I think you’re overstating that a little bit. Most dominant college freshman big man, maybe (although Michael Beasley, if you consider him a big man, has something to say about that). He’s been incredible since he’s had his minutes bumped up.

He’s definitely worlds better than Favors at one end of the floor, at least. He’s not the world’s best defender, and it has to do with physical limitations as well as inconsistent effort. His lateral footspeed is going to be more of an issue at the next level, especially with the lack of a zone and the high use of pick and roll in the NBA vs the college game.

I see a whole lot of potential in Favors to improve offensively, and some of that is just putting him in a better situation. Paying with Lawal and those guards have really hurt his stats, IMO.

This is going to be one of those interesting comparisons to look back on in 4 years. I’ll readily admit that Cousins has the significantly better offensive potential. That’s not the entire part of the player, either skillwise or mindset, that I look at, though.

Frankly, I’d LOVE to draft Cousins, and if we had the 5th pick and got that talent I’d be excited. But I’d be significantly concerned, as well.

me, it was a year ago.

I think Cousins will put up big number ala Zach Randolph, but I don’t think he’s someone you build a champion around.

i was – but my basketball talent peaks as starter for a small high school that couldn’t even reach .500

So should we throw out all personality red flags ?

can we wait for a player to hit 25 or 26 to mature? He’ll be in the league 5-6 years by then.

Even looking past the maturity red flags (of which there are plenty), if Cousins turns out to be neither a great defender or passer, how high is his upside really ?