Kupchak takes a look at China's Yi Jianlian

 
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> NBA Draft Reply to topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Arnie
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 28 Apr 2002
Posts: 11898
Location: Orange County, California

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:06 am    Post subject: Kupchak takes a look at China's Yi Jianlian

Quote:
Kupchak checks out Chinese star
By Ross Siler Staff Writer
Inside SOCAL
Article Last Updated:02/15/2007 11:13:11 PM PST

LOS ANGELES - One of the frustrations of the job for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak sometimes is fighting traffic to attend a college game, only to watch as the player he came to see sprains an ankle or struggles with foul trouble.

But Kupchak was investing more than just a couple of hours on the Southern California highways when he flew to China in late January for a six-day scouting trip.

It was Kupchak's first trip to the country, and he went with a list of three or four prospects to look at. Assistant general manager Ronnie Lester also made the trip, which Kupchak described Thursday as being "worthwhile."

Kupchak could not comment on the players he saw, but 19-year-old forward Yi Jianlian is regarded as a potential first-round draft pick. Jianlian is a 7-footer who would follow Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer and Yao Ming into the NBA.

Kupchak described the Chinese Basketball Association games as being "very competitive" but said he couldn't answer the question of whether a Chinese player might join the Lakers in the next decade.

"In the next 10 years, I could see several Chinese players in the league," Kupchak said. "I couldn't say there'd be 30 or 40, but I can see multiple players in the league. Would one of those guys end up on a Lakers roster? I don't know."

The Lakers took a step toward that end in hiring Gary Boyson, a Hong Kong-based scout, last season. Kupchak hadn't traveled to China before, but has made several trips a year to Europe in the last decade.

"There's a chance that this year one of the players we went to see is going to be in the draft," Kupchak said. "So this was the year \. Next year, although I can see basketball continuing to grow at a healthy rate there, I don't know if there'll be a draftable player."

LINK

Here's NBADraft's profile:
Quote:
NBA Comparison: Pau Gasol

Strengths: Good ball handler who has no problem taking opposing defenders off the dribble … Great finisher around the basket as he is capable of making some impressive dunks on the break … Fundamentally sound player with a decent basketball IQ and court awareness … Rarely does Jianlian force the issue, instead he let’s the game come to him … Unlike many players his size, he is a great free throw shooter …Runs the floor especially well considering his size ... His perimeter shooting is very impressive as he can stretch the defense out to 18-20 feet comfortably … While he doesn’t own many back to the basket moves, Jianlian possesses a consistent turnaround jumper in the post … Does a great job of using his long body and athleticism to make an impact on the boards … Passes out of double teams well due to his court vision and awareness … Excels in an open court offense that promotes fast breaks thanks to his mobility and leaping ability … Rarely gets intimidated when physical play occurs … Although he has been on the NBA draft radar for quite some time, and may be a few years older than his listed age, he appears to still have considerable upside … Defensively he is a solid help defender due to his lateral quickness and wingspan … Possesses quick hands that can disrupt passing lanes …

Weaknesses: There is some concern as to what position he will play in the NBA: He lacks the upper body strength and the back to the basket moves at power forward and is a bit long and rangy for the three … Needs to improve his three point shooting to play minutes to be effective at SF … Despite his vast improvement, Jianlian needs to continue to develop his upper body strength … At this point of his career, he’s more comfortable facing the basket than with his back to the basket … Although he doesn’t shy away from physical contact he can get disrupted with rough post play … Struggles to maintain his position in the low post as opposing defenders tend to push him out … Defensively he will not be the huge shot blocking presence that he is in the China, due to his timing and the speed of the NBA game … Has a habit of putting the ball on the floor to achieve rhythm instead of keeping the ball high away from opposing guards …. Confidence can wavier in games when he’s struggling to score … Although listed as being born in 1987 many within China place him between 1985-1986 … Doesn’t always play defensive with great intensity, he won’t be able to get away with it in the NBA …
Matthew Maurer - 12/4/2006

