Bismack Biyombo

by Sean in Vancouver on Apr 9, 2011 10:31 PM PDT

I'm watching the Nike Hoop Summit, and one player that is sticking out at me is Biyombo, out of the Congo. He's a physical specimen, very athletic, and looks to have some decent footwork being that he's apparently only been playing basketball for a few years. A quick look at his Draft Express profile shows that he leads the Spanish ACB league in blocks and averages 6 pts, 5 rebs, and 2.3 blocks in 17 mpg. They currently have him listed as #18 in their mock draft. Obviously, I've only seen him play for about one half of one game, but he looks pretty good, and has a lot of room to grow.

Other raodom notes from the Hoops Summit:

Broadcast showed Rudy, Nic, Andre and Gerald all on camera.

Kentucky is going to have a whole new group of really good players.

Anthony Davis, has one of the worst uni-brows I've EVER seen.

Rebecca Haarlow didnt know that Kyrie Irving is going into the draft, Austin Rivers did.

And Finally, U. of Washington bound Tony Wroten, despite only running track for like a month, has the fastest 100m time in the state of Washington this year. Also, he's from Garfield High (also home of Brandon Roy) and is Nate Robinson's cousin.

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I'm all for us picking up Biyombo

He might be a little short to play PF/C, but he has ridiculously long arms (7’7" wingspan, 9’3" standing reach), and a great motor to go along with a solid frame. He might be a project, but he’d be an awesome backup for this team, although his offensive game is limited to putbacks, and dunks at this point, his defense is solid.

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 9, 2011 10:54 PM PDT reply actions

Pretty much what I was thinking

it says hes 6 foot 7 and change w/o shoes, but hes just 18 so he might still grow a little bit. All in all, we could use another uber-athletic shot blocker.

Go Ballzers

by Sean in Vancouver on Apr 9, 2011 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

6' 7.75"

With his athleticism, seems like he’d be fine as a banger 4 off the bench (against opposing bench players). But his stock is rising really fast. I also think Nolan Smith would be a better choice for our needs. There will be some decent bigs available in the second round, and a lot of solid veteran pivots will be available in free agency. Not so much at the point.

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Apr 9, 2011 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Height doesn't really mean anything. Length is more important in the NBA.

Just to give you an idea of how big this kid really is, his standing reach is 9’3". That’s incredibly impressive. For comparison, Greg Oden’s standing reach is 9’4". And I can almost assure you that Biyombo is probably more springy than Greg was in his good health. This kid is a freak, and is going to be a force in the NBA eventually.

by RVUStudentDoc on Apr 10, 2011 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions

His incredible length will cause players to underestimate him nightly.

by Sir.Ludo on Apr 10, 2011 2:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I wasn't tryin' to knock him at all

He has terrific wingspan, and his lateral quickness for his size looks otherworldly against guards in the ACB. And 6’ 9" in shoes isn’t that short for an NBA PF. I just don’t think he’ll be a force immediately; he’s going to need some time to come around.

I’m pretty sure I was the first person on BE to mention him in the draft drawers. All I’ve seen is ACB highlight reels, so I try to temper my layman’s assessments, since a lot of people who look great against the competition over there are over-matched athletically or physically in the NBA (though the former most certainly will not be a problem for Biyombo). I didn’t see the Nike Hoop Summit, but it sounds like he really impressed a lot of people last night.

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Apr 10, 2011 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

I watched the 2nd half and have been following him for a couple months

He was simply a man amongst boys last night. He’s raw offensively, but he’s ready to make an impact right now in the NBA as far as defense and rebounding.

by RVUStudentDoc on Apr 10, 2011 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

No way he'll be available when we pick

His performance tonight solidified him as a top 10 pick. There’s some questions as to whether or not he’s really 18, but it doesn’t really matter. His size, leaping, length, and motor are top notch. He’s going to be a game changer in the mold of a Ben Wallace, which is who most of the talent evaluators are comparing him to right now.

by RVUStudentDoc on Apr 10, 2011 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions

this, very unfortunately.

