[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by spreedom

Sounds a lot like DJ MBenga to me... do we really want another stiff project center for this team??

lol...NO.

D.J. was 24 when he came to the Mavericks and, although athletic, he had horrible defensive habbits, very little experience, and bad technique.

Thabeet is only 21 and has a better built basketball body than D.J. does now at 28 years old. He's two inches taller than M'Benga at 7'3" 265 and his shot blocking timing and discipline are off the charts. When watching him he does remind me a lot of Dikembe Mutumbo. He's not just athletic but he is very talented, specifically on the defensive end.

Here is Chad Ford's scouting report on him:

Draft Projection: Mid to late first round

Similarities:
Thabeet might benefit from a couple more seasons in Storrs.
(AP Photo/Tim Larsen)


A poor man's Dikembe Mutombo

Positives: He's huge. Amazing shot-blocker. Good rebounder. Excellent athlete who runs the floor very well. Explosive leaper. Good hands. Developing offensive game. Has added a nice turn-around jumper. Appears to be a fast learner ... his play seems to improve from game to game.

Negatives: He's still very raw, especially offensively. Still learning the game. Needs to add strength to his lower body. Has difficulty holding his position in the block.

Summary: Thabeet was pegged early as a potential late lottery sleeper. His size, athleticism and growing basketball skills had NBA scouts drooling. But his lackluster play his freshman season hurt his stock. He's improved as a sophomore -- enough to generate some real draft buzz. It depends on whom you ask ... but teams see him going anywhere from 10 to 25 in this draft. We have him on the low end, but with workouts, he could move up.