Comparing draft prospects to established NBA players is about as inexact a science as inexact sciences get. Considering Sekou Doumbouya and his new coach, Dwane Casey, both compared the No. 15 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft to Pascal Siakam, though, perhaps this comparison is the rare one that's not only actually deserved, but could come to fruition once Doumbouya reaches his potential.
Casey, who coached Siakam during the latter's first two years in the league with the Toronto Raptors, sees much of the Most Improved Player of the Year favorite's physical traits and two-way versatility in Doumbouya.
“Similar running the floor and athleticism as far as leaping ability and that type of thing,” he said, per Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. “He’s a jet running the floor like Pascal, so it should increase our speed. His length, his size, his ability to switch positions is something that catches your eye. We have to keep in mind he’s 18 years old.”
Casey's strong track record of player development certainly isn't lost on Doumbouya. The youngest player selected in this year's draft, he alluded to Siakam as not just a success story of Casey's, but also his favorite NBA player.
“I love what do with (young players) and the team, I like what he do with Pascal Siakam, one of my favorite players right now,” Doumbouya said of Casey. “I’m just happy to be here to work with him.”
Doumbouya, a native of Guinea who played Series A ball in France last season, was considered a likely top-10 pick, but fell to the Pistons on draft night. A combo forward with long arms and a strong body at 6-foot-9, he has both the physical gifts and nascent package of skills needed to develop into a quality player in the NBA.
Follow Us
Subscribe