Kings 2009-2010 NBA Draft:

[bajaden]

Well, game over and Maryland out hustled Florida St. for most of the game, and that was pretty much the game. It looked like I was going to be underwhelmed by Alabi, but he suddenly got more aggressive in the second half after sitting for most of the first. You can see the potential for him. You just have to wonder if he can get strong enough to be a regular contributer in the NBA.

His rebounding is his biggest weakness for a guy 7'1" tall. That plus the fact that he gets pushed around and knocked off balance in the post. Added strength will solve the last part, and possibly help the rebounding as well.

Anyone that watched the game can see why Vasquez catches a lot of flack from people. He simply can't resist showboating. I will give him this though. He walks the walk. He's a talented kid and I think he would go higher in the draft if his personality was a little more tempered. He had a nice game though, and he is a tough kid. Could you imagine him and Cisco playing together on the floor at the same time. God help us..

 

[Kingsforlife]

So Jarvis Varnado or Epke Udoh which is better. I dont have special channels.

 

[bajaden]

So Jarvis Varnado or Epke Udoh which is better. I dont have special channels.

Well, if I had to choose, I would take Udoh. I think he has the bigger upside and the ability to play center if he can put on some muscle. I think that Varnado is the best shotblocker in college right now. But at 6'9" and on the thin side, he's a powerforward. Udoh is taller, has wide shoulders and pretty good lower body strength. Hard to say who I'd give the edge to offensively. Neither one is an offensive juggernaut at this time, but both can score in the post and both have a mid-range jumper. Udoh is definitely a better passer, and can put the ball on the floor a little bit.

Probably a matter of personal taste. They're both good defensive players.

 

[Gilles]

Varnado is basically improved Justin Williams. How much improved will determine his role in the league. Udoh can fill out to be a legit PF, has some underdeveloped post moves with good passing out of the post and is solid defensive player.

 

[bajaden]

Varnado is basically improved Justin Williams. How much improved will determine his role in the league. Udoh can fill out to be a legit PF, has some underdeveloped post moves with good passing out of the post and is solid defensive player.

Yeah the Justin Williams analogy is a pretty good one. Varnado definitely has more basketball IQ than Justin, and because of that I think he can play in the league.

 

[hammystyle]

Well, if I had to choose, I would take Udoh. I think he has the bigger upside and the ability to play center if he can put on some muscle. I think that Varnado is the best shotblocker in college right now. But at 6'9" and on the thin side, he's a powerforward. Udoh is taller, has wide shoulders and pretty good lower body strength. Hard to say who I'd give the edge to offensively. Neither one is an offensive juggernaut at this time, but both can score in the post and both have a mid-range jumper. Udoh is definitely a better passer, and can put the ball on the floor a little bit.

Probably a matter of personal taste. They're both good defensive players.

I haven't seen Udoh play yet, but if he continues what he's doing and measures out as a legit 6'10" guy he's a VERY interesting prospect for the Kings. The shot-blocking numbers are ridiculous, he's been an efficient scorer, and really importantly, he has a positive A/T ratio. That may not seem like much, but its very rare in these college shot-blockers and bodes well for his ability to contribute to an NBA offense.

Just on paper, he looks a little like Al Horford, am I off?

 

[VF21]

Yeah the Justin Williams analogy is a pretty good one. Varnado definitely has more basketball IQ than Justin, and because of that I think he can play in the league.

So does roadkill.

 

[bajaden]

Well, despite his 32 points and 8 or 9 rebounds, I thought Turner looked a little rusty. But for those that watched the game, I'm sure that you saw that he can play a little bit. Were speaking of Evan Turner for those that don't know. Its a shame that he doesn't have a little more support around him. Buford is probably the next best player for Ohio St. But a win is a win. And against a very good basketball team in Purdue.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I got to check out Turner again last night for the first time since he's been back. Started a little slow in the first half but pretty much lead the comeback in the second. I also didnt feel like he looked completely comfortable out there yet, but I love his game.

As of now, Turner and Wall are the only non bigs I would consider with our pick. This could change after I get a chance to check out Wesley Johnson, but I havent seen him play yet.

