Amick latest draft tidbits

Yeah, I read it last night. He had it posted in a tweet. Going to be an interesting draft, and for some reason I think there's going to be a few surprises. I can see the Maloofs leaning toward Fredette. He'd be easy to market. As would Walker, since both are nationally known. One thing of note from someone that was at all the workouts. After Fredette's workout, both Gavin and Joe, along with Westphal and Petrie went over to congratulate, and talk to Fredette. They all did a similar thing when Leonard finished. But no one went over to talk to Walker after he finished his workout. Take from that what you will.
 
Oy. Nothing against Fredette or Leonard is implied by this comment, but the last thing I want to hear right now is who the Maloofs think we should draft. Until there's a new arena under construction and Anaheim is off the table for good I still consider them to be enemies of Sacramento.
 
Interesting draft is right. I just think as Amick does that there's likely to be some trades to reshuffle the deck. However, if it comes down to Fredette and Leonard as the Kings choice I think Kawhi may get the nod (regardless of Gavin) since Kings can easily draft a suitable guard at #35 (Nolan Smith?). I don't see any "suitable" SFs likely to be left in that early second round. Plus, I assume Maloofs will go out and spend some money to get a FA to play 3 or even better one who can play some 4 - or swing a trade to get one. But as always, In Petrie We Trust - as long as Maloofs don't interfere.

Edit - I guess what I mean is, if they take Fredette the FA route or trade is likely path to get SF who can PLAY!
 
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Echoing what others have said on this board, I really hope the Maloofs are not making any decisions concerning the selections in the draft. This should be Petrie's call all the way.
 
wasn't evans a pick suggested by obama a reach for the 4 at that time?

that class was also touted as not a really strong draft and it turned out to produce some very strong players.

this draft is as fluid as they come. there is no solid order from 1 to 10 irving kanter and derrick williams can inter change based on all the teams.. then there's the Khan factor.
 
kingsboi said:
Sigh...it seems more likely by the days that we might draft Leonard. :(
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I'm actually torn on whether I want Jimmer or Leonard so I'm OK with that. This is a draft where I don't think there's any possible pick that I'd feel too disappointed with. There's just so much parity in this draft.
 
RookieOfTheDay said:
I'm actually torn on whether I want Jimmer or Leonard so I'm OK with that. This is a draft where I don't think there's any possible pick that I'd feel too disappointed with. There's just so much parity in this draft.
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While that may be true...I really don't see the fascination in Leonard to be honest. I'd rather take a gamble on a scorer like Fredette, Walker, Burks, Hamilton. But that's just me.
 
kingsboi said:
While that may be true...I really don't see the fascination in Leonard to be honest. I'd rather take a gamble on a scorer like Fredette, Walker, Burks, Hamilton. But that's just me.
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The only thing I wonder about drafting Fredette or Walker is that it will give them 4 guards who will all want/need minutes. There just isn't enough playing time to go around time for Evans, Thornton, Beno, and Jimmer/Walker. That's why unless Jimmer or Walker are just way better than Leonard it make more sense to take Leonard. I'm just thinking in terms of finally getting some roles solidified on this team rather than creating more log jams.
 
RookieOfTheDay said:
The only thing I wonder about drafting Fredette or Walker is that it will give them 4 guards who will all want/need minutes. There just isn't enough playing time to go around time for Evans, Thornton, Beno, and Jimmer/Walker. That's why unless Jimmer or Walker are just way better than Leonard it make more sense to take Leonard. I'm just thinking in terms of finally getting some roles solidified on this team rather than creating more log jams.
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I see what you mean. But is Leonard really that much better than Donte/Omri? I mean neither one of them can shoot as it is, do we really need three SF's who can't shoot?
 
kingsboi said:
I see what you mean. But is Leonard really that much better than Donte/Omri? I mean neither one of them can shoot as it is, do we really need three SF's who can't shoot?
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He's supposed to be a good defender and re-bounder though so that would compensate for the lack of long range shooting. And as long as he isn't wildly inconsistent like Greene and Casspi are, that would be a big upgrade in itself.

No matter what they do though, they're going to have to decide who their core 7 or 8 players are and start giving them the bulk of the minutes. That juggling around a 12 man rotation and hoping something works bit just isn’t going to cut it any longer. No good teams do that.
 
kingsboi said:
I see what you mean. But is Leonard really that much better than Donte/Omri? I mean neither one of them can shoot as it is, do we really need three SF's who can't shoot?
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I would say he's better now, with the potential to be a lot better. Obviously he's not a good shooter [yet], but he's a better defender, rebounder, and probably scorer. With that he'll bring a strong work ethic and leadership, which is something this team desperately needs off the court. We need a guy who will work hard and be professional. I love Tyreke, but I sometimes worry about his commitment to improving. He just lacks intensity on occasion, although he's young enough that I'll write it off as inexperience for the moment. Skys the limit for Evans.

