I don't think Malcolm is very concerned about playing in the NBA. Coming out of HS he doubted he could start at Illinois.
If he chooses to play overseas he will do fine, but he has a lot more going for him than just basketball.
Malcolm Hill Draft Stock
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I don't think Malcolm is very concerned about playing in the NBA. Coming out of HS he doubted he could start at Illinois.
If he chooses to play overseas he will do fine, but he has a lot more going for him than just basketball.
It's easy to separate out the high level NBA guys after the fact. Frankie Williams was a first rounder and he could take over games like very few college players. He was Big Ten POY. Not sure we've had a conference POY that wasn't an NBA level guy. I get that he had personal issues that dragged his NBA career into the trash heap, but I don't think you can walk from his college career with any kind of logic to his NBA career, other than there may have been some signs. It's true he didn't stick, but a lot of guys with risky behavior, on-court injuries, or other problems after they left college also became "bad" NBA talent by that logic.
Also, for my money, guys like Cookie and Head would be considered good NBA guys. Cook played in over 450 NBA games. Maybe not starters minutes, but he was in the league for a long time as a sixth man. Not too shabby. Head was similar, but only for seven seasons. Getting to the league at all is no small feat, so sticking is worth noting.
Honestly, I think your point is well made --just nitpicking. HRF was one of my all time favorite Illini. And guys like Cookie and Head don't come along very often either. Great memories of their games developing, following those teams, and seeing them be a big factor leading us to the post season.
Obviously when I write a message board post I don't put time into researching, carefully developing a position, and editing the way I would if I were writing an article. I would definitely consider Leonard, Head, and Cook solid NBA players. I certainly think that Frank, Dee, Kenny Battle and a few others could have stuck in the league if a few variables were rearranged. My basic point remains unchanged: Malcolm is a wonderful college player and a great representative of the university, but he doesn't have a game that translates easily to the next level. Best case is that he sticks as a matchup-based bench scorer. I wouldn't totally rule that out and I really hope it happens. Just don't see it as of now.
DoctorOrange
- Chicago, IL
To me it is simple. Does Hill pass the eye test? For me it's an emphatic no. Love that he's suited up for the O&B for 4 years, but his play doesn't scream NBA. I'm not saying I have some elite ability to predict how draft picks will do in the future, but anyone you see drafted in the first 2 rounds has a certain look. Hill doesn't have it. He has a great future in Europe if he wants it though.
I don't expect Hill to get drafted but he will play summer ball. I wouldn't be surprised if he made a team, there are a bunch of non-starters in the NBA that aren't athletic, as tweeners. A few Europeans have been drafted in recent years in the second round despite limited athleticism.
One good comparison to Hill IMO is Jared Dudley. I think Hill could have a career like him as the best case scenario. Hill has an incredible work ethic and will be an absolute stud when he's no longer a student athlete and can just focus on being a basketball player. It might be overseas but I wouldn't bet against Hill making the league at some point even if it's just for a little bit.
One good comparison to Hill IMO is Jared Dudley. I think Hill could have a career like him as the best case scenario. Hill has an incredible work ethic and will be an absolute stud when he's no longer a student athlete and can just focus on being a basketball player. It might be overseas but I wouldn't bet against Hill making the league at some point even if it's just for a little bit.
I'm going to go old school here because well I'm old.
Hill's game if it were to translate to an NBA player that I watched quite a bit would be Mark Aguirre. I realize Aguirre was a scoring machine and 1st overall pick but he wasn't a great athlete or ball handler and utilized his strength and step back ability in an old school way that reminds me of Malcolm.
If Malcolm can find a niche in the right system he could stick. Who would have thought Chuck Hayes would hang around and he couldn't even shoot.
Hill's game if it were to translate to an NBA player that I watched quite a bit would be Mark Aguirre. I realize Aguirre was a scoring machine and 1st overall pick but he wasn't a great athlete or ball handler and utilized his strength and step back ability in an old school way that reminds me of Malcolm.
If Malcolm can find a niche in the right system he could stick. Who would have thought Chuck Hayes would hang around and he couldn't even shoot.
I watched quite a bit of Aguirre as well and while strength was indeed one of the main elements of his game, I do not believe strength is something that defines Hill's game. Aguirre could overpower opponents with his strength and could even post up players bigger than him.
The key point in the previous post was Aquirre's skill in the post. He was very clever with his shot fakes and had an uncanny ability to get the defender to over commit.
Not sure what post exactly you are referring to, but neither strength nor "skill in the post" are elements that define Hill's game.
blackdog
- Champaign
Except Dudley is a guy that plays at 150% all the time. He makes up for his lack of athleticism with pure hustle and great positioning on both ends of the court. Probably one of the smartest players in the NBA. Also has almost no skills besides the fact that he can really knock down a catch and shoot jumper and is an above average passer for the position.
I would argue that Dudley is a much better shooter than Malcolm. Malcolm routinely misses wide open threes. Yes, he is shooting a good percentage this year, but at know point do I see him being a spot up shooter
I agree.
Hill at 6'6 230 just seems like a guy who could utilize his body more but hasn't to this point.
Strength was another way Nick Anderson distinguished himself from Hill to those who mentioned it earlier in the thread. Anderson was unbelievably strong.
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