I will be surprised if Payne isn't better than PPat. He's taken over games with his 3-point shooting. PPat never did that in college (and wouldn't have even if he didn't play behind a bunch of freshmen). He's also plays more physical. Payne's senior stat line at MSU: 28 min, .503/.423/.790, 16.4/7.3.
Put me on the Payne Train. He's almost a better stretch four than Love in that he provides pretty solid shot-blocking (but is not nearly as good a rebounder).
Payne's athleticism and shooting is comparable to Patrick Patterson. His physicality is decisive and has room to get stronger and develop a low post game. He'll get drafted within the lottery. Morey could package our 1st+Motiejunas or Asik for a late lotto pick.
OT: Love is a great player who will get what he deserves on his next contract. The naysayers about him are wrong. However: One of the reasons he led the NBA is D-Rebs is he doesn't help protect the lane.
I'd be happy if the Rockets decided to move up for Payne. Staying put and drafting McDaniels wouldn't be too bad either. Despite his low 3pt%, he's decent on catch and shoot and his FT% is really good so its not like he doesn't have a shot. Not to mention his defense is what really makes him a prospect.
With Asik on the move... Mitch McGray is in the tier and is a need as well (we need a 5 with back issues) .............. the Bucks & 76ers both have a pair of really high 2nd round (role players on cheap contracts) Different mock draft have players in the 20's while others have the same player at the top of the 2nd round. Lin & $ for the pair
at 1st year in nba, PPat made 97 shots @16-23 feet FG% 48% Payne made 104 3P as a senior NCAA and their first 3 years ncaa , they had a simliar 3P improvment. maybe PPAt made more
Chad Ford needs an editor, just an intern even. I mean... it's not a huge mistake, but it's pretty glaring. It just seems like he should edit more carefully than someone would on a free blog. If you charge people for content, it should be pretty error-free just in terms of editing. This is all the dude is supposed to be doing for a living. So don't put out that Chicago got Hood at 16 and then show him being drafted by another team at 21. Can't wait to see how this draft shakes out!
