ESPN Mock Draft 3.0?!??!?

[Oskor]

I know I can't post the entire article but Chad Ford has us picking Al-Farouq Aminu at 5 with Cousins still available. Here's the quote:

Analysis: It's not easy to figure out which way the Kings are going right now. They play things close to the chest, and last year we got it wrong all the way up until the day of the draft.

This year is not that much different. They aren't really hurting at any one particular position, with the possible exception of center.

Cousins could make some sense here, but for now the word (albeit a shaky one) has Aminu in the lead.

I don't know much about the kid but can somebody give me some insight about why the Kings could be high on him?

Mod... if posting this is a big no-no please delete.

 

[Vlade4GM]

They probably just said AFA because of DX's mock draft. I doubt there's any real word that they like him at this point.

 

[kennadog]

They probably just said AFA because of DX's mock draft. I doubt there's any real word that they like him at this point.

GP does play it close to the vest. As Chad pointed out, everyone pretty much was wrong about the King's pick last year. Just isn't much that leaks from Arco offices.

 

[Mitch Richmond]

This forum's servers would explode if we took Aminu over Cousins

 

[hammystyle]

To be honest, and I think this is the case with all mock drafts on espn, they just switch them up for the sake of switching them up. They don't know who the Kings like, so why not cycle a few different guys through. A) You get more clicks. B) Even if you're final mock is wrong you can go back and say, "In one of the mock draft versions I had this guy here".

 

[LPKingsFan]

Well, at least he admits he doesn't really know. Most writers wouldn't do as much, and would vaguely cite anonymous sources to confirm their wild hunches.

 

[Widowmaker2k]

Wow, NBAdraft.net (I don't put much stock in them) has Cousins slipping to 7th. Could he be the Ricky Rubio of this year's draft? That's a little hard to believe, especially after his measurements showed he is every bit as huge as he was billed.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

If Im Petrie, Im telling every person that talks to me that I want Aminu or Johnson. Tell folkes that Cousins might slip, teams might not try and jump over us for him.

 

[Sparky6string]

Well honestly wouldn't it be a surprise if he took Aminu?

 

[rhythmless]

To be honest, and I think this is the case with all mock drafts on espn, they just switch them up for the sake of switching them up. They don't know who the Kings like, so why not cycle a few different guys through. A) You get more clicks. B) Even if you're final mock is wrong you can go back and say, "In one of the mock draft versions I had this guy here".

That's basically all there is to it in terms of "professional" mock drafts.

 

[rhythmless]

Wow, NBAdraft.net (I don't put much stock in them) has Cousins slipping to 7th. Could he be the Ricky Rubio of this year's draft? That's a little hard to believe, especially after his measurements showed he is every bit as huge as he was billed.

That's part of the problem... he showed up huge in measurements and the scale. Couple his bf% with his rep for laziness/lack of motor, and questions abound.

btw... where the hell did multi-quote go?

 

[Amory]

Wow, NBAdraft.net (I don't put much stock in them) has Cousins slipping to 7th. Could he be the Ricky Rubio of this year's draft? That's a little hard to believe, especially after his measurements showed he is every bit as huge as he was billed.

NBAdraft.net has us picking Greg Monroe over Cousins. As much as I want Monroe on our team, I think we can get much better with the #5 pick.

Cousins might slip. The whole "he is a volcano about to erupt" things cool be a problem for people. I don't buy it that he is unstable just yet.

 

[Kings Faithful]

I'm starting to warm up to Aminu. If Cousins is gone and we pick up Aminu I won't be to upset. However common sense says there is no way we pick Aminu over Cousins. Cousins is supposed to be the BPA as well as our current need on the depth chart.

 

[gunks]

I'd take the bad attitude chubby risk with Cuz, rather than the tweener risk with Aminu.

Both those guys have huge upside though. I'm hoping the rising bust potential of Cousins knocks him down to 5th pick.

 

[Kings Faithful]

I'd take the bad attitude chubby risk with Cuz, rather than the tweener risk with Aminu.

Both those guys have huge upside though. I'm hoping the rising bust potential of Cousins knocks him down to 5th pick.

I just see Josh Smith written all over him... and Josh Smith is one of my favorite players so you can see why I like Aminu.

 

[One and Done]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

 

[kennadog]

NBAdraft.net has us picking Greg Monroe over Cousins. As much as I want Monroe on our team, I think we can get much better with the #5 pick.

