It’s been awhile since Georgetown had a center this spectacular but freshman Thomas Sorber is the real deal. In fact, he’s arguably the best player at his position, regardless of draft class. This isn’t the only reason why the Atlanta Hawks, who are looking to trade center Clint Capela, need to consider drafting the 19-year-old this summer. However, prospects that are as talented as Sorber don’t just fall off trees.
Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber Is Hawks’ Clint Capela Replacement
The Hawks would be fortunate if Sorber fell into their nest.
With the Los Angeles Lakers looking more than mortal this season, he should. The Lakers’ 2025 first-round pick, which is owed to Atlanta, is currently slotted at 23rd. Just 4.0 games in either direction separates them from being projected to pick 17th or 25th. Assuming they were to send the Hawks a mid-to-late first round pick, he might still be on the board for a variety of factors.
Most importantly, Sorber is still a relatively unknown commodity. People are starting to pay more attention to him, so he could rise up boards even closer to Draft Day. However, he isn’t a player most scouts were hyping up prior to the season. Big men like Maryland’s Derik Queen and Georgia’s Asa Newell will likely still go ahead of Sorber, among several other prospects.
Aside from the possibility that preseason draft boards won’t shift too heavily, centers have been steadily devalued in the league. As a result, teams could focus on perimeter prospects in the lottery, causing players like Sorber to slide.
Scouting Thomas Sorber
As the saying goes — men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t lie. In 2024-25, Sorber’s averaged 14.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game –highlighting his all-around skillset.
Offense
At 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds, Sorber can score inside and out. He has graceful footwork, a soft touch, and confidently uses his frame to establish position down low. He can face-up from the midrange as well, reminiscent of players like LaMarcus Aldridge. Though he’s not the most efficient from outside, shooting 18.8 percent from three, he has upside in that area as well.
His passing might be even more impressive than his scoring ability, as he’s a quick processor with pinpoint precision. Whether he’s in the post, at the top of the key, or inbounding, he’s a threat to get an assist. There are times in which he decides to call his own number instead of hitting a teammate, even if guarded by multiple players. However, as he’s shooting 51.2 percent from the field, he seems to have a good feel of when to.
There’s a bit of variance in his aggressiveness at the offensive end. However, rather than a lack of mental fortitude, it’s a reflection of his maturity as a player. Because he’s a physical presence at both ends of the court, Sorber can easily force the issue. Yet, he typically plays under control, his basketball IQ ahead of the curve.
Defense
He’ll offer far more variety than Capela offensively, particularly because of his playmaking ability. With that being said, as Capela’s replacement, how Sorber looks defensively matters quite a bit. Though the veteran has declined with age, it’s where he’s been the most valuable for the Hawks.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Sorber looks more than solid at that end.
As a shot-blocker, he has a knack for jumping straight up, allowing him to protect the rim without fouling. When asked to step out the paint, he isn’t necessarily stopping ball-handlers from getting into the lane. However, he suffocates them with his length, forcing them into tough shots and decisions. Furthermore, he has enough mobility and coordination to keep up with them laterally or recover in time to block the shot. He doesn’t bite, he blankets.
Frankly, due to his combination of size and skill, it’s possible he eventually outplays Onyeka Okongwu for his starting spot. To some, it might even be probable.
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The post Hawks’ Clint Capela Replacement Plays For Georgetown appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.