Pavel Podkolzine

[binkar]

If any of you followed the draft very closely last year I am sure you remember this guy. He wowed all the scouts at his workout and was a potential top 5 but then shocked everyone and took his name out of the draft because he said he wanted to be able to come in a play at his highest level right away not be a "project" like alot of other young players. He is HUGE and could be a very good option for us in the draft.

What do you guys think?

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by binkar
If any of you followed the draft very closely last year I am sure you remember this guy. He wowed all the scouts at his workout and was a potential top 5 but then shocked everyone and took his name out of the draft because he said he wanted to be able to come in a play at his highest level right away not be a "project" like alot of other young players. He is HUGE and could be a very good option for us in the draft.

What do you guys think?

He had a problem with his coach in Italy and was not even playing for a while. The coach is gone, so we will get some games for people to evaluate him.

The reports I've read is that he is mobile for a guy his size and he is REALLY, REALL BIG. He has minimal offensive skills and no one knows how well he responds to physical play.

In short, he is a crap shoot. Best guess is that he would be another Mark Eaton (big guy with the Jazz in the late 80' and early '90's). I wouldn't pass over Okafor to get him, but he could easily go in the top 5 even though he is very young -- if he gets a clear bill of health.

 

[jbeecham]

He also had a medical condition with a pituitary gland that forced him to take himself out of the draft. Supposedly he has taken care of it, but I don't really know if the problem could come back.

 

[SunsTzu]

Originally posted by jbeecham
He also had a medical condition with a pituitary gland that forced him to take himself out of the draft. Supposedly he has taken care of it, but I don't really know if the problem could come back.

Yeah thats the same thing that forced Murasean(sp?) out of the league. I'm not sure if it's just a rumor but I also heard Pavel had problems with his knees. In any event I don't think the Suns will be taking this guy.

 

[George O'Brien]

Originally posted by SunsTzu
Yeah thats the same thing that forced Murasean(sp?) out of the league. I'm not sure if it's just a rumor but I also head Pavel had problems with his knees. In any event I don't think the Suns will be taking this guy.

HoopsHype makes that point. HoopsHype Mock Draft