Kings Select in the 2008 NBA DRAFT??

[CruzDude]

Monday 6/16 Is Last Day For Underclassmen To Drop

Monday, 2pm west coast (I think) is the deadline for underclassmen to drop from the NBA draft and go back to college.

Doesn't appear any projected in the top 15-20 will be affected

The only top 20 defection could be Gallinari possibly deciding to make a big bunch of Euros and head to Milan if the Nets don't select him. He's only 19 so has some years to get back to the NBA.

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

If Augustin is so great, why was he dwarfed (pun intended) by Memphis? It wasn't just Rose that bothered him. It was a long athletic team that gave him fits. He's going to see that every single night in the NBA (maybe with the possible exception of the Kings). And on D he's going to be terrible.

Dude, it was one game. Why couldn't the length and athleticism of Kansas bother him?

 

[nbrans]

No, I'm with Kingster, that Memphis game was not just a bad game. Augustin didn't just have a bad shooting night or something like that, he was completely taken OFF his game. It was a fundamental problem. He couldn't handle Memphis' size and athleticism. Now, maybe when faced with competition like that every night he'd learn to adjust. But it wasn't one bad night -- he was exposed. It was eye-opening.

Collison, for instance, had a bad game against Rose, but he was missing point blank layups and open threes. That was just a bad night. Augustin looked completely overwhelmed.

I still think I'd be ok with an Augustin pick because he's got a lot of talent and the rules favor small quick guys. But I still agree with Kingster -- that game raises a huge question mark.

 

[Vlade4GM]

You can't just isolate one game though.

 

[Gary]

You really can't because he was still getting inside. It seemed he was a bit bothered in that game.

You know who's game really showed weakness (against taller players)? AJ Abrams. The difference between him and Augustin in that game was the difference between a lottery player, and a undrafted FA.

 

[Packt]

Our priority should be a PF, SF, then PG. I rather have a big, and I say a SF over a PG because I don't like this years crop of PG's in our range. I don't want Love as that PF, and Westbrook isn't enough of a PG for my liking. If we're drafting a PG, I'd rather it be Augustin even with his flaws. Love isn't a good fit for this team, and Westbrook doesn't look like the play maker we need in the back court.

 

[JerN820]

Dude, it was one game. Why couldn't the length and athleticism of Kansas bother him?

Exactly and it wasnt the Texas Augustins. It was the Texas Longhorns in general that were getting blown up by Memphis. Augustin was a beast for most of the season. I wouldnt pin one game, where his entire team was outmatched (especially the bigs) on him.

 

[bajaden]

I'm constantly surprised by people who watch one game, possibly the only game, they have seen of that player, and make what they think is an educated decision on that player. Thats utterly ridiculous.

Using that as a yardstick. How would I judge Timmy Hardaway when he went something like 1 for 22 in a game I watched when he was with the Warriors. I stated before the Memphis game that I was curious to see how Augustin would do, because it was the first time he would be up against someone that was quicker, taller, and just as good as he was at the pt. Well, it was a learning experience for him. I remember the first time J. Will faced Payton and burned him. It didn't happen again. Three yr's from now, we'll know better how good Augustin will be.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Desire is the secret ingredient to any player. And thats the hardest to judge sometimes. Its important that we make sure, its not our desire instead of the players desire thats guiding our decision.

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

No, I'm with Kingster, that Memphis game was not just a bad game. Augustin didn't just have a bad shooting night or something like that, he was completely taken OFF his game. It was a fundamental problem. He couldn't handle Memphis' size and athleticism. Now, maybe when faced with competition like that every night he'd learn to adjust. But it wasn't one bad night -- he was exposed. It was eye-opening.

Collison, for instance, had a bad game against Rose, but he was missing point blank layups and open threes. That was just a bad night. Augustin looked completely overwhelmed.

I still think I'd be ok with an Augustin pick because he's got a lot of talent and the rules favor small quick guys. But I still agree with Kingster -- that game raises a huge question mark.

But Memphis isn't the only team with big athletic defenders, and Augustin did fine against those teams, such as Kansas. Augustin was getting to the rim, he missed layups too.

 

[nbrans]

But Memphis isn't the only team with big athletic defenders, and Augustin did fine against those teams, such as Kansas. Augustin was getting to the rim, he missed layups too.

There's no equivalence between Kansas and Memphis. Chalmers is a decent athlete, but he's nowhere near as big and athletic as Rose, nor are Kansas' other defenders that intimidating. Rush is a fine defender, but Memphis' athletes are more along the lines of what Augustin will be facing in the NBA. (And by the way, Augustin went 1-13 in one of his games against Kansas).

And look -- I think there are times when you can judge a whole lot based on one game. For instance, Shelden Williams was destroyed by LaMarcus Aldridge in college, not to mention a few other bigs. Based on that game and a few others I wanted absolutely nothing to do with drafting Shelden Williams, and guess what, that game was a much bigger indicator of Williams' success in the NBA than all those stats he put up at Duke and the times he dominated lesser power forwards.

