Some players lack the skill set required to succeed in the NBA during their first go-round, but they can always make massive improvements over time.
A former Cleveland Cavaliers center believes his revamped game would make him a valuable asset to an NBA franchise.
"Obviously, as a competitor, you want to play at the highest level,” Tacko Fall told ClutchPoints' Sam DiGiovanni on Monday. “I've played in the NBA. I mean, a couple of years ago, I was an NBA player. Now, I'm an even better player. I'm more experienced. My body, like I said, feels much better. I move a lot better and I'm still fairly young. I definitely want to put myself in a position where there's opportunities for me to make it back. But at the same time, I just want to take it day-by-day and focus on the task at hand and just take it as it comes.”
“Skill-wise, I would say. First of all, my shot, free throws — a lot of it was because I had a lot of shoulder tightness, especially when I was in college. I had shoulder surgery. This summer, I really focused on that. Defensively, just being able to get out there a little bit more and recover faster, really work on my body and just making simple plays. My IQ has improved so much."
Fall, who competes in the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers, experienced his most recent NBA action with the Cavaliers during the 2021-22 season. After going undrafted in 2019, the 7-foot-6 center signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Boston Celtics.
Following an impressive summer league showing, Fall secured a two-way contract with the organization. As a member of the Celtics, the Dakar, Senegal native averaged 2.9 points per contest on 75.5% shooting from the field, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks.
In October of 2021, Fall inked a two-way deal with the Cavaliers but only lasted 11 NBA games before getting waived by the franchise. He notched 1.1 points per game on 41.7% shooting from the field, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks.
The 28-year-old pro has always possessed a noticeable size advantage in the paint, but he’s struggled mightily with his lateral quickness, mid-range shooting, and decision-making in the post.
This time, it appears Fall has a game suited for the modern NBA. Fall may be content with playing in the NBL for now, but he has his sights set on an eventual NBA return.
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