Connectors have become one of the most valuable archetypes in the NBA over recent years. Corey Tulaba breaks down why Arkansas' Anthony Black may be the best the 2023 NBA Draft Class has to offer
Great piece, really enjoyed the side-by-side visuals w/ Black and TH. I’m finding Black is a tough scout.. he’s arguably got one elite skill w/ plus-size, but it’s not clear to me how he’ll take advantage of it. Haliburton could space the floor well, and even Lonzo was a threat from 30ft at UCLA. Being a threat from deep means defenders have to play closer up on them, which also means it can be a little easier to create separation. Black falls down there (right now). I also do think Lonzo and Haliburton had more wiggle off the bounce and were better able to get into the paint w/o needing screeners to help. Black may fall down here, too. And if he’s unable to space the floor and unable to consistently get by his man, how is he to take advantage of his sublime vision / passing abilities? I’m stumped!
Thank you for reading! I actually went back and watched Lonzo at UCLA for this piece as well and found he was not as good as I remember in the half court. He definitely could shoot it, but he didn't pressure the rim a ton, which is also something he's struggled with in the NBA. Haliburton like Ant was much more comfortable in the open court or off a screen but he's developed a ton as a self creator in the NBA. I don't think Ant gets to that Haliburton level due to the shooting difference, but I do think Ant is way more comfortable attacking and seeking contact. Ultimately I think he ends up in that Derrick White/Lonzo-ish outcome. Also had someone mention Sochan to me as far as impact. Different players but not without similarities in how they can impact the game. Ultimately, even if he isn't perfect, Ant just feels like a guy who impacts winning.
Definitely agree that he impacts winning! Being able to defend the point of attack w/ plus size, rebound and then own a fast break w/ his vision is such a rare combination for a player who can also operate as the lead guard. Your Simmons-Wall query was spot on, i thought! In that sense he might also be close to Dyson Daniels, too, though I buy Black’s passing ability more, and don’t really think Daniels is a lead guard guy. Did you bump into Daniels much in your searching?
Great piece, really enjoyed the side-by-side visuals w/ Black and TH. I’m finding Black is a tough scout.. he’s arguably got one elite skill w/ plus-size, but it’s not clear to me how he’ll take advantage of it. Haliburton could space the floor well, and even Lonzo was a threat from 30ft at UCLA. Being a threat from deep means defenders have to play closer up on them, which also means it can be a little easier to create separation. Black falls down there (right now). I also do think Lonzo and Haliburton had more wiggle off the bounce and were better able to get into the paint w/o needing screeners to help. Black may fall down here, too. And if he’s unable to space the floor and unable to consistently get by his man, how is he to take advantage of his sublime vision / passing abilities? I’m stumped!
Thank you for reading! I actually went back and watched Lonzo at UCLA for this piece as well and found he was not as good as I remember in the half court. He definitely could shoot it, but he didn't pressure the rim a ton, which is also something he's struggled with in the NBA. Haliburton like Ant was much more comfortable in the open court or off a screen but he's developed a ton as a self creator in the NBA. I don't think Ant gets to that Haliburton level due to the shooting difference, but I do think Ant is way more comfortable attacking and seeking contact. Ultimately I think he ends up in that Derrick White/Lonzo-ish outcome. Also had someone mention Sochan to me as far as impact. Different players but not without similarities in how they can impact the game. Ultimately, even if he isn't perfect, Ant just feels like a guy who impacts winning.
Definitely agree that he impacts winning! Being able to defend the point of attack w/ plus size, rebound and then own a fast break w/ his vision is such a rare combination for a player who can also operate as the lead guard. Your Simmons-Wall query was spot on, i thought! In that sense he might also be close to Dyson Daniels, too, though I buy Black’s passing ability more, and don’t really think Daniels is a lead guard guy. Did you bump into Daniels much in your searching?