Why do you want a scoring SF when it's not really what we need?
 
kingsboi said:
I see what you mean. But is Leonard really that much better than Donte/Omri? I mean neither one of them can shoot as it is, do we really need three SF's who can't shoot?
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Kawhi Leonard is not a bad chucker at all. He has textbook release on his 15-18 ft jumper (that's a good start) and can finish around the basket with either hand. Kings have scoring up the gazoo, although maybe not many consistent 3pt threats - hopefully Thornton helps with that part next season. Watch this vid of Kawhi speaking of his background and mental toughness - very well spoken, mature dude. The #1thing about Leonard is his defense. He was well established as a D-stopper at San Diego St. and could be one at the next level - especially because he really gets after it on that end of the floor. If he's Kings pick I predict he'll be a starter immediately and either Casspi or Greene will be traded. Kawhi really believes he can be a Ron Artest or Shane Battier type defensive presence - and you gotta like confidence the kid has. BTW, I'm not trying to say Leonard should be or will be Kings pick. Just that he is rated as around #5-8 prospect in this draft for a reason.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nba/2011/06/09/kawhi_leonard.NBA/index.html
 
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The problem with adding Leonard is that he will shrink the lane for Tyreke and Demarcus on offense. We finally stretched the floor a little bit by adding Thorton and taking away the threat of an outside shot at the 3 negates that.
 
GP is probably going to still go after a vet SF with a 3pt shot, and bring Leonard off the bench.

I agree with Dime Dropper. Kawhi is going to be an instant upgrade over our two young SFs, whether or not he can hit the three. Dude seems like a lunchpail, glue guy type of player. Jack of all trades, master of none type...Which isnt necessarily a bad thing when we already have our "big three" scorers in Reke, Cuz, Thornton (if he comes back).


Greene can do what he does best (wave towels and make mildly amusing internet shows), and Omri can be trade bait.
 
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gunks said:
GP is probably going to still go after a vet SF with a 3pt shot, and bring Leonard off the bench.


Greene can do what he does best (wave towels and make mildly amusing internet shows), and Omri can be trade bait.
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I'd prefer to just watch his old reruns. But since Greene has apparently so little trade value it's probably more likely Casspi is the one shipped out.
 
Actually, I do have one beef with a Leonard draft...


.... I think his game will lend itself well to small ball. He is undersized for PF, but can rebound and score inside like one (at least in college). It might be too difficult for Westphal to resist the temptation of trotting out a lineup of Beno/Thornton/Reke/Leonard/Cuz....But we'll see.


Course this issue could be allieviated by the Maloofs forking out the dough for a real coach.
 
TheWileyVet said:
The problem with adding Leonard is that he will shrink the lane for Tyreke and Demarcus on offense. We finally stretched the floor a little bit by adding Thorton and taking away the threat of an outside shot at the 3 negates that.
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Agreed, I don't know why we want a SF who played PF in college and cant shoot.
 
I would have no problem with drafting Leonard if he could be a top notch defender that can defend the likes of Kobe, Wade, Joe Johnson, etc. Seems like the Kings are always getting killed by somebody's backcourt. Leonard does have tremendous length going for him. But he seems to lack the real quickness and athleticism that makes me question whether he could stand a chance guarding elite NBA scorers. According to reports, Leonard neither impressed on offense OR DEFENSE in his workout with the Kings, where he was the only lottery talent and was going up against the likes of Deandre Liggins and Scotty Hopson. If he wasnt able to lockdown those guys, then how would he stand a chance against NBA scorers? People from the workout said SCOTTY HOPSON was the "star" of that workout! (see Sactown Royalty)

Admittedly, I've never seen Leonard play in any full games in college. so guys like Bajaden can definitely chime in how he defended in college. Did he ever go up against top flight scorers while playing at SDSU? Looks like he guarded Freddette a little in the tournament and Fredette went for 30.
 
gunks said:
Actually, I do have one beef with a Leonard draft...


.... I think his game will lend itself well to small ball. He is undersized for PF, but can rebound and score inside like one (at least in college). It might be too difficult for Westphal to resist the temptation of trotting out a lineup of Beno/Thornton/Reke/Leonard/Cuz....But we'll see.


Course this issue could be allieviated by the Maloofs forking out the dough for a real coach.
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He's not a PF gunks, he's a SF. And he'll play SF for the Kings if he's drafted. He also has a huge wingspan, and was the fourth leading rebounder in college last year.
 
As I said in another thread, and would love a response, is if we draft Leonard, then what the hell are we going to use all our cap space on?

AK/Prince would'nt sign 1 or 2 yr deals to groom Leonard to take their spot. And if we did draft Leonard, and went after a FA sf, we'd have 4 sf's on the roster, 3 of which probably similar in talent, not including Cisco. The aquiring a vet, starting sf doesn't make sense because you'll have Leonard getting 10-15mins a night as his backup, and Omri/Donte completely wasting 2 roster spots, with their trade value at an alltime low.

