It's early, but anybody have a draft wish list yet?
- Thread starter bluntsnbball
- Start date
I can see a scenario where we make a play for Lowry by trading Thornton, which would then open up some shots for Barnes with Thomas and Thornton out of the starting lineup.
Lowry
Evans
Barnes
BLANK (maybe JT, Maybe Dalembert, Maybe someone else)
Cousins
With Thomas as the main bench contributor.
There are other scenarios I like better, but this is a decent start towards something, and one of the only scenarios where I think Barnes would be a good pick for us. I still think we are going to have a tough time getting the Rockets to take Thornton with Martin around.
Lowry
Evans
Barnes
BLANK (maybe JT, Maybe Dalembert, Maybe someone else)
Cousins
With Thomas as the main bench contributor.
There are other scenarios I like better, but this is a decent start towards something, and one of the only scenarios where I think Barnes would be a good pick for us. I still think we are going to have a tough time getting the Rockets to take Thornton with Martin around.
Gilles is right! Barnes is a straight line dribble guy. As a result, he's just not good at self creating or at going to the basket. His idea of a dribble drive is to pumpfake, put the ball on the ground for two dribbles and then pullup for a shot. He does use screens well, but tends to be a little off balance coming off the screen and as a result, isn't nearly as consistent as he should be. Basicly, at this stage of his career, he's mostly a perimeter player. Doesn't mean he can't get better with his handle, but right now, Gilles is dead right on his analysis. His game is nothing like Pierce's coming out of college
I think his footspeed is fine for a SF. I mean if you compare him to Gilchrist, he's certainly not in that class, but its not his footspeed thats holding him back as a shot creator, its his ballhandling ability. Barnes is actually a pretty good athlete, and he has decent to good lateral quickness. So when you add his length into the equation, there's no reason he can't defend in the NBA. He's a smart player, who in my opinion, underestimates his own ability. And thats held him back more than anything. I think at worse, he'll be a solid rotational player, and at best, a solid starter on a good team. I don't ever see him as a star, and not because of his lack of ability, but because he doesn't seem to have a star players mentality.
I agree on Henson. I don't think you reach for him at 5. And if I were going to reach, which I wouldn't, I'd reach for a player with more upside, like Leonard or Moultrie. Ideally, you trade down. But, if your going to trade down, I think you have to wait until your pick to do so, just to see whose available at five. You never know who might slide. I know that everyone looks at Beal, and automaticly thinks there's no way we take him. Well thats probably true, because we don't need another SG on the team. But that doesn't mean one of the teams above us feels the same way.
Hate to put you on the spot but what need does Barnes address? We don't need offense. We already start 4 offensive minded players in IT, Reke, Cuz, and Thornton. In my mind, we have one too many offensive players in our starting lineup already and that's why despite putting up numbers at will, we still get beaten.
Yes, Barnes can shoot. I hope he is picked in the top 4 because of this great talent.
Yes, Barnes can shoot. I hope he is picked in the top 4 because of this great talent.
If Drummond/Ronbinson are gone. Pick Meyers Leonard or Perry Jones.... maybe even Jared Sulinger (very good player, bad fit). Leonard is seriously underrated. He'll be one of best from this draft class looking back ten years from now.
Beal, to me, is the next OJ Mayo (with better rebounding and less selfish); there's nothing wrong with being like Mayo but the Kings don't need him, imo.
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Beal, to me, is the next OJ Mayo (with better rebounding and less selfish); there's nothing wrong with being like Mayo but the Kings don't need him, imo.
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And that's the kind of guy you can normally find in FA - a catch and shoot guy who can play some decent D. (They say that Barnes could become a good defensive player, but with very average foot speed I find that hard to believe). Personally, I would hope we could get a guy at #5 who would be very difficult to get in FA.
We'll have to agree to disagree on his footspeed. Just from my observation, I thought he wasn't getting the separation you want and college guys were easily staying with him. You may be right, though, and the limiting factor is his ballhandling because he's not great in that area as well. Maybe it's a combination of both. Either way, he has issues. I agree with you in your conclusion, though: the highest potential upside is a solid starter, but never a star. The lowest potential upside would be a rotation guy. Just doesn't make me want to get up and cheer if we picked him.
