It's early, but anybody have a draft wish list yet?

[Uk kings fan]

rumor today is that Charlotte is trading down with the #2 pick to portland for the #6 and #11 pick

Portland take beal which doesnt affect us but gives us better options with our pick



also its interesting to note i have been looking at the forums of the teams around us to see who they want and



#1 Hornets are stoked about Davis

#2 Charlotte want robinson/trade down and still get him the trade i saw was (#2 for #3-5 and 2nd round pick)

#3 Washington want MKG, Beal or Robinson (and think they will get MKG because of wall)

#4 Cleavland want MKG/ trade down with portland (#4 for #6 and #11 )

#5 Sacramento i whould say we want MKG/Barnes

#6 Portland want Beal and want to trade up to get him with charlotte (#2 for #6 and #11)

 

[bluntsnbball]

I agree with you that he's special, and I would love to have him. But he's simply not a need. We have three players on the team right now that can play the PG position, 4 if you count Salmons. And, considering we have a huge hole at SF, we have little depth at PF, and Thompson is a restricted freeagent, I think thats the direction we need to look. This team needs balance, and peices that fit together properly. So ask yourself, based on what you've seen the last few years, what kind of team is this? Whats its identity? What style of BB does it play? After you figure that out, then ask yourself which players don't fit that identity. And don't avoid putting good players in that group. Sometimes a very good player is in the wrong place. Its not the teams fault, and its not his fault. But it does need to be remedied.

He's not necessarily a dire need, but he might help find some clarity in the mess of a team we have. I like IT, A LOT quite honestly, but a guy like Marshall may just come in and be sort of a missing puzzle piece. He may just help everything fit into a more natural order. Whether or not we need a PG at the moment, a guy that can fix existing problems is always going to be a positive. Though if we did draft him, we would have to trade some of our guard depth for sure.

 

[bajaden]

I would be happy with him too..

Bajaden,
I pretty much see everything as a need right now (except for center) because so far I only see Cousins as a guy that could help us to a winning season. Marshall is that special player that does not need a lot of shots and who can run an offense like no other that I have seen in years and years. He's definitely going to be a good pick whoever takes him in the late lottery.

Gary your preaching to the choir when it comes to Marshall. But drafting him right now would create a huge mess, and not solve our (too many freaking guards problem). It would make it worse! Now if you want to trade IT or Tyreke for a SF and aquire another first round pick to pick up Marshall, then maybe it would work.

But none of my judgement on this idea has anything to do with Marshall. This is a team with ill fitting parts and little lineup balance. Marshall does nothing to fix that.

 

[roasthawg]

He's not necessarily a dire need, but he might help find some clarity in the mess of a team we have. I like IT, A LOT quite honestly, but a guy like Marshall may just come in and be sort of a missing puzzle piece. He may just help everything fit into a more natural order. Whether or not we need a PG at the moment, a guy that can fix existing problems is always going to be a positive. Though if we did draft him, we would have to trade some of our guard depth for sure.

Just came on here to post about Marshall. He's not getting much run here due to the glut of guards I'd imagine but he's one of two players in this draft (Anthony Davis) imo that is elite at what he does. All of the other guys are pretty much standard issue prospects imo... not too many players ever enter the league averaging almost 12 assists per 40 at a major college though. In reality I'd probably be more excited about the Marshall pick than any other single pick we could make... just because him being on the court would completely change the way the team scored the ball. I do see the drawbacks though... namely bad defense and no scoring. He's not Jason Kidd where he's a beast defensively as well unfortunately. I'd still take him but I doubt Petrie drafts a non-scoring, non-defending pg with our glut of guards already.

 

[Glenn]

Just came on here to post about Marshall. He's not getting much run here due to the glut of guards I'd imagine but he's one of two players in this draft (Anthony Davis) imo that is elite at what he does. All of the other guys are pretty much standard issue prospects imo... not too many players ever enter the league averaging almost 12 assists per 40 at a major college though. In reality I'd probably be more excited about the Marshall pick than any other single pick we could make... just because him being on the court would completely change the way the team scored the ball. I do see the drawbacks though... namely bad defense and no scoring. He's not Jason Kidd where he's a beast defensively as well unfortunately. I'd still take him but I doubt Petrie drafts a non-scoring, non-defending pg with our glut of guards already.

But you state the problem right off the bat. We have a glut of guards. I would think it very nice to have another above average real PG but how to make the other 900 guards fit is the problem. The picking of a guard is particularly a non-starter when our bigger needs are PF/center or a SF. There's a glut at SF also but I suspect Greene will be let go and that's at least a partial solution.