Strengths: The next big prospect from China after Yao Ming ... A 7 footer with the agility and coordination of a much smaller player, plus explosiveness rarely found in Asian players ... Has an American style of game, very quick and athletic ... Loves the transition game and gets a lot of highlight dunks ... In the CBA, Yi has made a solid transition from prospect to star player becoming the MVP of his CBA champion Guangdong Tigers team ... Smart player, makes good decisions showing improvement on the offensive end of the floor ... Can face the basket from 12-15 feet and get by bigger players off the dribble as well as knock down shots out to 18 feet with consistency ... Has good shooting mechanics and overall fundamentals ... Seems to have modeled his fadeaway jumpshot after Dirk Nowitzki, and though it's not as accurate, it is extremely tough to defend ... Has good touch around the basket and shows good creativity on the drive ... Plays with solid aggressiveness, competitive player with a high level of energy and intensity ... Grabs rebounds well using his leaping ability ... Solid defensively as a shot blocker, with good timing and possesses good lateral quickness ... Has a fiery side(unlike Yao), if he gets elbowed he will get payback. But by no means is he a hothead or looking for trouble, he's just a competitior ...

Weaknesses: He's a tweener, but a "good tweener" ... Doesn't fit a position perfectly as he's more of a finesse player and too big to play the 3 position, but his combination of size and versatility makes him a very intriguing ... At times can be too laid back on the floor, so raising his intensity level is important ... Has good shooting mechanics but has a slow release... Could become a good shooter but probably never a great shooter ... His hands are a little weak, making it easier for opponents to poke the ball away (Yao Ming has the same problem) ... Needs to continue to gain upper body and arm strength, without losing any quickness ... If he adds additional strength, he will be able to fight for rebounds better ...He has no problems now, but it will be an adjustment to the speed and strength of the NBA ... Also like Yao the adjustment to a much longer season will take time ... The general consensus in China is that he is actually born in 1984 or 1985, meaning he wouldn't enter the NBA until he's actually 25 years of age if he stays in China until his 1987 draft year ... His game has matured to where he needs better competition to push him. He is a superior athlete in China, and lacks a great competition level, so his game is deteriorating to an extent staying in China in such crucial development years ...

Notes: Averaged: 20.5 PPG, 57.41 FG %, 75.08 FT%, 9.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 APG, 2.0 SPG in the 2005-06 season. Flirted with the idea of declaring for the NBA draft, but chose to stay with his Guangdong Tigers team and Chinese Olympic team. Has proven himself against American players in junior competitions (playing well at the ABCD camp in New Jersey) ... Did not perform well at the 2005 Hoops Summit game ...

LINK

And finally a mixtape of him:

Google Video




A player to remember come draft time!!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
angel
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 31 Jul 2004
Posts: 14226
Location: city of angels

PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:45 am    Post subject:

He sounds like a good long-term prospect.
_________________
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that." ~~Martin Luther King Jr.~~
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ArrOhBee
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 20 Aug 2005
Posts: 2344
Location: Long Beach

PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:19 pm    Post subject: Re: Kupchak takes a look at China's Yi Jianlian

Arnie wrote:
Quote:
Kupchak checks out Chinese star
By Ross Siler Staff Writer
Inside SOCAL
Article Last Updated:02/15/2007 11:13:11 PM PST

LOS ANGELES - One of the frustrations of the job for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak sometimes is fighting traffic to attend a college game, only to watch as the player he came to see sprains an ankle or struggles with foul trouble.

But Kupchak was investing more than just a couple of hours on the Southern California highways when he flew to China in late January for a six-day scouting trip.

It was Kupchak's first trip to the country, and he went with a list of three or four prospects to look at. Assistant general manager Ronnie Lester also made the trip, which Kupchak described Thursday as being "worthwhile."

Kupchak could not comment on the players he saw, but 19-year-old forward Yi Jianlian is regarded as a potential first-round draft pick. Jianlian is a 7-footer who would follow Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer and Yao Ming into the NBA.

Kupchak described the Chinese Basketball Association games as being "very competitive" but said he couldn't answer the question of whether a Chinese player might join the Lakers in the next decade.

