His defense doesn't look too poor to me.
Can't see him being any slower than Jerebko and 13 points on 51% fg (and 36.5% on threes) is pretty impressive.
He obviously likes to bang inside too. If the C's scouts think he's worth a shot then it's because of the above
Hardly, comforting, to me, that you endorse a player's defense. You were never bothered by Sully's lack of speed either, yet it is an issue that comes up in games sometimes. No player, is perfect, I get that.
You are aware that his three point shooting, has only improved recently?
http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Mindaugas-Kuzminskas/Summary/9729
Which is a good sign. I would not mind using a 2nd round pick on him.
Though he shows an adequate effort level and solid fundamentals, Kuzminskas's lack of lateral quickness and exceptionally narrow frame will make NBA decision-makers question who he'll be able to defend at the next level. He makes some heady plays in the passing lanes, showing good anticipation skills, but has a hard time denying dribble penetration and isn't able to keep up with players who can string moves together at full speed.
His length allows him to contest shots relatively well, but that may not be enough to compensate for his short-comings at the NBA level. Severely lacking bulk, Kuzminskas' biggest challenge will be adding weight to his narrow frame while trying to improve his lateral quickness in order to not be labeled as a defensive liability. Already you see him struggling with screens and getting posted up by stronger players, and would be a clear cut target to isolate against in today’s NBA.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mindaugas-Kuzminskas-5783/
I've never said Sully was an excellent defender, I just defended him against your unfair and unjustified claims that he's a terrible defender.
It's funny you should bring up Sully because he has the best defensive rating on the team at the moment at 98 per 100 possessions.
You've consistently crapped on him for the last 2 years about his defense (among other things), but he's the starting PF on a team with a top 5 NBA defense. When you're smart with quick hands and can use your body in the post, it makes up for a lot what you lack in speed.
So yeah by your logic, it is, hardly worrisome to me, that you would make a mountain out of a mole hill about a particular player's weaker areas because Sully has proven you completely wrong
Anyway, a 2nd round pick in the late 40's or 50's would be fine with me too.