The Legends of Tacko Fall

Captaincoop

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Yeah, I love the classic “cool your jets” SoSH posts. Nobody here thinks we’re getting Bill Russell. Tacko seems like a good kid who is fun to root for and has an outside chance of developing into a niche defensive weapon. That’s good enough for me.
This, and the alternative is keeping Yabu and Abdel Nader, Jr.
 

lovegtm

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Yeah, I love the classic “cool your jets” SoSH posts. Nobody here thinks we’re getting Bill Russell. Tacko seems like a good kid who is fun to root for and has an outside chance of developing into a niche defensive weapon. That’s good enough for me.
Yeah, I'd be very, very fine with shaming "cool your jets" posts. They're a close cousin of "well, actually."

His upside is a valuable role player who is match-up specific. Help side defender vs Giannis, for example, could be impactful. Second unit help side defender. Stuff like that. He has some lateral movement, which is fairly unique for his size.

He’s a very different profile than Boban, who has actual offensive skill but is really slow and also materially shorter than Tacko (though not clear their reach is that different)—and likely not the defensive skill.
So this is pretty crazy, but Tacko's standing reach is SEVEN INCHES longer than Boban's (both Boban and Gobert were 9-7). That's insane. It's almost the difference between Boban and a wing like Andrew Wiggins (8-11 reach). You know how Boban can do those photos where his feet are on the floor and he's pulling the rim down to him? Tacko could do that with a slight crouch in his knees. It's a really material size difference. Combined with the better lateral movement, I wonder whether the Boban comp is really that meaningful.
 

benhogan

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His upside is a valuable role player who is match-up specific. Help side defender vs Giannis, for example, could be impactful. Second unit help side defender. Stuff like that. He has some lateral movement, which is fairly unique for his size.

He’s a very different profile than Boban, who has actual offensive skill but is really slow and also materially shorter than Tacko (though not clear their reach is that different)—and likely not the defensive skill.
This is where I'm at after seeing him up close in 2 Summer league games, and the NCAA tournament. He has the extreme height/weight and seems to know how to use it. If a guard or wing gets on him he immediately heads to the rim and works for position. Really like how he runs, no gait (like Boban). His age is irrelevant since he came to the game so late and we don't have to worry about his body filling out. In the postgame interview, he was very self-aware, called himself an athlete, I'm sure he hears the gimmick comments. I sense a little edge (which is good) after getting snubbed at the NBA draft (he was there). Originally I thought Brad could only use him in defined situational spots: out of bounds defense, 5 mins leaning on an opposing BIG. He probably can do more. Would he get embarrassed initially, absolutely, all rookies do. But he's also intelligent and I would expect him to learn defensive positioning. The high PnR would be his Achilles heel. Would love to see how he reacts to that more at SL. Hopefully, we can keep him at the G-league, but I expect a full tank NBA team (Memphis, Washington) or Euroleague team to offer him a contract after Summer league.

Tacko has a higher ceiling than Boban. Danny needs to figure out how to keep this unique talent, develop it, use it. There is still plenty of trades being made. Stapling Yabu's filler to another roster players contract and making a 2 for 1 deal could potentially open a roster spot before having to decide between Strus or Tacko. Yabu has no business being on this roster (other than filler), the guy is a menace on the floor to himself, the opponent and teammates. Mark it down, he injures someone while playing Summer League, he has little control of his body momentum.
 

lovegtm

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Tacko has a higher ceiling than Boban. Danny needs to figure out how to keep this unique talent, develop it, use it. There is still plenty of trades being made. Stapling Yabu's filler to another roster players contract and making a 2 for 1 deal could potentially open a roster spot before having to decide between Strus or Tacko. Yabu has no business being on this roster (other than filler), the guy is a menace on the floor to himself, the opponent and teammates. Mark it down, he injures someone while playing Summer League, he has little control of his body momentum.
Yeah, the bolded is where I'm at. I'd be disappointed if they don't do this.

Danny Ainge likes winning at basketball, so I imagine this will be explored.
 

Captaincoop

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I need clarification on Strus' contract. He got a much bigger guarantee than a typical 2-way guy - can he even be cut at this point?

That kid would have to be some kind of shooter to stay on the floor in the NBA. He can't defend anyone in Summer League.
 

benhogan

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Yeah, the bolded is where I'm at. I'd be disappointed if they don't do this.