"In the next 10 years, I could see several Chinese players in the league," Kupchak said. "I couldn't say there'd be 30 or 40, but I can see multiple players in the league. Would one of those guys end up on a Lakers roster? I don't know."

The Lakers took a step toward that end in hiring Gary Boyson, a Hong Kong-based scout, last season. Kupchak hadn't traveled to China before, but has made several trips a year to Europe in the last decade.

"There's a chance that this year one of the players we went to see is going to be in the draft," Kupchak said. "So this was the year \. Next year, although I can see basketball continuing to grow at a healthy rate there, I don't know if there'll be a draftable player."

LINK

Here's NBADraft's profile:
Quote:
NBA Comparison: Pau Gasol

Strengths: Good ball handler who has no problem taking opposing defenders off the dribble … Great finisher around the basket as he is capable of making some impressive dunks on the break … Fundamentally sound player with a decent basketball IQ and court awareness … Rarely does Jianlian force the issue, instead he let’s the game come to him … Unlike many players his size, he is a great free throw shooter …Runs the floor especially well considering his size ... His perimeter shooting is very impressive as he can stretch the defense out to 18-20 feet comfortably … While he doesn’t own many back to the basket moves, Jianlian possesses a consistent turnaround jumper in the post … Does a great job of using his long body and athleticism to make an impact on the boards … Passes out of double teams well due to his court vision and awareness … Excels in an open court offense that promotes fast breaks thanks to his mobility and leaping ability … Rarely gets intimidated when physical play occurs … Although he has been on the NBA draft radar for quite some time, and may be a few years older than his listed age, he appears to still have considerable upside … Defensively he is a solid help defender due to his lateral quickness and wingspan … Possesses quick hands that can disrupt passing lanes …

Weaknesses: There is some concern as to what position he will play in the NBA: He lacks the upper body strength and the back to the basket moves at power forward and is a bit long and rangy for the three … Needs to improve his three point shooting to play minutes to be effective at SF … Despite his vast improvement, Jianlian needs to continue to develop his upper body strength … At this point of his career, he’s more comfortable facing the basket than with his back to the basket … Although he doesn’t shy away from physical contact he can get disrupted with rough post play … Struggles to maintain his position in the low post as opposing defenders tend to push him out … Defensively he will not be the huge shot blocking presence that he is in the China, due to his timing and the speed of the NBA game … Has a habit of putting the ball on the floor to achieve rhythm instead of keeping the ball high away from opposing guards …. Confidence can wavier in games when he’s struggling to score … Although listed as being born in 1987 many within China place him between 1985-1986 … Doesn’t always play defensive with great intensity, he won’t be able to get away with it in the NBA …
Matthew Maurer - 12/4/2006

Strengths: The next big prospect from China after Yao Ming ... A 7 footer with the agility and coordination of a much smaller player, plus explosiveness rarely found in Asian players ... Has an American style of game, very quick and athletic ... Loves the transition game and gets a lot of highlight dunks ... In the CBA, Yi has made a solid transition from prospect to star player becoming the MVP of his CBA champion Guangdong Tigers team ... Smart player, makes good decisions showing improvement on the offensive end of the floor ... Can face the basket from 12-15 feet and get by bigger players off the dribble as well as knock down shots out to 18 feet with consistency ... Has good shooting mechanics and overall fundamentals ... Seems to have modeled his fadeaway jumpshot after Dirk Nowitzki, and though it's not as accurate, it is extremely tough to defend ... Has good touch around the basket and shows good creativity on the drive ... Plays with solid aggressiveness, competitive player with a high level of energy and intensity ... Grabs rebounds well using his leaping ability ... Solid defensively as a shot blocker, with good timing and possesses good lateral quickness ... Has a fiery side(unlike Yao), if he gets elbowed he will get payback. But by no means is he a hothead or looking for trouble, he's just a competitior ...

