Nate Thurmond(C)

[craig]

Name: Nate "The Great" Thurmond
Position: C
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240 lbs
Age: 21

www.abcalegends.com/players/player701.htm

Pros: Thurmond is already a really good rebounder and can easily clean the glass on both ends of the court. Plus, he has great anticipation to block anybody. His post d, is not bad for a rookie center. For a rookie has a giant frame and has the muscle to back it up.Based on his skills, he can start for most teams and next season he should be on the leader board in rebounds and blocks.

Cons: Despite his great defensive skills, Nate lacks any offensive skills. He can't do much in the post, even when fouled he can't hit easy free throws. He has some great upside to develop his offensive game, but at the moment he can't do much. He is not very good ballhandling and easily turns over the ball.

Overall: Nate has a lot of potential and can already start for most teams. He has great defensive skill, though he needs to work on his post defence. Despite needing work he is on his way to being an elite defensive center. The real question is whether he can progress offensively. This isn't a guy that is going to slip, he is going to be an elite player, he should be taken in the top 4.

Projection: 1-4

[Drew]

Name: Nate "The Great" Thurmond
Position: C
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240 lbs
Age: 21

www.abcalegends.com/players/player701.htm

Pros: Thurmond is perhaps the most ready to play prospect out of the entire draft class. You're looking at a guy who can step in from day 1 and get you 8+ rebounds per game, as well as play some great post defense. Nate also possesses great size for his position, a marked advantage over his closest rival in the class Willis Reed. Fantastically strong player, with a great deal of endurance, calling Thurmond a work horse is far from hyperbole. If you're looking for a center in the mold of a Bill Russell/Monk Meineke or Satch Sanders, look no further.

Cons: For as great of a defensive player and project as Thurmond is, his defense leaves a lot to be desired. While you don't need your big man to do it all, I certainly am of the camp that you want scoring and defensive output from a top 3 pick. Perhaps the biggest 'con' when it comes to Thurmond is the presence of one Willis Reed in this years draft class. A player who many will compare directly to Thurmond and can score much more proficiently.

Overall: Early talk around the league has Thurmond going #1, but for all we know this could be the old ABCA smoke screen at work. For my money he is a top 4 prospect, but not a #1 selection with the likes of Willis Reed, Barry & even Belov involved. It all depends on how the lottery shakes up, if a team with serious defensive holes ends up with the top pick than Thurmond could very easily be that guy.

Projection: 1-4