Danny Ainge likes winning at basketball, so I imagine this will be explored.
Just going through a list of players/assets we could staple Yabu-filler(3.1) to:
Gordon (not necessary since he gets paid huge)
Tatum (don't see him getting dealt)
Brown (selling low)
Smart (heart and soul of the team)
TL (interesting potential)
Semi (dreaming on his 3pt%)
Langford
Williams
Edwards
Waters
Memphis pick
Milwaukee pick
Celtic pick(s)

The Celtics shouldn't rush a 2 for 1 deal just to open a spot for Tacko, but I think there are some flaws with the present roster that should be addressed now. Then around Dec 15th address the 5/BIG situation (Kanter, Theis, Poirier, TL)
 
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bakahump

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I am beginning to love Tacko. But to assume he could be on the same court as Embiid is crazyness. I think Embiid would break him in half.

I get that Tacko is 300 lbs....but its spread over a large area. He needs to be 350 ish.

Also here is my submission for Tackos nickname. "The Big Dig" Because he is SOOOOOO long.
 

ZMart100

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You know how Boban can do those photos where his feet are on the floor and he's pulling the rim down to him? Tacko could do that with a slight crouch in his knees.
Sure looks like it.

(Photo from Celtics Twitter feed)
 

RedOctober3829

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Tacko has simply progressed from long-shot project to project with upside. I want him to do well, but to think he can step onto an NBA court this year and do well is just living in the moment. He needs to spend the entire year at Portland to develop his game and continue to add weight to his frame.
 

NomarsFool

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I think playing in Portland would be the best thing for his development. Once the NBA season starts, players don't really develop unless they are getting significant minutes. The teams don't really practice that much between games. What Tacko needs is game time against some level of competition.

Unfortunately, if some team comes and offers him a roster spot - that is how we lose him. If that doesn't happen, it would be surprising for him to sign with a different developmental team.
 

DJnVa

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I am beginning to love Tacko. But to assume he could be on the same court as Embiid is crazyness. I think Embiid would break him in half.
No one thinks he would matchup with Embiid every time Embiid takes the court. It would be to steal a few minutes here and there.
 

bakahump

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No one thinks he would matchup with Embiid every time Embiid takes the court. It would be to steal a few minutes here and there.
Tacko is slim. it would only take Embiid a few minutes to break him :)
 

benhogan

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Tacko is slim. it would only take Embiid a few minutes to break him :)
Now it's Embiid along with Giannis that would own Tacko:eek:

So that's 2 All-NBA players that would crush an undrafted rookie....duly noted :drums:

why stop there, how would he do guarding James Harden on a switch?

The most optimistic here say he is barely the 15th man on the roster (a low bar after seeing the crap the Celtics have had there in recent seasons), most want him on a 2-way in Maine.
 
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bakahump

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Oh relax.

The Point is he is a rookie and Slim. And someone up above noted "Stealing minutes against" your two all NBA players. Not me. Go after them for being overly unrealistically optimistic.

Your smarmy tone is unwarranted.

I said I like the kid. And hope he succeeds. And does it for the Celts at some future date.
 

benhogan

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Oh relax.

The Point is he is a rookie and Slim. And someone up above noted "Stealing minutes against" your two all NBA players. Not me. Go after them for being overly unrealistically optimistic.

Your smarmy tone is unwarranted.

I said I like the kid. And hope he succeeds. And does it for the Celts at some future date.
he's not Bol slim or even Gobert slim

Zion is a powerhouse and Tacko did OK against him in a big game.

the emoji's were humor mixed in with sarcasm and unrealistic comps, I guess that equals smarmy, fair enough, I'll stay on point.

I'm pushing back because I think he could add value, 5-10mpg, by midseason against bigs that can't shoot the 3.

agreed, Embiid/Giannis would be starring on Sportscenter if they played minutes against Tacko this season.
 
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GoDa

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His size, athleticism, and speed is confusing. It really doesn't match the more familiar prior comps. If he were 6'10" - he's probably an OK player at a low/mid-major college. But he's not... he's 8 inches taller with a massive wingspan. I think we might be underselling that difference at both ends of the floor. What can he get done with actual NBA guards feeding him the ball?

