2013 Draft Prospects
- Thread starter Vlade4GM
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Why do you think Evans and Oladipo would have trouble playing together? One of the things I like about Oladipo is that he doesn't need the ball to be effective on offense. He moves without the ball very well and is a good outside shooter. He also doesn't take bad shots very often. At the same time, both he and Evans would be able to over power almost every back court in the league. Let IT come off the bench as he could be paired with either Evans or Oladipo. It would make Thornton expendable IMO.
Well, for starters I don't think anyone is going to let Evans be the PG again. That alone is kind of annoying, but I think it is reality. When Evans is at his best, he has the ball in his hands, but he's also paired with a 2 who can help him handle the ball. Oladipo can't do that. I also don't trust Oladipo or Evans as a shooter, and with both guys (along with Cousins) doing most of their damage in the paint, you can bet our opponents will clog that area.
As a team, the Kings are in such a good position if we handle things correctly. We have basically a clean slate of a roster with two really good pieces. We can do whatever we want with the rest of the roster to cater to those guys. This means that we don't have to be undersized, and we don't have to play guys out of position. Those are things that teams with cap trouble or a bad front office do. We should have neither of those things. Ideally.
If we were to draft Oladipo, I would likely agree with Gilles here, Run Evans - MT - Oladipo, but I just think most coaches have closed the door on Evans as the PG, and Thornton isn't the kind of facilitating ball handler we'd prefer with Evans. Spacing the floor could still be an issue, and with Evans/Thornton/Cousins all starting ... do we run into another 'not enough shots to go around' scenario?
Even still, if we drafted Oladipo and kept Evans I'd be relatively happy. My biggest issue with Oladipo is that it would indicate to me that we are moving on from Evans. I hope I'd be wrong, but that is the feeling I get. I'd be open to a Douglas, Evans, Oladipo lineup in that MAYBE we'd be able to beat teams with defense, similar to Memphis, but I don't know if that is viable long term. I'd still worry about floor spacing. The NBA is getting smaller to the point where Evans COULD play SF, but does he want to? would he want to resign with us if that is where we'd play him? These are things I would worry about, because I think both Evans and Oladipo are clearly best as 2's ... one of those guys would be playing out of position.
Glen Rice, Jr: really like how he's turned around his life/career after getting kicked off GT bball. Once he got his chance in the D-League, he really was one of the better players. Has a lot of great NBA qualities already and can play SG/SF. His biggest concern is guarding quicker guards, but he can definitely play SF off the bench for a team. Was the MVP of the D-League Finals after an amazing two games. He's probably going to go somewhere in the 10-20 range if he can prove to NBA teams he has matured.
A "trade down" player for the Kings to consider if they go that route.
A "trade down" player for the Kings to consider if they go that route.
I'm a little confused as to why you think Oladipo and Evans can't play together. I think Oladipo is the perfect player to put next to Evans if they move Evans back to PG. He doesn't demand the ball, he's extremely unselfish, he's a terrific defender, and he's a very good spotup shooter who would help spread the floor for both Evans and Cousins. I don't see where the conflict comes from.
I can understand not trusting Evans shot to some extent, but why Oladipo? He worked extremely hard on his shot, and it paid off. He even admited that one of the biggest reasons for his better shooting was learning to not take bad shots. I mean my god, the guy shot 59.9% overall, and 44.1% from the three. And, he only took 8 shots a game. He averaged 6.3 rebounds a game, and over 2 steals a game. He's a gym rat and dedicated worker. He's exactly the kind of player I want on the team. My first choice is still Porter, who I think is the best all around player in the entire draft when you consider BBIQ, shooting, passing, defense, and ballhandling from the SF position. But second, I'd take Oladipo in a heartbeat.
Can Evans play point in the NBA and will any coach trust him to? I just don't see a front office going into the season with the plan of running Evans at point. And even if that is what we do, Evans does sort of need that secondary ball handler and facilitator ... Two things Oladipo really needs to work on. For the record, I like Evans at the point, but I wouldn't say Oladipo is a good fit as the two, at least on offense.
And Vlade4GM pretty much answered why I don't trust Oladipo's shot. I certainly wouldn't bank on that being any kind of asset for our offense. I love his percentages, but 8 shots a game is .. just ... it doesn't say a lot. I didn't say he can't shoot, just that I don't trust his jumper specifically. I'm fairly certain he can be effective around the rim with his length and athleticism, but the jumper ... I don't think we know yet. And I like Oladipo! I just like him less because of what I think it means with Evans.
I'm clearly speculating quite a bit, but it's just so easy to see the Kings drafting Oladipo, banking on Isaiah Thomas, and as a result letting Evans go.
And Vlade4GM pretty much answered why I don't trust Oladipo's shot. I certainly wouldn't bank on that being any kind of asset for our offense. I love his percentages, but 8 shots a game is .. just ... it doesn't say a lot. I didn't say he can't shoot, just that I don't trust his jumper specifically. I'm fairly certain he can be effective around the rim with his length and athleticism, but the jumper ... I don't think we know yet. And I like Oladipo! I just like him less because of what I think it means with Evans.