We didn't save all our cap space, which took years of suffering to aquire, to plug Leonard in the starting lineup, and spend it on players 7 and 8 in our rotation.
 
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I'd just like to add, that there's more than an even chance that Leonard will gone before we pick. Its rumored that both Toronto and Washington like him. For what thats worth.
 
rainmaker said:
As I said in another thread, and would love a response, is if we draft Leonard, then what the hell are we going to use all our cap space on?

AK/Prince would'nt sign 1 or 2 yr deals to groom Leonard to take their spot. And if we did draft Leonard, and went after a FA sf, we'd have 4 sf's on the roster, 3 of which probably similar in talent, not including Cisco. The aquiring a vet, starting sf doesn't make sense because you'll have Leonard getting 10-15mins a night as his backup, and Omri/Donte completely wasting 2 roster spots, with their trade value at an alltime low.

We didn't save all our cap space, which took years of suffering to aquire, to plug Leonard in the starting lineup, and spend our cap space on player 7 and 8 in our rotation.
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No one said that they were going to plug Leonard into the starting lineup. Drafting leonard, doesn't mean we couldn't also go out and sign a Battier or a Kirilenko. If so, Leonard then becomes the heir apparent down the road. Casspi could be moved, as could Greene. A lot of folks are talking about the Kings as though there's no more room for talent. As though all the starting and rotation positions are full. We won 24 games last season!!! I think some more talent might help!

Folks are worried that adding a fourth guard might screw up the rotations. Just about every team in the NBA carries at least four guards. The Celtics last season carried six guards. The Bulls carried five! Somehow both the teams managed to struggle their way into the playoffs. Its called depth folks. Are people saying that if we add a fourth guard, we should make sure he's not talented enough to break into the rotation. If so, thats just insane.. I think I need a drink!
 
bajaden said:
No one said that they were going to plug Leonard into the starting lineup. Drafting leonard, doesn't mean we couldn't also go out and sign a Battier or a Kirilenko. If so, Leonard then becomes the heir apparent down the road. Casspi could be moved, as could Greene. A lot of folks are talking about the Kings as though there's no more room for talent. As though all the starting and rotation positions are full. We won 24 games last season!!! I think some more talent might help!

Folks are worried that adding a fourth guard might screw up the rotations. Just about every team in the NBA carries at least four guards. The Celtics last season carried six guards. The Bulls carried five! Somehow both the teams managed to struggle their way into the playoffs. Its called depth folks. Are people saying that if we add a fourth guard, we should make sure he's not talented enough to break into the rotation. If so, thats just insane.. I think I need a drink!
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Baja, I didn't say they would start him. I brought up two scenarios. If they don't get a sf in free agency, then yes, he'd probably start over Omri/Donte, and then I don't know where all our cap space goes. Now if they do get a sf through free agency, then you have 4 sf's on the roster. 5 including Cisco. It's not about adding talent at that point. That's a poorly constructed roster with 5 sf's, some watching their market value drop.

If I new we would trade Omri or Donte, then that's different, but at this point they're on the roster. It's also easier said then done. Having 4 guards is different than 5 sf's. You know that. 4 players for 2 positions vs 5 players for 1 position.

If I personally didn;t want more talent, I'd wouldn't be harping on the fact that our cap space can get us more talent then the 7th pick can. But if you don't question the idea of having Omri, Cisco, and Donte already playing sf, drafting Leonard, and signing a vet sf, then we simply disagree. I think you also think it's easier to just move Omri or Donte then I do. I don't think you can just add one sf after another to your roster, and say we'll simply move one of them, and get at least market value in return.

We don't disagree often, but it seems we do here.
 
bajaden said:
He's not a PF gunks, he's a SF. And he'll play SF for the Kings if he's drafted. He also has a huge wingspan, and was the fourth leading rebounder in college last year.
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I know that, but does Westphal?

JT saw minutes at the 3 last season....Just sayin' :p
 
I've soured a bit on Leonard after watching some of his videos. If they're available I like Vesely, Knight, Fredette, and Walker (in that order) but would be happy taking a flyer on any one of them.
 
RookieOfTheDay said:
The only thing I wonder about drafting Fredette or Walker is that it will give them 4 guards who will all want/need minutes. There just isn't enough playing time to go around time for Evans, Thornton, Beno, and Jimmer/Walker. That's why unless Jimmer or Walker are just way better than Leonard it make more sense to take Leonard. I'm just thinking in terms of finally getting some roles solidified on this team rather than creating more log jams.
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While I agree with your points, we face similar issues, if we draft Leonard. Unless he proves himself much better than Donte/Omri (remember, both have had strong games in the past, and shall be in their third year), we shall have these three, along with Cisco, whom we use as a 3.

If we draft either of these positions (I'm assuming Thornton comes back), we shall need a trade to clear the logjam. Will certainly be interesting.
 
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