Throughout the course of NBA history, there have been a few big men whose scintillating dunks have left every spectator in the room with their jaw hanging in awe of what they just witnessed. 'The Rainman', Shawn Kemp, was one. More recently, prime DeAndre Jordan's earth shattering dunks put countless NBA players on a poster. Yoan Makoundou is a French big man cut from this same cloth. In fact, upon reviewing his tape for this report, I came across several raw displays of athleticism that I had never seen before at any level. After watching his highlights, you too may be convinced that the etymology of 'Makoundou' has something to do with dunking a basketball. With all of that said, given the fact that he only started playing basketball as a teenager, Yoan is still very much a work in progress on both ends of the floor, but is developing rapidly (scoring over 15ppg on 80.6% shooting & 7.2rpg in 25mpg in his last 5 contests), having transitioned from Cholet's U21 squad in 2019 to Cholet's A team in 2020.
While he is clearly still developing on the offensive side of the ball, Yoan is a dynamic finisher around the hoop, whose electric dunks can alter the momentum of a game. In terms of his role, Yoan projects as a pick and roll energy player at the NBA level, and should be utilized in the same way as Clint Capela. He is extremely agile with his rim runs, which often lead to leak ahead alley oops, and generally open up the game for his teammates. In transition, Makoundou runs the floor and the threat of Yoan's thunderous dunks opens up the game for corner 3's. While Yoan must work to consistently square up when setting screens (properly anticipating contact), he will be an excellent pick and roll option at the NBA level. He is already adept at slipping screens, and has good P&R instincts.
Given the fact that he is still learning the game, Makoundou must continue to develop his jump shot. While he has demonstrated that he can connect from the midrange, he must work on maintaining consistent mechanics.
Yoan also must become a more proficient outside shooter. While his 37.5% three point shooting percentage this season has been encouraging in the glimpses we have been given, Makoundou does not take many 3pt FG attempts. And, oddly, the vast majority of his makes come from the right free throw line extended area - he will have to shift to the corner three for spacing purposes at some point.
In terms of his post moves, Yoan's footwork is still a work in progress, but he already has a back to the basket, faceup half hook.
He is efficient in his movements and does a nice job of both drawing contact and finishing at the rim.
On the glass, Makoundou is physical boxing out and has a very good nose for the ball. His exceptional length (7'3 1/2'' wingspan) and athleticism are evident on both the offensive and defensive glass, where he is able to finish plays off with tip dunks or snatch the ball out of the air, cueing Cholet's fast break offense.
While he does not exhibit tremendous vision, Makoundou is a willing passer, particularly on the interior. At the NBA level, Yoan will need to react quicker to double teams, connecting with open perimeter shooters and shifting the defense.
On the defensive end, Makoundou has the potential to thrive at the highest level due to his dangerous combination of length, speed, and quick leaping ability. He is a very productive shot blocker (averaging 1.4bpg over his last 5 games) and is a menace as a help-side defender. Some of his defensive recoveries are truly astounding and he does an excellent job of avoiding players' bodies.
With all of this said, Makoundou is still very much a work in progress defending the pick and roll. He often gets caught in no man's land, not picking up the cutter or jumping the screen to contest the man with the ball.
While he is effective closing out on three point shooters and often is able to block jump shots, he must work to display consistent effort moving his feet to defend guards when he is forced to switch onto them.
Despite good lateral quickness for his size, he must do a better job of moving his feet (in a stance) and beating the offensive player to the spot, guiding his man away from the basket.
Given his experience level, though, these tendencies are certainly correctable and he has made some progress.
Overall, Yoan Makoundou is a late developing, hyper athletic big man with a developing floor game and the raw tools to succeed in the NBA. His potential on both the defensive end and in the pick and roll game will be coveted, and he should climb up the draft boards, particularly in light of his recent performances.
(Image Courtesy of cholet.maville.com; Video Courtesy of lnb.tv)
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