and with the #1 pick in the 2009 NBA draft the Kings select...
- Thread starter RiffRaff
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Pretty good in this game, but Colorado really doesn't have much to show. Their down by 28 pts at the half. I kind of agree with Nbrans, that he reminds me of a little quicker Thompson. He's got a motor just like Thompson. Very good rebounder at this level. He's got good explosion off the floor for the ball.
Carlos Boozer's little brother looks like a little smaller version of him. He's not a bad player. By the way, I believe that Brackins has two blocks in the game so far. One of his rebounds was very impressive. No way to describe it, you just had to see it.
Carlos Boozer's little brother looks like a little smaller version of him. He's not a bad player. By the way, I believe that Brackins has two blocks in the game so far. One of his rebounds was very impressive. No way to describe it, you just had to see it.
Well that's something new with Thabeet -- in the second half he has just picked apart the Syracuse zone with passes from the post out to open perimeter guys. That's the classic value of a post player (and the thing that our kids don't seem to get yet), and I don't even think Thabeet has much of a post game yet.
Alright, watching Iowa St./Colorado -- if Brackins is available with Houston's pick, write it down.
I seriously don't know why this guy isn't getting more attention, except that Iowa St. sucks. He was going up against a bunch of smalls and just dominating, whether it was with quickness, size, shooting from 3, rebounding... he was just by far the best player on the floor. And not just because he was the tallest and most athletic guy (which he was), but just too skilled for Colorado to stop. I mean, he put the ball on the floor and took a 6'6" guy off the dribble with a sweet crossover. He's 6'10"!!!!
The one question mark is that he's a bit of a tweener at 6'10" and skinny, and thus he might a bit of a defensive liability, which is obviously something to consider. But offensively he's just so versatile. Too quick and skilled from outside for the bigs and too big and skilled inside for the smalls.
Let's just hope everyone keeps sleeping on him so we can get him with the second 1st.
I seriously don't know why this guy isn't getting more attention, except that Iowa St. sucks. He was going up against a bunch of smalls and just dominating, whether it was with quickness, size, shooting from 3, rebounding... he was just by far the best player on the floor. And not just because he was the tallest and most athletic guy (which he was), but just too skilled for Colorado to stop. I mean, he put the ball on the floor and took a 6'6" guy off the dribble with a sweet crossover. He's 6'10"!!!!
The one question mark is that he's a bit of a tweener at 6'10" and skinny, and thus he might a bit of a defensive liability, which is obviously something to consider. But offensively he's just so versatile. Too quick and skilled from outside for the bigs and too big and skilled inside for the smalls.
Let's just hope everyone keeps sleeping on him so we can get him with the second 1st.
Iowa St. is almost never on nationally, but you can either watch on ESPN 360 or on regional broadcasts if you get them on your cable.
He's actually quite a bit different than Donte Greene, although they are pretty similar athletes. Greene's whole game in college was based around the 3 point line, and last year that's basically all he did. Brackins has a much more versatile offensive game. He's just as comfortable posting up as he is getting the ball outside and putting the ball on the floor. He's not totally consistent shooting from outside, but he definitely can hit from college 3 and has a good release, so he could get better.
I see Greene as more of a pure SF, but Brackins could slide between SF and PF.
He's actually quite a bit different than Donte Greene, although they are pretty similar athletes. Greene's whole game in college was based around the 3 point line, and last year that's basically all he did. Brackins has a much more versatile offensive game. He's just as comfortable posting up as he is getting the ball outside and putting the ball on the floor. He's not totally consistent shooting from outside, but he definitely can hit from college 3 and has a good release, so he could get better.
I see Greene as more of a pure SF, but Brackins could slide between SF and PF.
UConn/Syracuse-
Thabeet... well, it's all been said at this point. Really strong defense, looked fluid with dunks, sometimes lost the ball, and as Brick mentioned, now featuring passing from the post. Onuwaku was able to hit one pretty good shot on him as was Jackson, but otherwise he was never really challenged, and when he was he sent it back. Had an insane block on a Syracuse guy who tried to dunk it, then hustled back after a turnover, had another block and a good rebound, then went back the other way and hit a jump hook. 8 points, 16 rebounds, 7 blocks. There you have it.