 

[Section 101]

Barnes scares the crap out of me. Grant had a scout on last week. He said Barnes has the biggest bust potiental in the draft. All you need to do it D up on him and he withers.

 

[Bricklayer]

Barnes scares the crap out of me. Grant had a scout on last week. He said Barnes has the biggest bust potiental in the draft. All you need to do it D up on him and he withers.

Barnes impresses as a system guy. Maybe a Rip Hamilton of SFs. Just throw him the ball and ask him to create and its not happening. Ask him to carrry you and you are screwed. But run him as just one of several options in a discplined system using screens to set him up, and he might be effective. Just not a star.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Barnes scares the crap out of me. Grant had a scout on last week. He said Barnes has the biggest bust potiental in the draft. All you need to do it D up on him and he withers.

Yep, watched him in the march madness and the game he was in.. could not create. I'd take him with a 10th pick but not 5th. He has bust written all over him.

 

[Tetsujin]

Gary your preaching to the choir when it comes to Marshall. But drafting him right now would create a huge mess, and not solve our (too many freaking guards problem). It would make it worse! Now if you want to trade IT or Tyreke for a SF and aquire another first round pick to pick up Marshall, then maybe it would work.

But none of my judgement on this idea has anything to do with Marshall. This is a team with ill fitting parts and little lineup balance. Marshall does nothing to fix that.

PG:Marshall
SG:IT
SF:MT
PF:Reke
C:T-Will

CHAMPIONSHIP (of the draft lottery) here we come

 

[Tetsujin]

Yep, watched him in the march madness and the game he was in.. could not create. I'd take him with a 10th pick but not 5th. He has bust written all over him.

Thing is that we wouldn't need him to create. MOst of our team is capable of doing that. We just need someone who can hit their shots and not suck on defense.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

I know this guy isn't a part of our draft list, but does anyone think that Austin Rivers is Flip Murray, part deux?

 

[roasthawg]

But you state the problem right off the bat. We have a glut of guards. I would think it very nice to have another above average real PG but how to make the other 900 guards fit is the problem. The picking of a guard is particularly a non-starter when our bigger needs are PF/center or a SF. There's a glut at SF also but I suspect Greene will be let go and that's at least a partial solution.

Oh I definitely don't think there's much of a chance of us picking Marshall. Not after we passed on Rubio already and now have a bunch of guards. Just saying that I'd be most excited over a Marshall pick... even though it's not gonna happen.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

Thing is that we wouldn't need him to create. MOst of our team is capable of doing that. We just need someone who can hit their shots and not suck on defense.

We need a Defensive Stalwart at SF, Barnes aint that, and never will be IMO. I'll be really dissapointed if Barnes is selected. I'll really question if this franchise is ever going to get serious about wanting to win. We're never going too get anywhere unless we start getting defensive players.

 

[bajaden]

Barnes impresses as a system guy. Maybe a Rip Hamilton of SFs. Just throw him the ball and ask him to create and its not happening. Ask him to carrry you and you are screwed. But run him as just one of several options in a discplined system using screens to set him up, and he might be effective. Just not a star.

Perfect summation!

 

[bajaden]

Yep, watched him in the march madness and the game he was in.. could not create. I'd take him with a 10th pick but not 5th. He has bust written all over him.

I don't think he'll be a bust. I think as long as you use him where his strengths are, he'll be a good addition. But if you ask him to be a shot creator, or a guy that goes to the basket, then your going to be disappointed. As long as you know what your getting, then he'll be fine. And thats not to say he won't get better as some of his weaknesses over time.

 

[ParniValjak]

Barnes impresses as a system guy. Maybe a Rip Hamilton of SFs. Just throw him the ball and ask him to create and its not happening. Ask him to carrry you and you are screwed. But run him as just one of several options in a discplined system using screens to set him up, and he might be effective. Just not a star.

And that might just he the type of 3rd option that this team needs! Something like a Peja type. Not saying Barnes is like Peja but with Cousins and Tyreke both able to create their own shots what we need out if SF and a 3rd option would be some shooting to open up the floor for Reke and Cuz! If Barnes becomes a good defender and a good 17-20ppg shooter then he would not be a bad pick up!

However, if we do pick up this kid then Thornton becomes surplus to our requirements and could be used to aquire that ever elusive shot blocker / interior defensive archor.

 

[upinsmoke]

And that might just he the type of 3rd option that this team needs! Something like a Peja type. Not saying Barnes is like Peja but with Cousins and Tyreke both able to create their own shots what we need out if SF and a 3rd option would be some shooting to open up the floor for Reke and Cuz! If Barnes becomes a good defender and a good 17-20ppg shooter then he would not be a bad pick up!