 

[bajaden]

I got to check out Turner again last night for the first time since he's been back. Started a little slow in the first half but pretty much lead the comeback in the second. I also didnt feel like he looked completely comfortable out there yet, but I love his game.

As of now, Turner and Wall are the only non bigs I would consider with our pick. This could change after I get a chance to check out Wesley Johnson, but I havent seen him play yet.

I think you'll change your mind after you see Johnson play. Strangely enough, he's a lot like Turner. About the same size and has about the same results. Terrific rebounder for his position. Another good athlete. Not quite as good a ball handler or passer as Turner, but still above average, and a better shooter from three point range. He doesn't live out there though. Goes hard to the basket, and has a good midrange game.

I've called him a quieter version of Turner. You can't help but notice Turner. I guess a better way of putting it is that Turner goes out and forces the issue, where Johnson just takes whats there. However, he can and does take the team on his back if he thinks he needs to.

 

[bajaden]

Another player to keep an eye on is Avery Bradley of Texas. He's only 6'2" but he's a terrific athlete and has a huge wingspan for a guy his size. Texas is playing Iowa St. right now on Alt. Channel 682 on Direct TV. Texas features Dexter Pittman the 6'10" 290 pound center and a guy I really like. Damion James a SF.

Iowa St. of course has Craig Brackins. A 6'10" PF, who in my opinon has underaccheived so far this year.

 

[Kingster]

Kingster would probably disagree with me, but the best shotblocker is Varnado. He just instinctive. He's not a center, but I think you could put him on the floor with JT. He's also a good rebounder. He's not big, but he's tough, and not a bad finisher. Alabi will probably be gone before we pick, as will Aldrich. I like Udoh, and he does play center, although I think PF will be his best position in the NBA. He needs polish though. Pittman is a center. If he can lose another 15 pounds, you just might have something. I mean he moves pretty well right now at 290. Stamina is his enemy right now. But he could be a force if he can get into NBA shape.

No, no, no, no.... Alabi will not be gone. I told you. I channelled him. I channelled Evans last year. In fact, I channelled him before I even saw him. I was dreaming of being reincarnated and I wanted to come back as a stud big guard who could break the defense down at will and who miraculously appears at the Kings doorstep. Voila! Evans appears. (No, I didn't die). Now I've been channelling Alabi. Better athlete than Varnado. I get bad vibes with Varnado.

I did see Turner for about a half. Very intersting. Looks like Evans II. Outstanding defensive instincts, has the quicks, pretty good ball handler, and can shoot, and he's still not 100%. If you had Turner and Evans as your backcourt you'd have the best defensive backcourt in NBA history. Seriously.

 

[bajaden]

No, no, no, no.... Alabi will not be gone. I told you. I channelled him. I channelled Evans last year. In fact, I channelled him before I even saw him. I was dreaming of being reincarnated and I wanted to come back as a stud big guard who could break the defense down at will and who miraculously appears at the Kings doorstep. Voila! Evans appears. (No, I didn't die). Now I've been channelling Alabi. Better athlete than Varnado. I get bad vibes with Varnado.

I did see Turner for about a half. Very intersting. Looks like Evans II. Outstanding defensive instincts, has the quicks, pretty good ball handler, and can shoot, and he's still not 100%. If you had Turner and Evans as your backcourt you'd have the best defensive backcourt in NBA history. Seriously.

Yeah, it would be pretty special. I doubt that there's any chance of that happening, but what the hell, maybe the balls will bounce our way just once. By the way, I have a little channeling I need done. Maybe we can work something out.

 

[Kingster]

Yeah, it would be pretty special. I doubt that there's any chance of that happening, but what the hell, maybe the balls will bounce our way just once. By the way, I have a little channeling I need done. Maybe we can work something out.

What do you want - financial channelling? I'm working on that one for myself right now.

