Larry Brown, an assistant coach at the University of Memphis, is an old man who is a Hall of Fame coach who appreciates the High Motor Interior Center. A few years ago, Jalen Duren, a 6-foot-11 Memphis freshman center, was one of the top three sources in the NBA Draft, even at the age of 18.
But in this new era, where the center is expected to shoot three pointers, Durene is considered just a mid-to-late lottery pick. Knicks may be at number 11 when he comes to the bat on June 23rd.
Durene is one of the 11 prospects so far invited to the Barclays Center’s “Green Room” for the draft.
“He has a great body and a good athlete and is more skilled than you think,” said an NBA college scout. “He’s about a year away, but he can now come in and rebound.”
The Knicks has a share of defense centers in Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel and Jericho Sims. However, Robinson was able to escape as a free agent, Noel was forever worried about injury, and Sims was so neglected that he was ranked 58th in the draft.
Brown praised his player and suggested that Durene was another Bam Abeday, an all-star in Miami, and might just be taller.
Brown revealed that he had talked with Scott Perry, general manager of Knicks, about Durene and Josh Minott, a small forward in Memphis.
Durene is a shiny gem because of his special advantage — even if he was considered too many projects to be approved by Tom Thibodeau.
“Many people compare him to Bam,” Brown told the post from his home in East Hampton. “I spent time with Cal [Kentucky coach John Calipari] When Bam was there. Bam also doesn’t shoot 3 seconds. Jalen is 3 inches taller than Bam.
“Jalen was like when I was the head coach when I had a center and a power forward in the NBA. I always made fun of him: I he [rugged former Pistons center] Ben Wallace, you can run with anyone. He can really run. And you can move his legs defensively. “
Brown is exacerbated by the tendency to dismiss non-premier centers of top three external shooters, such as Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren. Brown feels that Durene is doing a lot of other things. He will not be 19 until November after reclassifying high school to Penny Hardaway’s Tigers.
“He can pass, too,” Brown said. “Many kids don’t see people open. He has a feel. If you’re open, he can find you. He’s a passerby. His shot isn’t broken. People question his three-pointer shot. The kid is 6-11, 250 pounds and exercise. I don’t know how many 3s I need. “
Portland settled Durene earlier this week. The Blazers are trying to trade back from number 7, probably with Durene in mind.
“Jalen probably moves his legs better than any big kid I’ve been around,” added Brown, Knicks’ 2005-06 season coach. “There are so many switches in the NBA that he can really do that. If he doesn’t play, he’ll cheer for the team and won’t be silent.”
Knicks’ top priority is the point guard that Brown is aware of.
“I don’t know what Knicks is thinking, but I’ve always felt. Choose the best player. There are two equals, and if you need, take the need. An interesting player There are a lot. Hopefully someone will be there at 11 like Knicks. “
Knicks lottery picks are under a strong spotlight to produce as a rookie. Brown emphasizes patience with an average of 12 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks of defense-oriented Durene.
“If someone is taking him to the starter of the playoff team, I don’t think it’s perfectly fair,” Brown said. “He’s 18 years old. If you’re looking at a child who grows up and really factors, he’s the one you have to consider. The 18 and 19 year old kids they’re trying to get are soon He may not be able to help the team, but he certainly has a chance to have a career in Helva.
“He wants to be instructed. This is especially important in Thibs. He will instruct him, demand things, and he will respond.”
Perry also burned brown on Minott, an average of 6.2 points, a 6-9 wing. Despite the pain of his jump shoot, the 20-year-old is considered one of those positionless defenders who are all angry.
“Drafting him makes him look like a lottery two years later,” Brown said. “He’s young, long, fast-moving. He just needs to grow and get better. He grew two inches when I was there. He’s that high-shrink athlete. So many. NBA people called me about him. A few years later, you might have a diamond. “
