May NBA Draft prospect Noa Essengue be Pippen-lite?
Let’s face it — the Brooklyn Nets aren’t gunning for a title or a play-in spot proper now. They want a whole teardown and rebuild to push the franchise ahead.
They’ve obtained no superstars, no clear id and people draft picks? They’re serving to Boston keep dominant. That’s the place Essengue is available in. He’s a bit tough across the edges however has the potential to be a strong basis for the Nets going ahead.
Think about a mixture of Scottie Pippen and Josh Smith. At 6-foot-10, the 18-year-old can defend nearly anybody on the court docket, performs with tons of power and reveals glimpses of offensive abilities — assume stepbacks, aggressive drives and assured jumpers. Certain, he’s nonetheless creating, however there’s so much to love.
So, why does Brooklyn make sense for him? It has the No. 8 choose and a recent begin. Cameron Johnson and D’Angelo Russell aren’t actually stars, and Cam Thomas is extra of a scorer than a playmaker. What Brooklyn wants is somebody who might be its anchor on each ends of the ground for years to come back. Essengue may not be absolutely polished but, however his potential is sky-high and he suits properly into its gradual rebuild plan — specializing in protection and hustle, with hints of future stardom.
French basketball expertise is unquestionably on the rise, from Victor Wembanyama to Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr, and Essengue might be the following massive factor. Scouts are beginning to take discover, too.
If Jeremiah Fears and Ace Bailey are off the board, Brooklyn ought to go for it. Drafting Essengue isn’t only a good transfer — it’s a strategic one. He received’t fill the Barclays Middle seats immediately, however he might be a key piece for the Nets’ future.