As someone who definitely does not have the same capacity for understanding the intricacies for NBA basketball as many others in this forum, I don’t think I understand why TL was more NBA ready than Tacko is. By all accounts, Tacko is exceptionally bright and seems to already have a pretty good grasp on spacing and how to cut off immediate lanes to the hoop by quicker players. While he doesn’t possess the quick hops TL does, he’s so long that he doesn't’ need to leave the floor to alter shots or passing lanes, and fundamentally (or instinctually) he just retreats backwards while players attempt to run by him to the rim. That’s fine because he doesn’t need to keep immediate pressure on the ball. And, really, he genuinely moves fairly decently. Definitely better than someone like Boban.
In terms of physicality, am I missing something? He’s way ahead of TL (who does seem to have bulked up a bit!). He seemed to do just fine against Zion a few months ago, and, really, how many more players are going to bullrush their way to power baskets in the NBA than Zion? I even think he may be more prepared than TL on offense - he has some post skills and can genuinely set physical screens (though his vision/passing definitely lags behind). How many players do we have that can do that? And obviously he can hit some gimmes under the hoop. TL seems to be struggling near the hoop in his 2 games so far, getting blocked or having his shot altered/stripped away a few times.
I’m not arguing that he’s going to be an NBA rotational player now (or even in the future), I guess I just am not seeing why TL was more ready than he is. I come here to read the opinions of people smarter than myself, so I’ll defer to the collective expertise here, I just want to know what I’m missing. To me, it seems like he’s as ready as TL was and I’d love to see him get a few games in Boston while going back and forth to Maine. Especially considering the circumstances/expectations of this season versus last.
Anyways, I’m enjoying this entire topic and I’m already getting more joy out of this season than I ever expected. I can’t wait to see the rest of the Summer League games and talk about players who are here rather than players who are potentially leaving!