I'm clearly speculating quite a bit, but it's just so easy to see the Kings drafting Oladipo, banking on Isaiah Thomas, and as a result letting Evans go.
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Well, no team was reported asking about Thomas' availability. I guess from outside difference in talent between IT and Evans seems pretty obvious. I expect a man from outside at the top of FO by the Draft Night at worst. People shouldn't misinterpret no action after getting the team less than week ago as an indication of indecision and lack of resolve. Vivek is not going to run the team. He's going to find the best decision-make available, double-check, then give him control.
Yeah, I just saw Kingster mentioning May, 31st as official date of sale. If Ranadive's group wants to talk to people currently under contract, they probably can' even ask for permission.
Returning to the them of this thread, apparently New Jersey draft combine came and past this weekend. Surprisingly haven't heard a peep how everybody looked. It was designed for lesser prospects and none from there bight get into 1st round, but interestingly nobody reports. Probably teams prefer to keep their sleepers secret.
Returning to the them of this thread, apparently New Jersey draft combine came and past this weekend. Surprisingly haven't heard a peep how everybody looked. It was designed for lesser prospects and none from there bight get into 1st round, but interestingly nobody reports. Probably teams prefer to keep their sleepers secret.
Well, I guess I'm more confident of his shooting than you are. I watched him play a lot this season, and I was very impressed with his shooting, and his shot selection was very good, which is one of the reasons for his improved shooting. But to each his own. As for a coach trying Tyreke at the PG position again, I think we've been brain washed by all the stupid coaches that have come through the gates. Plus, I think Tyreke's decision making has improved, despite bad coaching. I'd be willing to see what a good coach can get out of him at that positon, and while I'm speculating, I do think a proven coach might give Tyreke another shot. But we'll see!
Its funny about the 8 shots a game. If a player dominates the ball and takes 14/15 shots a game he gets criticized for being a black hole and being selfish. But if a player that can actually shoot the ball well, only takes 8 shots a game, and is very unselfish, he gets criticized for not taking enough shots to prove his stats have credibility. Talk about a catch 22. All a player like Oladipo has to do is take open shots and make them on a regualr basis, and then you have to guard him or pay the price. We say we want Tyreke and Cousins to be the focus of our offense. Well then a player like Olapido is the prefect guy to be on the floor with them. He won't take away from their game, and he'll only take open shots. Maybe I'm stupid here, but it seems like perfect logic to me.
Its funny about the 8 shots a game. If a player dominates the ball and takes 14/15 shots a game he gets criticized for being a black hole and being selfish. But if a player that can actually shoot the ball well, only takes 8 shots a game, and is very unselfish, he gets criticized for not taking enough shots to prove his stats have credibility. Talk about a catch 22. All a player like Oladipo has to do is take open shots and make them on a regualr basis, and then you have to guard him or pay the price. We say we want Tyreke and Cousins to be the focus of our offense. Well then a player like Olapido is the prefect guy to be on the floor with them. He won't take away from their game, and he'll only take open shots. Maybe I'm stupid here, but it seems like perfect logic to me.
Your entitled to your opinion, but you give no reasons for your opinion. Why Oladipo can only be drafted if we get rid of Tyreke makes little or no sense to me. I can think of a lot of reasons why they should/could play together, but you give no reasons as to why they can't. I like Trey Burke, and I've been touting him as the best PG in this class almost from the beginning of the college season, but I wouldn't take him over Porter or Oladipo. We currently have 4 players on the team that can play the PG position, 5 if you count Salmons as an emergency PG. We have no one that can actually play the SF position, and we have no one that can defend the ball the way Oladipo can. And while I'll admit that none of our PG's so far have proven they can lead us to the promised land, its hardly a huge position of need.
You don't want Evans as your primary facilitator, and getting Oladipo pretty much leaves only the SF to get a facilitator. Maybe if Oladipo is a third guard, but I'd much rather just take a shot with Burke or Schroeder. Oladipo should be a valuable player, but know what you're committing to by taking him.
So most of the discussion up to this point has been pointless. All of Noel/McLemore/Burke/Porter/Oladipo will be gone by the 7th pick. Bennett might be available, but I don't want him and we don't need him. Of the remaining prospects, the only ones that interest me are Gobert, Zeller, Len and possible MCW depending on how he does in workouts.
I'd probably just go with Gobert or Zeller. I know Zeller didn't end the season well, but he's still a good prospect with size and athleticism. He fits better than Len next to Cuz. If Gobert does well in workouts I'd take him.
So deflated right now.
I'd probably just go with Gobert or Zeller. I know Zeller didn't end the season well, but he's still a good prospect with size and athleticism. He fits better than Len next to Cuz. If Gobert does well in workouts I'd take him.
