Much more scary to me, is the Kings ending up with the 6th pick and these 5 players being off the board: Davis, MKG, Barnes, Robinson & Drummond. Then what? We need another SG like we need a hole in our head. If we end up with the 6th pick, I think we should try to trade back a few spots and take Terence Jones. The big question would be, how many spots can you afford to trade back and still guarantee yourself Jones? It's a very dangerous gamble to take. However, realistically, once the top 5 guys are off the board, it's all about the two shooting guards, and we have a glut at that position with MT and Jimmer. If we stay at the 6th spot, I think we have to take Beal, but it's not an ideal scenario, unless we are able to make a great deal in trading away Thornton. I just hate to be put into a situation where everyone in the league knows you need to offload a shooting guard.
It's early, but anybody have a draft wish list yet?
- Thread starter bluntsnbball
- Start date
Much more scary to me, is the Kings ending up with the 6th pick and these 5 players being off the board: Davis, MKG, Barnes, Robinson & Drummond. Then what? We need another SG like we need a hole in our head. If we end up with the 6th pick, I think we should try to trade back a few spots and take Terence Jones. The big question would be, how many spots can you afford to trade back and still guarantee yourself Jones? It's a very dangerous gamble to take. However, realistically, once the top 5 guys are off the board, it's all about the two shooting guards, and we have a glut at that position with MT and Jimmer. If we stay at the 6th spot, I think we have to take Beal, but it's not an ideal scenario, unless we are able to make a great deal in trading away Thornton. I just hate to be put into a situation where everyone in the league knows you need to offload a shooting guard.
This note made me throw up. 
Anyway, no matter where we end up, we will get a good player. Nothing forces us to make a trade that doesn't benefit us. Please, no panic mode trades. I suspect we won't be battling for the NBA championship next year so we still have time to shake up our roster over the next year or two.
I don't want to pick a SG but if that's BPA, so be it. Originally I didn't want marshall because of our glut of guards but that could be worked out also and Marshall at least could be used from day one. We have a better chance of picking someone who fits just fine but statistics are statistics and not guarantees (unfortunately). Davis, MKG, and even Robinson would make me very, very pleased. I know that's not respondent to this note but the note makes me nauseated.
To pick up on a note above, I happen to agree 100% with bajaden as to the huge risk Drummond is. I hope I am not repeating myself. In a deep draft with a high pick, we shouldn't be taking chances. I'd rather draft a SG and work out the details later than take a chance of completely blowing it and I see a pick of Drummond as being far more likely to be a disaster than the opportunity to get that all star.
Anyway, no matter where we end up, we will get a good player. Nothing forces us to make a trade that doesn't benefit us. Please, no panic mode trades. I suspect we won't be battling for the NBA championship next year so we still have time to shake up our roster over the next year or two. I don't want to pick a SG but if that's BPA, so be it. Originally I didn't want marshall because of our glut of guards but that could be worked out also and Marshall at least could be used from day one. We have a better chance of picking someone who fits just fine but statistics are statistics and not guarantees (unfortunately). Davis, MKG, and even Robinson would make me very, very pleased. I know that's not respondent to this note but the note makes me nauseated.
To pick up on a note above, I happen to agree 100% with bajaden as to the huge risk Drummond is. I hope I am not repeating myself. In a deep draft with a high pick, we shouldn't be taking chances. I'd rather draft a SG and work out the details later than take a chance of completely blowing it and I see a pick of Drummond as being far more likely to be a disaster than the opportunity to get that all star.
This is an interesting wrinkle, apparently Quincy Miller is declaring for the draft after all. He should be in play in the top 10.
Quincy Miller Turning Pro
Quincy Miller Turning Pro
I'm very surprised! I like Miller quite a bit. He's definitely a little rough around the edges, but he's a good rebounder, good outside shooter who handles the ball well for a SF. He has great size and length. He's a deceptive athlete because he's so smooth that he appears to be moving in slow mo at times. He certainly adds to the talent pool at the top. I thought sure he would stay another year.
Isn't Baylor possibly facing sanctions over recruiting violations? I remember reading an article about the NCAA investigating illegal phone calls and texts or something like that, starting with Brittney Griner.
Ah, here it is -- on ESPN: Baylor Faces Possible Sanctions
Ah, here it is -- on ESPN: Baylor Faces Possible Sanctions
I can't see him being top 10.
I think Terrence Ross has a better chance at that then him (in general I think Ross is really underrated cause he plays for U-Dub, and personally think if he doesn't go top 10 some scouts really screwed up in their evaluations - there's just no way this kid is a bubble-lottery pick and i'm sure he'll prove this right down the line in his career)
If there's guys I can see jumping forward in terms of draft-stock in workouts at the SF position, it's Ross, Moe Harkless and Jeffrey Taylor.
