My readers know well that I tend to lean, at least slightly, to the optimistic side of things. I have watched Tacko Fall carefully in Summer League, and I dispel the notion that he is not an NBA-caliber player. The general knock on the really big guys in today's NBA include - slow, plodding, can't shoot from outside, can't defend the perimeter, injury-prone, too thin and frail. In other words, most players taller than 7-feet can't fit today's game. But maybe the game has to fit them when you have a unique big-man specimen in the person of Tacko.
Here's my point. When Bill Walton joined the 1985-86 Celtics, critics were questioning how the tall quartet of Larry Bird (6'9"), Kevin McHale (6'10"), Robert Parish (7') and Walton (6'11" - no, he was taller than that) would match up against smaller opponents. Coach K.C. Jones' response was, "Let them match up against us." Good point, and it worked, producing a Championship.
Be aware, I am making no talent comparisons here. Fall is no ordinary 7'7" specimen. He weighs in (Combine) at 289 pounds with 6.8% body fat. I still make a living measuring body fat, and when guys measure at 6.8%, they are considered elite-athlete level. But for the NBA, it is slightly on the high side.
I will add that he is well-proportioned for the Big League. He is far from frail and carries a lot of muscle in his lower body. It may not have helped Guerschon Yabusele at 6'8", but it will benefit Tacko. He will be tough to move and bully. He is gigantic. I also look at his wide shoulders. How often do you see that in a guy approaching his height. And he can get stronger and more muscular.
I watch how he runs the floor. There is nothing awkward about his gait. He moves fluidly. How often ---- sorry, you get it. We already know his wingspan is 8'2.25". That takes up more than half of the paint width (16'). Which brings me to his defensive coverage away from the hoop. He is no Marcus Smart, but he can do it. He has shown that in Summer League.
Please stay with me on this. Picture a wall 10-feet high by 8-feet wide. That equals 80 square feet of coverage STANDING STILL. That is what this giant of a man can do.
In last night's drubbing of Memphis, Fall garnered 12 points (6-of-8) in 17 minutes of action while adding eight rebounds and four blocks. He is more than a put-back and lob guy. He is raw and needs seasoning, but he has a place in the NBA if he remains injury free - always a concern with the bigs.
Brad Stevens does not yet have his stretch-5 - and maybe he doesn't need one. Tacko is on an Exhibit 10 deal, which probably means a G-League stint or possibly a 2-way deal, which happens to be filled right now (2-man limit) with Tremont Waters and Max Strus. Down the line, if we see Tacko Time in Boston, Brad may want to alter his thinking and strategy to accommodate a very unique specimen. Danny Ainge needs to use care in his handling of Fall going forward. There is little question that he is being eyed by General Managers that lament not plucking him in the draft. He has a place in the NBA - and fans love this (mostly-gentle, see tweet above) giant of a man.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and Facebook
Photo via NBA
Here's my point. When Bill Walton joined the 1985-86 Celtics, critics were questioning how the tall quartet of Larry Bird (6'9"), Kevin McHale (6'10"), Robert Parish (7') and Walton (6'11" - no, he was taller than that) would match up against smaller opponents. Coach K.C. Jones' response was, "Let them match up against us." Good point, and it worked, producing a Championship.
Be aware, I am making no talent comparisons here. Fall is no ordinary 7'7" specimen. He weighs in (Combine) at 289 pounds with 6.8% body fat. I still make a living measuring body fat, and when guys measure at 6.8%, they are considered elite-athlete level. But for the NBA, it is slightly on the high side.
I will add that he is well-proportioned for the Big League. He is far from frail and carries a lot of muscle in his lower body. It may not have helped Guerschon Yabusele at 6'8", but it will benefit Tacko. He will be tough to move and bully. He is gigantic. I also look at his wide shoulders. How often do you see that in a guy approaching his height. And he can get stronger and more muscular.
I watch how he runs the floor. There is nothing awkward about his gait. He moves fluidly. How often ---- sorry, you get it. We already know his wingspan is 8'2.25". That takes up more than half of the paint width (16'). Which brings me to his defensive coverage away from the hoop. He is no Marcus Smart, but he can do it. He has shown that in Summer League.
Please stay with me on this. Picture a wall 10-feet high by 8-feet wide. That equals 80 square feet of coverage STANDING STILL. That is what this giant of a man can do.
In last night's drubbing of Memphis, Fall garnered 12 points (6-of-8) in 17 minutes of action while adding eight rebounds and four blocks. He is more than a put-back and lob guy. He is raw and needs seasoning, but he has a place in the NBA if he remains injury free - always a concern with the bigs.
Here's our version of the charge @goodysav took from @tackofall99 last night 😳 pic.twitter.com/el5gDxgBV0
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 10, 2019
Brad Stevens does not yet have his stretch-5 - and maybe he doesn't need one. Tacko is on an Exhibit 10 deal, which probably means a G-League stint or possibly a 2-way deal, which happens to be filled right now (2-man limit) with Tremont Waters and Max Strus. Down the line, if we see Tacko Time in Boston, Brad may want to alter his thinking and strategy to accommodate a very unique specimen. Danny Ainge needs to use care in his handling of Fall going forward. There is little question that he is being eyed by General Managers that lament not plucking him in the draft. He has a place in the NBA - and fans love this (mostly-gentle, see tweet above) giant of a man.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and Facebook
Photo via NBA
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