I'd like to see the C's use him to just screw with Philly. Embiid sits down - Tacko enters the game and dunks on 3 straight possessions. Embiid rushes back in, Tacko sits down.
 

lexrageorge

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I think it's accurate to say that all of the following statements are true:

- Chances that Tacko contributes any meaningful minutes to the Celtics roster this year are slim.
- A guy like Tacko would be best served spending a season in Maine.
- Comps are very difficult. But 7'8" with some mobility is still intriguing.
- Tacko could very well be a useful role player in a season or two, which is not nothing.
- Based on what we've seen so far, it would be a shame to lose Tacko to another team just so the Celtics can hang on to a guy like Yabu or Struss.
- Danny has options to prevent that from happening. While the Celtics are over the cap, they are well under the hard cap apron, so if they have to eat a Struss, that's hardly the end of the world.
- Danny doesn't normally walk away from assets willingly.

I personally would like to see him on a 2-way, which I don't think is impossible.
 

FanRoy

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Why do so many here seem unwilling to let Tacko “steal” a few minutes here and there in NBA games at different points this season? Maybe I am misinterpreting what some are writing in this conversation, but this same board seemed more than willing to throw minutes TimeLord’s way at points late in last season, and that was during an actual competitive season for us (as unpleasant as the experience may have been - our season, not TL).

Isn’t this year about finding out what we have in certain players and positioning ourselves best for the future? Obviously Tacko needs developmental time in Maine, but, like many have pointed out, he seems intelligent enough and physically developed enough to give him some burn against actual NBA opponents. I can’t imagine many scenarios where it makes sense to play Yabu over him, though I understand why his contract is important. I don’t fully understand the intricacies of the salary cap and two-way contracts, etc, I just hope there’s a way to keep someone like Tacko around for this season.

To be perfectly honest, I want to root for him, I want to enjoy our players and I want to enjoy the stories associated with the Celtics this year. I realize that’s a fundamentally flawed approach to maximizing assets and maybe some of you don’t care about that stuff, or care less about that than maximizing wins... but after last season, I just want something fun to watch!
 

Cellar-Door

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I think Tacko is less NBA ready than Time Lord was. Summer league is great for him because nobody boxes out or plays physical defense and there are almost no starting quality bigs in these games. I don't see him as a guy who could "Steal" minutes in the NBA this year. On Offense he'd get bodied out of position and even when he got it, they'd just send him to the line. On Defense, he'd get the Boban treatment, just put him in the PnR and coast to the basket for easy dunks.
 

Kliq

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I think there is some pushback because the amount of discussion around Tacko is probably unwarranted given the potential impact he is going to have on the NBA; once Zion went down he has become THE story of Summer League. The announcers last night talked about him a ridiculous amount given that he only played 12 minutes; and the viewership for his YT highlights dwarf those of other players, including all non-Zion lottery picks. You do have some irrational people out there thinking he is going to dominate, although that isn't really happening on this board.

That being said, the reason people are interested in Tacko is because he is just really fucking fun. He is super enjoyable to watch because he fulfills this belief that if someone was just insanely tall they would be able to dominate at basketball; at least in small spurts. People enjoy Boban for the same reason. He also has an incredibly kick-ass name, seems like a cool guy with an intriguing back story and if you are like me, you remember him as a 7'5" high school player that people made fun of. He simultaneously is an underdog, while also occasionally displaying the physical dominance of Goliath.

So yes, in a cold and analytical basketball bubble, Tacko probably isn't going to be a very impactful NBA player, and time spent discussing him could be better spent talking about NBA players with more potential. However, basketball is ultimately about entertainment and enjoyment, and Tacko really brings that to the game, so you can't help but root for him.
 

DJnVa

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This is more fun than we had once the season tipped off last year.
 

FanRoy

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I think Tacko is less NBA ready than Time Lord was. Summer league is great for him because nobody boxes out or plays physical defense and there are almost no starting quality bigs in these games. I don't see him as a guy who could "Steal" minutes in the NBA this year. On Offense he'd get bodied out of position and even when he got it, they'd just send him to the line. On Defense, he'd get the Boban treatment, just put him in the PnR and coast to the basket for easy dunks.
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!
 

benhogan

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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!
TL looks better then Tacko from the FT line. TL was 54% in college to Tacko's 44%. Also, Fall was basically the same player his Sophmore, Junior and Senior yr in college, so I'm not sure how much offensive projection there is left. But if he can use his length to alter/dissuade the shooter/driver on the PnR on defense. AND continues to set solid screens while learning to rim roll on offense he'll have value. Hopefully, he'll be in Maine to learn these things.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/3904625/tacko-fall
 
