2014 Draft Prospects:

[hrdboild]

It scares me when mid-conference players don't have an outside shot. Guys like Reke, Wade, Wall all dominated college ball at the highest level, so you knew they could survive without the shot in the NBA. While I like Payton as a defensive prospect, you just don't know if his offensive numbers are a byproduct of him being physically and athletically superior than everyone else. Also, what happens to the defense when he's guarding guys who are much stronger/physical/athletic than him? Guys who can shoot, especially off their own bounce, tend to translate well at any level with Lillard of course being the most recent example.

It depends what you're looking for I guess. People like shooting because it seems like an easily translatable skill. The basket and ball are the same size, the three point line is a little further in the NBA but otherwise you'd think good college shooters will be good NBA shooters. That's not always the case though -- you also want to look at how quickly they get their shot off and how high their release point is. Then there's the matter of where they're shooting from and whether they shoot better spotted up or off the bounce. But anyway, that's all well and good if it's what you're looking for but you can't just avoid defensive role-players and/or playmakers because you don't know how to evaluate their skillset. I think when you look at a guy like Elfrid Payton you want to know how he handles the bread and butter plays of NBA offense -- can he navigate a pick and roll, can he consistently make a good post entry pass, can he find shooters on the wings or does he have tunnel vision in the paint. In all of those areas I'm more confident in Elfrid Payton than I would be in Marcus Smart. Sure it bothers me that he shot 60% from the line as a Junior but I'm also one of the fans who believes a Rondo type of player would really help us and that's who Payton is.

 

[Kingster]

lol, there is no better way to declutter a home than moving. Things that you don't need just magically disappear.

...and sometimes the things you do need magically disappear as well.

 

[pshn80]

No, because Ben is a far more rounded prospect. He's learning to put the ball on the floor and is extremely explosive. Every commentator that I've heard talk about Ben when we played against them had nothing but praises for the kid and called him "a future star in the league"
There's a reason why our FA is so big on him. He's going to be a freak athlete who is well-rounded and level headed. Hard to find those in this league.
Ben also has a lot of defensive upside that he's got the edge because of his elite athleticism and hard work ethic. Nik will be a great shooter. One of the best in the league. He might even turn out to be a poor man's Klay Thompson.

OK but you say more well rounded and I say he may be but he may be a lousy passer, a lousy ball handler, a poor catcher and otherwise a questionable risk and, incidentally, not a starter for next year. Could Nik be better?

 

[pshn80]

And we have some chance of picking 10th so who do we pick then?

 

[SacKings2002NBAChampions]

And we have some chance of picking 10th so who do we pick then?

At that point, I think the Kings should be looking to trade the pick.
Possibly use it as an opportunity to shed some contracts like 10th pick + Landry for an Expiring vet + second rounder or 10th pick + JT for mid first-round pick

 

[SacKings2002NBAChampions]

OK but you say more well rounded and I say he may be but he may be a lousy passer, a lousy ball handler, a poor catcher and otherwise a questionable risk and, incidentally, not a starter for next year. Could Nik be better?

Ben has obviously improved on his passing, ball-handling- and catching. Not to mention his shooting has gone way up. I think it's safe to say that with his worth ethic and how far we've come along with Ben that he's worth the investment. It would be foolish to draft Nik unless we were willing to trade him.

 

[pshn80]

I've seen a lot of confidence expressed here in Ben's future value. I see him as improving late in the season but having a long way to go before earning a starting role. I hope you all are right. For my part I see a great need to acquire a veteran starter at SG and bringing Ben off the bench for the '14-'15 season.

 

[spaniard]

Porzingis

I think he could be a perfect fit for boogie in 2 or 3 years. He is a 7 footer who can shoot 3 point, he could be a kind of nowitzky. I'll trade for him.

 

[twslam07]

Porzingis

I think he could be a perfect fit for boogie in 2 or 3 years. He is a 7 footer who can shoot 3 point, he could be a kind of nowitzky. I'll trade for him.

I've actually been recently exposed to this guy. He's got great size and length (7'0"), but he is extremely athletic which would allow him to stick with quicker PFs and be a great lob target. He's a good shooter for his size who has shown flashes of being able to knock down the NBA three. Lastly, he's a great shotblocker. He averaged 2.9 blocks per 40 minutes in Spain at the age of 18. That's better than what Ibaka did at the same age. The only big knocks on him are his rebounding and strength.

