2014 Draft Prospects:
- Thread starter bajaden
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He is very quick on his feet for his size and weight. Think a slightly taller, longer, but marginally less athletic Andre Drummond with a jumper that shows promise and the ability to actually hit free throws. His defensive rotations are still suspect, though that is hard to really judge in college ball.
It's really hard to say. He is more mobile than, say, Hibbert, but not as mobile as the string bean big men like Anthony Davis or Henson.
The biggest thing his presence would do, in my opinion, would be to allow Cousins to show and trap on pick and roll sets. If Cousins doesn't have to worry about locking down the paint because he knows a rim protector has his back, he would be free to move up past the free throw line. Cousins has great passing lane instincts and very quick hands on the perimeter, but he doesn't spend much time up there because Thompson's defensive rotations and rim protection are so poor that Cousins can't leave the paint.
But, yes, he would be one of the quickest true centers in the league and probably quick enough to guard all but the fastest power forwards out there.
The biggest thing his presence would do, in my opinion, would be to allow Cousins to show and trap on pick and roll sets. If Cousins doesn't have to worry about locking down the paint because he knows a rim protector has his back, he would be free to move up past the free throw line. Cousins has great passing lane instincts and very quick hands on the perimeter, but he doesn't spend much time up there because Thompson's defensive rotations and rim protection are so poor that Cousins can't leave the paint.
But, yes, he would be one of the quickest true centers in the league and probably quick enough to guard all but the fastest power forwards out there.
Speaking about PF/C guys Embiid and WCS, WCS looks more explosive in all directions, while Embiid is longer. I don't think Embiid is close to Drummond physically at this moment. He actually plays very mature game compared to his experience level, that is effective even without elite athleticism. Feels like Embiid saw quite a lot of tape, because he always looking to box out or move into the right position until possession ends. Both Embiid and WCS could use strength program for lower body, which should make them a bit more explosive. Embiid besides post skills showed he's an elite finisher having .681 on 2-pointers, which makes him top-10 (the only freshman in top-20) among players with at least 5 FGA per game in the entire Division I. WCS has solid .632 this season. WCS struggled on defensive glass last year, and so far he hasn't improved. Offensive glass is another story, where WCS and Randle overwhelm opponents, making Kentucky best major collegge in offensive boards.
I think I may be in a small minority here but personally I would take vonleh ahead of WCS.
He may take a little more time to reach it but I see a lot of potential in Vonleh. Skilled PF that looks like he'll be a good two-way player. He's not going to jump out the gym but he has good size for the 4. I just don't see many holes in his game. Also he's supposed to be a good guy who's very coachable.
I see the attraction with Stein, the good fit next to cousins with his defence and shot blocking. I guess I just find it hard to pick him above a player in vonleh who I think will be better.
He may take a little more time to reach it but I see a lot of potential in Vonleh. Skilled PF that looks like he'll be a good two-way player. He's not going to jump out the gym but he has good size for the 4. I just don't see many holes in his game. Also he's supposed to be a good guy who's very coachable.
I see the attraction with Stein, the good fit next to cousins with his defence and shot blocking. I guess I just find it hard to pick him above a player in vonleh who I think will be better.
There's obvious theme of discussion in top lottery pick, but unexpected gems are also valuable and I think one of them this year is Kendall Williams from New Mexico. He's minor prospect with upside as maybe a backup PG, but he made major strides this season and is one of leaders in the entire Division I in both foul drawing and 3-point shooting. One question to the opposing teams - why do you foul this guy, when he shoots .860 from the line? Even lay-ups is likely a lower percentage play for this guy. DX have him as just #44 senior and obviously far from being drafted, but I think he's athletic enough with very good handles to make it in the League.
Regarding Vonleh: saw the game vs Michigan State and he battled with Payne very well, having no trouble moving the senior. With his toughness, defensive rebounding and some touch on the shot, he looks like he can become a player similar to Horace Grant. Still like WCS a bit more, but Indiana seems to be pretty good defensively and on def. boards with him leading the charge. The competition leaves a lot to be desired so far as Hoosiers faced one of the softest schedules so far, but Conference play should make things clear.