 

[netseee]

I change my mind, if kings have 8, 9 pick overall, I will suggest them to pick Dexter Pittman who plays just like another Shaquille O'Neal, but he can shoot within short perimeter

 

[bajaden]

Pittman is certainly someone I would consider. He still needs to lose a little more weight and get in a little better condition. But that aside, he's pretty athletic for a player his size. He has good lateral movement, and gets off the floor fairly well. He's very strong, and in that, resembles Shaq to some extent. Shaq is obviously bigger at 7'1" and plus 300 pounds. But, Shaq isn't going to be around much longer.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

These past two saturdays have been big for me. A lot of good games on TV. A lot of the top prespects too. Its been fun .. I think im starting to get a feel for some of the players this year.

I got my first look at Wesley Johnson 6'7 SF out of Syracuse. Its kind of funny actually. I have read so many great things about him and the first time I actually see him play he didnt really stick out. Looked like just another above average player out there. Shot 4-7 went to the line 7 times and scored 14 points. He was alright, deffinelty not bad - just didnt look particularly great. Not writing him off yet by any stretch, just didnt have it all going for him today. Syracuse is a dangerous team though. A lot of different weapons.

Its halftime now in the UNC/GT game. Georgia Tech has two real prospects Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors. Neither of them did much. Favors didnt even play a whole lot with foul trouble. Lawal is a bully type player. Sets hard screens, looks like a pretty good rebounder. I dont know how good of a fit he would be on this team. Undersized for the pro's. UNC has Ed Davis 6'10 PF Hes at the top of a lot of Mock Drafts. Must be potential over what hes actually doing, because I never come away from a game he is in impressed. He doesnt seem very mobile. He's skinny. Gets pushed around a lot. He's a wierd player to watch, thats for sure. I see the potential there because of his body type. But I havent seen a whole lot of skill from him.

 

[Gilles]

Wes Johnson is recovering from the flu.

 

[bajaden]

These past two saturdays have been big for me. A lot of good games on TV. A lot of the top prespects too. Its been fun .. I think im starting to get a feel for some of the players this year.

I got my first look at Wesley Johnson 6'7 SF out of Syracuse. Its kind of funny actually. I have read so many great things about him and the first time I actually see him play he didnt really stick out. Looked like just another above average player out there. Shot 4-7 went to the line 7 times and scored 14 points. He was alright, deffinelty not bad - just didnt look particularly great. Not writing him off yet by any stretch, just didnt have it all going for him today. Syracuse is a dangerous team though. A lot of different weapons.

Its halftime now in the UNC/GT game. Georgia Tech has two real prospects Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors. Neither of them did much. Favors didnt even play a whole lot with foul trouble. Lawal is a bully type player. Sets hard screens, looks like a pretty good rebounder. I dont know how good of a fit he would be on this team. Undersized for the pro's. UNC has Ed Davis 6'10 PF Hes at the top of a lot of Mock Drafts. Must be potential over what hes actually doing, because I never come away from a game he is in impressed. He doesnt seem very mobile. He's skinny. Gets pushed around a lot. He's a wierd player to watch, thats for sure. I see the potential there because of his body type. But I havent seen a whole lot of skill from him.

He beat me to it about Johnson. And remember what I told you about him. When you watch Ohio St. you can't help but notice Turner. But Johnson is one of those players that just takes whats there and doesn't force things very much. As a result you don't notice him the same way you do Turner. But at the end of the day he ususally puts up very similar stats. He's definitely a better outside shooter than Turner, but Turner is better at going to the basket. All in all they share similar skills. They just have different ways of applying them.

 

[bajaden]

By the way, I completely agree with your opinion on Davis, Favors and Lawal. I will say this about Lawal. He's really improved his jumpshot from last year when it was almost nonexistant. But for the most part he's an energy guy who just outquicks his opponents. I've yet to find anything to rave about when it comes to Favors. I'm really trying to get excited about him, but so far, notta. Ed Davis is a very solid player. He blocks a few shots and rebounds well. He's not bad offensively around the basket, but I don't see STAR written on him anywhere. Don't get me wrong. I think he'll be a good player in the NBA. Maybe even a starter eventually. But I see him as a role player. I could be wrong. I've certainly been fooled before. Right now, just from what I've seen, I draft Udoh over all three of them because of his defensive upside. Not to mention he's bigger than all three of them. Remember, I'm basing this only on what I've seen and not press clippings from highschool.

 

[dbfish]

I would be surprised if anybody but Wall and or Turner turn out to be stars. Just my HO of course.

