Bruno: since you know him better than I do what do you think the Spurs saw in him to draft him? It seems that he wouldn't be a decent PG regardless of what league he plays in so I guess I'm a little curious as to why they drafted him. Consider me confused.
You're talking about a 53rd pick. Players drafted available that late have some flaws. De Colo is a talented and skilled offensive player who can do a lot of things at that end of court, that's likely the reason why Spurs gamble on him.
IMO, Nando has way more chances of making in the NBA as a SG.
You're right about those late 2nd rounders and thanks for your insight. And sometimes those late ones actually turn into a decent player. You know that one we got back in '99 at 57? Or was it a little later? Can't remember.
Very good info, Bruno. I thought that defense was the reason why De Colo wouldn't play point guard in the NBA. If his offense isn't PG friendly either, then that's a double whammy.
As with any late second round pick, it's highly unlikely he ever succeeds in the NBA. For De Colo to make it, I think he'll have to at least be a hybrid guard that can offer help at both positions -- sorta like RMJ. If De Colo isn't a playmaker at all, I don't see how he'll survive as just a shooting guard unless he becomes a stud shooter.
It's not like Mason is any kind of lights-out playmaker himself. De Colo would just need to cut down on the flashy stuff and make solid passes. Bruno's suggestion of Austin sounds good - not only can he bulk up a bit, but he can work on his point skills with coaches using the Spurs' system. I just wonder if he'd be amenable to playing in the D-League for that long.
I would rather De Colo stay in Europe and work on his skills than do it with spurs $. Nando is only 22 so as long as his work ethic is good, he should improve in the areas of passing and shooting. The few games I have seen I do like the fact that is pretty aggresive on offense and attacks the rim pretty consistently. Hopefully he can improve his shooting enough that maybe he can provide a roger mason like effect (sg/pg a little) in the future.
In games, I've seen Nando wasn't bad on the defensive even if he sometimes struggles fighting through screens.
Saying that, Spanish league isn't at all the best one to test Nando's defense at the PG spot. In Spanish league, teams are only allowed to have 2 Americans players. Most of the players he faces, are unathletic pass first PGs and not quick scoring PGs who could give him some troubles.
I doubt he has the qualities to make it in the NBA.
But who knows, he is a decent passer and playmaker and with the right development, maybe we'll see him.
One positive thing for him: he doesn't hesitate to shoot the ball. When he is open he takes it and doesn't defer to the other guys. He also made some clutch shots in closed games so he is no bonner whose shooting is falling down against good opponents or under pressure.
Quick comment of Flo Pietrus regarding De Colo status in Valence:
LE RÔLE DE LEADER DE NANDO DE COLO
Pour sa deuxième saison à Valence, il a été rejoint par Nando De Colo, qui a tout de suite pris les rênes de l'équipe, comme meneur et leader. Deuxième marqueur de l'équipe (12,6 points), l'ancien choletais, dont le jeu est marqué par beaucoup de créativité, est aussi le deuxième joueur qui perd le plus de ballons en Liga ACB (4/match).
Florent Pietrus : «Il a un statut important dans l'équipe, mais c'est normal puisqu'il est le meneur. Le coach lui fait entièrement confiance. Si on le met dans des bonnes conditions, pourquoi ne réussirait-il pas ? Il a tout ce qu'il faut pour être un grand joueur de ce championnat. Ce qu'il fait ne m'étonne pas. Même si on n'est pas forcément les meilleurs potes du monde, on a une bonne relation et il le faut mieux vu qu'on sera encore amené a vivre l'été prochain ensemble (lors du Mondial avec les Bleus).»
" He is important for Valence but it's normal he is the PG of the team. The coach fully trusts him. If he is put in good conditions he will succeed. He has everything to be a great player in Spain. What he is doing doesn't surprise me. Even if we aren't best friends, we have a good relation and fortunately because we will have to spend time together again next summer for the world championship."
Not a bad game today for Nando:
http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB54184.php
Nice game. Have you seen much of Claver? If he came next season would he be anything close to Casspi's production?
I've seen quite a lot of games of Claver. He is athletic but still need a lot of work. I've found him quite disappointing this year. IMO, the most interesting player Portland has in Europe is Joel Freeland.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
