2014 Draft Prospects:

[bajaden]

It feels like I've watched 6 Florida games over the past three weeks.

It has me thinking about Patrick Young a lot. In terms of a glue guy with leadership qualities who can defend either the 4 or 5 depending on who it is .. he wouldn't be the worst guy to put next to Cousins. And he might have the most 'nba ready' body in the entire draft class. The guy is huge.

And obviously he is a senior. Can come in right away and contribute. He's starting to remind me of the other Florida guys who went undervalued because they stayed in college too long. I remember Noah was supposed to go top 3 before he decided to stay in school. I think Young is going to a good player. A winning player, more importantly.

You obvious don't take him with our top ten pick, but as a trade target or whatever .. I really like him.

If you can acquire a second round pick, then Young comes into play. I do like the way he played in the last game. He made his presence felt. I don't see him as a prolific shotblocker, but he is a good post, man defender. He's hard to move off the block. However, if moved away from the basket, he doesn't have much of an offensive game, and that bothers me. I do want someone on the floor next to Cousins that you have to guard. Now that doesn't mean he can't develop more of an offensive game. What bothers me most about Young, is that from his freshman year till now, I haven't seen much improvement. At least nothing that leaps out and screams look at me! He's a great athlete with some good defensive skills, but not much more than that.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Exum I don't think is a PG. He's a slasher who can score inside the three point line, draw fouls and handle the ball well. Good rebounder. That will have a role, but at 188 lbs, he needs to add weight to cash in on that ability. Dude's jumper is awful though, and I don't think he sees the floor that well. For someone that tall, I'd like a little more shotblocking. He's young and he has workable tools, but he really needs to make that jumper respectable. That will be key.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

I like Adams quite a bit. He's a tough SOB that rebounds very well. He's has a good post game for a guard. He defends well, handles well, and can hit the outside shot. He sort of reminds me of both Harden, and Mitch Richmond. Has the body type of both. By the way, he looks like he's lost considerable weight from the beginning of the season. He's sort of a sneaky player. By that I mean he's just sort of out there and you don't notice him, but at the end of the game he's sitting there with 18 points, 7 or 8 boards and a few assists. I think he's a very underrated player. By the way, like you, I'm not comparing the talent level of Adams to either Harden or Richmond.

Adams has always been in the top five of my mocks even after his freshman year. Obviously, that doesn't mean he should be drafted that high, but that means that he's a likely steal wherever he gets drafted outside the lottery.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Gilles, love Stauskas. Dude is a gamer. You can tell he's worked around the only limitation he can't really improve on--athleticism--but it doesn't matter as much since he's excellent at drawing fouls on his jumpers. He can also pinch point, the biggest thing he's developed this season--he wasn't this passing type in his freshman year with Trey Burke there. That all complements excellent shooting. I agree wtih them Klay Thompson comparisons--Klay also showed interesting quirks like that to his game. Stauskas has real physical limitations and very porous defense that will be amplified at the next level, but he's done a great job presenting himself as an all-around offensive shooter to combat it. That has real value.

 

[bajaden]

Exum I don't think is a PG. He's a slasher who can score inside the three point line, draw fouls and handle the ball well. Good rebounder. That will have a role, but at 188 lbs, he needs to add weight to cash in on that ability. Dude's jumper is awful though, and I don't think he sees the floor that well. For someone that tall, I'd like a little more shotblocking. He's young and he has workable tools, but he really needs to make that jumper respectable. That will be key.

Well, having only seen him play a few times, and mostly in all star games where he really didn't play the point, I can't really say he is or is not a PG. Having said that, he's played the point his entire career through highschool, and for the most part, he's had to be the number one scorer on his team, which doesn't really lend itself toward demonstrating your abilities as a PG. Your right about his jumper, but it's better than Marcus Smarts jumper. Which isn't saying a whole lot. I don't know if you saw one of the interviews with him, but he's more than aware of his jumper, and one of the reasons he wanted to come over early was to get with a good trainer and improve his jumper.

 

[bajaden]

Gilles, love Stauskas. Dude is a gamer. You can tell he's worked around the only limitation he can't really improve on--athleticism--but it doesn't matter as much since he's excellent at drawing fouls on his jumpers. He can also pinch point, the biggest thing he's developed this season--he wasn't this passing type in his freshman year with Trey Burke there. That all complements excellent shooting. I agree wtih them Klay Thompson comparisons--Klay also showed interesting quirks like that to his game. Stauskas has real physical limitations and very porous defense that will be amplified at the next level, but he's done a great job presenting himself as an all-around offensive shooter to combat it. That has real value.

