Case File No.15: Giannis Antetokounmpo

 

Photo Credit: Benny Sieu/USA Today Sports.

Today's case file is Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose size, length, and versatile skills truly makes him a freak of nature. He's a future first ballot Hall of Famer and will go down as one of the best forwards to play the game. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Milwaukee Bucks

Position: Power Forward

HT: 6-11 WT: 243

Nationality: Nigerian-Greek

Credentials:

NBA Champion (2021)

NBA Finals MVP (2021)

2x NBA MVP (2019, 2020)

7x All-NBA

7x All-Star

Defensive Player of the Year (2020)

5x NBA All-Defensive Team

NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Strengths:

-Two-way player

-Team player

-Versatile, rangy

-Great ball handler

-Good passer

-Aggressive driving to the basket

-Absorbs contact and finishes strong

-Good face-up game

-Excellent rebounder

-Good rim protector

-Developing some low post moves

Weaknesses:

-Not a great shooter, particularly from beyond the arc

-Subpar at best free throw shooter

Final Analysis:

Giannis, for the most part, is a nightmare to guard. He's one of the most versatile, rangy players in the league. He plays on both ends; he handles the ball almost like a guard, and with his size, speed, aggression, and athleticism, he's tough to stop once he gets going towards the basket.

He fills up a stat sheet; along with the ability to score, he's a good passer and an excellent rebounder. He usually gets or least flirts with triple doubles. His low post game still needs work, but he is developing some low post moves.

His range, length, and athleticism makes him able to guard multiple positions. While he's not a Myles Turner type of shot blocker, he does a good job protecting the rim, contesting, and altering shots.

He's not a good shooter, particularly from beyond the arc, which enables defenders to take the paint away from him and force him to become a jump shooter, which is easier said than done. He's also not that good at the stripe, which is funny because his free throw percentage was better when was an up-and-coming player versus today.

Giannis has come long a way from when he first came in the league, developing his body as well as his game, and has developed to be not only one of the best players at his position, but in the league. If he develops a respectable jump shot, he's going to be a more dangerous player than he already is.

Case File No.14: Will McDonald IV

 

Will McDonald IV (99). Photo Credit: Erik Verduzco/Associated Press.

Today, I'll open the case file of Will McDonald IV, who despite his lack of size for his position, was dominant in college, and has looked good so far in the NFL. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: New York Jets

Position: Defensive End

HT: 6-3 WT: 241

Credentials:

Big 12 Co-Defensive lineman of the Year (2021)

3x First-team All-Big 12 (2020-2022)

Strengths:

-Athletic, explosive pass rusher

-Incredible spin moves

-Has a nice array of pass rush moves

-Good hand usage

Weaknesses:

-Undersized for the position

-Can get engulfed in the run game due to his lack of size

Final Analysis:

Will reminds me a lot of Robert Mathis, who was also an undersized defensive end that terrorized quarterbacks, with Dwight Freeney's spin move.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had my questions about the Jets drafting McDonald, seeing that they're loaded with pass rushers. Although I think you can never have enough pass rushers, I thought they could've went somewhere else with that pick, seeing that they had other needs.

However, he fits right in with their myriad of pass rushers, and his playing style is perfect for the Wide-Nine alignment that (Jets head coach) Robert Saleh likes to use.

He's undersized for the position, which can make him susceptible to being engulfed in the run game, and needs to bulk up, but without compromising his speed and athletic ability.

Although he's in a crowded defensive line room, from what I've heard about him in training camp, and from what I've seen in the preseason, he has impressed. I don't see him starting right off the bat, but I think his skill set, plus the way Saleh rotates his defensive lineman, he will get snaps, and I think he will be an eventual starter.

Case File No.13: Justin Fields

 

Justin Fields. Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.