One underrated thing that hasn't really been discussed about Thabeet, which I think makes him such an effective shotblocker... how often do you see him get fooled on pump fakes? He almost never gets fooled. It's incredible how he's able to recognize when someone is and isn't shooting and it's one of the reasons he blocks so many shots with so few fouls.
Jonny Flynn -- I really want to like Jonny Flynn, he's athletic and tough, but I have two serious concerns: 1) his size. He's really small (although Kemba Walker, listed at an absurd 6'1" looks even smaller). 2) he's got a little too much Jason Williams in him for my taste. Not always smart with the ball and takes bad shots.
Thabeet... well, it's all been said at this point. Really strong defense, looked fluid with dunks, sometimes lost the ball, and as Brick mentioned, now featuring passing from the post. Onuwaku was able to hit one pretty good shot on him as was Jackson, but otherwise he was never really challenged, and when he was he sent it back. Had an insane block on a Syracuse guy who tried to dunk it, then hustled back after a turnover, had another block and a good rebound, then went back the other way and hit a jump hook. 8 points, 16 rebounds, 7 blocks. There you have it.
One underrated thing that hasn't really been discussed about Thabeet, which I think makes him such an effective shotblocker... how often do you see him get fooled on pump fakes? He almost never gets fooled. It's incredible how he's able to recognize when someone is and isn't shooting and it's one of the reasons he blocks so many shots with so few fouls.
Jonny Flynn -- I really want to like Jonny Flynn, he's athletic and tough, but I have two serious concerns: 1) his size. He's really small (although Kemba Walker, listed at an absurd 6'1" looks even smaller). 2) he's got a little too much Jason Williams in him for my taste. Not always smart with the ball and takes bad shots.
Oklahoma/Baylor-
I continue to be underwhelmed by Blake Griffin, despite the numbers. He had a good challenge going up against Baylor's 6'9" and athletic Kevin Rogers and 7'1" Diene. Able to get a tough shot up against Diene that went in, but for the most part pretty quiet and didn't really get the ball much against these guys. Then Baylor switched to a zone and doubled Griffin, and he showed some good passing out of doubles. But a pretty quiet first half, with some prayers that went in and one good drop-step for a dunk. Not really able to create his own offense otherwise, unless it was off of putbacks or dunks. Not much of a factor on the glass, and just not a shotblocker -- let guys sail into the lane and doesn't even contest.
He's big and athletic. But is this guy really better than David Lee? Is David Lee worth a #1 pick?
Austin Johnson was the MVP of this one, hands down.
Curtis Jerrels: Not really impressed with this guy as a prospect. He's got some real hops and can shoot, but not particularly quick and doesn't make that much happen with the ball. He really winds up with the ball when he's shooting and has a slow release.
I continue to be underwhelmed by Blake Griffin, despite the numbers. He had a good challenge going up against Baylor's 6'9" and athletic Kevin Rogers and 7'1" Diene. Able to get a tough shot up against Diene that went in, but for the most part pretty quiet and didn't really get the ball much against these guys. Then Baylor switched to a zone and doubled Griffin, and he showed some good passing out of doubles. But a pretty quiet first half, with some prayers that went in and one good drop-step for a dunk. Not really able to create his own offense otherwise, unless it was off of putbacks or dunks. Not much of a factor on the glass, and just not a shotblocker -- let guys sail into the lane and doesn't even contest.
He's big and athletic. But is this guy really better than David Lee? Is David Lee worth a #1 pick?
Austin Johnson was the MVP of this one, hands down.
Curtis Jerrels: Not really impressed with this guy as a prospect. He's got some real hops and can shoot, but not particularly quick and doesn't make that much happen with the ball. He really winds up with the ball when he's shooting and has a slow release.
yea, like I said .. i havent seen him play, but based on the write up you did that I quoted it kind of sounded like Greene.
Anyways, I have 2 players to throw some tidbits out on.