I disagree a bit on the athletic side. Based on his freshman year, I would agree, but this season he's surprised me with his athleticism. He can definitely play above the rim, and he's quicker than I originally thought. What I question is his lateral quickness. I've watched him play at least 20 or so times this season, and I wouldn't call him porous on defense. What hard to figure is that he has that game here and there where he struggles to defend. But as in the Kentucky game, neither of the Harrison twins, or Young could get past him off the dribble. The one exception was Young who did get past him on one occasion, but missed his layup.. So it's possible that in a good team defensive scheme, he might actually be fine. To be honest, I don't know. Most kids coming out of college don't know how to play defense unless they come from a school that preaches it. Like Florida or Wisconsin.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

He isn't a bad athlete when it comes to finishing--he's shot an aggregate 67% around the rim area in two seasons of Michigan--and he's competitive. But he stops short of attacking the basket on most occasions (only a fifth of his attempts are at rim, a low rate), and between rebounding and deflecting, he doesn't have that nose for the ball that we grow accustomed to with the NBA's athletes at teh wings. He'll try hard to push against his limitations, that I don't doubt.

As for Marcus Smart, I know your hate is well documented against him--guy takes two-thirds of shots as jumpers, and last year, he shot 36% on 2's, 29% on 3's. This year? 30.7% 2's, 29.9% 3's. And his free throw percentage fell a little bit. It's unfortunate that his Josh Smith-ian shooting tactics undercut the rest of his game, but shot redistribution is in order for him.

 

[bajaden]

Kentucky and UCONN, who would have thunk it? UCONN is the biggest surprise. They peaked at the right time, just like they did a couple of years ago. We knew Kentucky had a ton of talent, but when your starting five freshmen, the odds are against you. It should be a good game. I can make a case for either team winning. UCONN has the experience, and Kentucky has the talent. Both teams are peaking at the right time. Since I'm biased, I'm going with Kentucky, but its really a toss up. Its one more chance for Napier and Randle to impress the scouts. I feel for Cauley-Stein. So close, and yet so far!

 

[lwc]

Aaron Harrison has shown to have ice in his veins because he is cool in the clutch. However, he will likely need another season at UK. Good news for me as a Cats fan

 

[bajaden]

Aaron Harrison has shown to have ice in his veins because he is cool in the clutch. However, he will likely need another season at UK. Good news for me as a Cats fan

The biggest problem with Aaron, and for that matter Andrew as well this season, is lack of consistency. I'm sure that Calapari would love to have both of them back, especially Andrew since he doesn't have a top ranked PG coming in next season. Either or both wouldn't get picked until the second round his year, so staying another year would probably get them into the first round, and guaranteed contracts.

 

[lwc]

The biggest problem with Aaron, and for that matter Andrew as well this season, is lack of consistency. I'm sure that Calapari would love to have both of them back, especially Andrew since he doesn't have a top ranked PG coming in next season. Either or both wouldn't get picked until the second round his year, so staying another year would probably get them into the first round, and guaranteed contracts.

one of the biggest things that helped this Kentucky run was when Aaron Harrison senior came to Lexington for a week. One of the things he sat down with his sons and talked about was their frustration and fears about trying to enter the draft this year. The constant notion of having to be a lottery pick this year had both of them playing stiff and worried. Their dad told them that him and their mother were financially sound and them improving the game and doing what Cal told them was more important than worrying about this draft. He told them the draft will still be there next year and at some point the general managers will come calling. That is why I believe the Harrison twins will be back. Since that visit, both twins have played better.

 

[Kingster]

The biggest problem with Aaron, and for that matter Andrew as well this season, is lack of consistency. I'm sure that Calapari would love to have both of them back, especially Andrew since he doesn't have a top ranked PG coming in next season. Either or both wouldn't get picked until the second round his year, so staying another year would probably get them into the first round, and guaranteed contracts.