What I'm wondering is who is desperate for length (Drummond) and shooting (Beal/Barnes) in positions 2, 3 and 4. I don't know those teams well enough to give an analysis. Anybody want to give it a try?
I will say that I find it very hard to believe that the Bobs will take MKG or Drummond at #2, and maybe even Robinson. They need a scorer on that team (Beale?) badly. Now that I'm thinking about it, if I'm the Bobs I'm trading down to get a couple of scorers. One ain't enough.
I will say that I find it very hard to believe that the Bobs will take MKG or Drummond at #2, and maybe even Robinson. They need a scorer on that team (Beale?) badly. Now that I'm thinking about it, if I'm the Bobs I'm trading down to get a couple of scorers. One ain't enough.
I don't disagree with this. To me Barnes looks like a pedestrian talent at #5. A poor man's Glen Rice/Big Dog Robinson gets pretty irrelevant pretty fast. That's a class of players where you either score 20+ or you're just filler as a starter.
We were the worst defensive team in the NBA last year, THAT is where we need to draft a star level talent. Defensive stars are just as important as offensive stars, in particular when you already have a team with 3 young guys who will score 20 if unleashed. That has meant from the beginning for me I am looking at Davis, MKG and Drummond. I trade Beal. I trade Robinson, although on that one you could make it work by taking him and letting JT go and then getting your shotblocker elsewhere. Problem being then you have just wasted one of your two big assets (the pick is one, and potentially Thornton is two in my book) to fill a position with a guy who doesn't fix a need, and lose JT in the process -- its inefficent use of resources. If you trade those guys, you try to trade them for pieces you DO need -- if you hold the #5 pick and its a Beal or a Robinson, were the Celtics serious about moving Rondo for a next generation star as they blow it up? Would the Hawks seeking a jolt get excited by Robinson for Horford (not sure if he really fixes things for us but he's a rock). Etc.
Barnes...I posted a scenario in another thread where I could make taking Barnes work by trading Thornton and Jimmer and Hayes to Houston for Lowry and Dalembert. Barnes then comes in as the #3 weapon in the starting lineup, which gives you the freedom to move Thronton in a deal which nets us our shotblocker and a defensive PG as well. Resign JT and TWill and I can work that -- basically using Barnes' pretty good offensive ability to free up resources to buy more defensive players elsewhere on the roster. But minus such a miracle saving trade, taking Barnes isn't fixing much, and is indeed just making some problems (not enough shots to go around, no roleplayers, not enough defenders) more acute.
We were the worst defensive team in the NBA last year, THAT is where we need to draft a star level talent. Defensive stars are just as important as offensive stars, in particular when you already have a team with 3 young guys who will score 20 if unleashed. That has meant from the beginning for me I am looking at Davis, MKG and Drummond. I trade Beal. I trade Robinson, although on that one you could make it work by taking him and letting JT go and then getting your shotblocker elsewhere. Problem being then you have just wasted one of your two big assets (the pick is one, and potentially Thornton is two in my book) to fill a position with a guy who doesn't fix a need, and lose JT in the process -- its inefficent use of resources. If you trade those guys, you try to trade them for pieces you DO need -- if you hold the #5 pick and its a Beal or a Robinson, were the Celtics serious about moving Rondo for a next generation star as they blow it up? Would the Hawks seeking a jolt get excited by Robinson for Horford (not sure if he really fixes things for us but he's a rock). Etc.
Barnes...I posted a scenario in another thread where I could make taking Barnes work by trading Thornton and Jimmer and Hayes to Houston for Lowry and Dalembert. Barnes then comes in as the #3 weapon in the starting lineup, which gives you the freedom to move Thronton in a deal which nets us our shotblocker and a defensive PG as well. Resign JT and TWill and I can work that -- basically using Barnes' pretty good offensive ability to free up resources to buy more defensive players elsewhere on the roster. But minus such a miracle saving trade, taking Barnes isn't fixing much, and is indeed just making some problems (not enough shots to go around, no roleplayers, not enough defenders) more acute.
