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08:04 AM ET 09.05 | In a list that includes names such as Augusto Cesar Lima, Nemanja Nedovic, Dario Saric and Alex Abrines, France's Rudy Gobert may wind up being the first overseas player taken in the 2013 NBA Draft. While it's still very early in the process, draft experts are already pretty well in agreement that Gobert is a likely lottery pick in 2013. At 6'11" he's already got NBA height, but it's his 7'9" wingspan that has scouts drooling. So he's obviously long, but he's still got a long ways to go as an NBA big man prospect. He shoots a high percentage, but that's because most of his scores are on dunks. ... Gobert has [size], length, and athleticism galore, which is why he's one of the most exciting prospects in Europe right now.

2012 No. 1 pick Anthony Davis, Icon Sports

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September 5, 2012 08:13 AM ET

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Darko V2.1!!!!

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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September 5, 2012 08:48 AM ET

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Lets hear the cliched "Bust" BS... And the "Europe breeds softies..." etc... BTW, what's the story with those cats who were hating on Rubio?

Spizzy

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September 5, 2012 09:10 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:51 AM ET 09.05 by jgb

no point in speculating about him-there has only been a handful of euro bigs that have EVER been productive in the NBA and all have taken time to develop. If/when he comes over and laces em up, we can discuss

I assume by bigs we mean Centers / PFs? There are more elite active bigs who have their roots in Europe than in the States... Gasol Bro's / Dirk top the list whilst States side we're looking at Howard / Bynum... Granted, it usually takes the Europeans longer to get their footing in the league...

Spizzy

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September 5, 2012 09:15 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:13 AM ET 09.05 by ESPN

Darko V2.1!!!!

Oh and for every Darko, there's a Sam Bowie... I don't think Geographic location has anything

Spizzy

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September 5, 2012 09:35 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:48 AM ET 09.05 by Spizzy

Lets hear the cliched "Bust" BS... And the "Europe breeds softies..." etc... BTW, what's the story with those cats who were hating on Rubio?

What did Rubio do last season? Oh thats right...he got hurt and didnt finish the season. For every Rubio there are at least 2 others we dont remember anymore

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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September 5, 2012 12:37 PM ET

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We'll take the French and the Spanish... but we WON'T take the Irish!

h2opololpunk

Gainesville, FL

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September 5, 2012 01:35 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:20 AM ET 09.05 by jgb

......there aren't many that have come over and been more than role scrubs......

But the problem is......that in the last 20 years, most big men (period) have been little more than "role scrubs".....

Retired Army in San…

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September 5, 2012 06:03 PM ET

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Another Johan Petro waiting in the wings....someone reading this is gonna say "who" and go look him up I promise ha

yungpyro

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September 6, 2012 02:09 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:20 AM ET 09.05 by jgb

yes- bigs = c's and pfsand I'd even including dirk in that-there aren't many that have come over and been more than role scrubsyou named three- that's not so manysmits? sabonis? not many in the last 20 years, considering how many have been drafted

Well lets say there aren't many great bigs period... Other than Bynum / Dwight / Marc Gasol who else is a great center?

Spizzy

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September 6, 2012 01:06 PM ET

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I'll believe it when I see it. Haven't seen a Euro big man worth his salt, Dirk included. Show me one that can bang with the best of the NBA & maybe I change my mind. He'll also have to score & plat tough defense, but that's just me!