Regarding Vonleh: saw the game vs Michigan State and he battled with Payne very well, having no trouble moving the senior. With his toughness, defensive rebounding and some touch on the shot, he looks like he can become a player similar to Horace Grant. Still like WCS a bit more, but Indiana seems to be pretty good defensively and on def. boards with him leading the charge. The competition leaves a lot to be desired so far as Hoosiers faced one of the softest schedules so far, but Conference play should make things clear.
Smart with 26pts, 11rebs and 6stls to go along with 5 assists and a block the other night. Only shot 4-11 but got to the line 20 times (making 16 of them). Can't wait to see what he does in the NBA, where the extra spacing will help him.
Did anyone see Randles alley oop the other night. Insane hands and athleticism to finish it (wasn't a dunk, kind of caught it mid-air whilst spinning and layed it in with his back almost to the basket). Can't find it on youtube but it was something only an elite talent could pull off.
Did anyone see Randles alley oop the other night. Insane hands and athleticism to finish it (wasn't a dunk, kind of caught it mid-air whilst spinning and layed it in with his back almost to the basket). Can't find it on youtube but it was something only an elite talent could pull off.
Randle is an deceptive athlete. He kind of reminds me of Blake Griffin when he was in college. If you watched him play enough times, you could see that he was an explosive athlete. I remember having arguments with some posters that didn't think Griffin was athletic. Randle is sort of the same way, You can see that he's strong, but only once in a while do you see him be explosive. Its sort of like, if I don't have to go there, I don't. But if I need it, I'll use it.
In regards to Cauley-Stein, Embiid, or Vonleh, I'll be happy with any of the three. I think what makes Stein stand out, is his terrific lateral quickness. He has the ability to not only defend on the perimeter and get back to defend the basket, he has the ability to keep whom ever he's guarding on the perimeter in front of him. I just don't think that Embiid has that same lateral quickness, however, I don't think its a night and day difference. I think Steins experience, and therefore his ability to anticipate, helps him. Of course Vonleh is an entirely different player. Not as tall at 6'9"/6'10", but a very good athlete, and very good defensive instincts. You can also see that down the road, he could be a very good offensive player as well. So I guess its a matter of pick your poison. As I said, I'd be happy with any of the three. I think the player with the biggest upside is Embiid. Doesn't mean he'll reach that upside, but its there.
In regards to Cauley-Stein, Embiid, or Vonleh, I'll be happy with any of the three. I think what makes Stein stand out, is his terrific lateral quickness. He has the ability to not only defend on the perimeter and get back to defend the basket, he has the ability to keep whom ever he's guarding on the perimeter in front of him. I just don't think that Embiid has that same lateral quickness, however, I don't think its a night and day difference. I think Steins experience, and therefore his ability to anticipate, helps him. Of course Vonleh is an entirely different player. Not as tall at 6'9"/6'10", but a very good athlete, and very good defensive instincts. You can also see that down the road, he could be a very good offensive player as well. So I guess its a matter of pick your poison. As I said, I'd be happy with any of the three. I think the player with the biggest upside is Embiid. Doesn't mean he'll reach that upside, but its there.
Well, freshmen trio from Kansas is putting on a show against ranked Kansas State: Selden is finding the balance between attacking and facilitating, Wiggins mixing ultra-athletic plays (offensive rebound over 4 players, dunks, that he was able to make only because he has insane athleticism) with shooting, Embiid shooting jumpers (two long-range makes this game), rebounding and defending.
For Kansas State senior Shane Southwell looks like NBA player with solid handles and decent defense, but lack of outside shooting makes his chances in the League really bleak.
For Kansas State senior Shane Southwell looks like NBA player with solid handles and decent defense, but lack of outside shooting makes his chances in the League really bleak.