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teddykgb

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I think Tacko is less NBA ready than Time Lord was. Summer league is great for him because nobody boxes out or plays physical defense and there are almost no starting quality bigs in these games. I don't see him as a guy who could "Steal" minutes in the NBA this year. On Offense he'd get bodied out of position and even when he got it, they'd just send him to the line. On Defense, he'd get the Boban treatment, just put him in the PnR and coast to the basket for easy dunks.
Not to go full benhogan but I would love to see us try to deal with Giannis with a straight up zone with the Time Lords and Falls of the world given no responsibility but to alter shots at the rim. There has not been any real success in the NBA with a zone so it probably wouldn’t work but man would I love to see it tried
 

benhogan

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Not to go full benhogan but I would love to see us try to deal with Giannis with a straight up zone with the Time Lords and Falls of the world given no responsibility but to alter shots at the rim. There has not been any real success in the NBA with a zone so it probably wouldn’t work but man would I love to see it tried
Get involved, it works...

Rick Carlisle won a championship using a zone. The modern rotational defense is a zone in sheep's clothing. And my alma mater has effectively used a zone defense to 48 straight winning seasons.
 

lovegtm

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Get involved, it works...

Rick Carlisle won a championship using a zone. The modern rotational defense is a zone in sheep's clothing. And my alma mater has effectively used a zone defense to 48 straight winning seasons.
Although with the caveat that the rules allow your alma mater to play the good version of it...

It’s crazy how much Tacko’s perceived NBA value would go up if camping in the paint were legal.
 

benhogan

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Although with the caveat that the rules allow your alma mater to play the good version of it...

It’s crazy how much Tacko’s perceived NBA value would go up if camping in the paint were legal.
the Nets effectively ran zone a bunch last season, right?

the players really need to buy into it

the 2-3 zone has really turned into a 4-1 (4 defenders on the 3pt line - 1 center in the paint) and gets extended towards the most efficient 3pt shooters.

zone isn't really in Brad's DNA, and there aren't enough practice days to play it effectively
 

Cellar-Door

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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!
Generally what I would say is that TL is much more mobile in the PnR, he changes directions very quickly, while Tacko does not (it's a size limitation, he's not Boban, but he's not going to keep up with anyone other than the least mobile centers). TL came in ready to defend in an NBA system, he has quick feet, quick hands, and great first and second leap ability. Tacko doesn't have the same kind of mobility or hands in passing lanes, quick movement. He's a post only defender, which limits his upside and floor there.

As to strength, where I worry isn't on defense, it's on offense, I don't think he'll be able to gain and hold the post position he's getting in SL vs. NBA bigs, I think the Baynes, Valanciunas, type bigs are going to get into his legs and drive him off his spots. Tacko, if he could hit FTs probably is more NBA ready on that end, but the thing is, TL was a defense only guy, Tacko looks like he'd be better but still bad on offense and much worse defensively.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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As to strength, where I worry isn't on defense, it's on offense, I don't think he'll be able to gain and hold the post position he's getting in SL vs. NBA bigs, I think the Baynes, Valanciunas, type bigs are going to get into his legs and drive him off his spots. Tacko, if he could hit FTs probably is more NBA ready on that end, but the thing is, TL was a defense only guy, Tacko looks like he'd be better but still bad on offense and much worse defensively.
Would love to see Tacko go against Marcus Smart and see how far into the post he could get. That would be a fun matchup to watch. In practice.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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The key takeaway for Tacko and every other player in Summer League is that they aren't playing guys who are remotely close to starting caliber NBA players on either end. Fall has looked very good thus far but its a tiny sample size and against guys who will be lucky to be G Leaguers if they play professionally at all.

Expecting Fall or TimeLord to be able to defend guys like Giannis or Embiid is silly at this point - those guys abuse defenders who are far better and more savvy than any of these guys.

Just as a reminder, Christian Wood was on last year's Summer League All NBA first team - he is a 6'10" forward who seems to have good stretch skills including being able to hit an occasional three, rebound at a decent rate, get some blocks and even hit FTs at an "acceptable" rate. He ended up playing 21 total NBA games this season while being waived by the Bucks and then snapped up by the Pelicans as they played out the string. He may amount to something yet but SL is filled with guys like this who have an entirely different experience when facing even NBA bench players.
 

DJnVa

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That's very true, but I think some of the things folks wanted to see with Tacko wasn't necessarily dunking over some G League guy (although that's awesome), but seeing how he moved in a game with rules that said he couldn't just stay near the hoop, seeing how he moved.

