and with the #1 pick in the 2009 NBA draft the Kings select...
- Thread starter RiffRaff
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I watched the UConn/Notre Dame game. Something tells me that Harangody will be a decent player in the NBA. Yeah, I know he's undersized. He's listed at 6'8", but reports say that he's closer to 6'7". If I could just put Harangody's brain into Thabeet's body, WOW, what a player we would have.
There's no denying that Thabeet changed Harangody's game, but he didn't stop him from scoring and out rebounding him. And please don't tell me that Harangody is a tough match-up fot Thabeet. Harangody isn't a 6'7" quick small forward. He's a short, slow, 265 pound white guy that can't jump.
Thabeet still makes the same mistakes over and over again. He continues to miss layups. He's 7'3" for god's sake. Just dunk the ball. He still has the habit of bringing the ball down to his waist when he recieves an inlet pass. Brings back memories of Causwell, who constantly made the same mistake. The biggest thing about Thabeet that bothers me, is that just doesn't seem to have a fire in his gut.. You could really see the contrast between Thabeet and Harangody. Lets be honest here. Thabeet is an athletic 7'3" player, that should be able to score at will against a lot of the competition. But he doesn't or can't. It makes me wonder just how bad he'll be in the NBA.
There's no denying that Thabeet changed Harangody's game, but he didn't stop him from scoring and out rebounding him. And please don't tell me that Harangody is a tough match-up fot Thabeet. Harangody isn't a 6'7" quick small forward. He's a short, slow, 265 pound white guy that can't jump.
Thabeet still makes the same mistakes over and over again. He continues to miss layups. He's 7'3" for god's sake. Just dunk the ball. He still has the habit of bringing the ball down to his waist when he recieves an inlet pass. Brings back memories of Causwell, who constantly made the same mistake. The biggest thing about Thabeet that bothers me, is that just doesn't seem to have a fire in his gut.. You could really see the contrast between Thabeet and Harangody. Lets be honest here. Thabeet is an athletic 7'3" player, that should be able to score at will against a lot of the competition. But he doesn't or can't. It makes me wonder just how bad he'll be in the NBA.
The things Thabeet does poorly he can get better at. The things Harangody does well he's not going to be able to do in the NBA, and he's not getting more athletic. Does Thabeet have the fire? I agree that it's a question mark, but I guess we'll see.
There is absolutely no place in the NBA for earthbound 6'7" power forwards. Darius Songaila can barely find a role, and he's 6'9" and can do everything Harangody can do.
There is absolutely no place in the NBA for earthbound 6'7" power forwards. Darius Songaila can barely find a role, and he's 6'9" and can do everything Harangody can do.
It's fairly well known Griffin is not as tall as often advertised. I'll say max 6'9" in shoes, but I bet it's more like 6'81/2" - making him probably 6'7" in bare feet. Obviously he's more like Shelden Williams in height, than JT.
On another point; has legit 7'2"-7'3" Thabeet EVER had an assist? Sort of joking, but he must be absolute worst passing big man in NCAA over past two years with all his pub as possible top 5 pick. I'd pass on him if I were Kings unless he could be gotten with Houston pick (doubtful) as a Bynum sort of project.
I don't think Griffin is good answer for the Kings even if they got #1 overall selection. Yes, he's very good, very solid - but I hesitate to say guaranteed great. Plus, he's a PF playing a spot we filled nicely in last years draft.
I'd take PG Rubio if the Kings are lucky to get him. He has possible star talent at the NBA level with many things to like - a lot. He's 6'4" and probably still growing into his body. He's closest thing I've seen to a Nash threading the needle passer with a dazzling Maravich flair. If you like Jose Calderon of Spain you'll definitely like his fellow country man Ricky.
Otherwise, it's such a relatively weak overall draft I hope Kings just trade the pick(s) along with package other players for something(s) REALLY OUTSTANDING.