 

[bajaden]

I would be surprised if anybody but Wall and or Turner turn out to be stars. Just my HO of course.

I'd say you picked the two with the best chance. But there's always a couple that end up surprising you. There are guys that are really talented but don't have their heads on straight that could, should, but maybe won't turn out to be stars. Lance Stevenson from Cincinnitti is one of those guys. This Kid is really talented, but probably won't be taken in the first round because of his attitude. Another guy I really like, and he seems to produce everytime I see him is Damion James of Texas. He's listed as a PF on a lot of the fourms but he really a SF and a dammed good one. His outside shot is better this year, although still inconsistant. But he's really the star of that team. You also have Avery Bradley of Texas who has played his way into the starting lineup. He may be the most athletic player in college this year. He reminds me a little bit of Russell Westbrook. About the same size at 6'2" and with outstanding speed and serious hops. He won the McDonalds slam dunk contest. And like Westbrook, no one is sure what his position is. But I guarantee you this kid will play in the NBA. Don't be surprised if he isn't the next Monta Ellis.

 

[Gilles]

Stephenson is Tyreke without first step. That's not a great player in NBA. He will still score but with many TOs. Below average defender.
Speaking about Favors it's hard to score if your guards don't give you the ball. Few times he got the ball only double-team stopped him. In 3-4 years he will be bigger than Udoh. Need to work a lot but he's still 18.

 

[Gilles]

Davis is basically Brandan Wright with better rebounding. Needs to really improve his body to make an impact in the League. He's producing on a very good team as a soph that's gotta count for something.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Davis is basically Brandan Wright with better rebounding. Needs to really improve his body to make an impact in the League. He's producing on a very good team as a soph that's gotta count for something.

There is is. Thats a perfect comparison. Taking him with our pick seems too risky to me.

 

[bajaden]

Stephenson is Tyreke without first step. That's not a great player in NBA. He will still score but with many TOs. Below average defender.
Speaking about Favors it's hard to score if your guards don't give you the ball. Few times he got the ball only double-team stopped him. In 3-4 years he will be bigger than Udoh. Need to work a lot but he's still 18.

I'm not a big Stephenson fan, but I think he's a little better than you give him credit for, but then its in the eye of the beholder. On your second point, I think thats one of the problems in college. I can go around the league and point out big men that never get the ball in the paint. About the only way Varnado touches the ball is by getting a rebound. Thats why the teams that ususally end up in the final four have very good guards and some sort of post play. For the most part a lot of big men are wasted on the offensive side in college.

You look at some of your top college teams and you see Kentucky, Kansas, and Texas. All three have good inside and outside game. All three have solid guard play. If Kentucky can limit their turnovers, I think they can win the whole thing. Thats a big if though.

On Favors, I'm sorry, but I just don't see it. I'm not saying he's a bad player. But he doesn't blow my socks off. I've seen him play maybe 8 times this year already, and I'm still waiting for that one game where I say WOW! I've got to have this kid. And I'm certainly not going to bet the farm on his growing another couple of inches.

 

[Gilles]

Let's just say Favors is one of those guys better suited for pros than college. When was the last time 18-year old BIG MAN-freshman blew your socks off?

 

[bajaden]

Let's just say Favors is one of those guys better suited for pros than college. When was the last time 18-year old BIG MAN-freshman blew your socks off?

Ha ha! You've got a point there. Its been a while. Perhaps thats why most of the big men I like are all juniors and seniors. I do sort of like Cousins. I think the kid has a big upside if he can get a hold of his emotions and get his head on straight. He certainly has the size and the potential for growth, both physicaly and skill wise.

I do think that if Favors played on either Texas or Kentucky he would be highlighted more because of their ability to get the ball inside.

 

[asakkings]

I really like Dexter Pittman and I think he would be a solid pick for us depending on where we end up.

 

[bajaden]

I really like Dexter Pittman and I think he would be a solid pick for us depending on where we end up.

I like Pittman. He still has some up and down games depending on his ability to stay out of foul trouble. He seems dedicated right now, and if he's able to maintain that, then I think he's definitely someone to consider.