Not trying to compare him with an hall of fame player,Jokic never blew any one out with his quickness or mobility either…. But with his basketball skills.
Illini Basketball 2026-2027
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Sure. But the question was about likeliest to get drafted in 2027, of players on the current roster.
In that case, Tomi, Z, Vaaks, Stoj, QC are all ahead of Mirk (due to the reason I mentioned - in addition to the boatload of NIL he can command).
We need to get the 9th man thing figured out cuz I am starting to really worry about the 10th man. 
Jokic is big enough to play the 5 which helps. If Mirk were 7ft I think he’d make the league no problem. Still might, like you said he’s incredibly skilled but there are significant athleticism issues there
We need to get the 9th man thing figured out cuz I am starting to really worry about the 10th man.
But what do we do about not having a #15thman at all?
Who will wash the jock straps and carry Andrej's luggage onto the plane?
It's tough to find guys like David.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is probably the best comp for him physically and regarding playing style. Big, thick, dude who can dribble, pass, and shoot... scouting report coming out of Seaton Hall regarded him as also perhaps a bit limited defensively. (his college page has him at 6'11" but NBA page has him at 6'9")
He was a late second rounder.
David had a better freshman year than Sandro had his senior year...
There just aren't many guys who are 6'9", at least 230 lbs. (David is listed at 250, but I imagine they will work on slimming him down a little), and can hit 3's above 35%. Let alone dribble and pass effectively.
Personally, I would rather have players like ZavierZens, Landon Davis & Ethan Brown in the 9th man position. Not more players from mid-majors
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
So wait…. We already have THREE #9thmen???
That's who I've though of when watchinh him - a poor man's Jokovic.
I agree Zavier Zens will be ideal in 9th man of rotation
Excited for those dudes. I am team trust the staff here since our best #9thman in the last decade was from a mid-major and started on last year's final 4 team.
Jokic is also 6'11 vs Mirk at 6'8, those 3 inches mean a lot more in the NBA than they do in college.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Leaving out JJ? Brad stated in his interview, that he was getting ready to use him more, when the blood clot sidelined him. In a few minutes, he seemed playable.
I agree. But I don't know his prognosis for getting back to where he was.
Hessel Blvd
stop listening to sleepers
- the desert
super playable against quad 3/4 teams. Borderline dominant. 80% from the field.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
I recall him being quite serviceable during the brief times he was in there. Not a go to guy by any means, but able to hold his own as the other bigs rested a bit.
Larry Bird was not a great athlete but he was a pretty good player at about Mirk's height.
Well, I don’t think he’s going to be our #9thMan.
Jokic is 7ft tall. Mirkovic is 6-9.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
Not that it matters but he’s 2 inches taller at 6’11.
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Some of this European players are not known for their quickness or mobility,another example is Luka who is very effective without being quick and about the same height .Like I said am not trying to compare him to the hall of fame players, just playing a devils advocate.
I'm just here for the inches matter jokes.Cool! They each grew an inch in less than two hours!
The rest is cottage cheese to me.
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