Ford: Valanciunas would be the #2 pick in 2012 draft

Of course he is. This isn't even close.

So yeah, I agree with Ford.

 

Morey tried to move up to get him last year... I agree, at this point he would go #2 or #3

 

I'm not really impressed with this draft class in terms of star talent and now I've been seeing ESPN flashes that say a lot of guys who may come like Kidd-Gilchrest, Quincy Miller, and Zeller the Indiana kid are leaning towards returning to school.

 

We got Donuts for a Memphis future first, and Miller's contract. I'll live with that.

 

Obviously if that happens, the draft class will suffer.

Otherwise, hard to see how this class wouldn't be head and shoulders above last years 1-10.

On Jonas, I think it's just too hard to make any conclusions as a random fan on the internet. Being an international scout predicting how a kid's game and mindset will translate to the NBA is probably very difficult. Trying to do so with even more limited knowledge, on the internet, is freaking impossible.

 

Wow these highlights are pretty impressive. He will probably come to Toronto and be a 16, 10 and 2 guy in his first season. This video shows the true amount of potential in Valanciunas, and it looks like he actually has developed even over the past year.

 

Dude plays like Lamarcus Aldridge

 

Toronto totally stole him with the 5th pick

He's so damn aggressive in the low post with his offense and defense, still raw as hell but still young as hell.

Looks like they finally found a bruiser to complement Barg-Nani, in fact he is like the anti Bargs

 

Wonder how Ford would project D-Mo if he were in this 2012 draft class.

 

I agree, he is akward.... but he is so long, in the same way that Pau Gasol is long, he is literally at the rim with his hands up... but he has a wider frame, and puts on weight easier... kind of like Z before he was hurt.

In the modern game, becoming an 18/10/2 center means he is a top 3 center in the league, and with his length, hands, agressiveness and activity, there is no reason he cannot be a 15-20 pt a game scorer and double digit rebounder.

 

I thought this was the guy they'd trade up for...would've have been a great pick up/steal.

 

I think Cavs missed out on him at 4. They should have drafted him and then tanked this season as well. Suddenly, next season they are rolling with three top5 picks.

 

It's gonna be Davis at 1; who knows where Drummond will end up. The best big man UConn's produced in the past decade plus was Okafor, but when you think about it, so much talent passed through that program I'm surprised no one else really panned out as well (Josh Boone, Charlie Villanueva, Jeff Adrien, Thabeet obviously).

Davis is so out of his league in the NCAA it's not funny. He's got a Kevin Garnett body and was originally a guard, so who knows how his moves or shooting touch are. He hasn't had any opportunity to try them out.

 

This. Tho his body obviously isn't a bruiser type (yet), I like how Valanciunas plays.

Unlike that Illinois kid, Meyer (?) who looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane.

 

Yeah I noticed that too, he seems to be heavily reliant on his length to finish inisde the paint. Although his surprisingly did not measure as long as one would think. He measured with a 7'4 wingspan and 9'3 standing reach, fantastic measurements but not elite.

There's plenty of guys at the NBA level who can match his length, but with additional power or athleticism.

Just to give you some perspective here's some guy's with greater length:
DeMarcus Cousins: WS 7'6 / SR 9'5
DeAndre Jordan: WS 7'6 / SR 9'6
Brook Lopez: WS 7'5.5 / SR 9'5
Javale McGee: WS 7'6 / SR 9'6.5
Dwight Howard: WS 7'4.5 / SR 9'3.5
Nikola Vucevic: WS 7'5 / SR 9'4


Each one of these guys has superior length in addition to also having either superior strength or athleticism in comparison to Valanciunas.

So with that said, who know's how effective he'll be at using length at the NBA level.

 

no one is answering the real question. what would d- mo be projected at? other than 14th? =)
thanks in advance.

 

From a talent stand point, I would take Drummand over everyone. He should be a senior in highschool, and he is already stronger then Amare Stoudamire. A report came out that he was the fastest kid on the team right now! He has a ton to learn but if I had the first pick I would consider him over Davis. Worst case senario I would take him two.

 

I can't wait to follow Davis in the NBA next year. I might try to watch every game. Haven't been this interested in a rookie since KD and Rose. I hope he goes to a team I like.