I think Terrence Ross has a better chance at that then him (in general I think Ross is really underrated cause he plays for U-Dub, and personally think if he doesn't go top 10 some scouts really screwed up in their evaluations - there's just no way this kid is a bubble-lottery pick and i'm sure he'll prove this right down the line in his career)
If there's guys I can see jumping forward in terms of draft-stock in workouts at the SF position, it's Ross, Moe Harkless and Jeffrey Taylor.
I think where Ross and Miller go will be determined by their workouts, and to some extent, how they fare at the combine. Taylor should be a lottery pick, and if he shows well in the team workouts, I think he'll move up. He's a terrific athlete. The biggest knock on Harkless is his outside shot. Right now, I see Miller in the lottery with Ross and Taylor right on the bubble. I don't think Harkless has a chance of getting into the lottery, but he's a definite 1st round pick.
Harkless is not that far away from MKG tbh, well obviously the intangibles which is major - but Harkless is a top 10 talent aswell imo. I have a feeling his draft stock will rise in the combine and on workouts aswell as the other 2.
Miller I have a problem with esp on defense - he's not explosive and doesn't have the lateral quickness imo to keep pace with the SFs in the next level. he shoots fine and handles fine, and got great size and length - but i'm just not sure he can project as a fulltime SF in the next level cause of his defense - and also cause I can't really see him translating into a guy who can create his own shoot off the dribble as good cause of his lack of explosiveness/quickness/strength... all that limits his upside for me.
Harkless where he's projected right now is a massive steal same as Taylor(Late first round) - it depends on need ofcourse, but i'd have Ross as a top 10 pick, and Harkless and Taylor as bottom of the lottery type guys or anywhere between like 12-17 (although it depends on needs ofcourse).
Another kid I just don't understand how people underrate him and put him in the low 20's is Doron Lamb - I mean this kid is one of the safest bets in this entire draft. he showed he can play a role within other star players and come with a role player attitude who feeds off others, arguably the best shooter in the draft, solid size, solid athletic ability - decent frame that can fill up - has good underrated handle and can initiate the offense as a combo guard at times, run the pick and roll, work off screens, shoot off the bounce and not only as a set shooter.
Defensively is the knock on him - but I think he improved and showed effort in trying to play under Cal and did progress - he's never gonna be great but I doubt he'll be a liability and end up being an average defender which is acceptable.
All in all his floor is to be a solid role player with a very long career in the league - and his ceiling imo is something around a Jason Terry kind of guy as a volume 16-18ppg off the bench... I can't justify him being picked higher then 20 - and even 20 is a stretch imo, i'd take him even closer to the lottery.
Miller I have a problem with esp on defense - he's not explosive and doesn't have the lateral quickness imo to keep pace with the SFs in the next level. he shoots fine and handles fine, and got great size and length - but i'm just not sure he can project as a fulltime SF in the next level cause of his defense - and also cause I can't really see him translating into a guy who can create his own shoot off the dribble as good cause of his lack of explosiveness/quickness/strength... all that limits his upside for me.
Harkless where he's projected right now is a massive steal same as Taylor(Late first round) - it depends on need ofcourse, but i'd have Ross as a top 10 pick, and Harkless and Taylor as bottom of the lottery type guys or anywhere between like 12-17 (although it depends on needs ofcourse).
Another kid I just don't understand how people underrate him and put him in the low 20's is Doron Lamb - I mean this kid is one of the safest bets in this entire draft. he showed he can play a role within other star players and come with a role player attitude who feeds off others, arguably the best shooter in the draft, solid size, solid athletic ability - decent frame that can fill up - has good underrated handle and can initiate the offense as a combo guard at times, run the pick and roll, work off screens, shoot off the bounce and not only as a set shooter.
Defensively is the knock on him - but I think he improved and showed effort in trying to play under Cal and did progress - he's never gonna be great but I doubt he'll be a liability and end up being an average defender which is acceptable.
All in all his floor is to be a solid role player with a very long career in the league - and his ceiling imo is something around a Jason Terry kind of guy as a volume 16-18ppg off the bench... I can't justify him being picked higher then 20 - and even 20 is a stretch imo, i'd take him even closer to the lottery.
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Ross is not that comfortable with his handles in traffic so he may not shine that much in competetive workouts but if he improves in the next two months he can and probably should sneak into the lottery. Taylor can't create against top athletes so for him competetive workouts won't be much help either, he can check all the underclassmen with his strength though so he should impress defensively.
Doron Lamb is a 2-guard with very good handles so he can as a backup PG. Defensively he's weak against SGs but I don't think he's to slow to match with points. I see him in early second round in some drafts. Lamb is a must have there.
Doron Lamb is a 2-guard with very good handles so he can as a backup PG. Defensively he's weak against SGs but I don't think he's to slow to match with points. I see him in early second round in some drafts. Lamb is a must have there.
If the KF 'top 5' are gone - Davis, MKG, Barnes, Robinson & Drummond - and we end up with the 6th pick .. It could be a blessing in disguise.
