Serious question (as I continue to beat this drum): With a proper big man coach, who has higher potential, 23-year old Jusuf Nurcic, or 20-year old Zach Collins?
To me, they are both young, raw and have the potential to be excellent 2-way players. Nurk is better today, but he's also 3 years older and in his 4th NBA season.
Ignoring contract situations, and just focusing strictly on skill set/talent, which as the higher upside? Or more specifically, which one will end up the "better" player (everybody has upside, few reach their maximum potential).
Personally, I like would hate to lose either and think they can co-exist.
But (wait for it), both need proper coaching to reach anything close to their full potential. Nurk's defense has been solid, but he's been a trainwreck offensively. The talent is there, it's the execution that's lacking. He's careless with the ball, is a terrible finisher around the rim for a player of his size and commits way to many unforced turnovers. But, those things are correctable, with proper coaching.
Collins is very young and raw. Again, we see glimspes of the talent. His lack of strength will improve as he bulks up, but he's still very, very raw, commits too many fouls, etc. Again, he NEEDS proper coaching to reach his full potential.
I'm not suggesting we trade one, or the other, just curious, based on where they are today, their ages, strengths and weaknesses, who most people think will have the better career when all is said and done.
BNM