Depending on how team workouts go, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him rise to a top 5 pick.

by howlingfantods on Apr 11, 2011 4:17 AM PDT up reply actions

um

if he’s, say, 24, it’s unlikely his offensive game will ever really develop, like Ibaka has with his 15-ft set shot; that would make him one of the single worst offensive players in the game. Is his ‘D’ that good against cagey and athletic NBA players to make up for it?

M, period. Fresh, comma.

by manzell on Apr 11, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

He´s been playing basketball only 2 years.

I bet he can improve.

by amlmart1 on Apr 12, 2011 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Solid Selection

From where the Blazers will be selecting, he would be a decent choice. And I do think he’ll an option for the draft-happy Blazers. Nic lit this game up his year too.

Some like to compare him to fellow Countryman, Serge Ibaka, but Mack is even behind him at this stage. He has a mountain of work to do Offensively (Ibaka had a jump shot at this stage). Defensively, however, Mack’s build suggests he could become more dominant.

Also, they’ll let him wear shoes in the NBA, so he is 6’9", which with the other intangibles is less of a concern.

by ORDucktape on Apr 10, 2011 2:19 AM PDT reply actions

This team isn't in a position to spend time on a raw, undeveloped project.

"They say it has no memory. That’s where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory."

by AK1984 on Apr 10, 2011 2:33 AM PDT reply actions

true dat

by King Mar on Apr 10, 2011 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions

I think

If we are truly going to count on Oden at the 5 (Hail Mary) then one other glaring weakness is someone who can actually put the ball in the hole. We really lack a quality shooter, and as the paint gets even more closely guarded in the playoffs it would be nice to have one player who can flat out shoot. This would accomplish several things, most importantly an added scoring method, and loosening the D in the paint some allowing more room for Aldridge, Wallace and Oden.

by ebnerblazer on Apr 10, 2011 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Shooter would be nice

But with the Natural looking like Brenda Roy out there, I think it exposes another glaring weakness which is somebody that can attack off the dribble.

by King Mar on Apr 10, 2011 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Can Elliot Williams do this?

From the press he is extremely athletic and jumps out of this world, but can he drive to the rim?

by NWfan on Apr 11, 2011 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

E-Will is a driver, he doesn't really have an outside shot at this point.

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 11, 2011 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions

He needs strength, he looks bigger but I hope he's putting good time in the weight room.

I think his measurements were something like 6’4"-6’5" @ 185lbs. He could be something special if he can develop a reliable outside shot.

Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.

by dpnim on Apr 12, 2011 6:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Definitely.

I view him as everything that Jerryd Bayless wishes he was physically. Taller, longer arms, more fit to play the SG positionn instead of being forced into playing PG due to size issues. If Williams can develop a solid jumper to go along with his driving skills, freakish athleticism and hops, he’ll be a great asset for this team.

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 13, 2011 2:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Agree completely

We need someone who is ready to contribute. This guy seems too much like a smaller Thabeet for me to get too excited here.

by ebnerblazer on Apr 10, 2011 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions

anybody that we draft isn't going to be seeing the floor.

So I’d argue that a player that needs time to develop is exactly what we need. Teams trying to become contenders don’t play rookies so getting a guy who is ready to contribute, but would probably be a liability on the floor isn’t something i’m interested in. Trade the pick in a package with current players for something better or pick a project that won’t complain about sitting on the bench for awhile.

by hoodieNation on Apr 10, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree with this.

This draft class is weak, we’re better off grabbing some guy with a lot of upside instead of some mediocre player that might be able to impact the game immediately, but that impact will be negligible.

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 10, 2011 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions

The last time the scribbling types claimed we were looking at a historically weak draft class

was 2008, which was actually one of the best draft classes of the past decade, with multiple perennial allstars, this year’s MVP, a number of quality starters in the late first round and a plethora of quality role players.

2007 however was supposed to be a very strong draft class; it ended up being one of the weaker ones over the past few years, with only a few really good players but not much depth beyond the best six or seven draftees.