On another point; has legit 7'2"-7'3" Thabeet EVER had an assist? Sort of joking, but he must be absolute worst passing big man in NCAA over past two years with all his pub as possible top 5 pick. I'd pass on him if I were Kings unless he could be gotten with Houston pick (doubtful) as a Bynum sort of project.
I don't think Griffin is good answer for the Kings even if they got #1 overall selection. Yes, he's very good, very solid - but I hesitate to say guaranteed great. Plus, he's a PF playing a spot we filled nicely in last years draft.
I'd take PG Rubio if the Kings are lucky to get him. He has possible star talent at the NBA level with many things to like - a lot. He's 6'4" and probably still growing into his body. He's closest thing I've seen to a Nash threading the needle passer with a dazzling Maravich flair. If you like Jose Calderon of Spain you'll definitely like his fellow country man Ricky.
Otherwise, it's such a relatively weak overall draft I hope Kings just trade the pick(s) along with package other players for something(s) REALLY OUTSTANDING.
Right now: Teague Teague and Teague.
He has question marks, though, namely that he's not really a true point guard. But I think he could be the next great scoring point. He's one of the quickest points I've ever seen.
The reason I keep criticizing this draft and am generally cranky about it is that this draft is a muddle. There aren't any sure things, and it's kind of driving me crazy that this, of all years, is the year that we're finally going to have a high pick. We could still absolutely come away with a star, but there are a lot of guys, especially Rubio, that I'm really nervous about.
He has question marks, though, namely that he's not really a true point guard. But I think he could be the next great scoring point. He's one of the quickest points I've ever seen.
The reason I keep criticizing this draft and am generally cranky about it is that this draft is a muddle. There aren't any sure things, and it's kind of driving me crazy that this, of all years, is the year that we're finally going to have a high pick. We could still absolutely come away with a star, but there are a lot of guys, especially Rubio, that I'm really nervous about.
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Well, I agree with all that except I'm way more bullish on Ricky Rubio. Everybody in Spain, if not all of pro basketball Europe thinks he's at least as good as Calderon right now and certainly way better than other NBA Spaniard PG's Navarro or Rodriguez. I don't know if he'll be a big time NBA star, but I think he certainly has a chance - in the Steve Nash, John Stockton ball handling, set-up mold. No one would deny that Rubio is a quintessential natural/pure/true PG who at 18-19 has barely scratched the surface of what he can become. He may not be a big time NBA scorer but, he will I think go right on racking up assists like a pin ball machine. If a PG scoring machine is preferred then little pure shooter Stephon Curry is an available template - but I strongly prefer Rubio over him.
I will readily admit that I might just not be seeing this one right and may look positively stupid someday when someone re-quotes me this thread, but watching USA/Spain over the summer and again this week online, Rubio looks roughly as quick and athletic as Jason Kidd right now, as in the Jason Kidd who is 35 years old. Kidd isn't taking the Mavericks anywhere despite having all the passing and savvy in the world in large part because he's not quick enough to guard anyone anymore. Rubio's really crafty, he's good at changing speeds and fooling guys. But I worry that he's not really going to be quick enough to get around people, and he'd be a defensive liability. I know Rubio's supposed to be a good defender, but Spain played zone whenever Chris Paul came in, which tells you something, and I wasn't really impressed with his defense when he was guarding guys one on one.
I don't see him as a Calderon -- he's not as quick (not that Calederon is overwhelmingly quick, but he's quicker than Rubio), and Calderon can shoot really well, which is a big part of his game. Rubio can't shoot. His jumper is not only ugly and not very accurate, he takes forever to get it off and thus it's not at all a reliable weapon to open up his passing game. (Navarro played far better than Rubio in the Gold Medal game, btw)
I definitely agree with you that I would prefer a PG on the pure/passing spectrum, particularly if Kevin Martin is on the team, because Kevin really needs to be set up in order to be the most effecitve. And Teague isn't that kind of a point guard. But there just isn't an athletic passing point guard in this draft, other than Collison, who is looking worse and worse as the season goes on. So barring The Gambit, if I were Petrie I'd draft Teague and hope his ability to break down the defense and get out on the break compliments Kevin's game. Teague has the raw skills, and I'd hope he'd look to pass more in the NBA.
