Edey has the tools, but needs more

“I haven’t seen enough of him, I saw a little bit last night,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said the day after Purdue fell short in Monday’s title game. “He, to me, offensively will be fine.”

There’s a long history, however, of skilled offensive players at all positions, but especially at the center spot, losing minutes — and even roster spots — due to an inability to defend.

Donovan recalled one such player whose reputation as an elite offensive weapon didn’t take him far due to his shortcomings on the other end of the floor: Jahlil Okafor, who the 76ers took third overall in the 2015 draft, one spot ahead of Kristaps Porzingis.

Donovan loved Okafor as a player. He coached Okafor on the Under-19 Team USA squad that claimed FIBA gold in 2013. Team USA played against Serbia in the championship game, and Okafor had to defend a one-two punch of now-Nuggets MVP center Nikola Jokic and Hornets guard Vasilije Micic.

“Okafor had a really, really hard time defending in pick and roll,” Donovan recounted.

This is the chief concern among those questioning whether Edey can have a successful NBA career.

Opposing guards make a living targeting slow-footed bigs in pick-androll action. If collegiate guards can get by the 7-foot-4 Edey without getting their shot blocked, what happens when it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum or Jalen Brunson with the Edey matchup?

Or what happens when it’s any other quick, high IQ lead guard continually attacking the big man’s feet?

Tom Thibodeau thinks there’s a place for anyone who’s elite at what they bring to the court.

After all, despite everything there is to say about Edey’s lack of speed or lateral quickness, there’s more than enough tape showing a ferocious rim protector patrolling the Purdue paint.

“I think the speed, that’s probably the biggest adjustment coming in from college,” said Thibodeau. “But you’re seeing a lot of pick-and-roll in college now as well. So I think he plays body position really well. He’s got size. I think the rim protection is excellent.

“I can’t say that I watched enough of him to know, but he’s had an incredible career. I think that we’re seeing there’s a place for everybody in the league, whether you’re a small guard or what Jokic has done. So if you’re a good player, you’re gonna find your way into the league and you’re gonna see post-ups, you’re gonna see pick-and-roll. He’s an impressive player.”