Kings 2009-2010 NBA Draft:

bajaden

Hall of Famer
Davis just moves so well for a big guy and with his length he has the tools to be a defensive anchor. He does seem passive at times, which for a defensive big man is a big red flag. I could see Davis going either way, I just think his defensive potential is as good as anyone in this draft.

Cousins production is amazing. He is putting up crazy number for a big guy. Like I said I caught him at his worse, even at his worse his footwork is really impressive for a guy that size. I had heard bad things about him defensively but he seemed alright on that end from what I could see. Not great but nothing that makes me think he will be a liability. Having seen him play a lot this year what do you think of his defensive potential? And what NBA player would you compare him to? I see him as a Al Jefferson Zach Randolf type, average athlete/defender but highly skilled and very strong.
First off, Cousins is bigger and longer than either of them. Lets not forget that he's in the 6'10 to 6'11" range and weighs around 275 to 280. He's reported to have around a 7'6" wingspan. He's not a bad athlete and has shown some quickness around the basket. I question his lateral movement and his hops. I don't think the hops are much to worry about with that length. I see him as a good positional defender, but he could have problems with rotations that leave him on a quicker player. All in all, to answer you question, I think he can be a pretty good defender in time. He's a very good rebounder and has pretty soft hands. Its all up to him and how good he wants to be. He has the ability.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
After (and before) seeing the Kansas-Texas game, I'd rather have Pittman play for 20 minutes than Aldrich for 40.
I know your not an Aldrich fan, but he's going to be better than you think. He's a surprisingly better athlete than you might think at first glance. He's quick around the basket and he's a good shot blocker. Offensively he's better than his stats show. He really doesn't look for his shot and mostly tries to defend and rebound. There's no doubt that he needs to get stronger, but I think he's going to be a good player.

I like Pittman, but he's a good 20 pounds and a lot of workouts from being able to compete in the NBA on a regular basis. But if he gets in top shape, he can be a player. He's already strong and hard to move off the block. But he lacks touch around the basket and at times appears to have bad hands.
 
First off, Cousins is bigger and longer than either of them. Lets not forget that he's in the 6'10 to 6'11" range and weighs around 275 to 280. He's reported to have around a 7'6" wingspan. He's not a bad athlete and has shown some quickness around the basket. I question his lateral movement and his hops. I don't think the hops are much to worry about with that length. I see him as a good positional defender, but he could have problems with rotations that leave him on a quicker player. All in all, to answer you question, I think he can be a pretty good defender in time. He's a very good rebounder and has pretty soft hands. Its all up to him and how good he wants to be. He has the ability.
Thanks for the info. Having seen so little of him I was just making some casual observations. When comparing him to Randolf and Jefferson I was thinking more in terms of style of play rather then a direct comparison.
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
I know your not an Aldrich fan, but he's going to be better than you think. He's a surprisingly better athlete than you might think at first glance. He's quick around the basket and he's a good shot blocker. Offensively he's better than his stats show. He really doesn't look for his shot and mostly tries to defend and rebound. There's no doubt that he needs to get stronger, but I think he's going to be a good player.

I like Pittman, but he's a good 20 pounds and a lot of workouts from being able to compete in the NBA on a regular basis. But if he gets in top shape, he can be a player. He's already strong and hard to move off the block. But he lacks touch around the basket and at times appears to have bad hands.
I just look at Alrdrich and ask: Where is the impact? Is he a force on the game? Does he demand a double team? No. Is he a great enough outside shooter and passer to make an impact? No. Is he dominant defensively in the paint? No. So where exactly does he force himself on the other team? I just don't see it. I don't see him forcing the other team to do anything. I see Pittman forcing Kansas to double and triple team him. That's an impact.
 
I just look at Alrdrich and ask: Where is the impact? Is he a force on the game? Does he demand a double team? No. Is he a great enough outside shooter and passer to make an impact? No. Is he dominant defensively in the paint? No. So where exactly does he force himself on the other team? I just don't see it. I don't see him forcing the other team to do anything. I see Pittman forcing Kansas to double and triple team him. That's an impact.
Eh, Pittman didn't force double teams, he only scored 3 points. Texas had two guy on the court who were useless on offense so when they dumped it to Pittman, double teams were just an obvious tactic. Most of those double teams happened during a ten minute stretch where Texas didn't even score, so it not like Pittman made them pay. No impact whatsoever.

