And a few more injuries in addition to learning more about the game I've changed my opinion. Is that impossible to believe?
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Sure, my record in this thread is clear. You believe whatever you want to believe.
I don't know how good of a defender Okafor is so I can't speak to that.
However, I agree with thethe. In today's modern NBA, rim protection is so important that if your center can't provide that then it's really hard to be a good defense.
It sounds like Okafor has the offensive ability and perhaps he can space the defense a bit with his shooting (ala Aldridge) that you can pair him with a rim protector.
Also, obligatory "good riddance Enes" post:
Jazz are now 9-3 post Kanter and are allowing 15 points less a game since he's been gone.
Yeah, the Jazz needed to get rid of him because Gobert needs to be a 30+ minute guy.
I will hold out hope that OKC can coach him up on defense and how to defend the PnR. I still love the offensive punch he provides and the fact that Ibaka is a top defensive big that stretches the floor makes them a great pairing.
Before my point gets completely warped...I do think Okafor will be a good NBA player but I would not build my team around a center that isn't a top rim protector.
If you had the choice right now to start your team with Gobert or Okafor who do you take?
I take Gobert every day of the week.
Gobert has some skills offensively. He can catch the ball and has a decent touch around the rim. The thing that has impressed me the most is that he is able to make the quick pass out of hte PnR when he gets the ball off the roll which is a nice skill to keep hte defense rotating.
Gobert is far and away the best rim protector in basketball. Utah's whole defensive scheme will be built around him for the next 5 years.