Here's the bias I'm bringing to the table: I'm sick, sick, sick of unathletic players on the Kings. Bibby drove me crazy, Peja drove me crazy, Brad drove me crazy, late model Shareef drove me crazy when he started breaking down. The Kings need athletes. The league is getting faster, stronger, and more athletic. I can't bear to watch anymore throwback guys.
I don't see him as a Calderon -- he's not as quick (not that Calederon is overwhelmingly quick, but he's quicker than Rubio), and Calderon can shoot really well, which is a big part of his game. Rubio can't shoot. His jumper is not only ugly and not very accurate, he takes forever to get it off and thus it's not at all a reliable weapon to open up his passing game. (Navarro played far better than Rubio in the Gold Medal game, btw)
I definitely agree with you that I would prefer a PG on the pure/passing spectrum, particularly if Kevin Martin is on the team, because Kevin really needs to be set up in order to be the most effecitve. And Teague isn't that kind of a point guard. But there just isn't an athletic passing point guard in this draft, other than Collison, who is looking worse and worse as the season goes on. So barring The Gambit, if I were Petrie I'd draft Teague and hope his ability to break down the defense and get out on the break compliments Kevin's game. Teague has the raw skills, and I'd hope he'd look to pass more in the NBA.
Here's the bias I'm bringing to the table: I'm sick, sick, sick of unathletic players on the Kings. Bibby drove me crazy, Peja drove me crazy, Brad drove me crazy, late model Shareef drove me crazy when he started breaking down. The Kings need athletes. The league is getting faster, stronger, and more athletic. I can't bear to watch anymore throwback guys.
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I have Teague second on my point guard rankings.
1. Rubio - I know what people say about him, he's not quick enough, slow release shot blah blah blah .. bottom line is this draft is weak and he is as sure of a thing as there is this year. Granted I havent seen him play a whole lot, he is so young and talented I think we would regret not picking him. He plays good D and has good size and actually likes to pass the ball .. something no recent kings point guard has been good at.
2. Teague - great player on the best team in college bball. My big red flag with him is that he isnt a point guard, and that sucks. Im tired of not having a passing pg ... can his scoring make me forget about that? maybe ..
3. Jennings - again, I havent seen him play a whole lot ( what does that say about this years draft class .. two of my favorite 3 pg prospects dont even play in the county .. ) His stats havent even been all that great in Italy. The thing with him is that if players could still be drafted out of high school he could have gone #1 last year. I guess he isnt playing much over there but I'd still take a shot at him. Apparently he's working on his defense and passing over there which is obviously good.
** this isnt my top 3 overall, just top three at the point.
1. Rubio - I know what people say about him, he's not quick enough, slow release shot blah blah blah .. bottom line is this draft is weak and he is as sure of a thing as there is this year. Granted I havent seen him play a whole lot, he is so young and talented I think we would regret not picking him. He plays good D and has good size and actually likes to pass the ball .. something no recent kings point guard has been good at.
2. Teague - great player on the best team in college bball. My big red flag with him is that he isnt a point guard, and that sucks. Im tired of not having a passing pg ... can his scoring make me forget about that? maybe ..
3. Jennings - again, I havent seen him play a whole lot ( what does that say about this years draft class .. two of my favorite 3 pg prospects dont even play in the county .. ) His stats havent even been all that great in Italy. The thing with him is that if players could still be drafted out of high school he could have gone #1 last year. I guess he isnt playing much over there but I'd still take a shot at him. Apparently he's working on his defense and passing over there which is obviously good.