Now, Derrick Rose is kind of a special case and people are right that it was only one game. But I stand by that the game was revealing. Augustin is going to have to adjust to the athleticism of the NBA. He's a good athlete, but not an elite one. He's not on par with TJ Ford and Chris Paul, and his height is going to come into play.

Maybe he will find a way to adjust. I'd be fine drafting him. But it wasn't just one off game -- it was much more than that. He was getting to the rim and getting his shot blocked. He wasn't blowing layups.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

wats the word on our second rounders?
I wouldn't mind any of the following;

Ajinca
James Gist
Bill Walker
Nathan Jawai
Ibaka (if he falls would be awsome)
Omar Asik
Semah Erden

 

[beb0p]

Okay, it's becoming clear that there are 13 top playes in this draft. The 13 guys are: Rose, Beasley, Mayo, Bayless, Love, Lopez, Westbrook, Gordon, Randolph, Jordan, Gallinari, Alexander, and Augustin. I think the only "questionable" guy on this list is Alexander, and he is going from 7 to 13, according to many sources.

Obviously, the first six names on that list are going high. That's six guys we can't have. Let's stick with me while I go down the list:

In an interview, Kevin Prittchard was asked about Russell Westbrook, who the interviewer said is "going in the top eight." Pritchard didn't disagree and added that it's good to see a player willing to come to Portland and workout against players going lower in the draft (Westbrook's workout includes Ty Lawson and Marresse Speights). So if these Blazers guys are right, Westbrook is another player we won't have a chance. That's seven guys off the list.

And if Westbrook is going "top 8", then the the Pacers are picking DJ Augustin. That's eight guys off the board.

The remaining five guys are: Eric Gordon, Gallinari, Jordan, Anthony Randolph and Joe Alexander. And I don't see Gordon falling all the way to #12.

So that leaves Jordan, Gallinari, Randolph, and Alexander.

Gallinari is a delicate situation. While he said he doesn't mind playing outside of NJ or NY, he really was saying, "I guess I'll suck it up and play in your crappy town if that's where I'm drafted. " Somehow, I don't think Petrie wants to deal with that drama. Plus, he has an offer from Milan and there's a risk he stays in Europe for a long time. Although, he is very much a Petrie type of player.

So therefore I think Jordan, Randolph, or Alexander; one of these guys are going to be a King.

As an aside, Larry Brown was gushing about DeAndre Jordan. Calling him more athletic than anticipated and that he is very coachable. That may or may not mean something. Jordan was working out against JaVale McGee. Of course, if the Bobcat picks Jordan, we're left with either Randolph or Alexander. Just food for thought...

 

[BMiller52]

Okay, it's becoming clear that there are 13 top playes in this draft. The 13 guys are: Rose, Beasley, Mayo, Bayless, Love, Lopez, Westbrook, Gordon, Randolph, Jordan, Gallinari, Alexander, and Augustin. I think the only "questionable" guy on this list is Alexander, and he is going from 7 to 13, according to many sources.

Obviously, the first six names on that list are going high. That's six guys we can't have. Let's stick with me while I go down the list:

In an interview, Kevin Prittchard was asked about Russell Westbrook, who the interviewer said is "going in the top eight." Pritchard didn't disagree and added that it's good to see a player willing to come to Portland and workout against players going lower in the draft (Westbrook's workout includes Ty Lawson and Marresse Speights). So if these Blazers guys are right, Westbrook is another player we won't have a chance. That's seven guys off the list.

And if Westbrook is going "top 8", then the the Pacers are picking DJ Augustin. That's eight guys off the board.

The remaining five guys are: Eric Gordon, Gallinari, Jordan, Anthony Randolph and Joe Alexander. And I don't see Gordon falling all the way to #12.

So that leaves Jordan, Gallinari, Randolph, and Alexander.

Gallinari is a delicate situation. While he said he doesn't mind playing outside of NJ or NY, he really was saying, "I guess I'll suck it up and play in your crappy town if that's where I'm drafted. " Somehow, I don't think Petrie wants to deal with that drama. Plus, he has an offer from Milan and there's a risk he stays in Europe for a long time. Although, he is very much a Petrie type of player.

So therefore I think Jordan, Randolph, or Alexander; one of these guys are going to be a King.

As an aside, Larry Brown was gushing about DeAndre Jordan. Calling him more athletic than anticipated and that he is very coachable. That may or may not mean something. Jordan was working out against JaVale McGee. Of course, if the Bobcat picks Jordan, we're left with either Randolph or Alexander. Just food for thought...

You're seriously underrating Randolph. I think Geoff likes Arthur a lot also.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I'd be so ecstatic if we got Randolph, we'd be so lucky.