Stephen Curry - Im starting to really talk myself into him. Earlier in the year, I was conviced he was just taking advantage of his competition and that he isnt really a point guard. Since then ive gotten over the competition argument, Thompson played for Rider, and Kmart played for western carolina .. as Kings fans we know best that you cant just write off a player because of who he plays. Not to mention how well he played last year against good teams in the tournament. Also, how can you explain his 6.2 APG .. thats a really impressive stat IMO. Everyone knows how good of a scorer he is, but his assist numbers are showing that he is probly closer to a point guard than some of these other combos ( teague for example ). And you can say he gets so many assists cause he plays all game and always has the ball in his hands, but that is what you want from a point guard, especially one who is learning pg skills .. you want him to have the ball at all times .. practice makes perfect. Also, its not like he is passing to NBA talent at davidson either.. Im not saying we should pick him over griffin/thabeet/rubio .. but after those 3 I would deffinelty consider him.
Next Up..
Tyrese Rice - Homer Pick right here. I think we should take a look at him with our early second round pick. BC point guard averaging 18pts and 5.4 assists. For anyone who has seen him play, he is really, really quick. Nasty shooter and (IMO) at least above average defender. He is somewhat short, but he is a good player that could really add some speed/shot making from a back up point guard spot.. actually reminds me of a young bobbyj with a better handle ...
Thats all for now ..
Anyways, I have 2 players to throw some tidbits out on.
Stephen Curry - Im starting to really talk myself into him. Earlier in the year, I was conviced he was just taking advantage of his competition and that he isnt really a point guard. Since then ive gotten over the competition argument, Thompson played for Rider, and Kmart played for western carolina .. as Kings fans we know best that you cant just write off a player because of who he plays. Not to mention how well he played last year against good teams in the tournament. Also, how can you explain his 6.2 APG .. thats a really impressive stat IMO. Everyone knows how good of a scorer he is, but his assist numbers are showing that he is probly closer to a point guard than some of these other combos ( teague for example ). And you can say he gets so many assists cause he plays all game and always has the ball in his hands, but that is what you want from a point guard, especially one who is learning pg skills .. you want him to have the ball at all times .. practice makes perfect. Also, its not like he is passing to NBA talent at davidson either.. Im not saying we should pick him over griffin/thabeet/rubio .. but after those 3 I would deffinelty consider him.
Next Up..
Tyrese Rice - Homer Pick right here. I think we should take a look at him with our early second round pick. BC point guard averaging 18pts and 5.4 assists. For anyone who has seen him play, he is really, really quick. Nasty shooter and (IMO) at least above average defender. He is somewhat short, but he is a good player that could really add some speed/shot making from a back up point guard spot.. actually reminds me of a young bobbyj with a better handle ...
Thats all for now ..
Watched some of those Thabeet highlights from last night. Wow.
Already been mentioned but wow. Posted up deep. Draws the double and showed great vision and control passing out several times to the open guy.
And it's not just that he block shots...it's how he blocks them that amazes me. He's not just a long skinny guy that can jump. The patience and body control are unreal. Little shrimps were blazing into the lane and pump faking as best they could to get around him. He just waited and swatted them away like the little flies they were...and without fouling.
Never though he was a Petrie type pick but after seeing him pick apart the defense with passing makes me rethink that. I can just imagine the gears turning and Petrie silently watches that skill. There is no question in my mind that he would make a major impact on our defense in year 1.
Already been mentioned but wow. Posted up deep. Draws the double and showed great vision and control passing out several times to the open guy.
And it's not just that he block shots...it's how he blocks them that amazes me. He's not just a long skinny guy that can jump. The patience and body control are unreal. Little shrimps were blazing into the lane and pump faking as best they could to get around him. He just waited and swatted them away like the little flies they were...and without fouling.
Never though he was a Petrie type pick but after seeing him pick apart the defense with passing makes me rethink that. I can just imagine the gears turning and Petrie silently watches that skill. There is no question in my mind that he would make a major impact on our defense in year 1.
Better than Boozer? I really doubt it. He doesn't show any of that kind of fluidity on offense, and he basically has one move: go baseline for a reverse dunk. His jump shot is an adventure, and while he could obviously improve it, it's more concerning to me that he doesn't really have a post game.
Griffin's entire game is based on being the biggest and most athletic guy on the floor. When he gets to the NBA, he's neither going to be the biggest nor the most athletic. He's going to have a rude awakening when he tries to do the things he's doing right now in college in the NBA.