Weaknesses: He's a tweener, but a "good tweener" ... Doesn't fit a position perfectly as he's more of a finesse player and too big to play the 3 position, but his combination of size and versatility makes him a very intriguing ... At times can be too laid back on the floor, so raising his intensity level is important ... Has good shooting mechanics but has a slow release... Could become a good shooter but probably never a great shooter ... His hands are a little weak, making it easier for opponents to poke the ball away (Yao Ming has the same problem) ... Needs to continue to gain upper body and arm strength, without losing any quickness ... If he adds additional strength, he will be able to fight for rebounds better ...He has no problems now, but it will be an adjustment to the speed and strength of the NBA ... Also like Yao the adjustment to a much longer season will take time ... The general consensus in China is that he is actually born in 1984 or 1985, meaning he wouldn't enter the NBA until he's actually 25 years of age if he stays in China until his 1987 draft year ... His game has matured to where he needs better competition to push him. He is a superior athlete in China, and lacks a great competition level, so his game is deteriorating to an extent staying in China in such crucial development years ...

Notes: Averaged: 20.5 PPG, 57.41 FG %, 75.08 FT%, 9.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 APG, 2.0 SPG in the 2005-06 season. Flirted with the idea of declaring for the NBA draft, but chose to stay with his Guangdong Tigers team and Chinese Olympic team. Has proven himself against American players in junior competitions (playing well at the ABCD camp in New Jersey) ... Did not perform well at the 2005 Hoops Summit game ...

LINK

And finally a mixtape of him:

Google Video




A player to remember come draft time!!!


i want to see him play against americans...
_________________
Mmmm Mmmm Mitch!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Lakerfan 4 Life
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 16 Apr 2001
Posts: 16070

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:13 pm    Post subject: Mitch Kupchak Scouting Yi Jianlian In China

Quote:
One of the frustrations of the job for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is sometimes fighting traffic to attend a college game, only to watch the player he came to see sprain an ankle or struggle with foul trouble.

But Kupchak was investing more than just a couple of hours on the Southern California highways when he flew to China in late January for a six-day scouting trip.

It was Kupchak's first trip to the country and he went with a list of three or four prospects he wanted to see. Assistant general manager Ronnie Lester also made the trip, which Kupchak described Thursday as being "worthwhile."

Although Kupchak could not comment on the players he saw, 19-year-old forward Yi Jianlian is regarded as a potential first-round draft pick. Jianlian is a 7-footer who would follow Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer and Yao Ming into the NBA.

Kupchak described the Chinese Basketball Association games as being "very competitive," but said he couldn't answer the question of whether a Chinese player might join the Lakers in the next decade.

"In the next 10 years, I could see several Chinese players in the league," Kupchak said. "I couldn't say there'd be 30 or 40, but I can see multiple players in the league. Would one of those guys end up on a Lakers roster? I don't know."

The Lakers took a step toward that end in hiring Gary Boyson, a Hong Kong-based scout, last season. Kupchak had not traveled to China before his January trip, although the Lakers have made two or three trips a year to Europe in the past decade.

"There's a chance that this year one of the players we went to see is going to be in the draft," Kupchak said. "So this was the year (to go). Next year, although I can see basketball continuing to grow at a healthy rate there, the competitive nature there, I don't know if there'll be a draftable player next year."


http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_5238582

It's great to see Kupchak scouting players in China. I like this 7 footer.. We should really plan on drafting him.

Here is a Chinese (in China) commercial of him:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4970613079836271270

Here is a mixtape of him:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5733820517329789196
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Fan0Bynum17
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 30 Nov 2005
Posts: 15436

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:15 pm    Post subject:

who could we trade to get him?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
ProjectAB
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 1729

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:25 pm    Post subject:

We'll have to move up to the lottery to get him. I don't think a team will be interested in Kwame, due to his contract, but they might be interested in Ronny or Farmar.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Melon Tea
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 14 Feb 2006
Posts: 1528

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:12 pm    Post subject:

let him get some guns first
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Laker Lurker
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 24 Oct 2002
Posts: 7652

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:04 pm    Post subject: Re: Mitch Kupchak Scouting Yi Jianlian In China

[quote="Lakerfan 4 Life"]
Quote:

But Kupchak was investing more than just a couple of hours on the Southern California highways when he flew to China in late January for a six-day scouting trip.