Well if he stays as consistent in the next game as in the last three he will hit the game winning shot again and then go promptly into the lottery. He's hit so many game winners in the NCAAs he could get drafted by a team and not hit a game winner for three years and still maintain the confidence that he could. I'd be surprised if he doesn't come out, even if Calapari is going to do everything within his power to keep him in KY. I see no reason why he should go in the 2nd round, unless he develops a shot like Smart or he gets a foot fracture like WCS.

 

[bajaden]

Well if he stays as consistent in the next game as in the last three he will hit the game winning shot again and then go promptly into the lottery. He's hit so many game winners in the NCAAs he could get drafted by a team and not hit a game winner for three years and still maintain the confidence that he could. I'd be surprised if he doesn't come out, even if Calapari is going to do everything within his power to keep him in KY. I see no reason why he should go in the 2nd round, unless he develops a shot like Smart or he gets a foot fracture like WCS.

NBA scouts tend to go on a players entire body of work, and not just the last few games. Which is a good idea. consistency, consistency, and consistency is what they look for. They don't have knee jerk reactions like fans do. The Harrisons would be lucky to get drafted in the first round, much less the lottery. Regardless of how well one or both may play in the tournament, you just can't ignore what they've done all year long. If you do, your in trouble. Any GM that drafts a player on one or two games is an idiot. And, there are some out there. Aaron may have hit a couple of winning shots, but if you look at his shooting percentages, nothing screams lottery pick. And, if you look at how he arrived at those percentages, it gives you more reason to pause. Hot one game, and can't shoot a pea into the ocean the next. Take Aaron and put him on St. Johns, and no one knows who he is. Same with Andrew.

Now to be fair, maybe they play differently on another team in a different system. But if their play is the same, they just look like nice players with some potential. And that's about it. Calapari is fairly honest with his advice. He seldom tries to convince players to stay another year if he thinks its in their best interest to declare. He advised Anthony Davis to declare as well as Demarcus. Those are certainly two players he would have loved to have for another year. To sum it up, let me put it this way. If I have to choose between Gary Harris/Nik Stauskas or Aaron Harrison, I take Harris or Stauskas 100 percent of the time. I know exactly what I'm going to get from both Harris and Stauskas every game. I have no idea what I'm going to get from Aaron Harrison, or his brother. However, I'll be rooting for them tonight.

 

[Kingster]

NBA scouts tend to go on a players entire body of work, and not just the last few games. Which is a good idea. consistency, consistency, and consistency is what they look for. They don't have knee jerk reactions like fans do. The Harrisons would be lucky to get drafted in the first round, much less the lottery. Regardless of how well one or both may play in the tournament, you just can't ignore what they've done all year long. If you do, your in trouble. Any GM that drafts a player on one or two games is an idiot. And, there are some out there. Aaron may have hit a couple of winning shots, but if you look at his shooting percentages, nothing screams lottery pick. And, if you look at how he arrived at those percentages, it gives you more reason to pause. Hot one game, and can't shoot a pea into the ocean the next. Take Aaron and put him on St. Johns, and no one knows who he is. Same with Andrew.

Now to be fair, maybe they play differently on another team in a different system. But if their play is the same, they just look like nice players with some potential. And that's about it. Calapari is fairly honest with his advice. He seldom tries to convince players to stay another year if he thinks its in their best interest to declare. He advised Anthony Davis to declare as well as Demarcus. Those are certainly two players he would have loved to have for another year. To sum it up, let me put it this way. If I have to choose between Gary Harris/Nik Stauskas or Aaron Harrison, I take Harris or Stauskas 100 percent of the time. I know exactly what I'm going to get from both Harris and Stauskas every game. I have no idea what I'm going to get from Aaron Harrison, or his brother. However, I'll be rooting for them tonight.

NBA scouts do look at the entire body of work, and they weigh the most recent body of work more heavily than the past. What they want to see is improvement, and if Aaron Harrison isn't improving, I don't know who is. My math teach told me that three games was more than one game. We'll see how he does tonight.

I don't like Stauskas that much; doesn't have the quickness I like to see in high NBA picks; I agree though that he is a gamer and that counts in my book. Gary Harris is kind of ho hum; I doubt he's any better than McLemore.