Let's look into the case file of Justin Fields. He showed some improvement last season, and if he improves in specific areas that I will point out in the report, I think the Bears may have finally found their quarterback to lead their franchise for years to come. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Chicago Bears

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-3 WT: 228

Credentials:

2x First-team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020)

NFL record for most rushing yards a QB in a regular season game (178)

Strengths:

-Rocket arm

-Dangerous as a runner

-Competitor, doesn't break in adversity

-Overall play improved from his rookie season to last season

Weaknesses:

-Pocket game needs improvement

-Relies too much on his feet

Final Analysis:

Justin showed some improvement from his rookie season to last season. Although his passing numbers wasn't off the charts, he did set career highs in passing yards (2,242), touchdowns (17), and QB rating (85.2).  I think he will surpass those numbers this year.

Where he was most dangerous was when he made plays with his feet. He currently holds the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game, and he's only the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season (1,143).

Although he has made strides within his first two years in the league, I still think his play pocket needs improvement, particularly his timing and accuracy. He looked a bit erratic at times last year.

While rushing statistics were great individually, he relies on his legs too much. To be fair, his protection was lackluster to say the least--he was sacked 55 times last season, the most in the league--but it's not always good to see your quarterback constantly running. that's what coaches have running backs for, or constantly running for his life, so to speak.

Now, I'm not saying he shouldn't use feet at all, just don't overrely on them. I think the best way use someone of Fields' talent is in a more balanced way similar to how the Eagles use Jalen Hurts.

He's not the type of quarterback who's going to sit in the pocket most of the game and pick a defense apart, this is why I think the best way to maximize his skill set is with a more balanced approach--develop at least a respectable pocket game, while still being a threat as a runner.

Of course, there's a possibility that he could develop into a primary pocket passer, but personally, I don't think that's his game. 

He also didn't have a lot of weapons around him the last two seasons, but that has changed this year. If he develops as a pocket passer,  I think the bears will officially have their franchise quarterback they saw when they drafted him.

Case File No.12: Jalen Hurts

 

Jalen Hurts. Photo Credit: Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports.

Today, I look into the case file of Jalen Hurts. After an MVP candidate season, and a valiant effort in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs--you couldn't ask for a better individual performance in a losing effort--I think he's on his way to becoming one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. 

I think there will be more opportunities for him to guide his team to more Super Bowl appearances--particularly wins. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-1 WT: 225

Credentials:

Second-Team All-Pro (2022)

Pro Bowl (2022)

CFP Champion (2017)

Strengths:

-Intangibles are off the charts

-Enough arm strength to make the throws needed

-Showed progress as a pocket passer last season

-Dangerous making plays with his feet

Weaknesses:

-There are still times when he's over reliant on using his legs

-His blue collar style as a runner could make him prone to injuries

Final Analysis:

After an up-and-down production his previous two years, Jalen developed into a more balanced quarterback last season, consistently making plays with his arm as well as his feet. His timing, accuracy, and deep ball vastly improved.

He has developed as a leader of the team whom his teammates, rally around, and want to win for him. He showed tremendous character in the College Football Playoff championship in 2017-18 when he was benched in favor of (now Miami Dolphin) Tua Tagovailoa. I'm sure that wasn't a good feeling, and it wasn't easy to do, but he owned up to not playing well and supported his teammate.

Although he showed more balanced as a passer and runner last season, I still think there are times when he becomes too reliant on using his legs, and his physical style as a runner could make him susceptible to injuries.

Coming off a career year, if Jalen picks up from where he left off last season or better, he and the Eagles are going to be a formidable team for years to come.

Case File No.11: Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton. Photo Credit: Darron Cummings/Associated Press.

 

Today, I look into the case file of Tyrese Haliburton. I like his attitude in terms of his desire to win and help turn a franchise into a winning one. I think the future is bright for this All-Star. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Indiana Pacers

Position: Point guard/Shooting guard

HT: 6-5 WT: 185

Credentials:

NBA All-Star (2023)

NBA All-Rookie Team (2021)

Strengths:

-Can play both guard positions

-Unselfish player and willing leader

-Plays with and without ball

-Great court vision

-Good ball handler who doesn't turn the ball over often

-Can create his own shot, can shoot off the dribble, uses screens and picks to get high percentage shots

-A two-way player

Weaknesses:

-Although he has the height and length to guard bigger guards, he's lightweight, so can get overpowered by them

-Although he's a very good ball handler, he doesn't always create separation from the defender

Final Analysis

I saw the potential and upside in Tyrese when he played for the Sacramento Kings, but he has taken his play to another level since being traded to the Pacers. He's an unselfish player who's not afraid to take the reins of leadership. He wants to win and be a part of turning around a franchise.