It's great to see Kupchak scouting players in China. I like this 7 footer.. We should really plan on drafting him.

Here is a Chinese (in China) commercial of him:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4970613079836271270

Here is a mixtape of him:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5733820517329789196


Hope Kupchak is doing some real scouting and not using it as an excuse for taking a vacation on company time and money- see: Sasha Vuljacic and "What I Did On My European Vacation" by Mitch Kupchak.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
KingKoBE_8
Starting Rotation
Starting Rotation


Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 329
Location: The Bay

PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 6:11 pm    Post subject:

STOP! JUST STOP.. why is there even any hope for this guy we have andrew bynum and kareem is training him what more could u ask for. please mitch please can we have a veteran point guard. j. kidd please say its true
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
NestT
Star Player
Star Player


Joined: 05 Jul 2002
Posts: 4327
Location: The Shining City on a Hill

PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:22 am    Post subject:

KingKoBE_8 wrote:
STOP! JUST STOP.. why is there even any hope for this guy we have andrew bynum and kareem is training him what more could u ask for. please mitch please can we have a veteran point guard. j. kidd please say its true


START! JUST START! Why becuase Yi is a PF and Bynum is a true C. We do not have a solid PF much less a projected All-Star. We have hope that Turiaf can recover from his chornic sore hips and develop his game.We may hope that Kwame can develop a J from 15-17 ft.

You don't put all your eggs in one basket.By all means Mitch should pursue favorable trades. He should scout too. He should have all the information at his disposal. What if further injuries give the Lakers the 13th pick and Yi is available at 13?

Can you draft the guy without ever seeing him play? Lets say Mitch passes on him becuase he did not scout him and the guy is the next KG or Dirk.Foolish.

The guy is doing his JOB. He should not be lambasted for it.

As far as Sahsa goes it is also foollish to suggest the Lakers should stop drafting foreingers because of Sasha or Slava. The Lakers have drafted a long line of American Bust too.

Von Wafer,Kareem Rush, Mark Madsen to name a few. Brian Cook is no better than Sasha either.

I am glad they are hiring overseas scouts in Asia and Europe and taking foreing talent more seriously.
_________________
Let the PAB hold out 2 years and walk without his Bird rights if he chooses.

OJ Mayo
Derrick Rose
Nicolas Batum
Michael Beasley
Chase Budinger
Darrell Arthur
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Fan0Bynum17
Franchise Player
Franchise Player


Joined: 30 Nov 2005
Posts: 15436

PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 12:56 am    Post subject:

the only way we're getting YJL is by trade.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
lakerspan
Rookie
Rookie


Joined: 06 May 2006
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:34 am    Post subject:

YI has the good touch of mid range shooting~

Also,his jumping.speed & quickness is very good!!

I think he will be fit for Lakers~


By the way , he has a nick name:Chinese KG~
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Mike@LG
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 10 Apr 2001
Posts: 65135
Location: Orange County, CA

PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 8:10 am    Post subject:

I'm not a big fan of the kid. The team needs interior bulk or elite skill level at that position.

I'd hope for KG instead with a drafted stud wing player.
_________________
Resident Car Nut.

https://lakersdraft.substack.com/

I am not an economic advisor nor do I advise economic strategies or plans.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Kobe24Dynasty
Starting Rotation
Starting Rotation


Joined: 13 Feb 2007
Posts: 368

PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:35 am    Post subject:

lakerspan wrote:
YI has the good touch of mid range shooting~

Also,his jumping.speed & quickness is very good!!

I think he will be fit for Lakers~


By the way , he has a nick name:Chinese KG~


I'd rather have KG
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    LakersGround.net Forum Index -> NBA Draft All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum






Graphics by uberzev
© 1995-2018 LakersGround.net. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.
LakersGround is an unofficial news source serving the fan community since 1995.
We are in no way associated with the Los Angeles Lakers or the National Basketball Association.


Powered by phpBB