Pittman is however the better low post scorer. He' 50 lbs heavier and has soft hands around the hoop...but that's it. Aldrich is much better at everything else and by far. You may see Aldrich and see no A level skills and thus no force. But I see a solid B on all those skills and no holes in his game. He's just a very solid all around center who will be an above average starter in the league. Pittman has a chance to be a solid backup with upside depending on how well he keeps himself in shape.
 
R

rocketblaze

Guest
I have a question as an outside spectator(rocket fan) looking in, if you guys(king fans) got the first pick, would you draft John Wall, despite the fact that ya'll already have Tyreke Evans, or would you trade it to get a lower pick and draft someone like Derrick Favors.....

just wondering, whats you guys point of view!?!:D
 
I have a question as an outside spectator(rocket fan) looking in, if you guys(king fans) got the first pick, would you draft John Wall, despite the fact that ya'll already have Tyreke Evans, or would you trade it to get a lower pick and draft someone like Derrick Favors.....

just wondering, whats you guys point of view!?!:D
I think that it would have to be between Wall and Turner. Wall may be the better player but Turner would definitely be the better fit. Even though the Kings desperately need a defensive big, both Wall and Turner are going to be so good that you can't pass up on the talent.

I'd rather take Wall or Turner and then see about signing someone like Perkins as a FA in 2011 for my Big Man needs.
My number 3 prospect right now would be Cousins.
 

Bricklayer

Don't Make Me Use The Bat
I have a question as an outside spectator(rocket fan) looking in, if you guys(king fans) got the first pick, would you draft John Wall, despite the fact that ya'll already have Tyreke Evans, or would you trade it to get a lower pick and draft someone like Derrick Favors.....

just wondering, whats you guys point of view!?!:D
I've said all along you have to take Wall in that situation and gamble on the backcourt of doom, even though I have real doubts it works. Would be a nice problem to have. :)
 
I think that it would have to be between Wall and Turner. Wall may be the better player but Turner would definitely be the better fit. Even though the Kings desperately need a defensive big, both Wall and Turner are going to be so good that you can't pass up on the talent.

I'd rather take Wall or Turner and then see about signing someone like Perkins as a FA in 2011 for my Big Man needs.
My number 3 prospect right now would be Cousins.
Why is Turner the better fit than Wall?
 

pdxKingsFan

So Ordinary That It's Truly Quite Extraordinary
Staff member
I've said all along you have to take Wall in that situation and gamble on the backcourt of doom, even though I have real doubts it works. Would be a nice problem to have. :)
You probably have to do this or risk being second guessed forever. But the other option would be some kind of trade like Webb for Penny, didn't Orlando get like 5 first rounders back on that? Maybe it was 3 over 5 years. If any team is stupid enough to do that then they are probably going to be pretty good picks :)
 
You probably have to do this or risk being second guessed forever. But the other option would be some kind of trade like Webb for Penny, didn't Orlando get like 5 first rounders back on that? Maybe it was 3 over 5 years. If any team is stupid enough to do that then they are probably going to be pretty good picks :)
I think they'd have been better off with Webber.
 
I was curious to find out what all your thoughts on Cole Aldridge. I saw him briefly in a couple games and he seems to alter alot of shots and has good defensive mind in the paint.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
Why is Turner the better fit than Wall?
Its a matter of whether you think Evans is our point guard of the future or not. If not, then Wall is the choice. If yes, then Turner is the perfect fit next to Evans. Both Wall and Turner are terrific players. For some reason I happen to like Turner more than Wall. Both players are going to be stars in the NBA. Both have similar talents. Both are good passers. Both are good ballhandlers. I think Turner may be one of the best ballhandlers I've ever seen. Both are athletic. I give the edge to Wall here. Both have a suspect outside shot.. Defensively I give the edge to Turner, who is terrific defender. You really can't go wrong with either one. And depending on your need, each one has equal value. It all comes down to whether Evans is our point guard or not. And if he is, I choose Turner.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
I think the target of kings will be among Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins, Cole Aldrich, and Ed Davis
Well I think were talking about have a shot at the first pick in the draft. If so, the only one of those you listed that I would even consider is Cousins. And I wouldn't consider him for the first pick.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
I think this is spot on, plus alot of mid 1st rounder players. a couple teams have 3+ picks I have a feeling this year kings will buy a pick.
Minny has three picks in the first round. If I had the first pick and Minny wanted it, I'd want all three of their first round picks or no deal. Thats how good I think Turner and Wall are.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
I was curious to find out what all your thoughts on Cole Aldridge. I saw him briefly in a couple games and he seems to alter alot of shots and has good defensive mind in the paint.
Well if you were to go back about 8 or 9 posts I gave my opinion on Aldrich. I don't want to repeat it because it irritates Kingster. So I'm trying to be a nice guy..:D
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
wow...let me get this straight you would pick Pittman with the 6th-8th pick??? Kings traded our 2nd round 2010 pick today. lol
The 6th - 8th stuff is your stuff, not mine. Yes, I'd take Pttman over Aldrich. I'd like to ask you something? Have you ever seen Aldrich dominate a game against a good team? I haven't. Until he shows an impact like what I've seen from Pittman, then yes, I'd take Pittman, despite his stamina deficiency.
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
Eh, Pittman didn't force double teams, he only scored 3 points. Texas had two guy on the court who were useless on offense so when they dumped it to Pittman, double teams were just an obvious tactic. Most of those double teams happened during a ten minute stretch where Texas didn't even score, so it not like Pittman made them pay. No impact whatsoever.

