i wouldn't be surprised if the kings select Porzingis in the draft

[King Baller]

The difference (at least in my mind) is that Porzingis was expected to have a good shot, to have solid athletcism etc. With Cauley-Stein his ability to hit the 15-18 footer was a question mark.

The hard part is that the things I want to see from Porzingis (defensive awareness, strength, toughness, ability/willingness to pass the ball etc) you can't really see in an individual workout.

"defensive awareness, strength, toughness, ability/willingness to pass the ball etc) you can't really see in an individual workout."

Those are the exact things the Kings need. Tristan Thompson has all those things and the role he is playing for the Cavs exemplifies the importance of those traits. On the Kings front line there is planty of scoring with Rudy Gay and Big DeMarcus Cousins.

What the Kings need in my opinion (quoting Pop here) "Give me some NASTY!"

 

[Albatros]

Probably all bluster and bluff on porzingis but if there's any truth it's good news for us.

 

[Kings Faithful]

He reminds me of a better shooting Kirelenko.

 

[ockingsfan]

New rumors today suggesting Porzingis can go as high as #2 to LA and a scout thinking he's the best player in the draft.

That would blow up the draft for us. Okafor could drop to us.

 

[randymoss1881]

That would blow up the draft for us. Okafor could drop to us.

The guy that's dropping is mudiya not Okafor. NY is passing on him for the triangle.

 

[Iced Espresso]

He looked pretty good in the recent video. Hard to pass up I'd say. I view it as a good thing, he raised his stock so someone else may fall.

 

[rainmaker]

Porzingis after the workout-


“I'm 7-1 with good mobility, am pretty quick for my size, and have good athleticism. I'm really long and can block shots on defense, too.”

“I'm not the stiff European that everyone thinks I am,” he said with a chuckle.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

damn hes fluid. could he be as good as dirk diggler?

 

[Gilles]

I see what you did there.

That was Tony Ronzone (Pistons executive, 2001-10) on Darko.

This guy just oozes with physical intimidation, right?
I'm talking about Fran Franchilla, obviously.

P.S. I'm almost tempted to buy a RedBull can to measure his arm length.

 

[Albatros]

Interesting the narrative of this thread is on the turn after those workout vids. haha.

 

[dude12]

Interesting the narrative of this thread is on the turn after those workout vids. haha.

They swayed me to the point that I think he's gone before 6. He's intriguing. I think the Kings have got to adopt the philosophy that you accumulate talent in the draft (helps if you pick correctly) and not look at the draft as an immediate fix to fill a hole. They took Stauskas last year in part because he was supposed to be one of the most NBA ready players. Rookies just aren't ready to fill a hole except in some instances but mostly just not ready.

So go for the Porzingas or Mudiay or WCS picks. Accumulate talent, fill holes with free agency signings such as Casspi last year or trades.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

P.S. I'm almost tempted to buy a RedBull can to measure his arm length.

While you're at it, you can use it to estimate the circumference of his thighs. He's making those skinny jeans look baggy.

 

[funkykingston]

Do we know how good Porzingis is at posting up a chair?

 

[lawlman91]

Would you pick Okafor at 6?

Yes. That way, we wouldn't have to worry so much about different offenses between the bench and the starters. We can have some continuity. With our current lineup, I see the bench unit running primarily running a pick and roll offense, while the starters run a post-heavy offense. With the addition of Okafor, we can run the post offense in both the starters and the bench.

 

[KingMilz]

Do we know how good Porzingis is at posting up a chair?

I remember a massive issue with Yi was that he was allegedly older than his age stated, there were lots of rumors which could explain why he never got better and simply sucked.

 

[funkykingston]

All jokes aside, the real issue for guys like Yi Jianlian, Andrea Bargnani or Kristaps Porzingis is what role they can really play in the NBA.

It's great to be a 7 footer with athleticism and good shooting but when it comes down to it, how are you scoring in the NBA?

Guys with that frame are going to struggle to maintain any position in the blocks so posting up is not going to be a main weapon. And being able to attack the basket on straight line drives is fine, but what happens when someones in the way? These aren't guys who finish strong in traffic. So (at least early on) you're relegated to spot up shooting and scoring in transition.

What will really determine whether a guy like Porzingis can be successful in the NBA is whether he can add more to his repetoire. More core/lower body strength, more passing, more post moves, more rebounding, more toughness.

Lots of ifs.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

Do we know how good Porzingis is at posting up a chair?

If we are comparing workouts, Porzingis looked a lot more fluid in his shot and handles. Yi did everything in slow motion and they didn't really show if a lot of the shots went in.

For Yi, his biggest problem wasn't that his talent. He was talented for his size and had decent speed. His problem was that he has no heart and didn't work hard.

Yi rather go back to China every off season and hang out with Chinese celebrities and date actresses instead of staying in the US to improve his game. Yao put in a lot of work in the US whenever the national team wasn't in competition.

Porzingis is more talented than Yi and if he works hard, he can be a very good player. Its all about work ethic.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

What the heck is up with NBAdraft.net putting Mario Hezonja at number 6 for us?

I know it's just a mock draft, but with Vivek as owner, you are always wary of some unexpected BS.

Would anyone really take him before WCS and Justice Winslow? Anyone who follows Mario Hezonja chime in.

 

[Gilles]

Hezonja at 6 and WCS at 9 fit pretty well with potential trade. Maybe they know something, but more likely are speculating, since both FOs are very tight-lipped right now. Connections around the league is the main strength of Aran Smith, though DX might have surpassed them lately, trading on their European knowledge.
P.S. DX put Hezonja at #6 as well today.

