Lucas “Bebe” Nogueira is the best NBA prospect to come out of Brazil since Nene. He is an absolute physical specimen who has all of the physical characteristics NBA scouts drool over. He measured out at 6’10” with shoes at the 2011 Addidas Eurocamp, under his expected height. He has a 7’4” wingspan making his standing reach 9’3”. He leaps really well and has exceptional athleticism for the center position.
What NBA scouts don’t like about Nogueira is his maturity. Many question his passion for the game. In addition to the softer skills, Nogueira does not posses a polished offensive game. His shot motion needs to be overhauled and he does most of his scoring on dunks and put-backs. Nogueira cannot put the ball on the floor.
Nogueira uses his above average athleticisc to rebound the ball very well. He is an elite shot blocker. Shot blocking is his best NBA ready skill.
NBA Ready Skills:
- Shot blocking
- Interior defense
- Rebounding
Weaknesses:
- Maturity
- Offensive game
- Shot
- Handle
NBA Comparison:
- Hassan Whiteside
Nogueira will struggle to get minutes with an NBA club. He is a perfect candidate to work on his game in the D-League. Given his physical skills and aggressiveness playing interior defense, I suspect Bebe will be drafted in the first round and given a few years to develop in the states.