Right now my list is Randolph, Augustin, Speights, Batum, and McGee.

 

[PurpleHaze]

So therefore I think Jordan, Randolph, or Alexander; one of these guys are going to be a King.

Very nice overall analysis. I think the only other name I would add to the mix for the Kings is Arthur. It seems like it's coming down to this order of selection for pick #12: Best player "still" available (any of the three you mentioned plus possibly Arthur, maybe one more); best rebounding, shot blocking, defensive minded PF or C available (Speights, Jordan, etc.); best PG available (likely no one still around to select that's worthy at #12).

That not exactly gold mine of possibility would seem to make all the more likely the Kings must do the following: Resign starting PG Beno Udrih - an absolute must! Find a PG backup on the free agent market, plus continue to hope Garcia or Douby can fill in at that position in a pinch without disaster. Use this years draft to find the best 3 players available in the first and second rounds - plus be open to pulling the trigger on make sense trades.

 

[BMiller52]

Randolph supposedly heard he was between 5-10 so I doubt he'll be there for us.

 

[gunks]

Wouldnt mind Alexander...Hope we dont end up with Arthur.

 

[KCKingsCountry]

I really dont see all the hate on Arthur. I am not a KU fan by any means, but I get to see almost every KU game on tv and he is by far the most talented player on that roster. I dont think he will be a superstar but an Antonio McDyess career is very likely and where we are drafted that would be fine.

 

[gunks]

Dude's scared of a Rebound. Alexander gets just as many boards as him and plays the 3.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I really dont see all the hate on Arthur. I am not a KU fan by any means, but I get to see almost every KU game on tv and he is by far the most talented player on that roster. I dont think he will be a superstar but an Antonio McDyess career is very likely and where we are drafted that would be fine.

I don't see how a McDyess career is "very likely" since McDyess was a near 20-10-2 player before his injury. That's never "very likely" unless you're picking at the very top of the draft.

 

[Emma]

wats the word on our second rounders?
I wouldn't mind any of the following;

Ajinca
James Gist
Bill Walker
Nathan Jawai
Ibaka (if he falls would be awsome)
Omar Asik
Semah Erden

Nathan Jawai is an excellent prospect and the most likely to report for duty right away if drafted. Would love to see him in a Kings uniform.

 

[Packt]

Dude's scared of a Rebound. Alexander gets just as many boards as him and plays the 3.

Alexander has seniority over him, and plays 5 minutes more. I would've liked the rebounding to be better, but the only reason Arthur is in our range is because he averages 6 boards.

I don't see him as McDyess. I think he may end up a more defensive oriented Boozer, with better athlethcism. An ideal role playing big, which imo has more value than a role playing wing player.

 

[dmj]

Okay, it's becoming clear that there are 13 top playes in this draft. The 13 guys are: Rose, Beasley, Mayo, Bayless, Love, Lopez, Westbrook, Gordon, Randolph, Jordan, Gallinari, Alexander, and Augustin. I think the only "questionable" guy on this list is Alexander, and he is going from 7 to 13, according to many sources.

Obviously, the first six names on that list are going high. That's six guys we can't have. Let's stick with me while I go down the list:

In an interview, Kevin Prittchard was asked about Russell Westbrook, who the interviewer said is "going in the top eight." Pritchard didn't disagree and added that it's good to see a player willing to come to Portland and workout against players going lower in the draft (Westbrook's workout includes Ty Lawson and Marresse Speights). So if these Blazers guys are right, Westbrook is another player we won't have a chance. That's seven guys off the list.

And if Westbrook is going "top 8", then the the Pacers are picking DJ Augustin. That's eight guys off the board.

The remaining five guys are: Eric Gordon, Gallinari, Jordan, Anthony Randolph and Joe Alexander. And I don't see Gordon falling all the way to #12.

So that leaves Jordan, Gallinari, Randolph, and Alexander.

Gallinari is a delicate situation. While he said he doesn't mind playing outside of NJ or NY, he really was saying, "I guess I'll suck it up and play in your crappy town if that's where I'm drafted. " Somehow, I don't think Petrie wants to deal with that drama. Plus, he has an offer from Milan and there's a risk he stays in Europe for a long time. Although, he is very much a Petrie type of player.

So therefore I think Jordan, Randolph, or Alexander; one of these guys are going to be a King.

As an aside, Larry Brown was gushing about DeAndre Jordan. Calling him more athletic than anticipated and that he is very coachable. That may or may not mean something. Jordan was working out against JaVale McGee. Of course, if the Bobcat picks Jordan, we're left with either Randolph or Alexander. Just food for thought...

If Gallinari does pull his name out then I think there is a good chance we will end up with neither Randolph, Alexander, or Jordan.

