The dude is only 19, played just 6 months of pro basketball back in France, has to adapt to a new culture and environment, witnesses wreckage after wreckage on the court every night enjoying the Jordan Poole black hole experience.
And so far, compared with the rest of the 2023 class https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2023.html :
6th in mpg with sizable game time down the stretch
10th in ppg at 8.2 but with a very efficient 61% at true shooting, and 43% from 3pt range which seems to indicate significant upside, and his offensive game was considered to be a project back in the draft.
9th in assists per game and 6th in rebounding, so already some glimpses of the ability to be a all-around wing.
Great defense, almost always has a positive impact on this end of the floor. Blocking abilities are also very exciting. Can arguably guard from 1 to 4 already.
So all the intriguing potential - athleticism, wing span, defense is there - but with also an offensive game that seems to be clearly in advance of schedule. Plus his behaviour is absolutely impeccable on the court, the guy is so composed.
How on earth this guy can be left out of all top 10 with such credentials? This guy clearly has the potential to at least earn a starting spot for the forseeable future, and might even be on his way to becoming a star.
And no inclusion on the ringer, ESPN, or the NBA ladder. Am I the only one to find this disconcerting, and almost smelling of classic euro-deprecation ?
Kuzma and Poole have been jacking up most of the shots. Once they’re gone by the trade deadline. I expect people to be shocked by how good he and Deni are.