Last night, he rotated off his man and blocked a shot, and then on another possession (in the tweet below) he is switched onto the ball handler twice and did not look lost. I think seeing that he can do some of those basic things gives hope that a coach like Stevens might be able to find some use for him. And, as others have said, he seems like a nice, genuine kid, and it's fun rooting for them.

https://twitter.com/maxacarlin/status/1148409646580977666
 

sezwho

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Zion is a powerhouse and Tacko did OK against him in a big game.
This is so underrated I think. Bright lights of the NCAA tournament, going head to head with an NBA level nuclear powered athlete:15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, six rebounds and three blocks in 25 minutes.

He will get stronger and more fit than ever before and I’m enjoying this: a posh on the various shamings (guilty of an actually post myself recently).

Standing reach is the new wingspan!
 

Captaincoop

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People understand what the Summer League is.

Tacko is 7'6, and he'll still be 7'6 when he gets his shot in real NBA action. No one is expecting him to be 1975 Kareem. However, he can be a nice change of pace to throw at NBA bigs, including - clutch your pearls - Embiid or Giannis.

Manute Bol, who had similar height but moved like a mummy on stilts, was an effective defender in stints against guys like Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon. This happened, I watched it on my television. Seeing how Tacko moves and how much sturdier he is than Bol, and also how much less post skill guys like Embiid have than their 80s counterparts, I have high hopes that Tacko can play a role in the Association at some point in the near future.
 

edoug

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This is so underrated I think. Bright lights of the NCAA tournament, going head to head with an NBA level nuclear powered athlete:15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, six rebounds and three blocks in 25 minutes.

He will get stronger and more fit than ever before and I’m enjoying this: a posh on the various shamings (guilty of an actually post myself recently).

Standing reach is the new wingspan!
It is when you can actually stick your fingers into the basket.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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People understand what the Summer League is.

Tacko is 7'6, and he'll still be 7'6 when he gets his shot in real NBA action. No one is expecting him to be 1975 Kareem. However, he can be a nice change of pace to throw at NBA bigs, including - clutch your pearls - Embiid or Giannis.

Manute Bol, who had similar height but moved like a mummy on stilts, was an effective defender in stints against guys like Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon. This happened, I watched it on my television. Seeing how Tacko moves and how much sturdier he is than Bol, and also how much less post skill guys like Embiid have than their 80s counterparts, I have high hopes that Tacko can play a role in the Association at some point in the near future.
The bolded may well be true - all I was pointing out is that it would be ideal to see the guy play in an NBA game against regular NBA rotation/bench players before determining whether he can do anything against some of the elite bigs. I mean, we can all dream and YRMV, however I am not ready to extrapolate Fall's defensive ability against an Embiid or Antetokounmpo based on 21 minutes of Summer League play.
 

DJnVa

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Step 1 though was doing it in summer league. He isn't going to get the next shot if he doesn't do well now. We're excited he is.
 

GoDa

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I'm not claiming it's fantastic basketball, but the SL isn't a bunch of bozos.

They aren't all headed back to the grocery store, next week. Almost all are off to the G-League or somewhere overseas to get paid.
 

Captaincoop

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The bolded may well be true - all I was pointing out is that it would be ideal to see the guy play in an NBA game against regular NBA rotation/bench players before determining whether he can do anything against some of the elite bigs. I mean, we can all dream and YRMV, however I am not ready to extrapolate Fall's defensive ability against an Embiid or Antetokounmpo based on 21 minutes of Summer League play.
Yes, and when there are regular season games, we will get to see him.

For now, we have Summer League games, and extrapolating. Or we could talk about tennis?
 

Jimbodandy

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around the way
The bolded may well be true - all I was pointing out is that it would be ideal to see the guy play in an NBA game against regular NBA rotation/bench players before determining whether he can do anything against some of the elite bigs. I mean, we can all dream and YRMV, however I am not ready to extrapolate Fall's defensive ability against an Embiid or Antetokounmpo based on 21 minutes of Summer League play.
There are many levels of useful between "can cover G league guys only" and "can body Embiid and switch onto Harden". Reasonable minds will differ on where Tacko falls on that continuum, but I'd imagine that all reasonable minds expect him to be functionally useless against pretty much all NBA players in the 2019-2020 season. The question is whether he's worth locking down on the 17.
 

benhogan

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I'm not claiming it's fantastic basketball, but the SL isn't a bunch of bozos.