Cousins might slip. The whole "he is a volcano about to erupt" things cool be a problem for people. I don't buy it that he is unstable just yet.

Being potentially unstable isn't the biggest knock though. There are some, apparently quite reasonable, questions about his work ethic and "motor." He could be stable as heck, but I don't want a lazy player.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

Depends on what you consider a consistent star... Rasheed Wallace or Allen Iverson would be a good example, and to a lesser extent Zach Randolph....


Iverson wouldnt fit the body fat argument, but thats a tough one to really compare to other players. While his body fat is higher than you want, He doesnt look fat like Sean May did, or Michael Sweetney.

 

[beb0p]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

Off the top of my head: Charles Barkley. He once weighted over 300 pounds in college (he's five inches shorter than Cousins), by his own admission was lazy and stupid, constantly butted head with his coach, and on top of that he was egotistical and arrogant like you wouldn't believe. But I don't think he threw anyone a forearm in the face in college though.

Shaq is definitely one of the laziest guys in the NBA, one of his many shooting coachs once complained that Shaq does not care about his FT shooting and would bail after 15 mins of work.

And of course you have Rasheed and I'm sure there are many more who we don't know about.

.

 

[rings4Kings]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

An argument can be made that Shaq fits that bill. Remember all of the "if Shaq is motivated..." comments. I'm not saying Cousins is the next Shaq, just answering your question.

 

[gunks]

Cuz is also just 19.

He could get motivated in the NBA once he figures out that the competition is way steeper than in the NCAA. Westphal seems like a good coach for someone of his demeanor as well, he disciplines his players but without alienating them.

Cuz COULD bust out or end up like Eddy Curry. But I think he could just as easily be a VERY beastly 5 for us. I'd take the risk. If he gets his head on straight he's a 20/12 big.

 

[hammystyle]

An argument can be made that Shaq fits that bill. Remember all of the "if Shaq is motivated..." comments. I'm not saying Cousins is the next Shaq, just answering your question.

I doubt Shaq has a 16% body fat even now, and certainly didn't have one when he was 19. So I do't think he fits the bill.

That said, you can look at it as a negative or a positive. The only reason Cousins might be available at 5 is because he's fat and has an attitude. If he was in shape and was a choirboy he'd probly jump Wall for the top pick. That's how good he was on the court this year.

 

[hammystyle]

Cuz is also just 19.

He could get motivated in the NBA once he figures out that the competition is way steeper than in the NCAA. Westphal seems like a good coach for someone of his demeanor as well, he disciplines his players but without alienating them.

Cuz COULD bust out or end up like Eddy Curry. But I think he could just as easily be a VERY beastly 5 for us. I'd take the risk. If he gets his head on straight he's a 20/12 big.

Even if he doesn't really work out he'll be better than Eddy Curry, who was a terrible defender and rebounder. Curry wasn't half as talented as Cousins is.

I think Zach Randolph is even a little off. Randolph had a number of teenage arrests and that behavior continued through his first few years in the league. Maybe similar attitudes, but Randolph had a pretty troubled childhood.

Then your left with guys like Derrik Coleman who's the worst case scenario. Alcoholic, lubhouse cancer who was always overweight. Or Rasheed as a livable middle ground. Troubled, difficult, but ultimately a good guy to have on the team.

 

[cfechter]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

Shaquille O'Neal?

 

[Vlade4GM]

Unless he is thought to be a completely unfixable headcase, we have to take Cousins. The talent gap between him and the rest, offsets the risk factor.

 

[bajaden]

I'm starting to warm up to Aminu. If Cousins is gone and we pick up Aminu I won't be to upset. However common sense says there is no way we pick Aminu over Cousins. Cousins is supposed to be the BPA as well as our current need on the depth chart.

We pass on Cousins and that will upset me to a degree. But to pick Aminu in his stead, that would upset me greatly. I'm not that big a fan of Aminu's. Rumors are that he didn't interview well with the teams. And he's had his own incidents off the court lest anyone forget. He's still a work in progress. It was only a year ago that his work ethic was being questioned. I can think of five players that I would take before Aminu.

 

[Vlade4GM]

We pass on Cousins and that will upset me to a degree. But to pick Aminu in his stead, that would upset me greatly. I'm not that big a fan of Aminu's. Rumors are that he didn't interview well with the teams. And he's had his own incidents off the court lest anyone forget. He's still a work in progress. It was only a year ago that his work ethic was being questioned. I can think of five players that I would take before Aminu.