As you said, the top 5 or so appear to be Rose, Beasley, Love, Bayless, and Mayo. After that you have

Westbrook
Alexander
Augustin
Lopez
Randolph
Gordon

as the next six. The only way one of the above falls to us is if someone else jumps into the mix. The only players I see cracking the top 11 right now are Arthur and Jordan, with one of them going to either NJ or IND. If that happens, then, like you said, one of Randolph or Alexander will likely be available.

The best case scenario for this to happen would be if Westbrook and Augustin both went 5-10. This would force Indiana to likely reach for a center like Jordan, giving with one of Alexand or Randolph being available (though if Randolph is on the board they might pick him instead, as O'Neal likely won't be around much longer). The thing that helps us here is that NY, LA, and MIL all appear to be interested in either a PG or SG, making some combination of Westbrook, Gordon, Augustin a good possibility.

Of course even if this doesn't work out, then Jordan would still be available. But I strongly doubt that Petrie would take him, especially with Arthur (who fills a position of need, and has actually demonstrated an ability to play basketball) and Greene (6'10 sf with good shooting ability) available. Add the fact that we just drafted a center last year, and it doesn't really seem likely that we will pick up Jordan.

So, assuming that Gallinari pulls out, our choice will most likely be between Arthur and Greene (my personal choice), unless both Westbrook and and Augustin go in the top 10.

 

[dmj]

Alexander has seniority over him, and plays 5 minutes more. I would've liked the rebounding to be better, but the only reason Arthur is in our range is because he averages 6 boards.

I don't see him as McDyess. I think he may end up a more defensive oriented Boozer, with better athlethcism. An ideal role playing big, which imo has more value than a role playing wing player.

I think the best comparison for Arthur would be (ideally) SAR in his prime. They are both about the same size, neither are particularly good rebounders, and both have a good offensive game.

McDeyess, as I recall, was a bit bigger and more of a presence on defense and on the glass.

 

[BMiller52]

Arthur canceled all workouts after his workout with us:

-A few teams we spoke with this weekend were wondering about the whereabouts of Darrell Arthur. The Kansas power forward reportedly canceled workouts with the Clippers (#7), Philadelphia (#16), Toronto (#17) and Indiana (#11) after working out for Seattle (#4, 24) and Sacramento (#12). Arthur has not hired an agent and is reportedly conducting all his business through his mother and AAU coach, although he will surely stay in the draft. One NBA team we spoke to had a hard time figuring out where he was and whether or not he’ll be showing up for their workout, as he did not bother to cancel or notify anyone of his plans. There were talks of a potential back and/or hamstring injury, leading some to question if anything funny is going on. Arthur’s camp could not be reached for comment.

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/

Interesting.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

Nathan Jawai is an excellent prospect and the most likely to report for duty right away if drafted. Would love to see him in a Kings uniform.

Yah I'm really hoping the Kings land Jawai, is there any news on how his workout went with us? I think Ajinca is underrated too they compare him to Jonathan Bender/Mikki Moore, he would be sick to pick up.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Not sure what all the fuss is about regarding Jawai. He's not a great athlete despite what's being said. He's not very mobile and hasn't a great leap, but he's very strong. That's partially due to him being overweight. He's an intriguing prospect, and I wouldn't mind him in the second round but I certainly wouldn't lose sleep over him.

No doubt some team will take him earlier than he should go.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Arthur canceled all workouts after his workout with us:

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/

Interesting.

Strange. It's unlikely he got a guarantee this early, isn't it? Has/is Geoff going to work out guys like Speights, Jordan etc.?

There's a few guys I'd like in this draft (Randolph, Augustin, Speights, McGee, Jordan etc.) but I'm very intrigued by Westbrook. He reminds me of Brandon Roy (obviously different positions, but equally versatile). I think Westbrook will learn to play PG sufficiently, he already has the vision. Apart from that he's a natural playmaker. Be it on the defensive end, or on the fast break. I think he can develop into a very good player.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Arthur canceled all workouts after his workout with us:

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/

Interesting.

According to DX he has also already worked out for the Sonics, Bobcats, Nets, and Wizards (at least). Although Seattle (#4, #24) seems unlikely, it's possible he got a promise from any of the other teams, including us (between #9 and #18). Seems a bit early for anybody other than the Wizards to make a promise to Arthur, though. He might be a good fit with the Wizards as insurance against losing Jamison this offseason. On the other hand, he apparently hasn't hired an agent yet and it's possible he'll withdraw today. But with the draft as deep as it looks to be, a promise to Arthur at #12 with almost two weeks to go seems a bit hasty.

 

[Emma]

Yah I'm really hoping the Kings land Jawai, is there any news on how his workout went with us? I think Ajinca is underrated too they compare him to Jonathan Bender/Mikki Moore, he would be sick to pick up.

No news yet, I will be hunting for it the next couple of days though. Those international prospects aren't getting enough pub, in my opinion.