2014 Draft Prospects:
- Thread starter bajaden
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Tetsujin
The Game Thread Dude
Same height as Jabari Parker, who was stuck playing 3-5 for Duke. One inch shorter than Julius Randle but has a one inch longer wingspan than him. He's got the size and length to be a small forward and possesses the explosive athletic ability seen in the dominant stars of the NBA. His main thing, aside from the mental aspects of the game and his shot, is getting more muscle on that thin frame of his. 197 pounds isn't going to cut it as a small forward in the NBA... or as a shooting guard for that matter. That said, his defensive ability is what has really impressed me. For a young guy who's been touted as being the next Lebron for the past two years or so, the dude has displayed a strong commitment to the defensive side of the ball (though that may also be on Bill Self's system which has previously made Ben McLemore look like a good defender and T-Rob not look like a terrible one). That and the fact he took over and started crushing his opponents when Embiid went down is leaving me higher on Wiggins than I was going into the year.
Now that I get a good look at Wichita State over the last two games, I'm having a bit of trouble understanding why Cleanthony Early isn't getting much attention as a prospect. I know he's playing mostly in the post for Wichita, but he's clearly a SF in the NBA. Seems to have the appropriate size, athleticism, shot and handle for the position, and I like his poise and his decision-making in my limited opportunity to see him. What am I missing that keeps this kid off most of the mock drafts?
bajaden
Hall of Famer
He's Kemba Walker with more shots. He's a great scorer if that's what your looking for. However, if your not happy with IT, you won't be happy with Napier. Obviously you wern't suggesting we draft him. Just making a comparison.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Huestis is built more like a PF, and is the best rebounder on his team. Wiggins is actually an inch taller, but only weighs around 200 pounds. So your right, he needs to add strength to his incredible athleticism. He certainly has the athleticism to play SG, but he would need to tweak his ballhandling to play there. Remember, Huestis is a senior, and Wiggins is freshman. Give Wiggins three more years, and he'll look like a completely different player.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
I hope so, and I hope one of them has a Kings uniform on!
bajaden
Hall of Famer
He's getting it now! He suffers from the same ailment that almost all mid-level players suffer from. Lack of exposure. VanVleet has probably gotten the most press. If Wichita St. hadn't been up there in the rankings all year, no one would be able to name one player on that team. Now if Early was playing for UCLA, everyone would know who he is. I can only speak for myself, but I usually stumble across these players when they're playing out of conference against the big boys early in the year. So I may be watching a game to see Duke or Kentucky play, but while I'm watching, I'll notice a player on the mid-level team that stands out. From that point on, I'll record every one of his games that's televised. Point is, its an accident. Probably true of NBA scouts as well. They can't afford to go to every game that's played. Who thought Dayton would be this good? There has to be a reason.
Edit: By the way, I like Early. Good shooter and decent rebounder. Also good size for the position at 6'8". One thing going against him, along with playing in a mid-level conference, is that he's a senior. He's the kind of player that could end up being a steal in the second round, or better yet, as an undrafted invitee to summer league and training camp.
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MassachusettsKingsFan
All-Star
I've popped in here and said this before, but Aaron Gordon is growing on me. You can point to his early season... struggles? ineffectiveness? Whatever you'd like to call it, but he's so young. He will have just turned 19 when training camp opens up.
He seems like a Malone kind of guy.
Pretty good, albeit fluffy interview I came across earlier.
He seems like a Malone kind of guy.
Pretty good, albeit fluffy interview I came across earlier.
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LPKingsFan
All-Star
Someone on Twitter posted a shot of Mullin and PDA at the Arizona/Gonzaga game. I wonder who they were watching...
Kingster
Hall of Famer
I was on this guy last year, and this year. He's an NBA player, imo. I understand that people might have minimized him before the NCAAs of last year, but I don't understand it this year, when he showed very well against elite competition last year. He's got to be one moving up the boards a lot.
Kingster
Hall of Famer
I can't imagine Early being undrafted. I can imagine him going to the Spurs in the first round. They typically know talent and get gems that others overlook for some reason.
ilmago
Prospect
Meanwhile Dario Saric won't enter the draft..
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...er-2014-nba-draft-latest-details-and-reaction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...er-2014-nba-draft-latest-details-and-reaction
Hallama
Starter
Was thinking the same thing about Nick Johnson and how a playoff level team will use him wisely.