However, if we do pick up this kid then Thornton becomes surplus to our requirements and could be used to aquire that ever elusive shot blocker / interior defensive archor.

Agree with you except when you brought up MT because when he catches fire WATCH OUT he can give you 40. (think playoffs) Barnes could end up being just a perfect fit for us. Good defender, rebounder, 6'8" shooter who knows how to use screens and finish strong around the rim.

 

[Dreadnought]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

Count me in.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Agree with you except when you brought up MT because when he catches fire WATCH OUT he can give you 40. (think playoffs) Barnes could end up being just a perfect fit for us. Good defender, rebounder, 6'8" shooter who knows how to use screens and finish strong around the rim.

We have that guy, his code name is blockside.

 

[Gary]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

Probably.. Oh and Big Cuz 15 is..

Dude has bust written all over him though. He won't bring what the team needs.. Well he wont bring it more so than someone way down the draft couldn't bring us.

 

[ParniValjak]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

No!

But then again I am just as scared of the bust potential as I am of his potential to be great.

 

[Bricklayer]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

Not the only one know. But it would eb as much nervouis anxiety as excitement until we saw what he could do. Still I would have big hopes.

 

[VF21]

I don't think he'll be a bust. I think as long as you use him where his strengths are, he'll be a good addition. But if you ask him to be a shot creator, or a guy that goes to the basket, then your going to be disappointed. As long as you know what your getting, then he'll be fine. And thats not to say he won't get better as some of his weaknesses over time.

And that begs the question...can Keith Smart utilize him properly?

 

[Gary]

And that begs the question...can Keith Smart utilize him properly?

Not sure if it will be Smart or how the players actually run the offense. We hardly ever saw Salmons involved, or Greene, or Garcia. Even when Evans was used as a SF it seemed that he was playing a lost position. It probably comes down to Smart but it could have just as much to do with IT/Evans/Cousins.

 

[rainmaker]

Not sure if it will be Smart or how the players actually run the offense. We hardly ever saw Salmons involved, or Greene, or Garcia. Even when Evans was used as a SF it seemed that he was playing a lost position. It probably comes down to Smart but it could have just as much to do with IT/Evans/Cousins.

Smart had no idea how to use guys beyond telling them to run, run, run, and shoot the first open look you get. Also, throw it in to Cuz and iso him, either on the block or 20ft from the hoop. Many miss the fact that offensive efficiency didn't improve much under Smart. We had more possessions, therefor shot more and scored more, but were'nt any more efficinet at actually running an offense. Could make the argument that given we had more success in transition and scored more easy buckets, overall we were worse in the halfcourt.

Smart didn't run cutters off Cuz. Neither strong side or week side. Very few, if any off the ball screens whether Cuz was posting and looking for options, or if IT/Reke were handling up top, and we tried to run shooters off screens. Very little misdirection. Pick & rolls all but vanished from the offense. Spacing was good at first, but went down hill until the end.

I have no confidence that Smart can use anyone to their strengths. Cuz could have been used much more effectively. There seemed to be three roles on this team, Cuz, the dominant post player, IT the ball handler, and everyone else shoot it every time you get a chance. I big problem was no set hierarchy, aside from Cuz, and no willingness to get guys who need the ball, the ball in places where they can use it to their strengths. One thing Chuck is good at is setting screens. Yet, how many times do you remember us running MT off screens set by Chuck to get him a shot in rhythm? Reke was very good slashing into the lane while curling towards an elbow into the paint. Yet, how many times did we start him at the baseline, and run him around Cuz and Chuck screens to get him the ball while slashing towards the rim? Maybe once a week, and it usually worked. How many times did we set a screen for IT to let him penetrate, while also setting off the ball screens for MT so he can either come off elbow extended for a 3, or fade to the corner?

We ran a completely elementary offense, and it really seemed some games that everytime someone touched the ball, Smart told them to think of themselves as the 1st option.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Smart had no idea how to use guys beyond telling them to run, run, run, and shoot the first open look you get. Also, throw it in to Cuz and iso him, either on the block or 20ft from the hoop. Many miss the fact that offensive efficiency didn't improve much under Smart. We had more possessions, therefor shot more and scored more, but were'nt any more efficinet at actually running an offense. Could make the argument that given we had more success in transition and scored more easy buckets, overall we were worse in the halfcourt.

Smart didn't run cutters off Cuz. Neither strong side or week side. Very few, if any off the ball screens whether Cuz was posting and looking for options, or if IT/Reke were handling up top, and we tried to run shooters off screens. Very little misdirection. Pick & rolls all but vanished from the offense. Spacing was good at first, but went down hill until the end.