In other words, take these projections about the strength of draft classes with a huge grain of salt.

by howlingfantods on Apr 11, 2011 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions

This post sent me down the rabbit hole looking at previous draft classes.

Seeing all the old names of college guys who I remember thinking were going to be super stars in the league and really never became anything.

Seriously, whatever happened to Harold Miner? Wasn’t he supposed to be huge?

And it’s also a sober reminder of just how few guys actually become big or even really solid role players outside the lottery. And, like said above, draft classes that were supposed to be awesome taste decidedly less awesome with a little history sprinkled on them.

by Row J on Apr 11, 2011 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I disagree

Anyone over 6’7 on this team will see playing time regardless of age, experience, or for that matter, skill. Hopefully that changes next year, but I wouldn’t mind picking up some assets with size.

Portland could coast along with their superior talent and stay right with us. Now that Portland woke up, the hammer cometh down.

Bayless > Daffy Duck after 3 cans of rockstar

by Batumshakalaka on Apr 10, 2011 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Disagree

Big Baby and Leon Powe played prominent roles with the Celtics title team early on. DeJuan Blair has been a contributor for the Spurs from day 1, etc. etc. Find the right player and he will get PT. Do we really not think there is someone who can play Rudy’s minutes better than him? Patty and Roy too might want to look over their shoulders IMO.

by ebnerblazer on Apr 11, 2011 6:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I think you always need a project or two going, even if you are a contender.

This is especially the case for small market teams, as they have trouble attracting FAs even during good stretches and harder on bad stretches. It’s best to have couple young guys on the roster, if it works out, could be a potential star rather than getting guys that can help you immediately but has little upside. This is especially true lower in the first round.

If we need a role player, sign a veteran off the FA market. Given that the new CBA would likely the squeeze the middle class even more, there are going to be even more value than usual for the vet’s minimum. (or even the MLE, if it survives)

The cake was a lie.

by xedubx on Apr 11, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

No idea what his buy-out is

Even so, I think he is a prospect who could play next to any of Aldridge, Camby or Oden. We need a draft pick who is that versatile, and there do not look to be many in this draft.

by Sir.Ludo on Apr 10, 2011 2:47 AM PDT reply actions

last I heard

Barnes hasn’t decided

Go Ballzers

by Sean in Vancouver on Apr 10, 2011 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Not a big deal. 1 million euros for the buyout.

by howlingfantods on Apr 11, 2011 4:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Dang

Cant believe I missed Irving, Barnes, and Rivers. I suck. Is Barnes staying at UNC?

by King Mar on Apr 10, 2011 8:27 AM PDT reply actions

Interesting interview:

Biyombo to Eurohopes: ‘’I don’t want to go to NBA and be at the bench first year’’ (with video)

by amlmart1 on Apr 10, 2011 9:05 AM PDT reply actions

Good luck with that, kid.

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Apr 10, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

I bet he'll get on the floor next year right away

Guys that rebound like that and can change games defensively will always play. Looking back at the film, he actually had 12 blocks, but two were taken away by pretty suspect foul calls. And that is against future NBA lottery talent, not some Spanish league scrubs. Some NBA GM’s are basically calling him Ben Wallace right now, but he’s much more offensively advanced than Wallace was at this stage in his career.

by RVUStudentDoc on Apr 10, 2011 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

He's more advanced that Wallace is NOW.

But that’s not really saying that much.

by Row J on Apr 11, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions

D'oh. Advanced offensively.

by Row J on Apr 11, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

lol

then he better get really good really fast, or hope for a crap team to draft him.

by hoodieNation on Apr 10, 2011 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions

I guy who I wanted the team to take (Trey Thompkins) is quickly rising up the nbadraft.net mock board. He was rated 22, now 16. I guess plan B for me would be Singleton or Faried. Both would bring defense and rebounding/energy off the bench.

by ChronicMasticator on Apr 10, 2011 1:36 PM PDT reply actions

Now that I look at it again, they don’t have the Blazers with a first rounder . . .

by ChronicMasticator on Apr 10, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Lies!

