Tekele Cotton

[WSUwatcher]

Winning, intelligence and competitiveness are horrifically undervalued in the NBA. That's not to say that you will win with a team of role players, but anyone that makes Tekele a part of their team automatically gets better right then and there.

Depends on the team, Doc. Not by San Antonio, which is one of the keys to their success over the years; and not by this year's Warriors, coached by former Spur Steve Kerr. Curry gets all the attention, and he's a great player -- but Draymond Green, with his toughness and all the qualities you mentioned, has been almost equally as key to their excellence this season. Green, of course, is from Michigan State, where they play pretty angry too, and interestingly enough was only a second round choice who made the team his first season despite not shooting a lick, and who has been improving his shooting and expanding his role ever since. He's also a 230 pound small forward, so more of a natural in terms of NBA size than Tekele (or, I suppose, a pass rushing outside linebacker compared to Tekele the strong safety). But he's still a role model in that he was a guy outside the first round who came into the league not shooting well at all but doing enough other good stuff to stick and then stay around to improve.

Cotton needs to work on his consistency shooting the three, but I agree that he'd be an asset anywhere, even just in camp or in practice. And he can use Green's experience and success as an inspiration.

[shockmonster]

Winning, intelligence and competitiveness are horrifically undervalued in the NBA. That's not to say that you will win with a team of role players, but anyone that makes Tekele a part of their team automatically gets better right then and there.

Generally you are correct. The NFL, NBA and other leagues make so many assumptions based more on how high you can reach, how fast you are, etc. and less on what you showed when playing against people. Therefore we have players who don't know how to pass, screen out, play defense, shoot free throws, tackle in the open field, go get loose balls, and many of the little things that help you win. If Cotton can continue to grow as a shooter, he should have a chance.

[ShockdaWorld]

Has anybody heard how the workout went? I have no idea what kind of contacts you need to get that sort of information other than directly from the player.

[Dave Stalwart]

Has anybody heard how the workout went? I have no idea what kind of contacts you need to get that sort of information other than directly from the player.

It was gruesome. People were struggling to get open, missing shots, having passing lanes denied and getting the ball stolen which led to fast break windmill dunks. People were crying. The only person who wasn't emotionally drained afterwards was Tekele. He was quoted as saying, "this was easier than a HCGM practice AFTER a big win with a week before the next game."

No, I suppose I haven't heard anything yet either, but one can assume...

[TxShox]

According to Jacob Albracht, Tekele is in Houston today for a workout with the Rockets.

[ShockdaWorld]

Would be fun to watch him practice against the beard a couple of times.

[shock]

An immoveable object meets an unstoppable force. The problem is that Tekele is both, and Harden would be left crying in the corner.

[ShockdaWorld]

Tekele is working out today for the Raptors at the Air Canada Centre according to his management group.

[_kai_]

http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/draftworkouts-061815

[Jhook89]

According to Jacob Albracht, Tekele is in Houston today for a workout with the Rockets.

He would be a great fit in Houston. Playing next to Harden he would be required to handle the ball as much. They would use him kind of like they do Beverly. Play great D and occasionally knock down a shot when open.

[Kung Wu]

http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-rel...orkouts-061815

From the video on that page, sounds like there was lots of emphasis on R.J. Hunter. Hard to say if that's just media interest though.

[TxShox]

Per Jenn Bates, add the Pistons to the list of teams who Tekele has worked out for.

[Jhook89]

Any news on cotton being picked up on a summer league team?

[mjbaker84]

was going to ask the same thing for cotton and carter?
Any news on either?

[mjbaker84]

Court Surgeons @courtsurgeons 4h
Just finished night session with former #WichitaState guard Tekele Cotton before he leaves to play with #OKCThunder in the #NBASummerLeague