I think the weirdest thing about this draft was the "expert" commentators' opinions on it. Both of our picks were huge reaches in most people's opinions(even Hollinger the stat guy). I'm inclined to say that these people are morons, but in general players do end in the ballpark of where so-called experts predict them to land. And it seems every draft board available to fans seem to indicate that we severely overreached. Whatever stuff Morey used to judge talent really paid off. Unfortunately, his stats was not able to predict that Rudy Gay would actually develop a work ethic upon entering the NBA...
Although it's early of the season to grade the draft but i'll give Morey a "B"! Landry - B Brooks - B
i remember being shocked by the brooks pick and a little confused, but i knew the guy was a competitor and a hell of a college player. I liked the landry pick. not so much for the aussie
I thought that was indeed very sad. I am sure though that Morey's model showed that Rudy's potential desn't justif the risk that he brings, given that battier is a risk free success guarantee. So cannot complain in hindsight, I think Morey did what he could. And think about it, Morey's model is really good, because he would not have taken battier but would have traded for brandon roy wit the 8th pick + luther had that been available to him. P.S. don't compare hollinger to Morey, because Morey is way smarter. Not even close.
Draft grades years on have a lot to do with development. We've all been obsessed about how and who has Yao been developing with. Results have been pretty wonderful, a testament to all - starting with Yao. Has Brooks had a 'personal' tutor from the coaching staff? Has he developed with a tip of the hat towards anyone in addition to himself? Speaking of obsessing, the Mavs (give the devils from Little D the credit they are due) do a better organizational job IMHO developing players, growing their team than any other NBA squad, perhaps any other professional team in the USA. For the first time in as long as I can recall the Rox are actually developing players - the Power Forward 3, Brooks, and, of course, #11. Is this coincidence or a glimpse into a brighter future?
What a crappy draft...good job Rock... Oh wait...I almost gave into the infectious knee-jerk insanity of the GARM. Please forgive me.
The problem with media experts is that they believe the hype that they spew. How many high profile articles did you read about Landry or Aaron during their senior seasons? Not many. There was maybe one or two about Aaron during the tournament just before they played Florida. And I remember reading one about Carl just after they played Florida. That was it. But how many articles did you read about the Florida seniors and Kevin Durant and Greg Oden (and even Conley).. how many times did those same media people say "What will Big Baby become" Its all about perception and the perception is that commentators and expert media believe the hype that other media produces. Someone needs to take the draft from last year and show how productive the picks currently are in the NBA Great thread bump. I don't think I responded in this thread, but I am pretty sure I voted a B.
I thought the comments were appropriate for the times; it did look like a horrible, mindless draft. I am excited about Brooks (although his size is STILL a significant problem) and Landry (who also may be a little undersized). I love Landry's hustle, but "Big Baby" looks pretty good too. I wish Brooks could find his shot. The Rocket's draft record had a good deal to do with the fan's reactions.
v3.0, you bump the thread, I will bump this quote by Barkley Speaking of which, what happened to him? I thought he was one of the more.... entertaining posters on this GARM. Where are you Barkley?
LOL, I don't even remember starting this thread and the comments I made. I look like a complete idiot.
I missed this thread the first time around, sunning on a topless beach on a little island off the coast of Mexico at the time (oh, how I suffered! ), but I have to give it somewhere between a B+ and an A-. I thought we should have gotten more from the Battier trade, although I loved getting Battier. I was conflicted about Gay, but Battier looked to fit perfectly with JVG's system. Otherwise, it's a solid A. Landry and Brooks are keepers with potential. Scola doesn't count, of course, despite raping the Spurs.
I will wait till next year on giving a grade. Brooks and Landry have potential but more time is needed to evaluate. Thank God so far they don't appear to busts like Detroit drafting Darko Milicic.