Honestly, I don't want Barnes or Robinson. I'll take them because if were going for BPA .. I suppose you have to take those guys, but like I said, I don't want them on the Kings. I don't love the fit for either player, and my own personal draft philosophy is that if the talent level is close, go for fit. I understand that's not a popular opinion among 'draft guys' but I've seen countless players taken in the draft with NO room for playing time, and they either never break out or they break out on a different team.
If we get top 3, I'll gladly take my chances with Davis, MKG, or Drummond. Drummond has some question marks for sure, but they are question marks THE KINGS (again, talking fit) can handle. His biggest question marks come on the offensive end (coming from a UCONN team that didn't exactly feature his offense) .. well, we have this guy named DeMarcus Cousins who will dominate the ball as a big on this team for 10+ years. We don't need offense out of Drummond. If He can become a better offensive threat that's great, and I think he will do just that ! but I think he's not as big of a gamble as some others do, because even if his offense never drastically improves, he can still be a great fit next to DMC with his size and shot blocking.
And because I'm a fit guy, if we sit at #6 I will go home happy with Terrence Jones or John Henson. For reasons I've stated before .. I like both players.
I'm scared of the other guys in that range .. I'm scared of Robinson, Beal, Barnes, or even Sullinger because I'm afraid we might draft one of them, and I would understand it based on their talent level, I just wouldn't be thrilled with the fit.
I also think it would send a nice message if we went after Drummond, Henson, or Jones. Those picks say 'We are valuing defense'. And after drafting Cousins and Jimmer in back to back seasons, It would be a nice change.
Honestly, I don't want Barnes or Robinson. I'll take them because if were going for BPA .. I suppose you have to take those guys, but like I said, I don't want them on the Kings. I don't love the fit for either player, and my own personal draft philosophy is that if the talent level is close, go for fit. I understand that's not a popular opinion among 'draft guys' but I've seen countless players taken in the draft with NO room for playing time, and they either never break out or they break out on a different team.
If we get top 3, I'll gladly take my chances with Davis, MKG, or Drummond. Drummond has some question marks for sure, but they are question marks THE KINGS (again, talking fit) can handle. His biggest question marks come on the offensive end (coming from a UCONN team that didn't exactly feature his offense) .. well, we have this guy named DeMarcus Cousins who will dominate the ball as a big on this team for 10+ years. We don't need offense out of Drummond. If He can become a better offensive threat that's great, and I think he will do just that ! but I think he's not as big of a gamble as some others do, because even if his offense never drastically improves, he can still be a great fit next to DMC with his size and shot blocking.
And because I'm a fit guy, if we sit at #6 I will go home happy with Terrence Jones or John Henson. For reasons I've stated before .. I like both players.
I'm scared of the other guys in that range .. I'm scared of Robinson, Beal, Barnes, or even Sullinger because I'm afraid we might draft one of them, and I would understand it based on their talent level, I just wouldn't be thrilled with the fit.
I also think it would send a nice message if we went after Drummond, Henson, or Jones. Those picks say 'We are valuing defense'. And after drafting Cousins and Jimmer in back to back seasons, It would be a nice change.
Of the guys mentioned, Miller is the biggest question mark for me. If I were judging him on his first 5 or 6 games of the year for Baylor, he'd be a top 10 pick. But after Jones returned to the team, he started deferring to Jones and his production went down. His minutes went down. later in the season he had his moments here and there, but in general it ended up being just a so so season with a few bright spots here and there. Problem for me is, I saw most of those bright spots, and that has me inticed. As I said, at times he looks slow, but still beats his man. So I think he's a better athlete than he appears. I don't think it helped to have him at the PF position part of the time either. But hey, you could be right. Well see.
I will admit that I didn't get a chance to see St. Johns play as much as the other teams. Not by choice by the way. They just wern't on as often. Harkless is a very good athlete, and I can see why you compare him to Gilchrist. He plays a similar game. There are some differences though. Gilchrist is much stronger, and plays with a physicality that Harkless can't play with. Gilchrist is a much, much better ballhandler, and finisher at the basket than Harkless. Harkless like Gilchrist struggles with his outside shot, but has a decent midrange game. Where the two are most comparable is on the defensive side of the ball. I think Gilchrist still has a large edge in that dept, but Harkless is a very competitive defender, and is another player that could probably contribute right away at the next level.
I've had a love/hate relationship with Taylor for the last three years. However this year he made me love him more than hate him. He really improved in a lot of areas. His ballhandling improved. While its still an area that needs work, its certainly good enough for the type of game he'll be asked to play in the NBA. His ability to come off screens and shoot the ball consistently was one of the areas he improved the most. That along with his being more consistent from long range where he shot over 40% this year. Defensively is where he shines. I had him rated as the second best defensive SF in college behind Gilchrist. He's a freak athlete and very strong. Physically, his only drawback is his short wingspan at 6'6". Similar problem that Ross has who has a 6'7" wingspan.
