Hayward is 20th on Draftexpress mock and I tend to trust them more as nbadraft.net seem so unprofessional in comparison. Draftexpress has Daniel Orton going 14th now, and to be fair, I think that's kinda high as well. I'm getting a picture that these Kentucky freshmen are very overhyped as a bunch. Orton averages what, 3 points and boards a game. Bledsoe is 6'1" and has less assists than turnovers and apparently can't play in a half court offense and Chad Ford has him in the lottery.
I admit I only saw Hayward a couple of games but he reminds me of Boki Nachbar. We took him at 15, so same value basically.
Watching Hayward through the tourney..... I think he will be an NBA player in a few years. I think he will have to physically mature over 2 seasons in the NBA before he becomes effective. But he makes plays, even plays in his "weak" areas. If he can hit the NBA three and defend small forwards he will be a good role player.
Not every team but according to many Sacramento were pondering taking him instead of Spencer Hawes at 10 so.....
I'm not aware of how Draftexpress and NBAdraft.net operate but my understanding is that they just make rank lists and then arbitrarily assign them to teams without looking at depth charts, needs, etc. until the actual lottery takes place and who-is-picking-where becomes finalized. So until then take those ranks with a grain of salt. It's more about who's good than who's likely to go to which team. And if those ranks keep on the way they have been, I will be running to the bank with Udoh TYVM. Morey in his statements thus far seems to indicate that defense will be a priority this offseason, both through trades and the draft. Previously in the year he called this year's big man crop one of the deepest in a while. Put two and two together and...aww who are we kidding, this is Morey. None of us have any clue.
Highly unlikely unless we are involved in a trade where we have to give up Bud or another wing player. I do like Hayward, I think he is a solid player but does not have the athleticism to be an elite player in the NBA. I believe that If Morey does not get the big that he wants he will be using the draft pick or picks as trade bait for the big he wants.
I like Heyward, but this wouldn't be the right pick. We're trying to make a run next year, and Heyward needs a couple of years to hit the weight room. Plus we need a backup center instead.
I want a back-up or fill in center that can influence the game with defense. Our guards need help. I certainly haven't watched enough College basketball to know anything but from the write ups, Solomon Alabi sounds like a way to go at 14. Size, defensive skills and #1, work ethic. He would have a hard time with the Nigerian expectations in Houston though. Maybe it would drive him or maybe it would crush him.
They haven't taken team needs into account yet, not to mention the lottery hasn't happen yet, so what they probably mean is that Hayward is the 14th best prospect ... not that the rockets are going to pick him!!
Despite his prolems and all that, I think that Whiteside is someone you HAVE to take a chance on If he falls to 14. He has legit star potential If he can get his head on straight. DO WORK Shane/Chuck! Draft Express now has us taking Daniel Orton...by the way!
He's the real deal....G-Time ftw. "But it's not about me, it's about the team; Going to the tourney with a full head of steam; 'Chip's real close, it's at our back door; Get a few dubs, we'll be in the Final Four; Not stopping there, that's not in store; Push it to the limit, we want more. " -G-Time