** this isnt my top 3 overall, just top three at the point.
Again, if you want to watch Rubio, you can watch the USA/Spain gold medal game (completely legally) at the NBC website: http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/player.html?assetid=1444024&channelcode=sportbk
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I want teague as well. I always like players that attack. It opens up alot for themselve and their teammates. Deron Williams is always in attack mode and he gets into the lane at will. That leads to many 10+ assist type games. So I can see teague having an impact like that and I want to draft him. I'm on the bandwagon.
Yep, an absolutely great gold metal basketball game won by USA over Spain 118-107. At the time, slamonline.com summed it up pretty good:
"You can’t say enough about Spain’s performance tonight. With Jose Calderon injured and the game refereed by a group of men who may never have actually seen a basketball game before this one, Spain went out there with a 17-year-old point guard and nearly pulled the upset of the Olympics. Rudy Fernandez finished with 22 points, Pau Gasol went for 21 and 6, and Ricky Rubio splitting time with Juan Carlos Navarro went for 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals."
"You can’t say enough about Spain’s performance tonight. With Jose Calderon injured and the game refereed by a group of men who may never have actually seen a basketball game before this one, Spain went out there with a 17-year-old point guard and nearly pulled the upset of the Olympics. Rudy Fernandez finished with 22 points, Pau Gasol went for 21 and 6, and Ricky Rubio splitting time with Juan Carlos Navarro went for 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals."
I knowwwww... Rubio was sensational in the tournament leading up to facing Team USA, but in Gold Metal game was not as good. Ah, must have been those so incredibly superior NBA superstars jumping the 17-year-old. Maybe, he did get into foul trouble as I recall, and Navarro really picked up the slack at point. Too bad Calderon missed that final game - might have been enough for an upset or down to the last shot for the gold.
The kid wasn't even an adult was he? I doubt even the top American HS player on the Redeem Team would have been a difference maker either...
On a different subject has anyone been watching DeAndre Jordan since he has gotten a few starts? I still wonder how he slipped. I had been talking up this guy for a few months before his first college game...
He finally got a starting nod, and good solid minutes for the first time, and he has put up these stats..
10.5ppg 12.3rpg (4.8 offensive boards per game) 3.0bpg
Nice eh? I have a feeling that Petrie had a chance to get a few guys that could have helped the Kings. There were 2nd rounders going for cash this year, and some were traded for later 2nd rounders. Chalmers, Jordan, CDR were some of the names we might have been able to get had Petrie felt like dealing. Instead we got Singletary, and waste of a pick JR.
On a different subject has anyone been watching DeAndre Jordan since he has gotten a few starts? I still wonder how he slipped. I had been talking up this guy for a few months before his first college game...
He finally got a starting nod, and good solid minutes for the first time, and he has put up these stats..
10.5ppg 12.3rpg (4.8 offensive boards per game) 3.0bpg
Nice eh? I have a feeling that Petrie had a chance to get a few guys that could have helped the Kings. There were 2nd rounders going for cash this year, and some were traded for later 2nd rounders. Chalmers, Jordan, CDR were some of the names we might have been able to get had Petrie felt like dealing. Instead we got Singletary, and waste of a pick JR.
What would you guys want us to do if we did end up winning the lottery? Many say that you can't pass up Griffin as he is the only bonafide to be star (or as close as you can get) in this years draft, but honestly I think Jason Thompson is the guy i wan't to have at that position for us. So if we end up with number 1 what do we do?
Rubio was born Oct 21, 1990 and I guess I meant Navarro has played in the NBA and as you said could still be in the league if he had wanted to remain.
One last thing about Rubio. He's "likely" to skip NBA draft in 2009 according to this well sourced report.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/111364-pgu-point-guard-university-ricky-rubio
One last thing about Rubio. He's "likely" to skip NBA draft in 2009 according to this well sourced report.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/111364-pgu-point-guard-university-ricky-rubio