 

[LPKingsFan]

I've actually been recently exposed to this guy. He's got great size and length (7'0"), but he is extremely athletic which would allow him to stick with quicker PFs and be a great lob target. He's a good shooter for his size who has shown flashes of being able to knock down the NBA three. Lastly, he's a great shotblocker. He averaged 2.9 blocks per 40 minutes in Spain at the age of 20. That's better than what Ibaka did at the same age. The only big knocks on him are his rebounding and strength.

From what I see here, he's only 18! Given that, you'd think the strength could improve with age and time. Certainly fits the profile of the player you'd want at PF next to Cousins, but whether this team has the patience to wait out his development, much less the means to acquire a mid/late first rounder to pick him, remain to be seen.

 

[twslam07]

From what I see here, he's only 18! Given that, you'd think the strength could improve with age and time. Certainly fits the profile of the player you'd want at PF next to Cousins, but whether this team has the patience to wait out his development, much less the means to acquire a mid/late first rounder to pick him, remain to be seen.

Sorry, typo! He's 18.

Yeah, I think he is a draft and stash player. I believe he has 2 more years on his deal overseas. He would be a great pick as a late first round pick or early second round pick. I'm not sure I would be willing to spend a mid first rounder on him though.

 

[bajaden]

It scares me when mid-conference players don't have an outside shot. Guys like Reke, Wade, Wall all dominated college ball at the highest level, so you knew they could survive without the shot in the NBA. While I like Payton as a defensive prospect, you just don't know if his offensive numbers are a byproduct of him being physically and athletically superior than everyone else. Also, what happens to the defense when he's guarding guys who are much stronger/physical/athletic than him? Guys who can shoot, especially off their own bounce, tend to translate well at any level with Lillard of course being the most recent example.

Most rookie PG's that have some sort of impact their first year in the league, are usually more prone to scoring than distributing. Guys like John Wall wouldn't have made much of an impact if he couldn't score the ball. Whereas PG's that struggle to score, usually struggle with their entire game for a couple of years until they're able to adjust their game, and improve their offense. There are exceptions of course, but in general, it takes most PG's about three years to become what ever it is they're going to be. Whether you like IT's game or not, he's a far better player now, than he was when he came into the league.

In Payton's case, I think his lack of a an outside shot, and his overall lack of strength will definitely hurt him for a while. If you can't shoot, they won't guard you, which affects your teammates, and also makes it difficult for you to get to the basket. Good defensive player or not, he'll have a lot of fun trying to fight his way through picks.

 

[bajaden]

lol, there is no better way to declutter a home than moving. Things that you don't need just magically disappear.

Yeah, but I can't find my wife.......

 

[Dime Dropper]

Yeah, but I can't find my wife.......

Exactly his point.

 

[bajaden]

OK but you say more well rounded and I say he may be but he may be a lousy passer, a lousy ball handler, a poor catcher and otherwise a questionable risk and, incidentally, not a starter for next year. Could Nik be better?

In my opinion, Nik is a better overall player right now. However, McLemore has the bigger upside and is a freak athlete. Now upside and athleticism is all well and good. Tyrus Thomas had those things as well. Its a matter of work ethic and overall intelligence that separates those that succeed and those that don't. Defensively, McLemore has all the tools to be a very good defensive player. That doesn't mean he will of course. Stauskas is lacking some of those tools, but in a good team defensive scheme, he might be just fine. The bottom line is, if you end up with two very good players at the same position, its not a bad thing. It used to be called depth. And, you can always trade one of them for a greater need.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

At that point, I think the Kings should be looking to trade the pick.
Possibly use it as an opportunity to shed some contracts like 10th pick + Landry for an Expiring vet + second rounder or 10th pick + JT for mid first-round pick

this is so sad. we signed landry to a monster contract only looking to dump him with an asset. smh

 

[The_Jamal]



In my opinion, Nik is a better overall player right now. However, McLemore has the bigger upside and is a freak athlete. Now upside and athleticism is all well and good. Tyrus Thomas had those things as well. Its a matter of work ethic and overall intelligence that separates those that succeed and those that don't. Defensively, McLemore has all the tools to be a very good defensive player. That doesn't mean he will of course. Stauskas is lacking some of those tools, but in a good team defensive scheme, he might be just fine. The bottom line is, if you end up with two very good players at the same position, its not a bad thing. It used to be called depth. And, you can always trade one of them for a greater need.