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Yeah, as it stands right now I don't see the Bobcats drafting MKG or Drummond. My guess is Beal, but they do have Henderson at SG who they are pretty high on so perhaps Robinson either. If Robinson goes 2, I think it'll be Davis, Robinson, MKG, Beal. I think it's possible the Cavs take a chance on Drummond, but they might be the only ones that pick before us.
This is of course pre-workout speculation though. Drummond could end up being the consensus #2 pick before it's all said and done for all we know.
This is of course pre-workout speculation though. Drummond could end up being the consensus #2 pick before it's all said and done for all we know.
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Here is a list of guys that I like/dislike. Feel free to disagree. 
. I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.
YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
.
. I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
.
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Here is a list of guys that I like/dislike. Feel free to disagree. . I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.
YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
.
. I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
.
Austin Rivers will definitely be better than Juan Dixon. He wasn't the 3rd ranked HS player in America for no reason. The guy has 1 season in college and suddenly he's Juan Dixon? What the hell?
Lamb could easily be better than any of the SGs on our roster. He's got ridiculously long arms and he can defend well, he's got better handles than Thornton, he shoots way better than Tyreke does, and he scores better than Terrance Williams ever did.
Thomas Robinson has way better post moves and athleticism than Jason Thompson ever did dude. He reminds me of Antonio McDyess before the knee injury.
Honestly I think some of you guys seriously overrate our players and are horrible at talent evaluation. No offense, but if all our players were as great as a bunch of top prospects in a pretty good draft, we wouldn't be picking 5th in the first place.
Here is a list of guys that I like/dislike. Feel free to disagree. . I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.
YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
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. I only judge them based on the Kings' need so obviously some talented players will be in the 'no' section.YES:
1. Drummond: I'm well aware that he may be the next Kawme Brown, in fact, I expect him to be the next Kawme Brown. But my biggest complaint of Brown is not that he has low IQ and no offense, it's that he doesn't block shots and he grabs a meager 9 rebounds a game. Drummond will block shots and he has the potential to be a better rebounder than Brown. If Kawme can block shots he might be a great fit next to Cousins. So basically, Drummond is a Kawme with shot blocking skill. I think that's good enough for us to reach for him. Notice I said reach because I don't think Drummond is a top five pick.
2. Meyers Leonard: I'm bullish on him, even if most draft sites aren't. Funny thing is, few so called "analyst" has negative things to say about him, and one site even said he has "no weakness." But he didn't dominate in college. You will not find yourself saying, "Leonard is carrying the team on his back." If you're looking for a good-to guy, Leonard is not it. But if you need a #3/4 option who can step up when necessary and can do a bit of everything including block shots and rebounds, that's your man. Leonard has tools that you can't teach, plus he has enough skill and IQ that he's not raw. Will be a solid starter in 3-5 years and has potential to be borderline all-star.
3. Jared Sullinger: Not the best fit next to Cousins but think about it - who else in this draft is capable of averaging 20-10? Not Anthony Davis. Not Thomas Robinson. Maybe Leonard Meyers or PJ3 but I doubt it. So what if he can't guard other fours? So what if he plays below the rim? Who cares if he got shut down by a seven-footer in one college game? I don't. Being strong and slow doesn't seem to bother Boozer, Glenn Davis, Blair, and the like. Again, not the perfect fit next to Cousins, but if the BPA rule applies then Sullinger has to be in the equation.
4. Perry Jones: I rank Leonard ahead of Jones because Leonard is taller, stronger, tougher, better jump shots, better shot-blocker, better motor, better rebounder, better post game, and has a true position (center). PJIII is more athletic and has a better handle than Leonard. I think PJIII will be a perpetual tease in the NBA. Tall but plays small. Athletic but soft. Has handle but can't create his own shots. He'll probably end up a solid stretch 4. With that said, I'm not ruling out the possibility that the light will come on and he becomes the next Larry Nance. I'm not excited about PJ3 but the potential he brings may be too tantalizing to pass up.
