Generally speaking, I've always been a fan of the best player available approach (and I do think that's DM's plan going into the draft). If I were to hone in on something more specific, though, I would definitely target one of those project 4/5's. It's seemingly easy to find adequate rotation players that play the 1-3 but it's finding a quality center that continues to elude us. With our depth, I'd rather take our two 1st-rounders and move up high enough to snag a project big that has potential to play the 5. Assuming we don't stash him overseas, it would be nice to have a high upside center on the roster right away. Of course, I am well aware that you can't go into an NBA season with this project + Thabeet + Yao (re-signed) as your center rotation. That's a recipe for disaster but at the same time Chuck + Thabeet + Yao isn't exactly a "safe" strategy either. In that scenario, something's gotta give...I guess. Other thoughts: -Kemba Walker would be VERY hard to pass on. We don't really need a PG but you can tell for as great as Kemba has been he's also an NBA player trapped in the college game (i.e. John Wall Syndrome). If he's this good now, just wait.... (I don't think Kemba has Wall's upside, I just think it's a relevant comparison) -The only player mentioned in this thread that I found appalling was Jimmer Fredette. I respect his game and what's he accomplished, but I don't see an NBA player. If he's taken in first round I highly doubt he'll ever sign a second NBA contract. -I really wish I had some sort of exposure to this Perry Jones kid. I've seen the highlight reels and they look impressive (as any highlight reel is capable of doing). Definitely a name I'll keep an eye on. In the meantime, I'll be hoping he's not another tweener with issues (i.e. Anthony Randolph) Some potential late-round steals: JaJuan Johnson, Marshon Brooks, Nolan Smith, Cam Long (George Mason)
I am not a huge Fredette fan, but I think he will at least carve out a non rotation 3 point specialist role on some team.
Unfortunately, that's about his best case scenario, IMO. Not hating on the guy -- I know he can score. I just don't think he has a position on the next level nor do I think he'll ever be considered anything other than a defensive liability. But hell, who knows. Stranger things have happened. I just hope he's drafted accordingly.
The only thing about that is he's a volume shooter. I don't watch him that closely, but I imagine that he misses a few, then finds a groove and hits several in a row. Will he be able to find the same rhythm in the NBA when he will be touching the ball less than half the time he does now?
Big Board Basically, it's these 6 and then the rest of the field 1. PG Kyrie Irving 2. F Derrick Williams 3. F Perry Jones 4. C Enes Kanter 5. SF Harrison Barnes 6. PF Jared Sullinger After that, it's kind of a crapshoot. Terrence Jones, Alec Burks, and Brandon Knight are the best of the rest IMO. I wouldn't touch any of the Euro players.
The huge minus to Perry Jones is he is a lamebrain with poor judgment. He will be a huge disappoint in the NBA. He may very well have a career based on his talent but he will underachieve at best. And he has the possibility of being a huge bust. He just doesn't have the mentality of a pro and never will. He's too mentally corrupt, makes bad decisions, surrounds himself with the wrong people, etc. Another Lloyd Daniels.
Are you just making stuff up? Honestly, Lloyd Daniels?? "Mentally corrupt"? I literally caught myself making the "Not sure if serious face" while reading your words. I'm sorry dude, but your scouting report is completely inaccurate. Nothing that you said is a fair assessment. The biggest knock on PJ3 is his softness. He is simply too nice. Please refer to the NYT write up on him. A good read, and good insight. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/magazine/mag-13Player-t.html
Yeah, you levied some serious allegations there jopat. I hope you have some inside knowledge of the situation and aren't just guessing about the kid's friends from his on-court play. I mean the kid's only 19 and you're claiming he'll never get it -- seems premature, no?
That's a great read! This part I found fascinating for a 6'11 guy... If this guy's dribbling ability is that good, to the point were he can play some stints at point guard, I feel it would be a waste of his talent to just play him on the block. I mean just because his 6'11, doesn't mean he has to be just a post player. IF we somehow manage to trade up and get our hands on this kid, I'd be open to experimenting at playing this kid at the 3 spot ala Kevin Durant(who's 6'10 himself).
I expect he'll be a bench player that will play well with being a role player instead of the guy that is being guarded. I just hope someone drafts him before Miami.
I think just the opposite -- keep him at the PF spot!! What other PF would be able to do what he does? Nobody. Why would you want to negate his advantages by playing him at the three? Durant was a great shooter from the outside as a freshman; Jones is no where near that level. Put him in the post and let him use his quickness/handles to blow past anyone who tries to check him 15ft from the basket. I hate how people want to turn every PF that can shoot or dribble into a SF (see Derrick Williams).
Hah, true. I should have said very few PFs could do what he does. I still think moving him to the SF spot negates those advantages though.
With the Phoenix/Orlando pic, I think we should pick up Keith Benson out of Oakland. He kind of reminds me of Jason Thompson with some post moves.
Completely agree. Anyway, here's some more draft related stuff: NBA Draft Prospect of the Week: Harrison Barnes (including video breakdown): http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Harrison-Barnes-3648 NBA Today: Ryen Russillo and Chad Ford discuss the top prospects for the NBA draft. (draft talk from 10:15-47:12) MP3: http://c.espnradio.com/audio/532033/nbatoday_2011-03-16-110633.mp3 Stream: http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=6223507&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO I also recommend the Perry Jones video breakdown by DX.
Enes kanter If we can move into the top 5 and target sacrementos pick tht would be ideal. I think enes kanter should be our number one priority. A center we can bring in to start.
"Ricky Rubio will be a superstar in the NBA" Jopatmc The truth is that Rubio is barely even an average Euroleague player, and really he is a mediocre player at the Euroleague level.