Look at how Beasley's struggling, and particularly how his insane college rebounding numbers aren't translating. And Beasley is far, far more skilled than Griffin.
Griffin could still be good in the NBA, but I don't really see him as a star, particularly if he's only 6'9".
Griffin's entire game is based on being the biggest and most athletic guy on the floor. When he gets to the NBA, he's neither going to be the biggest nor the most athletic. He's going to have a rude awakening when he tries to do the things he's doing right now in college in the NBA.
Look at how Beasley's struggling, and particularly how his insane college rebounding numbers aren't translating. And Beasley is far, far more skilled than Griffin.
Griffin could still be good in the NBA, but I don't really see him as a star, particularly if he's only 6'9".
I got to see some the Sportcenter highlights as well and there were a few things they pointed out that stuck with me...
1. They said the the Orange average 80 pts a game, but last night UConn and Thabeet held them to 49.
2. They also threw out this stat, and I don't want to murder it but it was something like this: Thabeet altered or changed 24 shots last night by himself.
3. And one of the NCAA basketball analysts and/or coaches said that he is one of the most amazing forces in the USA - period.
The more and more I watch this kid, the more I really like him.
However - Mr. Consistent had another double-double last night (18 and 10).... So, I'm really stuck right now.
Ok.. here's some of the quotes from the Orange/UConn game:
Rest here..
Pretty impressive from Thabeet.
1. They said the the Orange average 80 pts a game, but last night UConn and Thabeet held them to 49.
2. They also threw out this stat, and I don't want to murder it but it was something like this: Thabeet altered or changed 24 shots last night by himself.
3. And one of the NCAA basketball analysts and/or coaches said that he is one of the most amazing forces in the USA - period.
The more and more I watch this kid, the more I really like him.
However - Mr. Consistent had another double-double last night (18 and 10).... So, I'm really stuck right now.
Ok.. here's some of the quotes from the Orange/UConn game:
Rest here..
Pretty impressive from Thabeet.
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I didn't get to see the game, but there was one play I really didn't like about Blake... It was the play where shot clock winding down - he was trying to create and he actually lost the ball completely.
The Sooners got lucky of course.. but I hope this isn't a sign of his ability in the clutch and/or pressure situations.
The Sooners got lucky of course.. but I hope this isn't a sign of his ability in the clutch and/or pressure situations.
Absolutely no comparison between Greene and Brackin's. Greene is a pure SF and Brackin's, though he could play some SF is more of a PF. He's a rebounding machine and despite his slighter build, playes really well in the post. No way to prove it, but I think he's a better athlete than Greene.
I agree with Nbrans. If this guy is sitting there when we use Houston's pick, you grab him. I don't care who you drafted with the first pick. He's just too talented to let slide by.
I agree with Nbrans. If this guy is sitting there when we use Houston's pick, you grab him. I don't care who you drafted with the first pick. He's just too talented to let slide by.
It was a very impressive game. The passing out of the post is big too, because I was concerned about him being a turnover machine at the next level. Ok, I am officially touching the Draft the Gambit bandwagon with one hand. I still want to see him go up against Pitt and in the tourney before fully jumping on board, but he is making me a believer.
Boozer doesn't have much of a post game either. He uses his strength to pin down position and then has an excellent touch around the basket with either hand. You use what you've got.
Blake Griffin will still be extremely athletic and strong for the NBA. He also by all acounts has a great work ethic. I'd bet on him to improve his skill before I'd bet on Beasley learning to give a crap. Either way hustle, athleticism and muscle go a long way.
Rebounding usually translates pretty well. Kevin Love is rebounding like a crazy man.
There's a very fair chance he'll never be as good as Boozer, but he's more athletic, a little longer and as I said he's quite a bit better than Boozer was at this age. He definitely has a chance.
Blake Griffin will still be extremely athletic and strong for the NBA. He also by all acounts has a great work ethic. I'd bet on him to improve his skill before I'd bet on Beasley learning to give a crap. Either way hustle, athleticism and muscle go a long way.
Rebounding usually translates pretty well. Kevin Love is rebounding like a crazy man.
There's a very fair chance he'll never be as good as Boozer, but he's more athletic, a little longer and as I said he's quite a bit better than Boozer was at this age. He definitely has a chance.