 

[bajaden]

Hezonja at 6 and WCS at 9 fit pretty well with potential trade. Maybe they know something, but more likely are speculating, since both FOs are very tight-lipped right now. Connections around the league is the main strength of Aran Smith, though DX might have surpassed them lately, trading on their European knowledge.
P.S. DX put Hezonja at #6 as well today.

I certainly hope that WCS doesn't go to Orlando at five. But, I guess I could understand Hezonja going to us at six if that happens. I know most would assume that we would grab Mudiay if he was there, but Karl likes shooters, and at the moment, Mudiay isn't one of them. Hezonja can shoot, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He doesn't lack confidence that's for sure. Hopefully it doesn't come to this.....Just give me WCS and I go home happy.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

I certainly hope that WCS doesn't go to Orlando at five. But, I guess I could understand Hezonja going to us at six if that happens. I know most would assume that we would grab Mudiay if he was there, but Karl likes shooters, and at the moment, Mudiay isn't one of them. Hezonja can shoot, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He doesn't lack confidence that's for sure. Hopefully it doesn't come to this.....Just give me WCS and I go home happy.

Can you tell us what you know about his game? I've just read that he averages just a a few points a game in limited mins. I understand the Spanish league is second to the NBA, but if he isn't even dominating there, I don't see why we should waste another year of opportunity on him. He shot 37.9% from three so I hope there is more to him I haven't read.

 

[randymoss1881]

I actaully like Hezonja dude could flat out score and is a shooter. What I really like about him is he's got that edge he thinks he's the best player on the court. That goes a long way.

 

[CVKingsfan]

Q & A with Kristaps Porzingis: http://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/08/nba-draft-prospect-kristaps-porzingis-okafor-towns

He is not the typical International player with limited English skills and no appreciation for Western culture (admires Rhianna!) Sounds like he really wants to play for the Knicks?

 

[dude12]

If they took Hezonja at 6, then we must have a deal in place involving Ben or Nik or both. Unless we just want to turn the SG position over to a rookie, 2nd year guy, and/or 3rd year guy. Maybe try something different a pick up a big man in the draft or PG....that would be swell.

 

[funkykingston]

I know a common sentiment is that we should trade Ben and/or Nik but to me that just feels like selling low on an asset once again. Stauskas isn't as bad a basketball player as he looked last season. And McLemore made significant strides. I'd wait at least one more season before dealing either one, if for no other reason than to see if they increase their trade value with improved play.

 

[206Fan]

Can you tell us what you know about his game? I've just read that he averages just a a few points a game in limited mins. I understand the Spanish league is second to the NBA, but if he isn't even dominating there, I don't see why we should waste another year of opportunity on him. He shot 37.9% from three so I hope there is more to him I haven't read.

Admittedly, I'm not Bajaden and I don't watch Hezonja like I do Porzingis, but Hezonja is a very good and cocky prospect. He's an athletic and quick 6'8 wing player that can play both the 2 and 3. He has all the physical tools to be a good defender. He can shoot lights out and has the quickness and size to be a good penetrator and slasher.

That's the quick overview of him. Draftexpress.com has a lot of breakdowns of prospects, so I'd recommend checking that site out.

He basically doesn't get a lot of minutes because his coach and team doesn't want him to leave Europe for the NBA. They think limiting his minutes and action will make NBA teams notice him less.. Less than a few weeks ago, there were about 8 tames including the Kings and Nets that were attending one of his games. His coach didn't play him at all because NBA scouts were there.

 

[KingMilz]

Admittedly, I'm not Bajaden and I don't watch Hezonja like I do Porzingis, but Hezonja is a very good and cocky prospect. He's an athletic and quick 6'8 wing player that can play both the 2 and 3. He has all the physical tools to be a good defender. He can shoot lights out and has the quickness and size to be a good penetrator and slasher.

That's the quick overview of him. Draftexpress.com has a lot of breakdowns of prospects, so I'd recommend checking that site out.

He basically doesn't get a lot of minutes because his coach and team doesn't want him to leave Europe for the NBA. They think limiting his minutes and action will make NBA teams notice him less.. Less than a few weeks ago, there were about 8 tames including the Kings and Nets that were attending one of his games. His coach didn't play him at all because NBA scouts were there.

Not saying he won't be but

The biggest red flag in Hezonja's statistics is how infrequently he gets to the free throw line. Hezonja has attempted just six free throws in 417 minutes played

Generally speaking, players with such low free throw rates tend to be limited to smaller roles. The only NBA regular in 2014-15 with a free throw rate below 5 percent and an above-average usage rate was Avery Bradley of the Boston Celtics.

http://www.espn.co.uk/basketball/dr...-degrees-mario-hezonja-draft-stock-pro-future

 

[Gilles]

Hezonja is used as extreme Klay Thompson by Barcelona: almost 60% of his shots are 3s (40% for Klay), Mario's FTA/2ptFGA is the same as Klay has in NBA. This also means Mario's shot better translate, otherwise he's a rather mediocre prospect.

 

[randymoss1881]

Hezonja is used as extreme Klay Thompson by Barcelona: almost 60% of his shots are 3s (40% for Klay), Mario's FTA/2ptFGA is the same as Klay has in NBA. This also means Mario's shot better translate, otherwise he's a rather mediocre prospect.

Hes also an elite athlete

 

[Gilles]

Derrick Williams is elite vertical athlete as well. Doesn't make him a good basketball player. Mario's lateral quicks are mediocre, same for his handle.