Pittman is however the better low post scorer. He' 50 lbs heavier and has soft hands around the hoop...but that's it. Aldrich is much better at everything else and by far. You may see Aldrich and see no A level skills and thus no force. But I see a solid B on all those skills and no holes in his game. He's just a very solid all around center who will be an above average starter in the league. Pittman has a chance to be a solid backup with upside depending on how well he keeps himself in shape.
You lost me on the first sentence. You obviously didn't see the game.
 
Well I think were talking about have a shot at the first pick in the draft. If so, the only one of those you listed that I would even consider is Cousins. And I wouldn't consider him for the first pick.

I take Favors over Cousins 4/5 times. I think Favors upside overshoots Cousins mentality. Cousins leads the NCAA in T's, has been labeled as tough to coach, and has had issues staying in shape. As simmons would say, I see this as a giant blinking neon sign "STAY AWAY". Favors on the other hand: freak athlete, puts emphasis on defense, and ive read many scouting reports saying he is very coachable and disciplined. The idea of Cousins is nice, but I do not want to pick a guy who could be the next zach randolph for his first 6-7 years.

Of course, I take John Wall or Evan Turner over anyone in this draft.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
I take Favors over Cousins 4/5 times. I think Favors upside overshoots Cousins mentality. Cousins leads the NCAA in T's, has been labeled as tough to coach, and has had issues staying in shape. As simmons would say, I see this as a giant blinking neon sign "STAY AWAY". Favors on the other hand: freak athlete, puts emphasis on defense, and ive read many scouting reports saying he is very coachable and disciplined. The idea of Cousins is nice, but I do not want to pick a guy who could be the next zach randolph for his first 6-7 years.

Of course, I take John Wall or Evan Turner over anyone in this draft.
I'm not going to tell you your wrong. There is a gamble with Cousins. I can only judge players by how they play. I would guess that I've seen Cousins close to 15 times, maybe 16 times this year. I've seen Favors a little less. If your looking for impact on a game Cousins wins in a landslide. But Favors is the second banana on his team as far as bigs go. The guard play on his team is not very good. So it makes it hard to get a good feel for what he can.

Is he a better athlete than Cousins. For sure. Is he a better overall player than Cousins right now. I would say no. Cousins is a better rebounder and a better low post scorer. Favors is a better defensive player. My problem with Favors is he seldom impacts the game. Cousins does. I know thats simplistic, but none the less, its meaningful when I'm looking at players. Its possible that Favors is simply a victim of his inviorment. And its possible that Favors will be the better player down the road. Those are questions I can't answer. Bottom line, I'll take either one of them if it comes down to it. But I'll take Wall or Turner over both of them.. Hey, I can dream.
 
I look at this team, and what we have and what we need, and man, I want Evan Turner here.

The one downside ( or upside ) of the Landry move is that now I just have no idea who were going to take. Before Landry, I was sure it would be a big ( because we would be outside of the Turner/Wall range ) .. now I just dont know.

Avery Bradley would seem like a good fit with Tyreke, but drafting him at our pick could be a stretch. I like him though. As far as bigs go, I want either Cousins or Aldrich. Havent seen a ton of Favors, but from what I have seen I wasnt overly impressed. Everytime I see Alabi he is in foul trouble. The one time I saw Udoh he was alright, and I havent seen Whiteside.

It seems like this draft has a solid top 3. Wall, Turner, and Cousins. Then just a notch below them are Johnson and Aldrich. Unfortunetly, our pick should fall just outside those 5 players. Im not taking into account team needs yet, but thats how I feel the talent in this draft is being viewed.