Chris Monter On Tsakalidis

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

3. Iakovos Tsakalidis 7-2 220 Greece
Tsakalidis is European big man who did not play basketball until he was
16 or 17, but he has developed quickly. He has better strength than many
fellow European centers and has been compared to Arvydas Sabonis. His
team, AEK Athens won both the Saporta Cup and Greek Cup this season. He
does not have many offensive moves and his shooting range is less than
15 feet. He is a good rebounder, but he is not the shotblocking threat
you would expect. He is a solid defender who has good passing skills.
Tsakalidis runs the floor well and averaged 9.2 points on 59% shooting
and 6.9 rebounds. His contract status could tie him to his Euroepan team
for four more seasons, but most observers feel that the contract could
be bought out, if necessary. Tsakalidis is a likely late lottery pick.

(Tsakalidis sounds pretty good. Trade Walker for Swifty and that will
solve the shotblocking deficiency...)
Ray