If the Kings get the #7 or greater slot, they are screwed. No Vonleh, no Wiggins, Exum, Embiid, Parker, Randle. The only player left over at #7 is Screwed. And that's where the Kings sit. You might as well have #17 as #7. The most disturbing thing about #7 is there is a high probability that Smart is going to be sitting there with a #7 jersey on in the NBA chat room. Gordon might have a #7 on his back as well. Or, you can take WCS with a foot fracture. Or an offensive project in Capella that may or not work out, depending on his BBIQ. The possiblities are endless for getting Screwed at #7.

 

[Hallama]

Funny, I was just debating Stauskas vs Harris at the Kings pick today. Stauskas has a lot of nice NBA offensive skills, especially in the half-court PNR offense. Defense, hmmmm. Just going to have to wait and see. Curry is a better defender than I thought he'd be, but Jimmer was actually worse. Harris is a very good defender, but had a bad shooting season compared to his freshman year. If Harris is 6'4"+ in shoes, I'd lean his way if you had to choose.

This Screwed kid sounds intriguing, and would look good in a Kings uni, imo.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

stauskas or ben? i'd go with stauskas. guy has a complete game (drive, pass, shooting). when i look at this highlight reel.. i can envision him playing with cuz, rudy and ray. he'd be a good complimentary player to the big 2 we have. it doesn't highlight any of his defensive prowess. if he's selected, gerbil will need to make some roster adjustments at PF to offset the lack of D from the SG position. ray, dmc, rudy are decent defenders.

 

[bajaden]

stauskas or ben? i'd go with stauskas. guy has a complete game (drive, pass, shooting). when i look at this highlight reel.. i can envision him playing with cuz, rudy and ray. he'd be a good complimentary player to the big 2 we have. it doesn't highlight any of his defensive prowess. if he's selected, gerbil will need to make some roster adjustments at PF to offset the lack of D from the SG position. ray, dmc, rudy are decent defenders.

OK, now I'm going to tell you what I really think. I love Stauskas, and I didn't start the season that way. I think I had more fun watching him than just about anyone else in college this season. And that was a big surprise. If someone thinks he's not quick, then he just hasn't watched him play much. He's a very good athlete, which also surprised me, because I had pretty much written him off as a player that just went to the corner and shot three's. What you stated is dead on. He can kill you from the outside, from midrange, and he can get to the basket. He can create his own shot. He can catch and shoot, and he can come off screens and shoot. He has one of the quickest releases I've seen in a while.

He's also not just a good passer, he's an outstanding passer that can create shots for others. He's really a shooting guard with PG talents. I would take Nik Stauskas over either of the Harrison twins ten times out of ten. And if Kentucky had Stauskas on their team instead of Aaron Harrison, I'd be in Vegas putting money down on Kentucky, because shooting wise, Aaron Harrison can't hold a candle to Stauskas. The only question that lurks about Stauskas is whether he can play defense at the NBA level. If he can, then I predict he can be a star. Kingster wanted to talk about improvement. Well take a look at Stauskas last year, and then this year. That's what improvement looks like. Personally, I think Stauskas will be fine on defense if he's on a team that preaches team defense. He's a high BBIQ guy with good athleticism and he has a good work ethic.

Don't make the mistake of comparing this guy to Fredette. Fredette never played a lick of defense at BYU because he was asked not to. That hardly helped him when he got to the NBA. Stauskas has much better handles than Fredette, and he's a better athlete than Fredette. He's not what the Kings need right now, but I'd damm well take him if everyone else I want is gone. Hell, I might take him over some of them.

 

[bajaden]

Funny, I was just debating Stauskas vs Harris at the Kings pick today. Stauskas has a lot of nice NBA offensive skills, especially in the half-court PNR offense. Defense, hmmmm. Just going to have to wait and see. Curry is a better defender than I thought he'd be, but Jimmer was actually worse. Harris is a very good defender, but had a bad shooting season compared to his freshman year. If Harris is 6'4"+ in shoes, I'd lean his way if you had to choose.

This Screwed kid sounds intriguing, and would look good in a Kings uni, imo.