Ross and Wroten were probably the two best players on the Washington team. A team that appeared very disjointed this past season. I think I can safely say they underaccheived. In some ways, I think that hurt Ross. Like it or not, scouts always wonder why a very good player couldn't make his team better. It also hurt when Washington didn't make the dance, which was a travesty in my opinion. None of that is fair of course, but its the reality of the situation.
This will sound crazy, but there's a part of me that wishes, if we can't get one of the top guys, I'd rather pick 10 or below and grab one of Taylor, Ross, or Harkless. All three of those guys are going to be very good defensive players at the next level, and I think all three will contribute offensively as well. But then I'm a little nuts. By the way, I wouldn't mind having Terrence Jones either. I think Jones, and Taylor will both be better pro's than college players. Taylor, because he won't be the man anymore, and the center of the other teams focus, and Jones, because Calapari tends to disquise some of a players capabilities with his system.
I will admit that I didn't get a chance to see St. Johns play as much as the other teams. Not by choice by the way. They just wern't on as often. Harkless is a very good athlete, and I can see why you compare him to Gilchrist. He plays a similar game. There are some differences though. Gilchrist is much stronger, and plays with a physicality that Harkless can't play with. Gilchrist is a much, much better ballhandler, and finisher at the basket than Harkless. Harkless like Gilchrist struggles with his outside shot, but has a decent midrange game. Where the two are most comparable is on the defensive side of the ball. I think Gilchrist still has a large edge in that dept, but Harkless is a very competitive defender, and is another player that could probably contribute right away at the next level.
I've had a love/hate relationship with Taylor for the last three years. However this year he made me love him more than hate him. He really improved in a lot of areas. His ballhandling improved. While its still an area that needs work, its certainly good enough for the type of game he'll be asked to play in the NBA. His ability to come off screens and shoot the ball consistently was one of the areas he improved the most. That along with his being more consistent from long range where he shot over 40% this year. Defensively is where he shines. I had him rated as the second best defensive SF in college behind Gilchrist. He's a freak athlete and very strong. Physically, his only drawback is his short wingspan at 6'6". Similar problem that Ross has who has a 6'7" wingspan.
Ross and Wroten were probably the two best players on the Washington team. A team that appeared very disjointed this past season. I think I can safely say they underaccheived. In some ways, I think that hurt Ross. Like it or not, scouts always wonder why a very good player couldn't make his team better. It also hurt when Washington didn't make the dance, which was a travesty in my opinion. None of that is fair of course, but its the reality of the situation.
This will sound crazy, but there's a part of me that wishes, if we can't get one of the top guys, I'd rather pick 10 or below and grab one of Taylor, Ross, or Harkless. All three of those guys are going to be very good defensive players at the next level, and I think all three will contribute offensively as well. But then I'm a little nuts. By the way, I wouldn't mind having Terrence Jones either. I think Jones, and Taylor will both be better pro's than college players. Taylor, because he won't be the man anymore, and the center of the other teams focus, and Jones, because Calapari tends to disquise some of a players capabilities with his system.
In my humble opinion, and it is just my opinion. Henson is a big reach at #6. I like Henson, and I've called him a poor mans Davis. But I would take Beal, J.Lamb, Barnes, T. Jones, P. Jones, Ross, M. Leonard, Rivers, and Zeller before choosing Henson. Some of those guys because they're better players right now, and some because they have a much bigger upside. None of this, by the way has anything to do with need. But choosing Henson at 6, would have to do with need.
Now I could be dead wrong. But I've watched him play for long time, and I just don't see what some others see. He spent that last few years trying to put on muscle/weight, and now as a result, he finally weighs what freshman A. Davis weighs, and Davis is considered underweight. Plus, he doesn't have the frame that Davis has. I fear he'll get pushed around big time in the NBA. Anyway, I currently have Henson at number 16 in my mock draft. It wouldn't shock me if he went higher than that, but I'll be stunned if he's taken at 6.
Now I could be dead wrong. But I've watched him play for long time, and I just don't see what some others see. He spent that last few years trying to put on muscle/weight, and now as a result, he finally weighs what freshman A. Davis weighs, and Davis is considered underweight. Plus, he doesn't have the frame that Davis has. I fear he'll get pushed around big time in the NBA. Anyway, I currently have Henson at number 16 in my mock draft. It wouldn't shock me if he went higher than that, but I'll be stunned if he's taken at 6.
I try very hard to only comment on players I like, because generally those are the one's I've seen the most of ... It kinda of works both ways. I watch players I like, and I like players I watch.
Beale, honestly, doesn't interest me at all. And this is coming from someone who maybe saw him once before the NCAA tournament. He's 18, so he has that going for him. He reminds me of Eric Gordon a little bit. I like his size for a SG, even though he is listed as 6'4 ... he plays big. He's a strong dude. I keep coming back to the fact that we HAVE TWO fringe All-Star YOUNG shooting guards already on our roster. If you want guys to stop playing out of position (Reke at SF) then we need to stop dumping guards on to our roster. Adding Beale just adds to the mess of Thomas/Thornton/Evans/Jimmer all needing minutes at two positions.
