Pretty interesting thread just before the start of the season because we can all put our reputation (or lack of it) on the line now and see later how good/bad we got it.
Here's what I think:
1) Centre Myth: Unless he grows another inch, Kanter will be more suited playing the PF position in the NBA, along side an athletic/long centre (think: Noah, Asik, Chandler). He just doesn't have the length (ala Marc Gasol) or the jumping ability (ala Favors) to play the Centre position in the NBA, IMO. (BTW I think Favors could play the C because of his reach, athleticism and overall defensive ability)
2) Comparison to Kosta: Coming out of college I think Kuofus has the jumper but not Kanter's repertoire of inside moves. Also I think Kuofus is somehow afraid of contact and tends to shy away from it. While Kanter LOVEs contact. He'll get right in there, down low, bump you once/twice, work it inside and score (or get fouled and go to the line - which is also part of his game).
3) Previous plays against NBA players: Don't forget that during the FIBA championships against Germany, Kanter fared pretty well against legit NBA 7 footers in Nowitzki and Kaman, and they're no easy beats (see highlights below). In particular he showed that his inside moves were effective against them and I think that he can only really get better in time.
4) Projection - 5 years time: First up what he won't be. He won't be dominant shot-blocking defensive force. He won't be a rebounding machine. But what I think he can do is continue to develop that crafty inside/outside game not dissimilar to Scola's game. He's has that soft finishing touch inside as well as a developing jumper. So IMO I'll settle on a "more physical Scola". You'll still need to pair him with a shot blocking/long/athletic Centre but he can give you 18pt and 7reb each night (conservative estimate) by just throwing him the ball down low.
Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vadOQ0rBcz8