He has got to be the most dull speaker in the draft.

 

[bajaden]

Cousins is uber-talented, but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole.

What I like about NBAdraft.net is that they provide an alternative analysis to DraftExpress while having a strong historical knowledge of player comparisons. Sure, DX trumps in the detailed analysis and sources, but NBAdraft provides a nice, yet less in-depth resource. However, their Chris Washburn comparison is entirely too close to comfort - and I fear may be spot-on in some respects to DeMarcus's outlook.

Without stirring up too much of a fire, can someone tell me when the last time a guy with DeMarcus's work ethic, body fat %, and character issues was able to become a consistent star?

Most of the criticism about Cousins work ethic came from highschool. All his teammates and even Calapari have said that once he got to college he started changing his approach. But right now, it wouldn't matter if Jesus Christ himself came down and endorsed him. Everyone has him labeled as something akin to Attila the Hun.

 

[bajaden]

I doubt Shaq has a 16% body fat even now, and certainly didn't have one when he was 19. So I do't think he fits the bill.

That said, you can look at it as a negative or a positive. The only reason Cousins might be available at 5 is because he's fat and has an attitude. If he was in shape and was a choirboy he'd probly jump Wall for the top pick. That's how good he was on the court this year.

What is your definition of fat? To me a fat person is walking around with a gut on him. Last time I checked Cousins didn't appear to have a big gut. 16% body fat for an NBA athlete might be considered too high, but for the average Joe Blow off the street its probably a little below average. Lest anyone forget. Blake Griffin was labeled with the same exact attitude coming out of highschool. And he admits that he had a horrible work ethic and that he leaned toward lazy. Two years later he had molded himself into one of the top athlete's in the draft.

This is the first year that Cousins got a taste of what its like to be in real competition, and the amount of work necessary to succeed at the college level. There's no doubt that he's a work in progress as far as conditioning. But he has such size and talent, I just couldn't pass on him. If the Kings want to look stupid. Then pass on the best center in the draft while their biggest need is at the center position. And two or three years later when the guy is putting up 25 and 15 every night, try explaining to the fans why the SF you drafted was a better idea.

People can change. Personally I think the Kings, with so many young guys would be the perfect fit for him. I know its common to think that putting him on a team with veterans is the best thing. The problem is that veterans have nothing in common with a 19 year old. They don't share the same social circles. Just my opinion.

 

[hammystyle]

What is your definition of fat? To me a fat person is walking around with a gut on him. Last time I checked Cousins didn't appear to have a big gut. 16% body fat for an NBA athlete might be considered too high, but for the average Joe Blow off the street its probably a little below average. Lest anyone forget. Blake Griffin was labeled with the same exact attitude coming out of highschool. And he admits that he had a horrible work ethic and that he leaned toward lazy. Two years later he had molded himself into one of the top athlete's in the draft.

This is the first year that Cousins got a taste of what its like to be in real competition, and the amount of work necessary to succeed at the college level. There's no doubt that he's a work in progress as far as conditioning. But he has such size and talent, I just couldn't pass on him. If the Kings want to look stupid. Then pass on the best center in the draft while their biggest need is at the center position. And two or three years later when the guy is putting up 25 and 15 every night, try explaining to the fans why the SF you drafted was a better idea.

People can change. Personally I think the Kings, with so many young guys would be the perfect fit for him. I know its common to think that putting him on a team with veterans is the best thing. The problem is that veterans have nothing in common with a 19 year old. They don't share the same social circles. Just my opinion.

Obviously we're talking in the prism of a basketball player. 16% isn't that high overall (Its not very good however), but for a basketball player its terrible. Similar that 6'3" is pretty tall in real life, but short on a b-ball court. Go back in the DX database. 16% would be the highest of any drafted player since they started measuring in 2006. So other than Pittman will likely be drafted this year, he's the fattest guy drafted in at least 5 years.

Now consider that he says he's been working out like crazy and eating fish. Either he's lying, or he was even worse before. That is bothersome.

Now that said, my point before was that these things are the only reason we have a shot at him. The blessing and a curse if you will. I would draft him in a heartbeat at 5, or give Minny something of real value to move up to 4. If he had come in at 275 with a 10% body fat, and interviewed really well he'd be right there for the #2 pick. If he never had any attitude or weight issues to begin with he'd probly the #1 pick.