on Ken Johnson-The biggest problem I see is that he fouls a lot. If he was platooning, I don't think it'd be a problem, but as a primetime center, it'd be bad. Also, he's not nearly as built as Cato, giving up around 30-40 pounds. If he's available with one of our 20s pick, it's definitely a good idea. I also think that 15 ppg for him is stretching it. No Worries-If that's the case, give me Woods with the Rockets lotto (12 or 13). Camby is a top 7 center in this league right now, and if you had him 5 years on a rookie scale contract, it's a steal. After Shaq, Robinson, Mutumbo, and Ratliff. You could only really argue that Hakeem, and Jermaine O'Neal are better than Camby. oeilpere-Have you heard anything on what the Rockets front office thinks? If Woods is there vs. a PF of similar caliber (say Michael Bradley or Troy Murphy), would they go for Woods? Woods/Battier would be very sweet, if they got Woods with their first pick, I could see them trading their 2 later picks to move up a few slots for a better SF, like Jefferson, or a 21 year old Euro kid named Fotsis who's 6'10'', and has been compared with Kukoc. ------------------ "That's been a lifelong dream of mine." -Vince Carter, after laying it in on a breakaway, much to the Vancouver crowd's displeasure.
The first 20 games of the year, Ken Johnson did not have any problems with fouls. The last 10 or so, he did, but I strongly doubt he would have much problem with fouls in the NBA. Woods looked great in the tournament. Definitely showed off his upside, which is tremendous. I think you still have to worry about the headcase. That said, if he is still there with our first pick (assuming we don't trade up) I definitely take him. If Johnson is there with the second pick, I take him even if I get Woods. I think you could play the two together, especially if you don't get Webber. I have not seen much of Haywood so I don't know anything about him. Someone mentioned Frank Williams in another post. Being Big Ten, I have seen him. Not worthy of a top ten. In fact, the only big ten player maybe worthy of a top ten might be Richardson, and he is iffy IMO. ------------------
I would love to get Woods. I would rather see us pick him up than Haywood. I think he can be everything Cato hasn't been. ------------------ Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion
Given the upcoming rule changes allowing zone defense, etc., how does this change what we value in a center? How does this influence what we like in Woods and others? ------------------
The zone rules boost Jones, Hunter, and Johnson's stock a lot, while overall it probably brings Haywood/Woods back to the center pack, but helps them in overall ranking. Having a guy like Haywood, a space eating shotblocker, would be huge depending on what type of zone defense is allowed in the NBA. The rule can't hurt Woods, but it certainly helps the defensive only centers in this draft more than the guys who can do both. One guy who's stock could shoot up is Samuel Dalembert: Seton Hall center from Haiti, he's 6'11'' 265, super athleticism....and a 7'7'' wingspan. ------------------ "That's been a lifelong dream of mine." -Vince Carter, after laying it in on a breakaway, much to the Vancouver crowd's displeasure.
I too like Ken J. and hope he is around. I respect Woods a ton more too the way he finished the season (I have seen his ups and downs all year). I no longer have any (major) mental concerns, just physical ones. The way Woods played in the turny he will not be around for the Rockets I believe, unless there are still questions about physical health (will his back hold up if he bulks up). Also, there is no question Woods must play as a 4 or 5 in the NBA, a 3 is completely out of the question (can't handle the ball well, he has quick feet for a center--but not for a 3). But Camby and Ratliff are pretty effective 4/5's being long and lean, Woods doesn't have to become a Shaq or Malone to be effective, just be able to get a little more muscle.
I would say except for K-Mart and perhaps Miles and Miller, Camby is worth more than any other rookie from this year draft. I would take a Camby-caliber C/PF ANY year with a late lotto pick. And Ratliff is lighter than Woods is, yet he is effective against most players. But if you wait to try to find a player who can single handedly play Shaq or Duncan (Ratliff certainly can't play them either), I guess you are waiting fo the next Hakeem, and he might still not be able to do the job himself. Finally, the rule changes make a shot-blocker even more valuable because you can't make him follow a decoy player on the weak side near the 3 point line. I don't think Woods is the only choice (in fact I believe he won't be around for the late lotto unless new or recurrent health problems are diagnosed), but I think there seems to be a lot of potential 4/5 that might be available.