They aren't all headed back to the grocery store, next week. Almost all are off to the G-League or somewhere overseas to get paid.
Some kids &1 highlights from High School are much more relevant to NBA success then Summer League

#tackoownsembiid :drunk:
 

lexrageorge

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There are many levels of useful between "can cover G league guys only" and "can body Embiid and switch onto Harden". Reasonable minds will differ on where Tacko falls on that continuum, but I'd imagine that all reasonable minds expect him to be functionally useless against pretty much all NBA players in the 2019-2020 season. The question is whether he's worth locking down on the 17.
This is indeed the real question. And part of the reason it's being debated is that Ainge would have to make a choice to get Fall onto the roster even as a 2-way player.

Fall's first test was the Summer League. So far, he's passing that test, which is still in progress. And if Fall passes the Summer League test, I don't think many people here would want Danny letting him leave for nothing just so we can watch salary ballast sit on the bench. The guys that Fall is competing with for that 17th roster are equally likely to be career G-leaguers, if not more so. Height may mean less than it did, but it's still a useful trait in the NBA, and it's one that cannot be coached into a player.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I'm not claiming it's fantastic basketball, but the SL isn't a bunch of bozos.

They aren't all headed back to the grocery store, next week. Almost all are off to the G-League or somewhere overseas to get paid.
Is this the case? I haven't been able to find much in the way of data on what happens to these guys.
 

djbayko

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It's not just height - he's one of the tallest living people in the world. And he doesn't move like a tomato can and seems to have good hands. The game has changed since Manute, but you just can't let this guy go. Even if Stevens cant' find any minutes for him, I want him developing in our system.
 

TripleOT

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Max Strus is garbage. I'm going to be disappointed if they keep him as their two way instead of Taco.
 

PedroKsBambino

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So this is pretty crazy, but Tacko's standing reach is SEVEN INCHES longer than Boban's (both Boban and Gobert were 9-7). That's insane. It's almost the difference between Boban and a wing like Andrew Wiggins (8-11 reach). You know how Boban can do those photos where his feet are on the floor and he's pulling the rim down to him? Tacko could do that with a slight crouch in his knees. It's a really material size difference. Combined with the better lateral movement, I wonder whether the Boban comp is really that meaningful.
You're right---I looked at the wrong listing. I do think that's material, and part of what is interesting about him as a project...he's not just tall he's a whole different ballgame than even the current really tall guys. Doesn't make him a player, but it's a unique capability to explore.

Side note: Manute Bol's wingspan was reported to be almost 4 inches longer than Tacko's!
 

lovegtm

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The bolded may well be true - all I was pointing out is that it would be ideal to see the guy play in an NBA game against regular NBA rotation/bench players before determining whether he can do anything against some of the elite bigs. I mean, we can all dream and YRMV, however I am not ready to extrapolate Fall's defensive ability against an Embiid or Antetokounmpo based on 21 minutes of Summer League play.
I think after The Yabu Experience people are just excited to see a guy who looks good at all, even if it's just against Summer Leaguers.

Obviously this is all a far cry from when Tatum, Fultz, and Mitchell were lighting it up 2 years ago.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I think after The Yabu Experience people are just excited to see a guy who looks good at all, even if it's just against Summer Leaguers.

Obviously this is all a far cry from when Tatum, Fultz, and Mitchell were lighting it up 2 years ago.
As well they should and he may well be something. I was just surprised to see him mentioned as a possible solution to stopping some of the elite bigs in the game.
 

lovegtm

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As well they should and he may well be something. I was just surprised to see him mentioned as a possible solution to stopping some of the elite bigs in the game.
I think it's more that his very, very specific skill set is better against the elite bigs who aren't as much shooting threats. This is all obviously a long way off, but that's part of his upside if he ever somehow hits it.

When evaluating young players' upsides, I think it's on the reader to assume that the writer put a disclaimer "of course, it's unlikely that he hits that." We're all smart enough here to make that assumption imo.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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I'm not claiming it's fantastic basketball, but the SL isn't a bunch of bozos.

They aren't all headed back to the grocery store, next week. Almost all are off to the G-League or somewhere overseas to get paid.
There are a lot more NBA-ish caliber guards/wings than there are NBA bigs in SL. Yes, most of the players in SL are playing professionally somewhere but most of the bigs in SL have no shot at the NBA.
Yes, and when there are regular season games, we will get to see him.
If you want to watch Tacko during the regular season games, I hope you aren't far from PDX.