He's a two-way player who can play both guard positions and doesn't need the ball to be effective. He can score and facilitate equally. His shooting mechanics isn't textbook, but he makes his shots more often than not, which is what matters. He's a great passer with excellent court vision.

This is one is a bit tricky because I've seen a critique on him that he doesn't create separation from the defender as a ball handler. Now, while I don't see him beat people with crossovers, I have seen him get by people with his first step.

Coming off an all-star season, the scary part is there's more to come from Tyrese. He has the drive to develop as a player, and he will continue to add to his accomplishments.

Case File No.10: Nikola Jokic

 

Nikola Jokic (15). Photo Credit: skysports.com.

Today, I look into the case file of Nikola Jokic (AKA "The Joker"). Reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, as well as a 2x league MVP, the future Hall-of-Gamer is very well capable of adding more to his list of accomplishments. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

 

Team: Denver Nuggets

Position: Center

HT: 6-11 WT: 284

Nationality: Serbian

Credentials:

NBA Champion (2023)

NBA Finals MVP (2023)

NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2023)

2x NBA MVP

5x NBA All-Star

5x All-NBA Team

NBA All-Rookie First team (2016)

Strengths:

-Has an inside and outside game

-An excellent passer with great timing and court vision

-Post game isn't pretty, but it's effective

-Can create his own shot, shoot spotting up, off the dribble, and is adept at making off-balanced shots

-Excellent ball handler

-Not an intimidating shot blocker, but gives effort to protect the rim

Weaknesses:

-Not the fastest or the most athletic

-Can be exploited if you make him work defensively

Final Analysis:

Reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, Nikola has established himself as not only one of the top players at his position, but in the NBA. In a sense, he has reinvented the position. Most wings (shooting guards/small forwards) with good or exceptional ball handling and passing are sometimes referred to as "point forwards," Jokic, due to his position, ball handling and passing skills would be referred to as a "point center". I say he reinvented the position in a way because while he's not the first big man to possess these skills, he is unique in that he constantly post triple doubles, which is almost unheard of for a big man. He nearly averaged a triple double for the season (24.5 PPG, 11.8 REB, 9.8 AST).

His low post game isn't pretty, but it's effective, as he will use a variety of moves or muscle his way to get a high percentage shot. He can kill opponents from the outside, whether from mid-range or beyond the perimeter, and he has a penchant for making off-balanced shots, making it nearly impossible to defend him.

The only downside I see is, although he gets up and down the court at an adequate pace, he's not the fastest or the most athletic. Defensively, he will give effort in terms of protecting the rim, but I think he can be exploited on that side of the court. As great as he is, he's not known for his defense or being a great defender.

At age 28, the scary part is, he's capable of adding more to his accomplishments than listed above. With his inside game, outside range, passing ability and basketball IQ, Nikola is the ultimate weapon.

Case File No. 9: Bryce Young

 

Bryce Young. Photo Credit: Eric Verduzco/Associated Press.

Today, I look into the case file of Bryce Young, who had a decorated collegiate career at Alabama, and became the first overall pick--rightfully so, in my opinion--by the Carolina Panthers. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Carolina Panthers

Position: Quarterback

HT: 5-10 WT: 204

Credentials:

CFB Champion (2020)

Heisman Trophy (2021)

Maxwell Award (2021)

College Player of the Year (2021)

Consensus All-American (2021)

SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2021)

First-team All-SEC (2021)

Second-team All-SEC (2022)

Strengths:

-Primarily a pocket quarterback who has the ability to make plays with his feet

-Has enough arm strength to make all the throws or the necessary throws

-Accurate on short and intermediate throws with great timing and anticipation, has good touch on deep throws

-Poised in the pocket, goes through his progressions before making a decision

-Dangerous as a runner, will also use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket

-Great under pressure and usually makes the right decision under duress

Weaknesses:

-Lacks the size coaches look for in a quarterback

Final Analysis:

I never realized how much Bryce's and USC's Caleb Williams' games were alike until I thought back on their games recently. Some say Caleb is more refined, but I think Bryce is the more refined and polished of the two.

