And to ask an obvious question how do we fit another PF on the roster? We have Motiejunas here next year. His terse description of Moultrie sounds a lot like Motiejunas.
The more I look at these mock drafts, I could see five teams potentially trading out of the top 10 (at most): Sacramento, Toronto, Golden State, Portland, and Charlotte. Drummond is too big of risk for Sacramento and Portland. I'd imagine both teams are trying to get Barnes or Beal. Allegedly, Golden State is already trying to trade out of the top 10 for a versatile small forward. Toronto really does not need any of players available at 8, while most of them are not sure fire players. Charlotte needs talent . . . alot of talent and probably some veterans. This team was a mess last year. Right now, The Bobcats seem to freefall with each passing season. Furthermore, they really need talent to fill out their rosters. Which is why they should entertain offers from teams, like Houston, Portland, Golden State, or any contending teams. Thomas Robinson, Michael Gilchrist, and Bradley Beal may turn into fine pros one day, but they cannot save the abomination called the Charlotte Bobcats. Not even Anthony Davis could do that right now. If any of these deals fall on their laps, then they should at worst -- entertain them or sweeten them: Lowry, Martin, #14 (with future pick considerations and Patterson, neither of those should be deal breakers, even other players are the roster might expendable for a #2) Matthews, #6 pick, #33 pick, (future pick considerations), and player to be named DeMar Derozan, Jose Calderon, and #8 pick Rudy Gay and #25 pick #7, #30, and player to be named (Golden State) Tyreke Evans and #5 pick (Sacramento) Paul Pierce, #22, #23 (Boston) Most of those deals would get Charlotte into the playoffs in the East, especially if they can sign affordable free agents.
You are right. A team could do much worse than a 10/10/2 center who has some athleticism and offers some paint protection. Is that Zeller's downside?
I'm very curious as to how Zeller is going to measure up; by all accounts his wingspan isn't terrific, but if he can manage to measure at a true 7' in shoes, I definitely think he's going to be a legit force in the pros. You can definitely say that he bullies people right now in college, but there is definitely a certain height/weight where you can still bully people in the NBA. I think Zeller is really close to that line that will determine whether or not he can be a successful pro. His offensive rebounding rate is the second best in the class when adjusted for pace, and he actually has a back-to-the basket game, something that the Rockets sorely needed last year, and what contributed to those abominable Scola-Patterson crunch-time lineups. Really not a fan of Moultrie, just because his defensive peripherals scare the living daylights out of me; not even 1 block or 1 steal per 40 minutes, and only 2.5 fouls? Seems like he's just not willing to put in the effort on that end at all, or is so far out of position he can't even get over to foul. Watching tape of Jeremy Lamb really makes me feel bad that the situation between Kevin Martin and the Rockets is so disgruntled. I look at Lamb and I see his most likely comp as a smoother looking Kevin Martin; just don't think he's ever going to be able to keep on weight, and while he's got that massive wingspan that might help him on defense, his demeanor on the court just doesn't make it seem like he'll develop into a franchise player. And this is the guy that's getting top 8 consideration? When the Rockets seemingly can't GIVE away what is probably 80% of his ceiling? As for Royce White, I really want to watch some of his tape later when I have time. Right now from all the scouting reports I've read, he really strikes me as having a Lamar Odom type career. Because his ball-handling and playmaking is so spectacular, coaches will constantly want to make him into a point-forward, letting him initiate the offense and play on the perimeter. But much like LO, this is going to lead to unbearably high amounts of turnovers, and the guy will fall in love with a shaky outside jumper, when his single greatest weapon is blowing by guys while still having the strength to finish with contact. If he conquers his anxiety problems, I think he's going to have the most success by turning himself into a faceup PF who focuses on rebounding and forgets about his jumpshot. This might not happen until he's on his 2nd or 3rd team, maybe even as he's still carrying around the headcase label. That's an incredibly valuable player, and I think it will take a really good team/system to accomplish it. Any thoughts from people who have watched him extensively?
With Scola and PPat and maybe Morris and Moultrie? Didn't Motiejunas say he was not coming over if there were no playing time available? Just asking.