I guess defensively you just never know. Fredette not being a good defender didn't surprise me. He played only token defense at BYU so he would stay out of foul trouble, and his coach admited he told Jimmer to do so. Funny that you mention Curry, because coming out of college, that was the question. Could he play defense good enough at the next level. I watched him closely the other night, and he played pretty good defense throughout the game. So to predict whether a player can or can't play defense is difficult. You can be an average athlete, but have great anticipation and still be a good defender. I keep going back to Aaron Craft at Ohio St. He's an average athlete at best, but in my opinion, he's the best defensive PG in college. You simply can't get around him off the dribble. It as though he's reading your mind.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

OK, now I'm going to tell you what I really think. I love Stauskas, and I didn't start the season that way. I think I had more fun watching him than just about anyone else in college this season. And that was a big surprise. If someone thinks he's not quick, then he just hasn't watched him play much. He's a very good athlete, which also surprised me, because I had pretty much written him off as a player that just went to the corner and shot three's. What you stated is dead on. He can kill you from the outside, from midrange, and he can get to the basket. He can create his own shot. He can catch and shoot, and he can come off screens and shoot. He has one of the quickest releases I've seen in a while.

He's also not just a good passer, he's an outstanding passer that can create shots for others. He's really a shooting guard with PG talents. I would take Nik Stauskas over either of the Harrison twins ten times out of ten. And if Kentucky had Stauskas on their team instead of Aaron Harrison, I'd be in Vegas putting money down on Kentucky, because shooting wise, Aaron Harrison can't hold a candle to Stauskas. The only question that lurks about Stauskas is whether he can play defense at the NBA level. If he can, then I predict he can be a star. Kingster wanted to talk about improvement. Well take a look at Stauskas last year, and then this year. That's what improvement looks like. Personally, I think Stauskas will be fine on defense if he's on a team that preaches team defense. He's a high BBIQ guy with good athleticism and he has a good work ethic.

Don't make the mistake of comparing this guy to Fredette. Fredette never played a lick of defense at BYU because he was asked not to. That hardly helped him when he got to the NBA. Stauskas has much better handles than Fredette, and he's a better athlete than Fredette. He's not what the Kings need right now, but I'd damm well take him if everyone else I want is gone. Hell, I might take him over some of them.

i think malone could mold him into a team defender. we're sorely missing bbiq and spacing for the team. the highlight reel showed him throwing some amazing passes (some oops - rudy could be on the receiving end on those).

would you compare to him to a goran dragic?

 

[Gilles]

NBA scouts do look at the entire body of work, and they weigh the most recent body of work more heavily than the past. What they want to see is improvement, and if Aaron Harrison isn't improving, I don't know who is. My math teach told me that three games was more than one game. We'll see how he does tonight.

I don't like Stauskas that much; doesn't have the quickness I like to see in high NBA picks; I agree though that he is a gamer and that counts in my book. Gary Harris is kind of ho hum; I doubt he's any better than McLemore.

If the Kings get the #7 or greater slot, they are screwed. No Vonleh, no Wiggins, Exum, Embiid, Parker, Randle. The only player left over at #7 is Screwed. And that's where the Kings sit. You might as well have #17 as #7. The most disturbing thing about #7 is there is a high probability that Smart is going to be sitting there with a #7 jersey on in the NBA chat room. Gordon might have a #7 on his back as well. Or, you can take WCS with a foot fracture. Or an offensive project in Capella that may or not work out, depending on his BBIQ. The possiblities are endless for getting Screwed at #7.

Randle has no post game, and his face up game is pretty much straight line bully-drives. He will spend 2-3 years adjusting and developing his offense and in the mean time will rely on his non-existent team defense to get PT (he's decent man-to-man, so I guess, Randle is similar to JT defensively). Vonleh is just a bunch of tools right now: underdeveloped faceup game from HS, underdeveloped post game Crean started to teach him, lack of defensive awareness (another guy, similar to JT defensively). Exum is just a guy with excellent foot speed, lack of weight (maybe, this complain will go away by draft day), decent shooting mechanics and good work ethic. By the end of the season looks like Parker is average shooter/passer/defender, who can score. We need more of those, right?
Everyone at the top has serious holes in their games, that will take at least a couple of years to fix. Embiid and Wiggins look like they might be plugged right in as defensive roleplayers, though Embiid will have to chase PFs around perimeter, and I don't imagine him to be particular effective doing this.
In the end the best player from this draft might easily be some very athletic guy like RHJ (50/50 at best though on him declating), if he develops offensive game to catch up with his aggression and excellent defense. As for offensive project in Capela, what do you need from Kings PF other than high quality finishing and occasional mid-range jumper (guy is hitting 70% FTs over last 15 games, although on small sample size)?

stauskas or ben? i'd go with stauskas. guy has a complete game (drive, pass, shooting). when i look at this highlight reel.. i can envision him playing with cuz, rudy and ray. he'd be a good complimentary player to the big 2 we have. it doesn't highlight any of his defensive prowess. if he's selected, gerbil will need to make some roster adjustments at PF to offset the lack of D from the SG position. ray, dmc, rudy are decent defenders.