And as we saw last year, we are woefully weak at the guard position depth wise. Once IT went down, we didn't have a single NBA-caliber guard on the roster. Ray and Ben might get there eventually, but both have a lot of growing to do in the next few seasons to be reliable NBA talents.

Depth is never a bad thing and good teams/coaches find a way to make it work. Danny Green/Manu/Marco Belinelli probably had the most production from the SG position this season and none of them played big minutes. As Baja pointed out too, Ben is far from a sure thing. Maybe we approach taking a Stauskas differently if Ben had just come off a ROY season.

 

[bajaden]




And as we saw last year, we are woefully weak at the guard position depth wise. Once IT went down, we didn't have a single NBA-caliber guard on the roster. Ray and Ben might get there eventually, but both have a lot of growing to do in the next few seasons to be reliable NBA talents.

Depth is never a bad thing and good teams/coaches find a way to make it work. Danny Green/Manu/Marco Belinelli probably had the most production from the SG position this season and none of them played big minutes. As Baja pointed out too, Ben is far from a sure thing. Maybe we approach taking a Stauskas differently if Ben had just come off a ROY season.

I'd like to add, and please don't run with it, but Stauskas showed some PG skills this season and could possibly play the point from time to time similar to Doug Christie. Now if he only had Christie's defensive abilities. Look, I don't want to go crazy with this Stauskas thing. Its just that he's a player that I think will be available in the 7 to 10 range, and I think he'll be a good NBA player. I'd rather spend the pick on a player I feel confident about, than a player I hope will turn into what I want. There are few sure things, but some players come closer than others. If Marcus Smart had improved his shot this season I'd be all over him. But he didn't, and that really bothers me. To echo others, why would you let Tyreke walk and then draft Smart? I'm just tired of hoping that a player develops a shot. But that's just me.

 

[The_Jamal]

I'd like to add, and please don't run with it, but Stauskas showed some PG skills this season and could possibly play the point from time to time similar to Doug Christie. Now if he only had Christie's defensive abilities. Look, I don't want to go crazy with this Stauskas thing. Its just that he's a player that I think will be available in the 7 to 10 range, and I think he'll be a good NBA player. I'd rather spend the pick on a player I feel confident about, than a player I hope will turn into what I want. There are few sure things, but some players come closer than others. If Marcus Smart had improved his shot this season I'd be all over him. But he didn't, and that really bothers me. To echo others, why would you let Tyreke walk and then draft Smart? I'm just tired of hoping that a player develops a shot. But that's just me.

Absolutely agree. Other than a dominant #1 option, I've long held the stance that there's nothing more important to an offense than floor spacing. Especially when your #1 commands constant double teams in the post and has the ability to kick out and find open shooters. Right now, he's kicking out to one 35% 3pt shooter and a bunch of guys at or less than 30%. Not good enough to give Cousins space. I'm extremely high on Stauskas and McDermott for the exact reason of giving Cousins space in the post.

We got the hard part offensively figured out. There are quite a few teams who are praying they luck out in this draft to find a player who can collapse defenses. We happen to have 3 of them. Now, we need the Korver, Belinelli types to make defenses think twice about doubling Cousins. And I think projecting Stauskas to be a 10-13 PPG, 3-4 APG, 2-3 RPG on fantastic efficiency isn't taking too big of a leap of faith.

 

[bajaden]

Listened to a bunch of interviews tonight from Chicago where the combine starts tomorrow. Gordon was impressive. When asked about his shot, he said he felt disconnected all year long. He said that his three point shot, his mid-range, and his freethrow shots all felt like different shots. So he struggled all season. He said he's been working on it everyday since the season ended, and its looking real good now. He said that with a big grin on his face. Randle was very well spoken as well. When asked if he considered skipping the combine like Parker, Embiid and Wiggins did, he said it never entered his mind. He said he's there because he likes to compete against the best. His measurements are going to be critical.

If Gordon can develop a jumpshot, he's a top four player. Maybe top three. Of course that's a big if. But if he shows well in the individual workouts, he could climb up the board. He's already a freak athlete that can defend. His measurements will also be important.

