Izan Almansa is a 6’10 220 lbs. Big out of Spain playing for the G-League Ignite. He spent last year with the Overtime Elite and has won 3 straight FIBA MVPs for his age group.
I’m gonna start with a highlight video or two to show something:
Those are some incredibly difficult finishes. Down low Almansa is almost unstoppable, he’s the best rebounder in his class and is a solid passer for his position.
He’s also a bad defender with a body bad for defending. This is a polarizing prospect if there ever was one.
Related:
The Good
Offense
Amazing offensive Rebounder
Can pass well out of double teams
Soft touch
Patient footwork
Seriously look at this footwork
Solid touch but low volume
Will absolutely try to murder defenders
Defense
Controls the Glass
Quick Hands
The Bad
Offense
Not a shooter at all.
Undersized and under strengthened for the Pivot position.
Defense
Too small to be a rim protector, too slow to be a wing.
Projected Draft Range
Almansa is some people’s early favorite for number one. Some like me are on the lower end in the early 20s. If he continues to produce like he has so far and can shore up the defensive worries then he will easily be a lotto pick.
Comparisons
Marvin Bagley III, Amar’e Stoudemire, Julius Randle
Ideal Fits
A team not needing a rim protector but wanting more rebounding is ideal for Almansa. San Antonio would be an absolutely insane fit next to Wemby, Memphis would fit well if he falls down the board a ways, as would OKC next to Chet.
Michael Burns
Founder of HoopSocial. Girl Dad. WNBA stan. Syracuse Orange and Charlotte Hornets fan. Sarcasm is my native tongue. You can follow me on Twitter at @mike_hoopsocial.