Both the Thunder and Rockets are frenetic, physical, and new in a way that quickly washes the rubbish from your mind when you’re watching them, if you care at all about the real physical pleasures of the sport.
Khaman Maluach might not be a franchise player himself, but he can be a franchise cornerstone. And a rim-running big that’s easy to play with and has the potential to anchor a defense unlocks all kinds of team-building opportunities.
Kasparas Jakucionis has the total package as an on-ball player, and he should be excellent as an offensive engine in the NBA.
Players with Liam McNeeley’s length, shooting ability and instincts rarely flame out in the NBA. In fact, getting caught up in overthinking a player’s physical profile feels like something that has killed front offices in recent years.