MAYBE:
1. Harrison Barnes: He's a taller Mo Peterson - no All-Star but will be solid. Picking Barnes won't make me pump my fist but he fills a need, that's something. Yes, you can probably find a comparable player in free agency or trade. Yes, he does not have as high a ceiling as other SFs in the bottom half of the draft (but Barnes is a safer pick). I highly doubt he'll end up being the best SF from this draft and truth be told, I think getting Barnes is like getting Nocioni back (ok sort of). But what the heck, he fills a hole. Give me a couple shots and I can live with this pick.
2. Terrence Jones: will need to be in the right system to strive - one that shares the ball so that rules out the Kings. But dude has talent and athleticism and skill, just a matter of putting it together (and seems to struggle with putting it together).
3. John Henson: He's too skinny, too short, and likely not the post defender that you want but he blocks shots and he rebounds. I'm not convinced he's better than Sean Williams and Larry Sanders (but those guys have issue unrelated to talent).
4. Jeff Taylor: part of the problem with guys like Taylor is that you can't tell if they'll turn out like Josh Howard or Devean George. They sort of all look the same in college (at least to me though I'll admit that these types of athletic wings always trip me up when I try to evaluate them). Just going with my gut here, I think Taylor will be like a taller Dudley/Affalo type; role player. He may actually be a better fit than Barnes; not that I'm advocating the Kings reach for him. Maybe if the Kings obtains another #1 pick.
NO:
1. Bradley Beal: For me to pick another SG, he pretty much has to be out of this world awesome. I like Beal but he ain't no Kobe, Drexler or even Ray Allen. I think Beal will be like OJ Mayo with better rebounding skill. That's not bad but not enough for me to pull the trigger.
2. Thomas Robinson: I like Robinson but he's seriously overrated; I just don't think he's that much of an upgrade over JT, if at all. Robinson does not block shots, is a bit undersized, and just a decent man defender. Again, I think Robinson will be a solid starter in the league, just don't think he fills the holes that the Kings desperately need to fill.
3. Todd Ziller: I have no idea why Ziller is projected to be in the lottery and Leonard is not. Ziller, to me, is a career backup.
4. Jeremy Lamb: I like Lamb but he will only be the fourth best SG on the Kings (behind Tyreke, MT, and T-Will).
5. Austin Rivers: I recall one scout called him a low-percentage volume shooter. I think that's spot on. Has some PG skill. If Rivers can switch to PG I can see him being worthy of a lottery pick, but I think he'll be Juan Dixon-like.
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I actually like Taylor better than Barnes. And if you had a one on one contest between the two, I'd put my money on Taylor. Simply because he'd shut down Barnes. This is in another thread that I posted, but to give you an example from Synergy.com. In isolation defense this past season, Taylor held is opponents to 27.3% shooting. In pick and roll defense he held his opponents to 28.9% shooting. Bear in mind, that many times he was asked to guard the other teams PG or SG as well as guarding most of the better SF's in college, including Gilchrist and Barnes. The dude not only can defend, he loves to defend. The fact that he can shoot the rock isn't bad either.
Yup, Tyler Ziller. Thanks BMiller32.
I'm not aware that anyone is overrating our own players since they are seldom mentioned in the first place. Saying that Robinson doesn't bring the shot blocking that this team needs and is a similar type of player as JT is not saying that JT is awesome. Fact is, they're both role players, JT is not as athletic but he is bigger than Robinson. I honestly don't think the Kings will win more games if they swap JT with Robinson. In the end, they still need things that those two guys don't provide.
Juan Dixon is a very underrated player. He put up some impressive numbers whenever he gets the mins. He can defend, he can shoot, he can pass; he's just too small and never met the coach that would invest in him. Calling Rivers Dixon-like is definitely not a knock, in fact, Dixon was drafted at a spot near where Rivers is expected to be drafted. They both had similar expectations coming out of college.
I like Lamb, but saying that he's easily better than Tyreke... is just bizarre.