Well, what Stauskas can do, that Belinelli doesn't? Exciting, right?

 

[The_Jamal]

Forgive my ignornance, but who is RHJ?

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Forgive my ignornance, but who is RHJ?

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, freshman SF from Arizona. I think he's probably a bit of a longshot to declare this year, but who knows?

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Randle has no post game, and his face up game is pretty much straight line bully-drives. He will spend 2-3 years adjusting and developing his offense and in the mean time will rely on his non-existent team defense to get PT (he's decent man-to-man, so I guess, Randle is similar to JT defensively). Vonleh is just a bunch of tools right now: underdeveloped faceup game from HS, underdeveloped post game Crean started to teach him, lack of defensive awareness (another guy, similar to JT defensively). Exum is just a guy with excellent foot speed, lack of weight (maybe, this complain will go away by draft day), decent shooting mechanics and good work ethic. By the end of the season looks like Parker is average shooter/passer/defender, who can score. We need more of those, right?
Everyone at the top has serious holes in their games, that will take at least a couple of years to fix. Embiid and Wiggins look like they might be plugged right in as defensive roleplayers, though Embiid will have to chase PFs around perimeter, and I don't imagine him to be particular effective doing this.
In the end the best player from this draft might easily be some very athletic guy like RHJ (50/50 at best though on him declating), if he develops offensive game to catch up with his aggression and excellent defense. As for offensive project in Capela, what do you need from Kings PF other than high quality finishing and occasional mid-range jumper (guy is hitting 70% FTs over last 15 games, although on small sample size)?

Well, what Stauskas can do, that Belinelli doesn't? Exciting, right?

i love marco. i thought he was the perfect type of player to put next to reke. unfortunately, we went and grabbed a lot of selfish guards and had a stupid coach who doesn't know how to utilize "talent"

 

[KingsCitizen]

Why is there no love for Marcus Smart on this page? Are we scared of having another player tagged with attitude issue next to DMC? Or do most people here don't see him being a successful PG at all?

IMO, and based on what I see, he can turn into the prototype top 5 PG in league. Big, physical, got range, but average passing and play-making skills. Worst case scenario I see him turning into a bigger and stronger chucking version of IT. But at least he will play with D on most occasion.

If Kings were able to play competitive with IT at the help chucking those shots, I don't see why it would be a problem replacing IT with a bigger and physical version. IT could be better at shooting percentage but Smart's defense and size could make up for that.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Why is there no love for Marcus Smart on this page? Are we scared of having another player tagged with attitude issue next to DMC? Or do most people here don't see him being a successful PG at all?

IMO, and based on what I see, he can turn into the prototype top 5 PG in league. Big, physical, got range, but average passing and play-making skills. Worst case scenario I see him turning into a bigger and stronger chucking version of IT. But at least he will play with D on most occasion.

If Kings were able to play competitive with IT at the help chucking those shots, I don't see why it would be a problem replacing IT with a bigger and physical version. IT could be better at shooting percentage but Smart's defense and size could make up for that.

if we pick smart, we might as well resigned reke who is a better version of him.

 

[Gilles]

Well, looking at numbers alone, Smart improved in assist rate, TO rate, FT rate, even more so in Conference play. Negative thing would be no progress with his shot, and he's pretty quick to settle for jumpers, of which he makes only 30% (this includes mid-range). To be fair given his volume and reasonable FT% (around 75%) he might be passable from corner 3 as was Leonard as a rookie. Another concern would be his overzealous use of change in college rules that resemble NBA trend to see any contact inside on drives as a foul: Smart flops a lot. And Big Cuz 15 is right: Smart does resemble Tyreke, but while Evans has elite quickness next to strength, Smart doesn't. You look at his games vs Kansas and Baylor, which is college litmus test this year for ability to score inside, and you see 12-32 on 2pt shots. Not pretty. So you take away his inside game (worth noting, he still got 42FTs over 4 games, so opponents' stifling defense had a cost), then what's left? 30% jumpers? If he shows ability to catch and shoot (in workout setting that would mean hitting over 90% of shots), you say "why not?", given his defense, but until then it's not clear, what his role offensively can be.