He's primarily a pocket passer who is equally dangerous making plays with his feet. He will typically use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket versus looking to escape the pocket and run. He's accurate with great timing and anticipation on his throws, and is typically smart with the ball.

I couldn't find too many flaws in his game. To me, the only glaring downside is that he's undersized for the position--he was listed at 6-0, 194 pounds in college, now he's listed at 5-10, 204 in the pros--but his play and leadership is so exceptional that most coaches will overlook the lack of size.

In terms of talent and intangibles, I think he has everything one looks for in a quarterback. I've seen at his best, I've seen him at his worst, and he finds ways to get it done. The moment is not too big for him. He's one of the quarterbacks who made my prediction last year come to pass, forgoing college and declaring for the 2023 NFL draft, where he became the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.

Case File No. 8: Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams. Photo Credit: Patrick Hannan/Daily Trojan.

Today, I open the case file of reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, who won so many awards last year, I didn't even list them all below. He's a multi-talented quarterback who could very well win the Heisman again, and as of right now, is projected to be the first overall pick in next year's NFL draft. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-1 WT: 220

College: USC

Class: Junior

Credentials:

Heisman Trophy (2022)

Maxwell Award (2022)

Walter Camp Award (2022)

College Football Player of the Year (2022)

Unanimous all-American (2022)

Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2022)

First-Team All Pac-12 (2022)

Strengths:

-Balanced quarterback; has the ability to make plays with his arm and feet

-Has the arm to make all the throws

-Accurate on short and intermediate throws, has good touch on deep throws

-Poised in the pocket, goes through his progressions before making a decision

-Dangerous as a runner, will also use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket

-Adept at making heads-up plays

Weaknesses:

-Doesn't have the ideal size that most coaches look for in a quarterback

-Tries to do too much at times

Final Analysis

Caleb reminds me of a slightly bigger Bryce Young, but is quicker to use his feet in comparison. Some say he's a more refined version of Young, but I disagree. He makes plays with his arm and feet equally. He's accurate with good timing and anticipation on his throws, and is typically smart with the ball.

He has patience and poise in the pocket, and will go through his progressions before resulting to going outside the script. He will use feet to buy extra time in the pocket versus looking to escape the pocket and run.

Listed at 6-1, 220 pounds, his size is a little less than ideal, but his play is undeniable, and that will make most coaches overlook the lack of size for the position. There are times where I think he tries to do too much. This is a double-edge sword because on one end, this type of effort could be applauded, however, there are times it could cause more harm than good, such as forcing the issue, which could lead to mistakes.

I'll say the same thing about Caleb as I said about Drake Maye: if he picks up from where he left off last season or better, I think he's entering next year's NFL draft, and he's on track to become the first overall pick.

Case File No. 7: Aday Marra

 

Aday Marra (15). Photo Credit: 20minutos.es.

Today, we look into the file of Aday Marra, who recently committed to UCLA, but is already being projected by some as a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Position: Center

HT: 7-3  WT: 245

College: UCLA

Class: Freshman

Nationality: Spanish

Credentials:

ACB All-Young Team

:Strengths:

-Strong low post game

-Has a variety of low post games

-Excellent passer; good timing and court vision

-Stronger than he looks

-Can make mid-range shots when spotting up

-Rim protector, will rotate to block or disrupt shots

Weaknesses:

-Lacks consistency with hustle and looks sluggish at times

-A raw talent who needs more seasoning

Final Analysis:

Aday fits the mold of today's big man as a passer, with the post moves of an old school big man. He has an arsenal of moves in the low post, which makes him hard to defend in or near the paint. He's listed at 245, but he looks smaller. Despite his frail appearance, he usually overpowers players in the post. I didn't see too many jump shots from him, but he has shown to be good from mid-range when spotting up. A pretty good free-throw shooter for a big man--shot around 76% in the FIBA tournament--with good form on his mechanics.