The same can be said about Lamb, who I guess I like a little bit better because I have a small UCONN bias. At least I'm honest I have a lot of family members and friends who went through UCONN, and I kind of consider them as my 'home team' for college hoops.
Jeff Taylor makes more sense to me. And he's a guy I haven't seen a whole lot of, so take that for what its worth. But I know he's a SF who can shoot the ball and defend .. I'll take someone like that any day, something we need. He's a bit old though, and I wouldn't touch him with our first pick ... if we traded for a later pick and drafted him I'd be fine with it.
My biggest thing with this drat is that taking a big just makes sense. And again, I understand the BPA people, I get it, but the truth is ... we won't know who the BPA is for the next 5 years, which is a big reason why I don't love that line of thinking. I'm fine with BPA when it's obvious. For example, Cousins was an OBVIOUS pick when he fell to us. Even though he filled a need, there was such a massive talent drop after him that the pick was a no brainer. In that instance, I understand taking the best guy.
In this draft though, after the top 3 (In my opinion, its Davis/MKG/Drummond and then everyone else) you go for need, because the talent level is really, really close.
Beale, honestly, doesn't interest me at all. And this is coming from someone who maybe saw him once before the NCAA tournament. He's 18, so he has that going for him. He reminds me of Eric Gordon a little bit. I like his size for a SG, even though he is listed as 6'4 ... he plays big. He's a strong dude. I keep coming back to the fact that we HAVE TWO fringe All-Star YOUNG shooting guards already on our roster. If you want guys to stop playing out of position (Reke at SF) then we need to stop dumping guards on to our roster. Adding Beale just adds to the mess of Thomas/Thornton/Evans/Jimmer all needing minutes at two positions.
The same can be said about Lamb, who I guess I like a little bit better because I have a small UCONN bias. At least I'm honest
I have a lot of family members and friends who went through UCONN, and I kind of consider them as my 'home team' for college hoops. Jeff Taylor makes more sense to me. And he's a guy I haven't seen a whole lot of, so take that for what its worth. But I know he's a SF who can shoot the ball and defend .. I'll take someone like that any day, something we need. He's a bit old though, and I wouldn't touch him with our first pick ... if we traded for a later pick and drafted him I'd be fine with it.
My biggest thing with this drat is that taking a big just makes sense. And again, I understand the BPA people, I get it, but the truth is ... we won't know who the BPA is for the next 5 years, which is a big reason why I don't love that line of thinking. I'm fine with BPA when it's obvious. For example, Cousins was an OBVIOUS pick when he fell to us. Even though he filled a need, there was such a massive talent drop after him that the pick was a no brainer. In that instance, I understand taking the best guy.
In this draft though, after the top 3 (In my opinion, its Davis/MKG/Drummond and then everyone else) you go for need, because the talent level is really, really close.
This is the line of thinking that led to me completely writing off Tyreke Evans as an option before the 2009 draft, and clearly that was a mistake. I have a hard time imagining a scenario where Beal fits comfortably into our rotation too, but if we're picking in the 6-10 range and my top 5 are off the board (and I strongly suspect Beal won't even last that long so it's a bit of a moot point) I would have to consider taking him because I think both he and Perry Jones are, in my mind, a full level of talent better than the rest of the field.
After those two however, I have a hard time separating the next 10 or so prospects from each other so I would be heavily favoring best-fit if it comes to that.
After those two however, I have a hard time separating the next 10 or so prospects from each other so I would be heavily favoring best-fit if it comes to that.
I try very hard to only comment on players I like, because generally those are the one's I've seen the most of ... It kinda of works both ways. I watch players I like, and I like players I watch.
Beale, honestly, doesn't interest me at all. And this is coming from someone who maybe saw him once before the NCAA tournament. He's 18, so he has that going for him. He reminds me of Eric Gordon a little bit. I like his size for a SG, even though he is listed as 6'4 ... he plays big. He's a strong dude. I keep coming back to the fact that we HAVE TWO fringe All-Star YOUNG shooting guards already on our roster. If you want guys to stop playing out of position (Reke at SF) then we need to stop dumping guards on to our roster. Adding Beale just adds to the mess of Thomas/Thornton/Evans/Jimmer all needing minutes at two positions.
The same can be said about Lamb, who I guess I like a little bit better because I have a small UCONN bias. At least I'm honest I have a lot of family members and friends who went through UCONN, and I kind of consider them as my 'home team' for college hoops.
Jeff Taylor makes more sense to me. And he's a guy I haven't seen a whole lot of, so take that for what its worth. But I know he's a SF who can shoot the ball and defend .. I'll take someone like that any day, something we need. He's a bit old though, and I wouldn't touch him with our first pick ... if we traded for a later pick and drafted him I'd be fine with it.
My biggest thing with this drat is that taking a big just makes sense. And again, I understand the BPA people, I get it, but the truth is ... we won't know who the BPA is for the next 5 years, which is a big reason why I don't love that line of thinking. I'm fine with BPA when it's obvious. For example, Cousins was an OBVIOUS pick when he fell to us. Even though he filled a need, there was such a massive talent drop after him that the pick was a no brainer. In that instance, I understand taking the best guy.