 

[Tetsujin]

Why is there no love for Marcus Smart on this page? Are we scared of having another player tagged with attitude issue next to DMC? Or do most people here don't see him being a successful PG at all?

IMO, and based on what I see, he can turn into the prototype top 5 PG in league. Big, physical, got range, but average passing and play-making skills. Worst case scenario I see him turning into a bigger and stronger chucking version of IT. But at least he will play with D on most occasion.

If Kings were able to play competitive with IT at the help chucking those shots, I don't see why it would be a problem replacing IT with a bigger and physical version. IT could be better at shooting percentage but Smart's defense and size could make up for that.

Umm...

 

[The_Jamal]

Stauskas seems to be what we envisioned Jimmer could hopefully be for us.. Lights out range, off-ball capability, solid passing/ball-handling, and a passable defender. As far as the Bellineli comparison... well.. Belli doesn't have an near the ability to create for himself or other that Stauskas showed.

I'll say this though, I'm growing fond of grabbing a Stauskas, McDermott, or Gordon. I feel like those three have a great chance and contributing right away and there would be very little issues with trying to fit them into the roster. It's a tantilizing thought having an off-ball shooter as prolific as McDermott or Stauskas hitting 3s off Cuz double teams. Gordon would probably walk on as the best defender on the team in any position you'd put him at and he'd start out as an incredibly low USG guy, which is what we need.

 

[bajaden]

Well, looking at numbers alone, Smart improved in assist rate, TO rate, FT rate, even more so in Conference play. Negative thing would be no progress with his shot, and he's pretty quick to settle for jumpers, of which he makes only 30% (this includes mid-range). To be fair given his volume and reasonable FT% (around 75%) he might be passable from corner 3 as was Leonard as a rookie. Another concern would be his overzealous use of change in college rules that resemble NBA trend to see any contact inside on drives as a foul: Smart flops a lot. And Big Cuz 15 is right: Smart does resemble Tyreke, but while Evans has elite quickness next to strength, Smart doesn't. You look at his games vs Kansas and Baylor, which is college litmus test this year for ability to score inside, and you see 12-32 on 2pt shots. Not pretty. So you take away his inside game (worth noting, he still got 42FTs over 4 games, so opponents' stifling defense had a cost), then what's left? 30% jumpers? If he shows ability to catch and shoot (in workout setting that would mean hitting over 90% of shots), you say "why not?", given his defense, but until then it's not clear, what his role offensively can be.

There were too many games where the majority of Smarts points came at the freethrow line. I'm not convinced he'll get to the line with the same regularity in the NBA. As you said, he flops a lot, and I mean a lot. He also initiates most of the contact, whether its driving to the basket, or going up for a jumpshot. I just don't see him getting the same calls in the NBA. He also doesn't have Tyreke's ballhandling skills. Tyreke can weave his way to the basket, where Smart tries to bull his way to the basket. Add in that he can't shoot a lick, but continues to bomb away. Enough said.

 

[Gilles]

Stauskas seems to be what we envisioned Jimmer could hopefully be for us.. Lights out range, off-ball capability, solid passing/ball-handling, and a passable defender. As far as the Bellineli comparison... well.. Belli doesn't have an near the ability to create for himself or other that Stauskas showed.

I'll say this though, I'm growing fond of grabbing a Stauskas, McDermott, or Gordon. I feel like those three have a great chance and contributing right away and there would be very little issues with trying to fit them into the roster. It's a tantilizing thought having an off-ball shooter as prolific as McDermott or Stauskas hitting 3s off Cuz double teams. Gordon would probably walk on as the best defender on the team in any position you'd put him at and he'd start out as an incredibly low USG guy, which is what we need.

Look up Michigan-Indiana game on youtube. When Ferrell was pestering Stauskas, he couldn't get any offensive rhythm. Kudos to Stauskas for not forcing it and taking a step back, but if you're expecting Stauskas to be some kind of prominent creator at the pro level, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Belinelli was a pretty efficient primary scorer on a very good European team at the age of 21, and have a few NBA season, producing the same assist numbers, Stauskas had this year.