the thick of there statistically. You wouldn't pick Nurkic out as the best of them in any major category statistically other than DRtg. Which is probably fair--I think at his age he's the best of those guys defensively. FWIW, he also has the lowest PER, just behind Vlade. If you sort it descending, then aside from Jokic they kind of go in the order I'd rank them over their total career---Pau, Smits, Marc, Vlade. None of these guys were the best centers in the league ever, but pretty much all of them peaked in the top 5 or so.
A friend mentioned to me that he wishes he were more power post player and less finesse on offense... which raised the question who was the last successful power post player?
I can see maybe having a little more power, but the finesse is important too. If he was only power, than he would draw too many offensive fouls. Shaq got away with a lot of "backing down" that I am not sure Nurk would. I would like to see him continue to get stronger without putting on too much more weight.
Amare? Although he wasn't really a back-to-the-basket power player, but rather a catch-on-the-move power player.
I'm thinking your buddy just wants him to go up stronger. That floater in the lane is nice but it's soft.
I really don't care if you ignore me. I am not saying he not strong what I am saying he hasn't fill his body out. Look at his arms there not fill out yet it might due to age and might due to that haven't left weights that long. Both will comes in time.