In this draft though, after the top 3 (In my opinion, its Davis/MKG/Drummond and then everyone else) you go for need, because the talent level is really, really close.
Beale, honestly, doesn't interest me at all. And this is coming from someone who maybe saw him once before the NCAA tournament. He's 18, so he has that going for him. He reminds me of Eric Gordon a little bit. I like his size for a SG, even though he is listed as 6'4 ... he plays big. He's a strong dude. I keep coming back to the fact that we HAVE TWO fringe All-Star YOUNG shooting guards already on our roster. If you want guys to stop playing out of position (Reke at SF) then we need to stop dumping guards on to our roster. Adding Beale just adds to the mess of Thomas/Thornton/Evans/Jimmer all needing minutes at two positions.
The same can be said about Lamb, who I guess I like a little bit better because I have a small UCONN bias. At least I'm honest
I have a lot of family members and friends who went through UCONN, and I kind of consider them as my 'home team' for college hoops. Jeff Taylor makes more sense to me. And he's a guy I haven't seen a whole lot of, so take that for what its worth. But I know he's a SF who can shoot the ball and defend .. I'll take someone like that any day, something we need. He's a bit old though, and I wouldn't touch him with our first pick ... if we traded for a later pick and drafted him I'd be fine with it.
My biggest thing with this drat is that taking a big just makes sense. And again, I understand the BPA people, I get it, but the truth is ... we won't know who the BPA is for the next 5 years, which is a big reason why I don't love that line of thinking. I'm fine with BPA when it's obvious. For example, Cousins was an OBVIOUS pick when he fell to us. Even though he filled a need, there was such a massive talent drop after him that the pick was a no brainer. In that instance, I understand taking the best guy.
In this draft though, after the top 3 (In my opinion, its Davis/MKG/Drummond and then everyone else) you go for need, because the talent level is really, really close.
By the way, I don't see how Thomas and Jimmer fit into the two-guard picture you describe above. It's basically Tyreke and Thornton and Salmons as I see it.
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Yeah, I missed the first couple of games where Miller played with-out PJ3. With that said, I thought Miller played solid basketball the entire year, and was a more consistant player than PJ3.
I think that PJ3 clearly has an advantage in both skill and athleticism, but Miller got better results.
Which is why I don't want PJ3 regardless of how tantalizing he might be. (And he first blew me away last year and it took his entire 2nd season to completely remove the shine and convince me that he isn't a safe pick)
Miller never blew me away, but I thought he did a great job of finding himself tough rebounds in traffic, and he showed a pretty consistent jump-shot, and some post game.
I also know he was coming off an injury (believe it was ACL) and that he was working through the whole recovery thing, so he might show more pronounced athleticism in the combine and next year after he gets mentally/emotionally gets past the injury.
So I don't know where I would place Miller at the moment in terms of SFs. He's probably in the discussion with Ross, Taylor, Harkless who are behind MKG, and perhaps to some slightly behind Barnes.
Considering where we will be picking there are three SFs that I like and would be comfortable picking up.
MKG is clearly #1 and should be a top 5 pick.
I have Barnes and Taylor even and both will probably be available where we pick if MKG is off the board.
I watched Vanderbilt play about 15 times this year, and about as many times last year due to Taylor (who I had never heard of till last year), and this year he improved his game to the point that I'd be comfortable picking him up if MKG is off the board. (Will never happen though)
I watched Washington play a lot, mostly due to Tony Wroten, who I think is a left-handed clone of Tyreke Evans. So I saw a lot of Ross, but he didn't stand out to me as much as Taylor did (especially on the defensive end) as far as SFs behind MKG & Barnes.
I think that PJ3 clearly has an advantage in both skill and athleticism, but Miller got better results.
Which is why I don't want PJ3 regardless of how tantalizing he might be. (And he first blew me away last year and it took his entire 2nd season to completely remove the shine and convince me that he isn't a safe pick)
Miller never blew me away, but I thought he did a great job of finding himself tough rebounds in traffic, and he showed a pretty consistent jump-shot, and some post game.
I also know he was coming off an injury (believe it was ACL) and that he was working through the whole recovery thing, so he might show more pronounced athleticism in the combine and next year after he gets mentally/emotionally gets past the injury.
So I don't know where I would place Miller at the moment in terms of SFs. He's probably in the discussion with Ross, Taylor, Harkless who are behind MKG, and perhaps to some slightly behind Barnes.
Considering where we will be picking there are three SFs that I like and would be comfortable picking up.
MKG is clearly #1 and should be a top 5 pick.
I have Barnes and Taylor even and both will probably be available where we pick if MKG is off the board.