Right now we’re slated to hold the 21st pick.

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Apr 10, 2011 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions

On nbadraft.net?

by ChronicMasticator on Apr 10, 2011 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions

No, sorry, that was ambiguous

I was accusing NBADraft.net of lies.

Just fyi, Draft Express’ mock draft has to correct order, as of current records, and includes picks owned (and from whom) info.

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Apr 10, 2011 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm always so skeptical of NBAdraft.net

They didn’t have Valanciunas as a lottery pick until a month ago…

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 10, 2011 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions

nbadraft.net is pretty worthless.

draftexpress is a hundred times better.

by howlingfantods on Apr 11, 2011 4:18 AM PDT up reply actions

More on Biyombo, from Ben

Bismack Biyombo Breaks Out At Nike Hoop Summit As NBA-Ready Right Now

Wiggada Wiggada Zers!

by Corvid on Apr 10, 2011 2:09 PM PDT reply actions

There are quite a few decent looking bigs in the draft.

by DRE632 on Apr 10, 2011 2:43 PM PDT reply actions

Drafting International is safe

If he is not ready to contribute, and offensively he surely is not, then sock him away in Europe for a year. Those guys need to come over eventually.

Nedzed – Ha is gone, nobody will hit you with a wooden dowel, give summer league another chance.
Freeland – Could be a contributor now
PetKop – Struggles offensively, but can defend his position.
Claver – Best upside of the bunch, but may be made of glass.

by ORDucktape on Apr 10, 2011 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

But this is exactly the problem! The Blazers draft guys and then leave them over in Europe to "develop"

then never manage to actually bring them back over to play here. The one exception is Rudy. It seems like the only way a “euro” ever becomes a full Blazer is they must stay here to begin with, example: Batum.

LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by LaMarvelous on Apr 10, 2011 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions

i was at the hoop summit...

dude is unbelievable. he had ten blocks in 28 minutes, and they were all different kinds too…chasedowns, rejections at the rim, i think he even blocked a jumper or two.
dunno if he’ll be on the board for us though. he looks like a 15-20th pick right now, and i don’t even know if we have a first rounder left after the GW trade

"Some things you just can't question. Like you can't question why two plus two is four. So don't question it, don't try to look it up. I don't know who made it, all I know is it was put in my head that two plus two is four. So certain things happen. Why does it rain? Why am I so sexy? I don't know."
Shaq

by LeGarrette Blount's Right Fist on Apr 10, 2011 3:47 PM PDT reply actions

We do. We traded our NOH pick 2011 pick and our 1st round 2013 pick.

Some 2nd round picks may be sprinkled in there too, I forget.

Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.

by dpnim on Apr 10, 2011 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Nope, just the two first rounders...

Nicolas Batum; "The Smoothest Cat in the NBA"

by gtbassett on Apr 10, 2011 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions

seriously!

I was there too, and he looked just awesome. Strongest guy on the court, did a good job getting post position even (he was fouled on the floor a couple times he tried to make a move). Obviously an incredible shot blocker.

"Say his NAME, Portland. Gerald Wallace is...awesome." -Dave, 4/9/11

by austinpwnz on Apr 11, 2011 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Now projected at #8

Whoops.

by dwaynebillybob on Apr 11, 2011 2:07 AM PDT reply actions

Recently, this was said posted on RealGM:

Bismack Biyombo’s triple-double in the Nike Hoop Summit increased his already growing momentum heading into the 2011 NBA Draft.

“He runs the floor, he defends and he’s cat-quick,‘’ said an NBA scout of Biyombo. "His offensive skills need to be developed, but his athleticism screams out.’’

“He’s Ben Wallace, basically,’’ said another NBA executive.

Elitism - It's lonely at the top. But it's comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.

by thankyouforblaze on Apr 11, 2011 3:15 AM PDT reply actions