I'm not worried about Carney's frame or lack of strength. The NBA is all about weight management and strength training. These players lift religiously, we've seen so many cases of players like Carney bulking up and becomming stronger. If we choose to select Carney, this won't be a concern of mine.
I'm sure they're talking about Carney being tentative and soft mentally. And that is a major concern of mine. The thing I'm afraid of is that Carney will be one of these workout warriors whose talent and skills don't quite translate on the court. He ended his college career with a terrible game, and that has to stick at the back of your mind when you evaluate the guy.
But you can't let one game affect your decision. The Top 3 players in the draft all ended their college careers w/ terrible games, but I don't think it significantly changes what they did before that. Aldridge (4 points) Morrison (good game but COMPLETE mental breakdown) Thomas (5 points) Redick (11 points)
The "soft" label usually goes hand-in-hand with strength and power or lack there of. I realize the focus of the evaluation was probably more so intended to point out his attitude/mental concerns as you mentioned, but i've also heard people complaining about his frail frame and being rather light for a 6'7" player. All i'm saying is I wouldn't place too much emphasis on the latter.
Well even though Rondey Carney didn't do so hot in the 2 on 2 drills doesn't bother me. Also they labeled him as soft well if we draft him he will get tough having to most likely guard McGrady in practice. What I think is the key factor in this workout was that he was lights out from 3pt land. With his length and athletic ability he would be a great asset for the Rockets.
Everything I've read about Ager is that he is a 'beast' Projected to go mid first round. I think his stock will rise, I don't know about all the way up to #8, but it would make me happy.
i like carney's game. he has a nice long, athletic frame and has the potential to be a very good defender. he also shoots the ball well and is a monster on fast breaks. however, i've liked maurice ager ever since seeing him in the 2005 NCAA tourney. he may be a little small at 6'4 to play the two but he is a relentless defender and has a nice all-around offensive game because he can do a little bit of everything. i think ager could sneak into the lottery if he has a really good pre-draft camp. i wouldn't be mad if the rockets reached a little and took ager at #8. i think he's be excellent on the perimeter for us.
This Maurice Ager guy reminds me of Charles Smith, the guard, not the ex-knick pf. He had a huge wingspan and played good D and could jump, shoot, wonder why he never stayed in the league that long. http://www.hoopshype.com/players/charles_smith.htm That's who i imagine Ager will become when he comes to the NBA.
I was at that game. That dunk was awesome! There were a lot of NBA prospects over those two days (Redick, Williams, Ewing, Hayes, Rondo, P. Davis, Ager, Brown, Bogut), it was fun to watch. The biggest memory was easily the Sparks three pointer, though. I expect Ager to go top 20. If we trade down a few slots, I wouldn't be disappointed to get him at all.
The thing that bothers me with Carney is that all his reports read like a 19 year old with "potential". He's a 22 year old senior.
The report on Carney does bother me. Why? I'm glad you asked. These workouts are like interviews for a job you know you already have (in Carney's case) and for the job you think you deserve (in Ager's case). The former shows up and dogs it, lets someone get in his space and in his head. The latter tears it up, knowing he needs to prove himself. Which player would you rather have on your team? Mr "I Don't Feel Like Trying Today" or "I'm Grateful and My Goal is to Kick A$$"? Or put it this way: If I go to an interview, knowing the impression I make might affect my salary by 50% or more, you can bet, I'll make a hell of an impression. CAVEAT: Unless some team has already promised they will take Carney at # whatever. ANd if that team is Houston, this Carney of the Bad Workout better NOT be the one who shows up in Rocket red.
The report also stated that this was Carney's first workout, it's not really an excuse for poor play, but players tend to be nervous at their first workout. I'm sure you were quite nervous the first time you stepped in an office for an interview. With all things equal, I would expect a player who has already gone through 9 workouts (Ager) to perform better than a first timer. Carney supposedly shot lights out from 3-pt land during the drills, something most scouts are worried about.
I saw Carney play only one game and he disappeared and had a weak game. Hard for me to get excited about him though he looked quick.
True about being nervous, but it seems he wasn't really trying, at least by accounts of the report. The guy's agent should at least have pointed out to him what these workouts are like; and Carney shouldn't disappear. Anyway, what do I know? Hopefully, if we draft him, he's great. If a team in the East gets him, hopefully he'll be good. If another Western team gets him, may he suck donkey b**ls.
I just hope that the Rockets are not tied in with Carney and thet they are still searching with an open mind. I expect that when they pick at the 8th.spot there will be better competitors available than Carney.
Personally, I'd take Ronnie Brewer over Carney, just to name one. Other possibilities: Randy Foye Tyrus Thomas Rajon Rondo All significantly more aggressive/Type-A personality type of guys. I know you're probably thinking that Tyrus Thomas will be gone by then, but I wouldn't set that in stone just yet. Crazier things have happened on draft nights past. Personally, I think Tyrus SHOULD go #10 to the Sonics.