I watched Vanderbilt play about 15 times this year, and about as many times last year due to Taylor (who I had never heard of till last year), and this year he improved his game to the point that I'd be comfortable picking him up if MKG is off the board. (Will never happen though)
I watched Washington play a lot, mostly due to Tony Wroten, who I think is a left-handed clone of Tyreke Evans. So I saw a lot of Ross, but he didn't stand out to me as much as Taylor did (especially on the defensive end) as far as SFs behind MKG & Barnes.
I meant two guard as in two guard positions. Point Guard AND Shooting Guard. That is where I want Tyreke to play almost exclusively. He joins Thornton/Salmons/Garcia/Thomas/Jimmer .. that's 6 players for two spots in the lineup (although Garcia and Salmons can play the 3 some, which is why I didn't include them originally). And then if we retain Terrence Williams ... I just think we have guard (both PG and SG) covered for next season. No need to tinker with it unless we are TRADING one of them... I certainly don't want to add one.
If we did some massive clearing out, then sure, go after a guard in the draft .. I just don't think it will happen and I'm not sure if I want it to happen. We aren't THAT far away. I do think that one of Thomas-Evans-Thornton will be traded, or Thornton will go to the bench next season .. good luck talking him into that one though. The reason I don't want to trade Evans for a 3 is because that means you are conceding PG and SG to Thornton and Thomas, which is not something I want to see. They just don't have the size. It wouldn't work.
And there is some danger trading away proven players to make room for rookies. I hated the Beno move that was made to basically make playing time for Jimmer (that Thomas eventually stole).
So the short answer is no (sort of) .. I wouldn't trade Evans just to make room for a shooting guard that is available in THIS draft. I don't think any of them are worth a Tyreke move right now, but that's hard to say for sure without seeing the deal.
I also want to mention that how we draft could end up depending on the positions of the players. Here is how I see the SFs as far as tendencies to cover other positions:
MKG: 3/4 (Elite defense)
Barnes: 3
Taylor: 3/2 (Elite defense)
Miller: 3/4
Ross: 3/2
T. Jones: 4/3
I think that MKG and Miller have the size and length to be full-time SFs while covering for PF on occasions.
I think that Taylor and Ross have the size and quickness to be full-time SFs while covering for the SG on occasions.
I think that Barnes is a single position SF. If I had to lean a direction I'd go with PF over SG, as he has great size for a SF and doesn't have near the lateral quickness of MKG or Taylor.
I think that T. Jones will probably end up playing more PF than SF, but could make SF work on a full-time basis on the right team.
I should also mention that I think that MKG actually has the quickness to guard most SGs, but I don't ever see a coach playing him at that position.
MKG: 3/4 (Elite defense)
Barnes: 3
Taylor: 3/2 (Elite defense)
Miller: 3/4
Ross: 3/2
T. Jones: 4/3
I think that MKG and Miller have the size and length to be full-time SFs while covering for PF on occasions.
I think that Taylor and Ross have the size and quickness to be full-time SFs while covering for the SG on occasions.
I think that Barnes is a single position SF. If I had to lean a direction I'd go with PF over SG, as he has great size for a SF and doesn't have near the lateral quickness of MKG or Taylor.
I think that T. Jones will probably end up playing more PF than SF, but could make SF work on a full-time basis on the right team.
I should also mention that I think that MKG actually has the quickness to guard most SGs, but I don't ever see a coach playing him at that position.
Of the three, Beal is the biggest unknown since he's only had one year of college. And of the three, he may have the biggest upside. He's been compared to everyone from Wade to E. Gordon. Wade probably because of his athleticism, and Gordon because of his height, build, and his outside shooting ability. Of course he'd be a pretty safe pick is you knew he'd turnout to be as good as either of those players. Beal is only around 6'3.5", but is reported to have a wingspan of 6'6".
Beal was one of the top highschoolers entering college last season, and he was noted for his shooting ability. And while he only shot around 33 or 34% from behind the arc, which isn't terrific, you can just tell from watching him that he has all the right mechanics to be a terrific shooter. For an 18 year old, he really doesn't have a lot holes in his game. He just needs to improve all the skills that he does have. He's not bad at getting to the basket and finishing, but he needs to get better. He's a good ballhandler, but he needs to get better. Anyway, I think you get what I'm saying. He's a great athlete with a lot of talent. It should all be up from there.
Lamb in my opinion was the best player on the UCONN team this past season. And Kemba Walker aside, I think he might have been the best player on the team the year before. He doesn't have many holes in his game. His worse enemy just might be himself. There's not much he can't do offensively, except be more aggressive at times. He, like Jeffery Taylor, tends to disappear at times. I won't speculate at to why since I'm not a mind reader, but I suspect it might be with not having a defined role. Because when he is aggressive, he's the best SG in the class. He has good size and length, with his only drawback being lack of weight or muscle if you will. He can shoot from the outside, or drive to the basket. Or he has a nice midrange game. He handles the ball well, and he's a good passer. So he has a multitude of offensive skills when he decides to use them.
