JR Giddens This is my Sleeper Pick of this year's draft. This guy is the answer at our backup 2/3. Stats: 16.3 PPG, 51% FG, 33% 3's, 8.8 Rbs, 3.1 Ast, 1.4 Blk, 1.2 Stl, 2.2 TO FT%... 58.6, dammit he's a rocket already. Watch from 1:42, short interview at 5:23 <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/toyj-v88x3k&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/toyj-v88x3k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Athletic? Hell Yes. <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GOq7hvULlfY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GOq7hvULlfY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> From his time at Kansas <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yoKejSN5hH4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yoKejSN5hH4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> How can you not love the guy? <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqUoFxDNzlk&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqUoFxDNzlk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ohDtBAKHN_g&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ohDtBAKHN_g&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> From Draftexpress: Statistically, you’d be hard pressed to find a player who has turned himself around as much as Giddens. His scoring averages remain largely the same as last year, but his shooting percentages have rocketed up to impressive heights (from 44 to 51%), largely due to the fact that he’s attempting quite a few less 3-pointers (5.2 to 2.3 per game), while also getting to the free throw line at a better rate. Giddens is rebounding the ball exceptionally well (leading the entire Mountain West Conference in this category at 8.6 per game), and has unconventionally seen his assists rise (from 2.3 to 3.0 per game) while his turnovers dropped (2.7 to 2.1) simultaneously. He’s also blocking 1.2 shots per game, and picking up 1.4 steals. In case you need it spelled out…all indications seem to be that the light bulb has come on for him in a major way in his senior season. He in fact ranks 2nd amongst all shooting guard prospects in the very interesting “Win Score” statistic. To add intrigue to the picture, Giddens remains the same terrific prospect in everything revolving around his physical tools. He has an excellent frame, an outstanding wingspan, and is a phenomenal all-around athlete, blessed in particular with exceptional leaping ability. The biggest difference we notice in Giddens’ game is the fact that he’s no longer playing as selfishly as he once did. He seems to have no problem giving up the rock these days, and has been doing a very nice job creating scoring opportunities for his not-so talented teammates, who don’t always convert at a very high rate. Regardless, Giddens looks very focused on doing many of the little things that need to be done to help his team come away with a victory, and in turn New Mexico is having a pretty solid year, with a 24-7 record on the season going into in the Mountain West Conference tournament. For his efforts he was rewarded with conference player of the year honors, which he shared with BYU’s Lee Cummard.
I wondered where this guy went. I didn't know he transferred. It's great that he's been improving and seemingly becoming more level headed. The red flag for me is his level of competition. Maybe it's the reason he's improving: less pressure, more confidence. But still, he's someone I'd look at. athletic offense with defense. Reminds me of Gerald Wallace
???? What alternate universe are you from? I guess one where Luther is 6'6" tall and can dunk with his head level to the rim?
I'll pass if he's anything like Gerald "Concussion" Wallace, we don't need our third scoring option to have stint on the IR like T and Yao
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r2SIlDWhHAw&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r2SIlDWhHAw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> This one took a while to load but has some good JR stuff in it.
i hate the jayhawks so never liked him in kansas, but when he moved to the lobos of newmex i thought he would kill everyone in their conference. i remember they made a big deal out of it b/c danny granger had done the transfer thing to new mexico to increase his draft stock...it worked. he went from a no name to a top 20 pick in a year or so. giddens tried it but i saw him play a few games for the lobos and didn't look so great against weaker competition. i say we take a chance on him as a late 2nd round if at all
I remember seeing this kid play his freshman year @ UT. I thought he was going to be a great player. Seemed like he had all of the tools.
He did have all the tools. Then he got involved in some off the court problems up in Lawrence. After, that he transfered to New Mexico and was really never heard from again. We would be better off with Brandon Rush if we could get him.
He is working out with Don MacLean in SoCal preparing for the Draft. He should be in tremendous shape after the workouts, especially based on what I was told about Adam Morrison and his workout with the Bobcats that Brandon Roy couldn't stomach - literally. Don told me that 3 of his guys will be playing in Orlando this year. Should be an exciting next couple of months!
From Draftexpress: Never known as an exceptional ball-handler, Giddens has certainly made strides in his ability to create his own shot from the perimeter. As a sophomore, he averaged 8.8 3-pointers per-40 minutes pace adjusted, while posting a paltry 1.2 free throw attempts. This year he’s down to 2.9 3-point attempts, but his free throw attempts are up to 5.6. That should tell you quite a bit about the change in mentality he’s gone through, although the difference in level of competition he faces in the Mountain West compared with the Big 12 must be accounted for as well. His first step, and aggressive mentality looking to beat players off the dribble makes him very tough to handle at this level, but his left hand and ability to change directions sharply still leave something to be desired. He’ll at times look out of control barreling his way into the lane, unable to finish cleanly or avoid the offensive foul because of his average ball-handling skills. His mid-range game is a nice weapon that shows quite a bit of promise, but also lacks some polish in terms of his ability to utilize his exceptional athleticism to create separation consistently from defenders with a sharp pull-up jumper.
lol my close friend made most of these videos. WallyHopp... goes to UNM. He's a big Giddens/Danny Granger fan.
He looks pretty good. If he pans out he could be like a Richard Jefferson type. That or he could just be like Maurice Ager. I wouldn't mind drafting him.
early-mid 2nd round only 6'5, and a small 6'5 being only around 200lbs. he's strictly a 2 guard. 3pt shooting percentage has been ok, not great. his overall fg% went up because he shot less from behind 3. i dont think he's the answer to our problems.