I have no confidence that Smart can use anyone to their strengths. Cuz could have been used much more effectively. There seemed to be three roles on this team, Cuz, the dominant post player, IT the ball handler, and everyone else shoot it every time you get a chance. I big problem was no set hierarchy, aside from Cuz, and no willingness to get guys who need the ball, the ball in places where they can use it to their strengths. One thing Chuck is good at is setting screens. Yet, how many times do you remember us running MT off screens set by Chuck to get him a shot in rhythm? Reke was very good slashing into the lane while curling towards an elbow into the paint. Yet, how many times did we start him at the baseline, and run him around Cuz and Chuck screens to get him the ball while slashing towards the rim? Maybe once a week, and it usually worked. How many times did we set a screen for IT to let him penetrate, while also setting off the ball screens for MT so he can either come off elbow extended for a 3, or fade to the corner?

We ran a completely elementary offense, and it really seemed some games that everytime someone touched the ball, Smart told them to think of themselves as the 1st option.

Damn good post.

 

[Glenn]

Am I the only one excited about the idea of drafting Drummond?

I doubt it but be careful. He could be an absolute bust. He is an ancredible athlete and I believe the combine will prove that. He has taken off 20 pounds thinking he will be a PF and that is good. Otherwise, he is as unmotivated as anyone could see. He has gotten by on his athleticism. He has no post moves or shooting ability. He shoots 29.5% free throws which shows you the touch he has. I think he can help a team but there are many, many more that would be better and that's almost a guarantee. Even if a fire was built under him by an inspirational coach, he still has the fundamantals of basketball to learn. The shame of it is that he is not a big muscle bound stiff like many of the other giant busts. He has the fluidity of a SF. If he had devoted his life to basketball in high school, he would be the #1 pick or at the least the equal of Davis. The problem is he probably played in pickup games and destroyed his opponents without knowing the basics. That was good enough for him.

His motivation may have been piqued hence the weight loss but there are too many good picks to take a chance.

I watched many games to see him play and sometimes I didn't know he was on the court. On offense he drifted around the court and never posted up demanding the ball. On defense, he never flew throught the air like Whiteside to swat away shots. His rebounding is way too low given his athleticism. The interview could be interesting but I think he will say all the right things. Players know what a coach wants to hear. I'd have Petrie and Cliff Ray interview him to find out what the heck is wrong. Remember he would be coming to a team where the head coach is next to clueless on what to do with big men.

 

[ParniValjak]

I doubt it but be careful. He could be an absolute bust. He is an ancredible athlete and I believe the combine will prove that. He has taken off 20 pounds thinking he will be a PF and that is good. Otherwise, he is as unmotivated as anyone could see. He has gotten by on his athleticism. He has no post moves or shooting ability. He shoots 29.5% free throws which shows you the touch he has. I think he can help a team but there are many, many more that would be better and that's almost a guarantee. Even if a fire was built under him by an inspirational coach, he still has the fundamantals of basketball to learn. The shame of it is that he is not a big muscle bound stiff like many of the other giant busts. He has the fluidity of a SF. If he had devoted his life to basketball in high school, he would be the #1 pick or at the least the equal of Davis. The problem is he probably played in pickup games and destroyed his opponents without knowing the basics. That was good enough for him.

His motivation may have been piqued hence the weight loss but there are too many good picks to take a chance.

I watched many games to see him play and sometimes I didn't know he was on the court. On offense he drifted around the court and never posted up demanding the ball. On defense, he never flew throught the air like Whiteside to swat away shots. His rebounding is way too low given his athleticism. The interview could be interesting but I think he will say all the right things. Players know what a coach wants to hear. I'd have Petrie and Cliff Ray interview him to find out what the heck is wrong. Remember he would be coming to a team where the head coach is next to clueless on what to do with big men.

Tend to agree with this, hence why I am almost certain that Harrison Barnes will be our pick (unless someone reaches and grabs him before us). I read somewhere that he is a GM's dream. A stand up young man with a great work ethic. He is not a superstar potential like Drummond but you are guaranteed to at least get a good pro. With the team that we have, we don't need him to create his own shot we just need him to perfect what he is already good at (catch and shoot and coming off screens for jumpers). He has a nice size for a SF and a good basketball IQ. That to me screams Petrie pick. Especially considering the revolving door that has been our SF position since we traded Ron Ron or should that be Metta Metta?!

 

[Kingster]

And that begs the question...can Keith Smart utilize him properly?

And that's a point I bring up about guys like Drummond. If you've got a Coach Pop, for example, and he's willing to take on the chore of Drummond, fine. I can live with that. But we have what appears a middle of the road coach with a weak management/owners. So you combine Drummond with a shaky organization and that increases the risk of the pick.