I do not know what it is about our players, but what makes them think they are entitled to playing time. Someone answer that for me, because Motiejunas is not the only one. 1. Lowry (You did well, but you are not a superstar point guard or have been doing this for an entire career) 2. Morris (You are just a rookie who got beat out by a lesser rookie and a previous starter) 3. Martin (Players come up in trade talks all the time, and are mismanaged by their coaches. You still see the best players putting in maximum effort unless they are of the brand, like Dwight Howard or Tracy McGrady) 4. Motiejunas (Will you even get minutes in the NBA as a reserve?) 5. Maybe others behind the scenes None of these players are future Hall of Fame players or perennial all-stars. They aren't even vital pieces to a championship team or steady contender. Most of all, they do not put butts in the seats. A coach, like Popovich, (Phil) Jackson, (Larry) Brown, or Belichick (NFL, I know) would laugh at these players and have them traded in heart-beat for another 1st round pick.
Man, people love to throw around "10 rpg" and "2 bpg" like it's not a big deal. (Not just you, jtr. I see a bunch of people doing this all the time.) There are only a handful of players in the NBA who average 10 rpg and 2 bpg. No, Zeller's downside is possibly a Nick Collison/Jeff Foster caliber talent? More offense, less defense? (I'll defer to the ACC fans out there who have seen him more than I have.) Hell, if he can be as tough a defender as Collison or Foster, I'd even take THAT and not be too pissed about spending the #14 pick on him. Foster had been one of the league's toughest post defenders over the past decade; and Collison is perhaps the most underrated defensive big man in the NBA today.
One thing to consider about Zeller. If he averages 10/10 as a rookie, he will likely be worth a lot more in trade than the #14 pick is worth today.
He is one of the top 3 Rockets assets right now - and who do you think are the other two? He can stay over in Europe, and if he did would probably make more money than the Rockets can pay him next year. He has stated that he wants to be on the Rockets roster next year, but only if there is PT available. He does realize that the best money in the long term is in the NBA. If you have Motiejunas why draft a Motiejunas clone lite with the 14th? And why would we waste a pick on yet another PF? A development project at center, a replacement in waiting for Martin's expiring contract and a PG to develop are much much greater needs. Just saying.
Believe me, I think that 10/10 is a huge deal. I think that Zeller could get there easily and if he is available at the 14th i believe that he is a no brainer. Apologies if I left a different impression. No all star there, but we really need a future replacement for Camby.
Zeller could easily reach 2 bbg in the NBA. You have to remember the team he played for in college. Did they not have 3 or 4 2012 lottery picks on that roster (not bothering to count, but Marshall, Henson, Zeller, and if McAdoo came out ...). And like most college teams they played against inferior competition much of the year. Gotta get past Henson in order for the center to have a chance at a block.
This reply is based on nothing but your wit. From nbadraft: Strengths: A true 7 footer with a long build, Zeller has solid height for an NBA C prospect … Added in with his size, Zeller is also a fluid athlete, and is certainly mobile showing some leaping skills, particularly with a head of steam … Runs the floor as well as any C prospect out there, and has a high level of speed for a guy his size … Offensively, Zeller demonstrates the ability to play well down low and already has a right-hand jump hook in his arsenal that he utilizes as a go-to move … Although he only sporadically shows it in UNC’s system, he also has a potentially strong jump shot with 18 foot range when facing the basket … Pretty solid FT shooter for a big man (76% as a Jr.) … Could be a versatile factor in the picking game, as his promising jumper will make him a threat to pop, and his speed and leaping skills will allow him to be an ideal guy to roll to the rim and finish … Shows a soft touch … Possesses all the tools to fare well in an up-tempo style, and has demonstrated that with his production on a fast-paced team like UNC … Will use his quick leaping skills and reflexes to be a strong presence on the offensive glass for 2nd chance opportunities … Not many C prospects have his combination of size, run-jump athleticism, and offensive tools … Has pretty good shot-blocking skills too … Seems to have some untapped potential despite being a Sr ...