Hallama
Starter
Yep, certainly climbing the list of players I'd like the Kings to pick. He could fit in with the starting unit because he wouldn't have to touch the ball much on offense at first with (most likely) IT, Gay, and Cuz. He moves the ball well too, doesn't hold it too long. It's his athleticism and intangibles at this point that are most intriguing. I'm not too high on him being a SF on offense, but he can certainly guard SF's, which is a HUGE bonus.
Vonleh is declaring, this quote sums up this draft well: "I've heard the fourth pick to the 12th pick is wide open," Vonleh said. "[I think I'll be selected] anywhere in that range."
Hallama
Starter
To be fair to Smart, he put up this statline: 23 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals. No, he didn't shoot it well, but he's a stat filler, which is why he's intriguing. He's this years MCW as far as polarizing opinions go.
I remember the only comments other players on Olympic team made were "He's an excellent shooter". Well, can't argue with that, but McDermott is absolutely pathetic in all 3 main indicators of athleticism: steal%, block% and off.reb.%. As in historically bad. Doug's a very versatile scorer, who gets points mostly moving off the ball, which separates him from Adam 'Stache Morrison, and his ridiculous efficiency makes me think, that McDermott will put the points on the board (skill and understanding of the game are often enough for that), making him worth drafting in late teens - early twenties, where your expectation is 7-9th guy. However he will most certainly bust, if put at PF, and be a major defensive liability at SF.
Just no to Aaron Gordon: almost classic tweener - guy with PF skillset, who is borderline small for PF.
Edit: Wiggins had his worst game of college career vs Huestis, so hope, Josh will get some interest from Kings. I realise that Gay, Williams and Outlaw are still here, and it's not clear, that Huestis can cover SGs, but I feel, he can be valuable low usage defender/shooter. Likely 7th-9th type, but getting future NBA players without picks or other assets is valuable.
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There was a play in the second half where Gordon was running the crease on a fast break for a presumed dunk when he slipped and went down. The pass came anyway, but he had the presence of mind to catch it as he was going down and kick it back to the guard, who converted. I immediately texted my friend and said "We're drafting Aaron Gordon."
His sweet spot in the draft is right in our range, he's athletic and mobile, he's a fantastic defender, he plays hard, and with what he lacis in a jump shot, he makes up for in heady plays like that one (which he did directly in front of our FO). It seems like an obvious fit for what we are trying to do with the franchise. I know we've already got one athletic tweener in Derrick Williams, but I would totally not be surprised to see us take Gordon.
MassachusettsKingsFan
All-Star
With some combination of Vonleh, Gordon, and Cauley-Stein available by the time the Kings pick rolls around, wherever in the draft order that may be, there is no excuse for not drafting that defender to pair with Cousins. None. The Kings lucked out with this draft class. A lot of good potential fits here, just a matter of selecting the right guy.
Arby's Roast Beef
Starter
Yep. Best senior this year in my book. Too bad there's such a stigma with being an old guy in college that there's still 47 players better than him in my book. Butthe next best senior isn't even close, at #68 (Kendall Williams).
I would certainly put McDermott, Payne, and Early in front of Napier. I'd also take Cory Jefferson first, but I recognize that few others seem to see him in the same light I do.
Cory can defend (before Austin arrived, Jefferson posted great 12+% block rate, though it came with foul trouble)/rebound and finish, also has some shooting potential. Measurements will be crucial for him: if he has standing reach of 8'11" or more and weighs above 230, he will definitely find a place in the League. Don't think, he will make it as SF.
Kingster
Hall of Famer
I haven't seen him play a lot, but to piggy-back on your question, I'd specifically like to know:
1) Is he going to be able to get his own shot in the pros?
2) Compare and contrast him with D-Will on offense.
3) What is his fluidity like on offense; can he easily change directions when faced with defensive obstacles?
4) Grade his ballhandling.
5) Shot mechanics.
Is he going to be forever a complementary role player, or can he be a legit threat on offense in the pros?
I don't see Jefferson as a SF at all. What I see is a defensively disruptive Reggie Evans type player with better man defense and a little more offensive potential. And almost certainly a bit bigger. He doesn't have to be a star - I don't think he will be. But he could be a really valuable role player.