It looks like Kansas is starting to put it together. Good game today. I beleive Embiid even shot a three today. Bad idea, but what the hell. I watched the Pitt game, and Lamar Patterson really impressed me. He is 22 years old, and a fifth year senior, but the dude can play. For those that aren't familiar with him, he's a 6'5" SG. So far this year he's averaging 17.3 PPG in 29 minutes of playing time. He's shooting 53.0% overall and 42.2% from the three, along with 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists. If not for his age, he would probably be talked about in the first round.
I also watched Syracuse dismantle North Carolina. I'm coming to the conclusion that the best PG in college just might be Tyler Ennis of Syracuse. He's very very impressive, and not a pretender PG.
Another player that's impressed me this year, and I didn't expect it, is Nick Stauskas of Mich. Last season all he did was spot up and shoot, and he did that very well, but this year he's proven to me that he's a much better athlete than I expected, and has better handles than I expected. He's shown the ability to create his own shot as well. I also still like Sam Dekker of Wisconsin. Just a solid all around SF. He can shoot, handle, rebound, pass, and he defends, and is a good athlete. He's listed at 6'7" in some forums and 6'8" in others. Be interested to see how he measures out at the combine.
I recorded the Kentucky game, and haven't watched it yet. later tonight!
I also watched Syracuse dismantle North Carolina. I'm coming to the conclusion that the best PG in college just might be Tyler Ennis of Syracuse. He's very very impressive, and not a pretender PG.
Another player that's impressed me this year, and I didn't expect it, is Nick Stauskas of Mich. Last season all he did was spot up and shoot, and he did that very well, but this year he's proven to me that he's a much better athlete than I expected, and has better handles than I expected. He's shown the ability to create his own shot as well. I also still like Sam Dekker of Wisconsin. Just a solid all around SF. He can shoot, handle, rebound, pass, and he defends, and is a good athlete. He's listed at 6'7" in some forums and 6'8" in others. Be interested to see how he measures out at the combine.
I recorded the Kentucky game, and haven't watched it yet. later tonight!
Talking about another low-level prospect: Okaro White from Florida State looks like Mbah a Moute's younger brother as a tough player capable of guarding anyone from slower points to tweeners, only this guy can actually shoot - career .799 shooter with .370 from college 3 so far this season. And Florida State is even relying on him to provide some offense, which he wouldn't have to do in the NBA. Good rebounder and finisher inside. Looks like he has good chances to stick, but due to being a senior with limited upside White is most likely will be an undrafted FA.
Embiid with a really nice game @ #8 ranked Iowa State. Although Iowa State really relies on small ball, Embiid changed the game. Had one incredible block at the rim where he also snatched the ball away in one motion. His offense is raw but promising. Still gets the ball slapped out of his hands quite a bit on the block, but he will have more room to operate in the NBA. Very good passer as far as getting the ball back out to the perimeter. Footwork will be advanced down the road.
Wiggins had a pretty crazy game. Both good and bad. The good was you can just tell he is a superior talent athletically. Hit some 3s, good slashes, drew a lot of contact. Now about the contact, he also lost the ball or got stripped at least five times during this game. He'll learn how to draw fouls better eventually by making more direct contact and forcing the ref's to make a simpler call. He had 12 rebounds at the half! It's going to be tough passing him up as #1 but he won't have as big as an impact as Parker from the get-go.
Some of the Iowa St. players looked pretty good, only problem was they were all so similar it was hard to single one guy out. They're doing something right though being ranked #8 before losing.
Wiggins had a pretty crazy game. Both good and bad. The good was you can just tell he is a superior talent athletically. Hit some 3s, good slashes, drew a lot of contact. Now about the contact, he also lost the ball or got stripped at least five times during this game. He'll learn how to draw fouls better eventually by making more direct contact and forcing the ref's to make a simpler call. He had 12 rebounds at the half! It's going to be tough passing him up as #1 but he won't have as big as an impact as Parker from the get-go.
