Cunningham and White

[BRNC]

I went back and pulled the evaluations (before the draft) on Cunningham and analysis from DraftXpress on DJ White last year so we could get a feel for them:

Dante Cunningham NBA Comparison: George Lynch

Strengths: The standard bearer for development over the length of a collegiate career. His work ethic and desire to improve cannot be questioned ... He transformed himself from a scrappy, hustle, workingman's player into a polished offensive player and top scoring option on a final four team ... Named Big East Most Improved Player for the 2008-2009 season, increasing his PPG from 10 to 16 ... His mid range jumper from 15-19 feet is his ticket to the NBA ... He has a fluid, effortless stroke and quick release ... He seems destined to fill the role of a floor-spacer with an automatic jumper (a byproduct of his tireless work ethic and desire) ... Has a nice post game repertoire and fade-away jumper ... Shows excellent footwork in the paint ... Constantly active on offense, always moving in and out of spots, looking for openings ... Runs the floor exceedingly well and has a never-ending motor ... Routinely beats the opposition up and down the floor ... Always chases down what appear to be breakaway layups, coming up with some highlight reel swats ... Big wingspan gives him an edge on the glass and defensively ... Possesses good timing on shot blocks, averaging 1.2 as a Senior ... Versatile defender with superb lateral quickness: has the ability to guard much smaller players on the perimeter ... Plays his guts out for the duration of every game. Willing to do the dirty work and whatever it takes to win ...

Weaknesses: At 6-8, 230 lbs doesn't appear to have the have the size or bulk to play power forward at the next level. Doesn't possess the offensive skill set to play on the wing ... His ball handling is subpar for a wing player ... Needs to add more variety to his face up game. He either jab steps and takes a jumper, or puts his head down and bull rushes with his right hand ... Lacks any range. Has not shown three point range at the college level, taking only two three point attempts his entire career ... Cunningham is a solid athlete, but not overwhelming ... Lacks any serious explosion ... Had his shots sent back quite often in Big East play ... Will certainly have difficulty getting shots off inside against taller, more athletic competition ... Averaged 7.5 boards as a result of heart and hustle, but is not particularly quick off the floor ...

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/dante-cunningham

DJ White...January 6, 2010
Second-year Oklahoma City Thunder allocation player D.J. White was one of the more impressive players we've seen in our two days here, and also one of the more intriguing from an NBA standpoint, showing us precisely why he was a first round pick. Clearly the strongest player in the game, White used his well-built body and solid athleticism to just out-pursue and out-muscle the opposition on the glass and in the post. He finished the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds on 8-13 shooting in 41 minutes of action.

White serves a great purpose here at this Showcase from our perspective, as he provides a clear barometer for what an NBA player actually looks like, and is an excellent measuring stick for which to evaluate other big men D-League prospects off of.

Offensively, White looked deadly from the 15-20 foot range, hitting quite a few shots on the game, including at least one contested fade-away. He also showed prowess in the post with a nice drop-step, as well as finishing with an explosive dunk on a pick-and-roll. Despite not being the quickest or most explosive athlete around, he covers long strides with his moves, and is capable of elevating around the rim and converting thanks to his terrific length when given time to gather himself.

Defensively, White is extremely vocal, makes all the rotations, and definitely still brings the defensive intensity he showed as a senior at Indiana. He's a bit lacking in terms of lateral quickness, which can lead to him getting beat in the post and on the perimeter by quicker foes, but he uses his length and strong base very well to be an effective overall defender.

White has already played rotation minutes in stretches with the Thunder the past two seasons, and might've been more of a regular there if not for various injuries he's suffered since being drafted. He's getting some good experience in this stint in the D-League, and definitely has the potential to break into the Thunder rotation as the season goes on, where he surely will be called back to the NBA at some point.
Best Case: Leon Powe
Worst Case: Jackson Vroman

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/...#ixzz1EwRqq2t8
http://www.draftexpress.com

[Black]

Said it in another thread, I like White. And I think Cunningham could be productive if he gets a shot.

[BRNC]

I think they are both worth a look...who knows...we might get lucky...

[SWedd523]

Neither one will get burn so long as Diaw and Tyrus are on the roster.

[BRNC]

Neither one will get burn so long as Diaw and Tyrus are on the roster.

probably true...unless Oak kills "Doris"...which could happen you know...

[Black]

I don't think that's true. With Wallace gone, Diaw is our best second option at the 3. This should open up some time at the 4 for either White or Cunningham. Not to mention, with the roster as is, we might have to play some really small lineups at times. Who knows though, it comes down to how Silas wants to play them.

[BRNC]

It is possible they might decide to bring "Doris" in as the 6th after TT returns...use "Doris" at the 3 to back up Jack also...could happen but "Doris" would pout like he did with the Suns...

[GoBobs]

you know a guy is a scrub when his best case is Leon Powe

[teej]

you know a guy is a scrub when his best case is Leon Powe

If it weren't for the knee injury, he'd still be a force on the C's. My boy, man, you insulted my boy!

But yeah, I know what you mean.

[frontpager]

being compared to Leon Powe wasnt bad at the time. Powe was solid until he tore his ACL twice. Cunningham should get solid playing time as a backup 3/4. He can definetly guard the 3 position, however he should be playing 4 on offense. He should get some playing time for the Cats and im excited about him because he would work out well for our team. He is strong and has nice mid range J. DJ White has nice touch around the rim but no lift, he is nothing more than a solid 11th man. He is not better than Eddie, Dante, Boris, or TT. Dante should play well though and we should be excited about him.