 

[Dime Dropper]

The combine starts tomorrow? Wow, that crept up. Something to look forward to. I'm presuming that Wiggins/Embiid/Parker are just skipping the competitive part, right? And not the measurements etc., as I don't remember that ever happening before. Glad Randle is taking part. He probably wants to get himself into the mix for top 3.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Listened to a bunch of interviews tonight from Chicago where the combine starts tomorrow. Gordon was impressive. When asked about his shot, he said he felt disconnected all year long. He said that his three point shot, his mid-range, and his freethrow shots all felt like different shots. So he struggled all season. He said he's been working on it everyday since the season ended, and its looking real good now. He said that with a big grin on his face. Randle was very well spoken as well. When asked if he considered skipping the combine like Parker, Embiid and Wiggins did, he said it never entered his mind. He said he's there because he likes to compete against the best. His measurements are going to be critical.

If Gordon can develop a jumpshot, he's a top four player. Maybe top three. Of course that's a big if. But if he shows well in the individual workouts, he could climb up the board. He's already a freak athlete that can defend. His measurements will also be important.

Gordon is also one of those guys who says what he believes, believes what he says, etc. He's genuine.

Where are these videos?

 

[Capt. Factorial]

The combine starts tomorrow? Wow, that crept up. Something to look forward to. I'm presuming that Wiggins/Embiid/Parker are just skipping the competitive part, right? And not the measurements etc., as I don't remember that ever happening before. Glad Randle is taking part. He probably wants to get himself into the mix for top 3.

I understand they are skipping the measurements.

 

[lwc]

Dante Exum's official measurements came out today: 6'6 In shoes with a 6'9.75 wingspan.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Dante Exum's official measurements came out today: 6'6 In shoes with a 6'9.75 wingspan.

DX has him at a 6'9.5" wingspan, but I suppose there is still room for typos here and there.

On the other hand...DX already has what appears to be a near-complete listing of the measurements up already. A couple of guys don't have in-shoes measurements up (Vonleh, Gordon), and a couple of guys don't have the hand measurements up yet (Anderson, Gordon) but other than that it looks pretty complete. I didn't notice any (unexpected) players missing for the list, but there may be one or two with data still not in.

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre...+Draft+Combine&sort2=DESC&draft=0&pos=0&sort=

 

[lwc]

DX has him at a 6'9.5" wingspan, but I suppose there is still room for typos here and there.

On the other hand...DX already has what appears to be a near-complete listing of the measurements up already. A couple of guys don't have in-shoes measurements up (Vonleh, Gordon), and a couple of guys don't have the hand measurements up yet (Anderson, Gordon) but other than that it looks pretty complete. I didn't notice any (unexpected) players missing for the list, but there may be one or two with data still not in.

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?page=&year=2014&source=NBA Draft Combine&sort2=DESC&draft=0&pos=0&sort=

I only listed it because it was breaking news. I guess anything is breaking news now lol

 

[twslam07]

DX has him at a 6'9.5" wingspan, but I suppose there is still room for typos here and there.

On the other hand...DX already has what appears to be a near-complete listing of the measurements up already. A couple of guys don't have in-shoes measurements up (Vonleh, Gordon), and a couple of guys don't have the hand measurements up yet (Anderson, Gordon) but other than that it looks pretty complete. I didn't notice any (unexpected) players missing for the list, but there may be one or two with data still not in.

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?page=&year=2014&source=NBA Draft Combine&sort2=DESC&draft=0&pos=0&sort=

Jeez, 12.1 body fat percentage for Stauskas. Lay off the donuts young fella.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Gordon's measurements actually look pretty close to Randle's, just 30 pounds lighter!

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I only listed it because it was breaking news. I guess anything is breaking news now lol

Hey, around here the draft combine measurements ARE breaking news! Just wait until the athletic testing is released!

 

[Dime Dropper]

Interesting. Was hoping Randle would be bigger than his 6'7.75'' w/o shoes. Vonleh is only a quarter inch bigger, but is slightly longer. Still prefer Randle as a player.

Rodney Hood is a full sized SF at 6'7.25'' w/o shoes. James Young measured taller than I'd thought he would at just under 6'7'' in shoes, great size for a SG if that's going to be his position. Stauskas has good size for a SG but lacks length. Exum has impressive physical attributes with length and size, especially if he's a PG. Smart measured pretty well too, at 6'3'' in shoes and a very impressive 6'9.25'' wingspan. He's 227lbs, which is beastly for a PG. Wonder if he's lean or has added some weight since the college season ended. Will be very interesting to see all the athletic testing results.