Would anyone else be upset if the Rockets come out of this draft with another undersized 2-guard? I feel like we haven't had a 2 who was even close to average height for the position since we traded Cuttino. This draft doesn't have too many of these types of undersized 2s, but I could see JVG reaching for one at one of our picks. While getting somebody like Roy is looking less and less likely, wouldn't it be wise to prioritize getting size in the back court?
I would be pretty upset, especially if we passed on a Rodney Carney, Redick, or Shelden Williams to do so. We already have Head who is an undersized SG. I think we really need to add some size and athleticism in our backcourt.
There's a possibility Redick may measure out a shade under 6'4" (his listed height at Duke). If so, would you consider him another undersized guard prospect? I'd only take him if a more athletic, taller 2 with promise or solid 4 is around at our pick.
Actually Cuttino wasn't especially tall for a Two. Though he's listed at 6'4, i've seen him many times in person and doubt he's over 6'3. Thats exactly the height of Luther Head. Though Cuttino is a far better one on one player and has that "Cat" quick first step, Luther is a better passer and team player. I think the Rotation of Rafer/Luther/Wesley is a solid one especially if we are able to get Sura back. If we could pick up a Rudy Gay or Brandon Roy, then we would have some more depth to the wing as T-Mac can play the two as well if Gay would be a strong 3.
Wade is short for the SG position, but he seems to be a pretty good player right? It's not really height, it's wingspan, vertical, athleticism that matter.
Hence the reason Cuttino has been successful at the position for many years. I think he has about a 6'7 or so wing span.
It seems like the undersized guy in this draft are all more of shooters though. Namely, J.J., Randy Foye, Dee Brown etc. Certainly, if you can get an athletic player with a long wingspan who might only be a bit short, you consider it, but I always felt like guys like Cuttino and Wade were more exceptions to the rule. I only brought up the question because, if we end up with the 10 pick or something, it is entirely possible that we will be faced between picking up a guy like Foye who can shoot lights-out, or getting someone longer but less talented like Mardy Collins.
Get ready to be upset because I'm willing to bet the Rockets pass on Reddick AND Shelden with their 8th 9th or 10 pick. I sincerely hope they pass on Reddick But then again its CD and the Rockets... who knows what'll happen.
Speaking of undersized guards, one point I am having a little trouble understanding is this apparent huge difference in draft stock between Villanova guards Randy Foye and Allan Ray. In just about every major draft projection they have Foye slated to be a lottery to mid-first round pick meanwhile Ray is projected to be a second rounder. What I don't understand is what the big difference is between the two players. Foye is a little better but when push comes to shove, they are both undersized tweener combo guards with similar strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a look at their season averages: Foye 20.5 PPG 5.8 RPG 3.0 APG 1.4 SPG 0.6 BPG 1.41 A/TO 2.2. TO .411 FG% .791 FT% .350 3-PT% Ray 18.5 PPG 3.6 RPG 1.4 APG 1.2 SPG 0.1 BPG 0.76 A/TO 1.8 TO .389 FG% .889 FT% .372 3-PT% Foye is probably the better player and also has better overall numbers. The point i'm getting at though is when you figure how their games translate to the next level, I think that they may find themselves in the same boat. As I mentioned before, they are roughly the same height and weight. Both are great, explosive athletes and scorers on the college level. However, both are still undersized combo guards that lack a true position and playmaking skills. Where does that leave them? If the seem like such similar players, why is that Foye is projected to go so high and Ray so low?
Ray doesn't have the same ball handling skills as Foye. Foye is stronger and built better. He also creates his own shot better off the dribble.
Foye is a more of a scorer. When his shot isn't falling, he can still be effective. Nova really fed off of the way Foye played, and Ray played more of a Salim Stoudamire-type role. The best description of Foye would be Francis with less athleticism and more shooting ability.
From a guy who's seen Allan Ray and Randy Foye play in person, I definitely believe that the mock drafts have their stocks about right. Allan Ray is as streaky a shooter as they come, and really doesn't create his own shot. When you're J.J. Redick and are near automatic from distance, not creating your own shot can be forgiven. To not have a handle and be unable to play the point at 6-2 is unforgiveable. Randy Foye was always unquestionably the best player for Villanova. While I'm not of the opinion he deserves to be a lottery pick at this point, he definitely showed me that he's capable of scoring at any level; though how efficiently he scores is the question. The main difference between the two is agression and ball-handling. When Allan Ray's shot isn't on, he's utterly useless on the court, and has shown no ability to play the point. When Foye's shot isn't falling, he can still be a decent floor general, and initiates the offense. The fact that he can possibly play point, even in an emergency role, is huge. I love my Big 5 guys, but I honestly think that out of Mardy Collins, Randy Foye and Allan Ray, there probably won't be too many All-Star games in the future...