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I'm not aware that anyone is overrating our own players since they are seldom mentioned in the first place. Saying that Robinson doesn't bring the shot blocking that this team needs and is a similar type of player as JT is not saying that JT is awesome. Fact is, they're both role players, JT is not as athletic but he is bigger than Robinson. I honestly don't think the Kings will win more games if they swap JT with Robinson. In the end, they still need things that those two guys don't provide.
Juan Dixon is a very underrated player. He put up some impressive numbers whenever he gets the mins. He can defend, he can shoot, he can pass; he's just too small and never met the coach that would invest in him. Calling Rivers Dixon-like is definitely not a knock, in fact, Dixon was drafted at a spot near where Rivers is expected to be drafted. They both had similar expectations coming out of college.
I like Lamb, but saying that he's easily better than Tyreke... is just bizarre.
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I never said he's better than Tyreke right now. I said he had the ability to be in the future. With better athleticism, shooting ability, and a huge wingspan, I'm not sure why that's too far out there. Tyreke is talented but he doesn't even have a set position right now. He doesn't shoot well enough to play the 2, he's not big enough to play the 3, and he doesn't pass or shoot well enough to play the 1. He handles the ball at an elite level and he's got average leaping ability with above average quickness. On defense he's lazy at times and on offense he lacks a consistent jumpshot and a post game. He's a good rebounder for a guard. Lamb has a set position, he's a SG. He shoots better, he's got better athleticism, and he's got the ability to be a better defender because of his wingspan.
You will not get any objection from me for not being sold on Drummond, I'm pretty much in the same boat. Just that I'm willing to take a gamble and well aware that it may backfire. I'm completely sold on Robinson being a very good role player - a Kris Humphries meet Drew Gooden, it's Robinson the star that I'm not sold on. Yup, guess we'll agree to disagree on this one. Meyers Leonard, what can I say, some team in the teens are going to be very happy about him. Guess great minds think alike.
I like Taylor but guess I'm not as sold on Taylor as you are, but I do see him as a very good fit on the Kings. I'd prefer the Kings draft a big man but I would not complain if Taylor is drafted #5, and I'm probably in the minority.
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I like Taylor but guess I'm not as sold on Taylor as you are, but I do see him as a very good fit on the Kings. I'd prefer the Kings draft a big man but I would not complain if Taylor is drafted #5, and I'm probably in the minority.
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Leonard is a POST player. You can't play him with Cousins. Meyers has length, speed and jumping ability but he's not agile - 6'9" centers ran around him - and he doesn't have strong base all the big centers will just move him like small piece of furniture. All he has to show on D is potential so I take Drummond any day of the week.
We agree on the need for defensive talent on this team. I just think that by taking Drummond to fill that need you're reaching too much. MKG works for me. Robinson does as well because with his elite athleticism he'll eventually become very good in that area imo. Both are projects that will take a while. I think Beale might go very early in the draft.
To be better than Tyreke, that player will have to be an All-Star because simply becoming the next Nick Young/KMart/Jamal Crawford isn't better than Tyreke. Lamb will have to reach Brandon Roy/Ray Allen/Manu level, and I just don't see Lamb getting there. He may, who knows, but right now I don't see it. Lamb has some things going for him like length, athleticism, mid range game, jump shots. For him to be an All-Star he'll have to dramatically transform his body, tighten up his handle, improves from threes, become a better passer, become better at slashing all the way to the hoop, and learn to get to the line more often. That's a lot to ask for. My gut tells me he won't be that good. But guess we'll agree to disagree. As for Tyreke vs Lamb, both have pluses and minuses, there is no clear cut winner. Reke is obviously more physically imposing, better handle, better assist rate, and better at taking it to the hoop. Lamb is better at shooting and moving off the ball. I don't think there is a clear winner there. But again, we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Can you expound why you think two post player can't exist together? Pau and Bynum + Duncan and David Robinson, just to name a couple of examples. To me, it looks like it can work. It seems to me that if at least one of the bigs is a good passer, it can work beautifully. Plus, Leonard is not just a post player, he can step out and hit that 18-20 footer comfortably.