Some of the Iowa St. players looked pretty good, only problem was they were all so similar it was hard to single one guy out. They're doing something right though being ranked #8 before losing.
DeAndre Kane is the big gun for Iowa St. He's a transfer from Marshall I believe. He's the one that sprained his ankle or something toward the end of the game. Wiggins ended up with 19 rebounds and I believe 17 points shooting just under 50% from the floor. He got himself into trouble a few times driving to the basket, but I was glad to see him be aggressive. Good learning experience.
This was the first game (I've seen) that Wiggins looked bigger on the court, more confident. Might have led to some of his turnover's, but good to see he's coming out of his shell a bit.
Yeah, I looked up Kane after I wrote that post. Seems like he's put his game together his senior season. Pretty old for a senior, but he'll probably end up on some teams summer league/camp invite and then D-League.
Yeah, I looked up Kane after I wrote that post. Seems like he's put his game together his senior season. Pretty old for a senior, but he'll probably end up on some teams summer league/camp invite and then D-League.
We won't be in position to get Embiid but it looks like we like Exum who is gonna be a 2 way player
Isiah Thomas (Sacramento)
who would be an ideal pick for my sacramento kings?
Chad Ford
(1:58 PM)
Likely will come down to Parker and Embiid. Rudy Gay plays the same position as Parker, but if the Kings decide they don't want to break the bank to keep Gay around, Parker is a cheaper and frankly more talented, less selfish option. Embiid gives them much needed shot blocking and frees them up to move Cousins to the four. But Embiid isn't totally NBA ready and I hear a sense of urgency from the Kings to start putting a winner on the court now. I know Kings management has a thing for Dante Exum. Obviously Isaiah Thomas has been great, but Exum projects as a better prospect and he's six inches taller.
Isiah Thomas (Sacramento)
who would be an ideal pick for my sacramento kings?
Chad Ford
(1:58 PM)
Likely will come down to Parker and Embiid. Rudy Gay plays the same position as Parker, but if the Kings decide they don't want to break the bank to keep Gay around, Parker is a cheaper and frankly more talented, less selfish option. Embiid gives them much needed shot blocking and frees them up to move Cousins to the four. But Embiid isn't totally NBA ready and I hear a sense of urgency from the Kings to start putting a winner on the court now. I know Kings management has a thing for Dante Exum. Obviously Isaiah Thomas has been great, but Exum projects as a better prospect and he's six inches taller.
Exum and WCS and I'd go home a very happy man. Actually, any combination of Parker/Randle/Wiggins/Exum/Smart with WCS and I'd be thrilled. I think WCS is more likely to be a great defender than Embiid and although he doesn't have the footwork and touch of Embiid, he's more agile, probably more athletic, and doesn't come with the distinct worry of having poor hands. I also think he's stronger than Embiid and has a naturally stronger body. Both need to get stronger, though.
Not that I'd complain with Embiid. I like him a lot, I just have some reservations about him.
Not that I'd complain with Embiid. I like him a lot, I just have some reservations about him.
Not sure where you came up with brittle. To me brittle means breakable. Oh well. I'm not worried about his strength. He has a big frame and until his arrival at Kansas, he had never been in a weight room in his life. So he'll get stronger as he matures. He's going to be an elite defender, and has shown he's probably going to be a two way player as well. His hands bother me, and its the one thing that might prevent him from being a big time star. However, that wouldn't stop me from choosing him at number one. As long as you have Cousins along side him rebounding, his hands don't worry me that much.
Uncia03 and I were discussing the draft and he asked me if by chance we ended up with the first pick in the draft, and another team that perhaps had the 4th pick in the draft and the 10th or 11th pick in the draft (not sure that team exists) offered us both those picks for the first pick, with the possibility of drafting both Exum and Stein, would I make that trade. After a very short pause, I said yes. To be able to fill both positions of need would be too good to pass up, even though I may be giving up a potential all star. As they say, sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.