Defensively, he's very good. Once again, when aggressive. When he played along side Kemba, it was Lamb that guarded the best guard on the other team, not Kemba. He has very good lateral quickness and is a very good athlete. So in short, he's that complete package if your looking for a SG. Motivation aside, I really like Lamb who could be a star at the next level at best, but will surely be a very good starter on someone's team at worse.
I just covered Taylor in another post so I'll be short. He's one of my favorite players. Outstanding defender, and very good shooter. Freak athlete and very strong. Only shortcoming is an average to slightly below average wingspan. However, he can jump out of the building. Team player with good BBIQ, and a very hard worker. Only big knock, is he tends to disappear at times. He didn't do it nearly as much this season, so maybe he's on his way to overcoming it. He'll be a solid player for years to come in the NBA. Probably never a star, but a solid starter that can score, defend, and doesn't need the ball to be effective. By the way, he moves well without the ball.
Beal was one of the top highschoolers entering college last season, and he was noted for his shooting ability. And while he only shot around 33 or 34% from behind the arc, which isn't terrific, you can just tell from watching him that he has all the right mechanics to be a terrific shooter. For an 18 year old, he really doesn't have a lot holes in his game. He just needs to improve all the skills that he does have. He's not bad at getting to the basket and finishing, but he needs to get better. He's a good ballhandler, but he needs to get better. Anyway, I think you get what I'm saying. He's a great athlete with a lot of talent. It should all be up from there.
Lamb in my opinion was the best player on the UCONN team this past season. And Kemba Walker aside, I think he might have been the best player on the team the year before. He doesn't have many holes in his game. His worse enemy just might be himself. There's not much he can't do offensively, except be more aggressive at times. He, like Jeffery Taylor, tends to disappear at times. I won't speculate at to why since I'm not a mind reader, but I suspect it might be with not having a defined role. Because when he is aggressive, he's the best SG in the class. He has good size and length, with his only drawback being lack of weight or muscle if you will. He can shoot from the outside, or drive to the basket. Or he has a nice midrange game. He handles the ball well, and he's a good passer. So he has a multitude of offensive skills when he decides to use them.
Defensively, he's very good. Once again, when aggressive. When he played along side Kemba, it was Lamb that guarded the best guard on the other team, not Kemba. He has very good lateral quickness and is a very good athlete. So in short, he's that complete package if your looking for a SG. Motivation aside, I really like Lamb who could be a star at the next level at best, but will surely be a very good starter on someone's team at worse.
I just covered Taylor in another post so I'll be short. He's one of my favorite players. Outstanding defender, and very good shooter. Freak athlete and very strong. Only shortcoming is an average to slightly below average wingspan. However, he can jump out of the building. Team player with good BBIQ, and a very hard worker. Only big knock, is he tends to disappear at times. He didn't do it nearly as much this season, so maybe he's on his way to overcoming it. He'll be a solid player for years to come in the NBA. Probably never a star, but a solid starter that can score, defend, and doesn't need the ball to be effective. By the way, he moves well without the ball.
Who is the last good PF with only .500 from the floor as 3rd or 4th option in college, ok, lets take only his shots inside the arc which jumps to .527 and last year he was .461. Better teammates, better efficiency. He's not a very good finisher, his only real move is straight line drive which are rare. Jones is neither quick, or skilled enough to be a full time SF. In the end he doesn't project to be better than JT.
On the subject of Terrance Jones, I think he probably has to play SF in the NBA. Gerald Wallace is the last 6'8" or under perimeter-oriented wing player that I can remember thriving at the PF spot and that was on some pretty terrible Bobcats teams that didn't win very much. They didn't start winning until they brought in enough frontcourt players to push Wallace to SF.
Jones had an up-and-down season, but I think he's a little more skilled than you give him credit for. Maybe not the protoypical NBA wing player who can create their own shots, but I can see him settling in somewhere in sortof an early Tayshaun Prince role where he gets almost all of his points either spotting up or finishing at the basket and makes his mark more on the defensive end. It took years for the in-between game to fill in for Tayshaun but that crazy length he has made him pretty formidible as a wing defender and also sneakily effective driving to the basket and lobbing it up over defenders, and I think that's where Terrance Jones is headed. I'd be very happy to get him if I were a late lottery team maybe on the verge of making the playoffs and who knows, maybe that's who we actually are if we ever get this mess of a rotation sorted out.
Jones had an up-and-down season, but I think he's a little more skilled than you give him credit for. Maybe not the protoypical NBA wing player who can create their own shots, but I can see him settling in somewhere in sortof an early Tayshaun Prince role where he gets almost all of his points either spotting up or finishing at the basket and makes his mark more on the defensive end. It took years for the in-between game to fill in for Tayshaun but that crazy length he has made him pretty formidible as a wing defender and also sneakily effective driving to the basket and lobbing it up over defenders, and I think that's where Terrance Jones is headed. I'd be very happy to get him if I were a late lottery team maybe on the verge of making the playoffs and who knows, maybe that's who we actually are if we ever get this mess of a rotation sorted out.