So deflated right now.
No to Zeller. Maybe Len or Gobert. More inclined to trade down for Schroeder or Adams or Dieng (if you want to go safe.) I'd be cool with Karasev too, but we won't likely be getting much D from him.
I'm pretty sure Bennett will go before our pick, I can see a lot of teams there wanting some big man offense, and he might be the best offensive player that's either a 4 or 5.
I'm pretty sure Bennett will go before our pick, I can see a lot of teams there wanting some big man offense, and he might be the best offensive player that's either a 4 or 5.
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Zeller will be a good, solid player. He may even have more upside than people think. But he's not my favourite player by any stretch, just trying to be realistic. He's very athletic for a guy his size and runs the floor like a guard.
The guys I'd potentially be happy with are Gobert, Zeller, Len, Karesev, Schroeder. I'm weary of Dieng and Adams. And Gobert and Zeller, but they've either proven more or bring more of what we need. Lets see how Adetokunbo does in workouts, too. For some of those prospects we could probably trade down. As of now my top four, in no particular order, would be Karesev, Zeller, Schroeder and Gobert.
Who knows, maybe one of Zeller/Gobert will move up the boards during workouts, and Bennett will go top 6, dropping one of the original 5 down to us. It's possible.
The guys I'd potentially be happy with are Gobert, Zeller, Len, Karesev, Schroeder. I'm weary of Dieng and Adams. And Gobert and Zeller, but they've either proven more or bring more of what we need. Lets see how Adetokunbo does in workouts, too. For some of those prospects we could probably trade down. As of now my top four, in no particular order, would be Karesev, Zeller, Schroeder and Gobert.
Who knows, maybe one of Zeller/Gobert will move up the boards during workouts, and Bennett will go top 6, dropping one of the original 5 down to us. It's possible.
I do not like Zeller, if you want to go safe, I'd rather it be someone who's actually really good at one facet of the game, which Zeller isn't. Not that good of a rebounder, questionable length and strength for the low post, not much of a shot blocker, and he needs to develop a face up game. I just don't see the point, I'd rather just get a shot blocking big or take Schroeder and try to get Mike Muscala later in the draft. Zeller is in the no-pick zone for me.
The thing is though, I don't think the talent is that much worse where we are. I like Burke quite a bit, but I think Schroeder can be just as good if not better. I like Porter, but I see him as a solid role playing starter, pretty much a Tayshaun Prince (they're pretty damn similar when you match them up,) but Karasev is a 3 and one of the more polished players in the draft. We got a shot at Len and Gobert (if he proves worth it) if you want a big C, and Karasev and Schroeder are definitely going to be there. There's talent scattered around this draft, there isn't a huge degree of separation. It's weak at the top and in apparent impact players, but it's got depth.
I have only seen Zeller play two or three times. I understand that many are down on him as a prospect- but-
Would he be such a bad pick at 7? He is a big guy, he's athletic, well schooled, and seems to work hard. He is still a young kid and has a reasonable skill set.
He does have limitations- but surely he will become a better player than someone like Spencer 'bad attitude' Hawes?
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Re Rudy Gobert-
I have not seen him play at all. I have not read much about him. That's my disclaimer. I approach these kind of projects with a large amount of apathy. It seems every year there is a long, athletic, thin, and inexperienced 7 footer coming in from Europe. Just because he is long, does not mean he will succeed. What differentiates this kid from the others?
Would he be such a bad pick at 7? He is a big guy, he's athletic, well schooled, and seems to work hard. He is still a young kid and has a reasonable skill set.
He does have limitations- but surely he will become a better player than someone like Spencer 'bad attitude' Hawes?
...
Re Rudy Gobert-
I have not seen him play at all. I have not read much about him. That's my disclaimer. I approach these kind of projects with a large amount of apathy. It seems every year there is a long, athletic, thin, and inexperienced 7 footer coming in from Europe. Just because he is long, does not mean he will succeed. What differentiates this kid from the others?
I'm not really crazy about him, but he is fairly mobile for a 7'2 center and will have the best standing reach in the NBA. Good finisher too. It's risky, but he's not a bad project to get in a draft like this if it's what you're looking for. Personally, I'd put Len above him if you to go with a big C, and I'd put Adams above him if you want a defensive project big. Dieng looks like a nice role playing center to me, he's got shot blocking, athleticism, rebounding, mid range J, and a decent passer.
I'm rooting for Steven Adams to find success.
He will be able to compete physically in the NBA and could become a very good defensive centre. He is tough and he will work hard. Ultimately it will be his on court comfort level that dictates what kind of career he has.
At 7, I would be surprised if the kings drafted Zeller, Adams, or Dieng.
He will be able to compete physically in the NBA and could become a very good defensive centre. He is tough and he will work hard. Ultimately it will be his on court comfort level that dictates what kind of career he has.
At 7, I would be surprised if the kings drafted Zeller, Adams, or Dieng.
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