Arby's Roast Beef
Starter
I'm in the same school of thought with McDermott as Gilles is, but I recognize that he has zone busting qualities that can't be ignored. Hopefully he doesn't go all Sczerzbiak on us and shrinks down his game into a Matt Bonner type three point shooting/hustling-rebound role. That's the vision that's probably the most snug fit for him and his team, and if that's the vision, there's a decided lack of upside that I can't get super excited about, but it's a role that I more than respect.
I'm torn on Payne; the eye test, I love the guy. Watch his progression over four years; the guy really improved his shot (didn't even have much three point range his first several years), and he's not the defensive hack he once was. I remember he really used to lack focus early on. And I think his defense is underrated, but that goes without saying for any dude coached by Izzo. I can easily see a Channing Frye like progression to his career--don't forget, Channing never jacked up threes much at Arizona either, and he's also a smart defender, also 4 years in college. Interesting, for sure. But with most four year players, you wonder--with the step up, is he going to deviate back to his formative, earlier play? With Payne I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and go with the eye test, because there's a lot of things I like that are translatable, and I buy into his progression. Eye test, certainly above Napier. My other test, not even close.
As for Early, my biggest issue with his position. I like his ability to finish and I can buy into his shooting progression, among other things, but I can't get past the lack of passing here. I'm thinking the halo of making it far in the tourney, as opposed to being totally legit at that point. I still see him as a 2nd round pick (mid 2nd rounder).
Jefferson was far more interesting to me last year than he was this year. What a bad stumble. My other test hates him--like dead last, out of 125 draft prospects. I just think he's so raw. I'm thinking Ian Mahinmi as the upside where maybe there's bits and pieces of some dunking, the occasional mid-range J and some shotblocks, but eh. He regressed this year.
Napier is far better as a spot-up scorer but I firmly believe he can be a PG in this league. He's also a really good rebounder by position. There's a lot to like here. The only problem is that he's seemingly slight of build, but the dude absorbs contact and draws fouls like no one's business, so it doesn't matter here. I'm convinced by both the eye and other test.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
Well l don't have the article available anymore, but if memory serves, it was in a Las Vegas newspaper. You'll just have to take my word for it, or not. Don't really care at the moment. However, I never said that McDermott was a great athlete. I said that its possible that he might not be a liability on defense. You cherry picked three catagory's that he naturally wouldn't excel at.Of course he's not going to be a shotblocker or get a lot of steals. He's 6'8" and he's not a great leaper with length. No, he's not a great offensive rebounder, but don't let the fact that he plays away from the basket a lot on offense affect your opinion. Stupid me, I'm basing my opinion on actually watching him play. What a silly concept. Apparently Ive been wasting my time. Bear in mind, I never said he was a great, or even a good defender or would be at the NBA level. I was merely disputing that he was a horrible defender, which seemed to be what you were implying. He's not! How that translates to the NBA is anyone's guess.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
I like Gordon, but I'm far from sold on him. At the moment he's a bad outside shooter, and to made matters worse, he's a bad freethrow shooter, which usually doesn't bode well for him improving his outside shot. He's a terrific energy guy and a great athlete. He defends well, and can defend more than one position, but, he appears to be a little undersized. So he may be a little too small to play the PF position, and if he can't shoot, do you want him at the SF position. I suppose you could look at him as just an all purpose player that you put on the floor and let him reek havoc on defense, and clean up the garbage on offense. His ballhandling is fine. He has no problem with changing directions or playing within an offense. He's probably even more athletic than Williams, and is certainly more aggressive. You know he's on the floor. His shot mechanics aren't bad, he just seems to lack a feel or touch when it comes to shooting. So getting his own shot doesn't matter at the moment, because he's probably. going to miss anyway
Kingster
Hall of Famer
He looks like a three to me. He also looks like he has pretty good balance on that jump shots. I see him running around the floor and using screens to start his career. I think he's shown well in two tourneys, not just one. That's got to count for something.
Kingster
Hall of Famer
Thanks. I just have a hard time getting on his bandwagon. He might become an adequate offensive player to allow a team to play him, but it might take years for that development to occur. I'd rather go the WCS for a defensive player who is a project offensively. I think you get more of an immediate bang for your buck.
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