2008 NBA Draft: Two Turks To Watch
"in this years draft which is 88 days away thereare two players which probably havnt been given alot of though in the nba. Being from turkey doesnt help them either, but i have hi hopes for omer asik and semih erden both 7 footers from the turkish basketball team im going to give a brief strengths and weaknesses of each player starting with semih erdenStrengths: Arguably Turkey’s top current prospect, he offers a long and lean body frame with good athletic skills, long arms and good legs ... He can run the floor very well for a guy his size and has good agility and quickness ... Especially right handed, he also has penetration possibilities to go with decent hands and passing, as well as acceptable body balance ... Even enjoying a good rythm on his outside shot (3 pt range) with a high release, he’ll have to work hard to make his percentages rise, become confident in himself and gain confidence from teammates to shoot from the perimeter ... Considering his size, ballhandling and dribbling are surely acceptable, and his shotblocking as well due to a good leaping ability and solid timing.Weaknesses: Most influenced by his often poor mentality are his defense and rebounding ... Although in both aspects his instincts and awareness aren’t bad, his lack of intensity and concentration don’t allow him to be a steady intimidating force in the middle ... Does need some work on his timing when executing rotations and double teaming from help side ... It would also be interesting to see him bulk up and gain more arm strength ... Should also try to impose himself at the low post in half court offense, better developing his post moves.Outlook: As far as I’m concerned, the only person who can prevent Semih from being drafted is … Semih Erden. The potential is undeniable, though at this point it appears he's wasting a good amount of his talent. Let’s hope he’s conscious enough of that and can tap into his outstanding potential. now leading onto the other omer asik the other turkey meat coming into the nba this year,Strengths: he is extremly consistent as he always gives his team some points and an equal share of rebounds while being a capable shot blocker at the Euroleague level (should be able to be a solid shot blocker at the NBA level as well) ... Center seems to be his natural position as he loves playing with his back to the basket possessing a good assortment of moves to get his shot off ... He is a tenacious rebounder going for the offensive boards as well as wiping the defensive glass ... A late bloomer who has progressed considerably over the last 2 years. He possesses a good reach and good hands, and his frame appears to be able to add weight ... Weaknesses: To play at the NBA level, he has to work on his body as he is thin by NBA center standards ... He does not possess the skill set to make up for his good but not excellent size and probably is a little un-athletic to go down to the four slot. Lacks a great shot from beyond the paint area. Must extend his range ... Too right hand dependant. Should look to improve his use of his left hand ... A poor free throw shooter at below 50%. Must improve upon this to become an effective scorer ... His progression over the past 2 years gives him a lot of hope, but he will need to continue to work hard and bulk up and improve his shooting and skill level.
Notes: Had a great season for his Turkish club that opened up some eyes and when Fenerbahce offered him to play at Europe's highest level on a consistent basis he jumped at the opportunity. Thrown into the fire right away he played from gameday 8 on to the end of the regular season. as it stands right now i have them going actually back to back in the draft depending on the draft order around late first early second round depending if they come to the states for the pre-draft work outs usally euro players dont come unless they are top picks. so as you now know that there are going to be another addition the the nba turkish family (hedo turkoglu, mehmet okur) watch for there names to be called during the draft"
