How much should I be reading into this
I DO NOT like this.
His level of mobility as a 7 ft 1 guy is insanely impressive. I donāt know if thereās anyone in the NBA currently that can run the floor like he can at that size. Closest thing I can think of is Giannis (in a chase down scenario), and heās still giving up a few inches to Kessler.
I try not to undersell NBA athletes when it comes to comparing draftees and I donāt think Vecenie and Givony would go that far either. But still, thereās a lot to like there. Kevin Peltonās model loves him. 5th overall and 2nd in the stats-only version. Seems like thereās some chance he turns into something resembling Rudy Gobert.
Giannis is one of those rare NBA guys who list themselves as shorter than they actually are. KD is another one. Not too many others.
Rudy is considered the quintessential NBA shot blocker, but even he doesnāt move like Kessler is all Iām saying.
Wait, what am I missing? Doesnāt this suggest Hunter will be back to train with the team this summer?
It doesnāt mean anything
Btw Iām pretty sure this is no longer allowed. Heights now have to be verified by team doctor (without shoes). So any heights listed are actual heights as of a few years ago. Itās why Cade was 6ā8ā in college but 6ā6ā in the NBA.
Yeah, I reckon Diabate is about 6ā9" and Hunter is 6ā11"
Yeah, it seems like Kessler should rise in workouts to late lottery. HOWEVER, and this is hopeful re HD, this yearās first round seems particularly rich in Bigs. Vecenie is mocking 5 pure bigs in the first round ā 3 in the top 12!
Just messin around. Canāt take anything really from these cryptic posts but sounds like there is a real possibility he could be back. Iāll take any chance we can get!
Yeah, they changed the measuring criteria a few years ago.
So, Kessler might also be 2 inches shorter when he goes to the combine or training camp.
However, there are still ways to get around an āaccurateā measurement, if you really want to. Slouching just a bit will take about a half inch off, and we measure shorter later in the day than when we wake up. Durant probably had an 11pm appointment with the team doctor. 
Oh, Kevin Garnett was another guy I remember who reportedly didnāt want to be listed at 7-foot. He thought the T-Wolves would make him play C, and just stick him in the paint. Of course, he wound up playing some center anyway, with the Celtics.
Kessler runs better and moves forward and back better than Rudy, but I think Rudy has better feet. The Jazz donāt switch mostly because the other 4 players on the floor with Rudy the last few years have been terrible defensively, but Rudy has also held up pretty well on the perimeter against smaller players. He does get out and meet the level of the screen, then drop back to the paint, etc, very well.
I mean, saying heās probably worse defensively than Rudy Gobert leaves a ton of room. Iāve also read that Kesslerās hands arenāt particularly great (he doesnāt catch the ball well, is stripped rather easily). Rudy isnāt a monumental offensive player, but he can crush finishes on the p&r rather well.
Rooting for that kid
Max Christie at 42, no one from Michigan:
Seems like nobody but people on the Michigan side think Diabate is a risk to leave. Have to imagine thatās the biggest reason he is not appearing in mocks because I have a hard time seeing him go undrafted if he does leave.
Good scouting report on Diabate:
The Quick Scouting Report
- Unique defensive prospect. Stands 6ā10ā but can move his feet on defense like a wing
- Not a great rim protector but has some upside on that end. Needs to get better as a leaper
- Switchability on defense is most intriguing for him long-term
- Most points come on interior. Developing reliable righty hook
- Has some perimeter offensive upside. Solid passer, takes other bigs off the bounce
- Not a good enough shooter (21.4% from 3) to play the 4 in the modern NBA
- If motor reaches its peak, will have a home in the NBA as a unique big man
Our Recommendation: Return to School
What a strange year for the Wolverines. Diabate came on pretty strong late and had some really impactful performances, but a return to school is certainly going to make him a more consistent prospect. Offensively we need to see a lot more despite the defensive flashes, and NBA teams wonāt want to invest in another big man who isnāt quite a rim runner or PNR roller who has raw offensive traits. Diabate is best-served going back to school.
Personally, Iām not crazy about his NBA stock but I donāt have a good read on his NBA decision. Two very different things.