I saw a lack of consistency as far as hustle; there were times where I didn't see him move with up and down the floor with a sense of urgency. A good rim protector who knows how to use his length. I saw plays where he blocked shots without jumping. I'm not sure if it will always be that easy at the next level where there's an abundance of athletic players.

I saw a thumbnail for a video that compared Aday to Nikola Jokic and Pau Gasol, but I'm thinking shades of Pau and Marc Gasol. I can see Jokic as far as court vision and passing ability, but Pau and Marc were good passers as well.

I think Mara has a really high ceiling, but he's a work in progress. I think at least a year of college will do him some good as far as development. If he can put everything together at UCLA sooner than later, I can definitely see him as a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft.

Case File No. 6: Drake Maye

 

Drake Maye (10). Photo Credit: tarheelswire.usatodaycom.

Today, we open up the file of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, whom I project to be a Top Five pick in next year's NFL draft, if he picks up from where he left off or better. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-5 WT: 220

College: North Carolina

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Credentials:

ACC Player of the Year

ACC Offensive Player of the Year

ACC Rookie of the Year

ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year

First-Team All-ACC

Strengths:

-Has the arm strength to make all the throws

-Accurate

-Good touch on his deep throws

-Has good placement on his short, intermediate throws

-Great pocket presence; goes through his progressions, usually makes the right decisions

-Able to extend plays from the pocket with his footwork

-Can make throws under pressure

-Has mobility for a guy his size

Weaknesses:

-Being smarter when becoming a runner; tends to take unnecessary hits

-Although his accuracy is there for the most part, he had moments where he underthrew or threw past open receivers

Final Analysis:

There was a quarterback competition between Drake Maye and Jacolby Criswell in the spring of last season, but by Week Zero, not only did Drake win the job, but he took it and ran away with it.

There is plenty to like from Drake's tape. Although this was his first season as a full-time starter, for the most part, he looked like a veteran out there. He did ease up on the risky plays (i.e. taking unnecessary hits) as the season progressed, but this was an issue at the beginning.

I also saw at times when he made poor throws to open receivers. Now, I understand every throw is not going to be the perfect throw, that's a lofty expectation, to say the least, for any quarterback, but it's an area where he can improve.

All in all, I'll say the same thing about him heading into this season as I said about Bryce Young and CJ Stroud last season: if he picks up from where he left off or better, I don't see him returning to North Carolina for another season. I think he will enter the NFL draft next year, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's a Top Five pick.

Case File No. 5: Anthony Richardson

 

Anthony Richardson. Photo Credit: coltswire.usatoday.com.

Today, I look into the case file of Anthony Richardson, a freakish athlete who could become more than dangerous than he is if he puts everything together. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-4 WT: 244

Strengths:

-Rocket arm, can make all the throws

-Freakish athlete

-Can deliver throws under pressure

Weaknesses:

-Pocket game needs more polish

-Must be smarter as a runner

Final Analysis:

Anthony is one of those players I understand why coaches would covet him and risk picking him early in a draft. He has all the physical tools: strong arm, the ideal size most coaches look for. He's a freakish athlete; he's listed at 6-4, 244 and runs a 4.43 in the 40. That's blazing speed for any player, but especially for a guy his size. He can run over you or he can run past you.

However, although his pocket game did improve somewhat last season compared to the season before, his pocket presence still needs work, particularly when it comes to timing and decision making. He needs to be smarter with the ball when using his feet in terms of not taking unnecessary hits, knowing when to use the sideline.

Based on his potential/upside, I see why the Indianapolis Colts took the risk of picking him fourth overall in the NFL draft, but personally, I think he should've stayed in school at least one more year. He's talented, but he's raw. If he improves from the pocket, he might be the most dangerous quarterback picked in this draft.