If we don't get a top 2 pick, your pick would be...?

[Spike]

I'm curious Spike. What is your definition of killing it? This last season was worse than his previous season, which stat wise was nothing to write home about. And I realize that international ball is different, but I don't think he was killing it. And I'm assuming you meant that sarcasticly.

This season he averaged 22.7 minutes a game. 6.5 points per game. He shot 26.7% overall from the field, and shot 22.4% from behind the 3 pt line. He averaged 3.5 assists per game. Now those stats may look dazzling in international ball, but in the NBA they would really suck.

I was being sarcastic, baja. I will say, in the interest of full disclosure, that I was a Rubio guy until we drafted Evans. Haven't looked back since, haven't had to. Rubio hasn't done anything overseas to make me think that he needs to come over here. That ship has sailed. Why people need to live in the past is beyond me.

 

[Kingster]

I think Knight would be a good fit for the team. He could be a combo guard, which in our type of offense works better. I do think Petrie is attracted to that type of guard. Knight could be everything that Petrie wanted Douby to be. The biggest hole in Douby's game was his basketball IQ. He just didn't know how to apply his skills properly to the position he was being asked to play. He always looked to me as though he was thinking about what to do next. Knight on the other hand has far more skill than Douby and has very good basketball IQ.

That said, I'm still fascinated by Kanter and the skills he would bring. Good big men are very hard to find. Bad one's are a dime a dozen. I find them working in 7/11's all the time.

Knight also has ice-water in his veins when it comes to big end of game shots. Douby was just the opposite.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

I'm not sure who I'd pick but one thing this relocation drama has taught me is that far worse things can happen than not getting a top pick. After nearly losing the Kings, coming up with the shortest straw in the draft would seem like nothing more than a minor annoyance in comparison.

 

[bajaden]

I'm not sure who I'd pick but one thing this relocation drama has taught me is that far worse things can happen than not getting a top pick. After nearly losing the Kings, coming up with the shortest straw in the draft would seem like nothing more than a minor annoyance in comparison.

Well said mi amigo! Just like a near death experience will make you appreciate life more. Somehow, the little things that used to irritate you just don't seem as important.

 

[kingsboi]

I said it a few months ago and I'll say it again...Knight is my pick and he will contribute right away on this team. His speed and jumpshooting ability will translate to more wins for us too whether he starts or comes off the bench. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow that we land in the top 5!

 

[bajaden]

I said it a few months ago and I'll say it again...Knight is my pick and he will contribute right away on this team. His speed and jumpshooting ability will translate to more wins for us too whether he starts or comes off the bench. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow that we land in the top 5!

Keep your fingers crossed that we end up in the top 3..

 

[Bricklayer]

I cannot se a rookie guard getting any time on this team next year. We mgiht draft them as a project, but basically you are talking about somebody to pick up Pooh's late season minutes unless they turn out to be Chris Paul good and force our hand.

 

[kingsboi]

You don't draft a top 5 lottery pick and move him to the end of the bench. You find a way to play him and make it work otherwise someone has got to go.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I cannot se a rookie guard getting any time on this team next year. We mgiht draft them as a project, but basically you are talking about somebody to pick up Pooh's late season minutes unless they turn out to be Chris Paul good and force our hand.

Irving would definitely get minutes if we landed him. He is already an excellent player. He would take most of Beno's minutes by halfway through the season. He might even make some decisions very tough for Petrie in the next year or two.

Knight isn't as good a prospect, but I don't think he'll just get Pooh's minutes. Again, I could see him eating into some of Beno's minutes. Of course, this is all just next year. If we were to get either of those guys, I'd expect by their sophmore years in the league they would be getting significantly more minutes one way or the other.

Top 2 pick would be ideal.

 

[JB_kings]

You don't draft a top 5 lottery pick and move him to the end of the bench. You find a way to play him and make it work otherwise someone has got to go.

A top 5 pick in normal years. This year you have talent that would normally be in picks 10-15 being mentioned as top 5. This is a star talent poor draft. Just because you pick somebody top 5 doesn't mean they are going to be better than the player you already have on your roster.

 

[Dime Dropper]

A top 5 pick in normal years. This year you have talent that would normally be in picks 10-15 being mentioned as top 5. This is a star talent poor draft. Just because you pick somebody top 5 doesn't mean they are going to be better than the player you already have on your roster.

That is absolute nonsense - people say this nearly every year. Name me one player that's projected as a top 5 pick in this years draft that would be picked 10-15 in any other past draft?

People are never happy. When it's all said and done there are going to be some very good players from this draft. Even a few legit stars. There are ALWAYS going to be players available in the first 5 picks of the draft that can improve your team. It all depends on making the correct decision.

 

[Kingster]

I cannot se a rookie guard getting any time on this team next year. We mgiht draft them as a project, but basically you are talking about somebody to pick up Pooh's late season minutes unless they turn out to be Chris Paul good and force our hand.

When you really think about it, Tyreke is a project. Maybe at the end of next year he won't be, but right now he is. If the Kings get Irving, Knight or Kemba, then they will definitely get pt imo. I wouldn't be surprised also if Beno gets traded in that scenario. I think you're underestimating how talented those three guards are.

 

[JB_kings]

That is absolute nonsense - people say this nearly every year. Name me one player that's projected as a top 5 pick in this years draft that would be picked 10-15 in any other past draft?

People are never happy. When it's all said and done there are going to be some very good players from this draft. Even a few legit stars. There are ALWAYS going to be players available in the first 5 picks of the draft that can improve your team. It all depends on making the correct decision.

I'm happy when it's called for. And this one missed the call. You might be in love with what you see in the top 5, but I'm not. If Irving or Williams were in last years draft, they would be picked much closer to 10 than to #1. Just because they hold a yearly draft, doesn't mean there is a star player every year. I can understand getting excited if you had a chance a Blake Griffen or John Wall in this draft, but there aren't any. There might be some good players in there that develop down the line like the weak 2006 draft. But it's hard to get excited over a draft that might have a chance to help a few years down the line.

I think some people fall into the trap of watching college ball too much. It's like going to a bar loaded with ladies that are 8s and 9s one night and then going to another bar a week later loaded with 6's and 7's. Your going to drink a few and want to go home with one of them no matter what. This year you are in the second bar...

 

[TTown Kings]

I think some people fall into the trap of watching college ball too much. It's like going to a bar loaded with ladies that are 8s and 9s one night and then going to another bar a week later loaded with 6's and 7's. Your going to drink a few and want to go home with one of them no matter what. This year you are in the second bar...

Awesome analogy...

 

[Bricklayer]

Irving would definitely get minutes if we landed him. He is already an excellent player. He would take most of Beno's minutes by halfway through the season. He might even make some decisions very tough for Petrie in the next year or two.

Knight isn't as good a prospect, but I don't think he'll just get Pooh's minutes. Again, I could see him eating into some of Beno's minutes. Of course, this is all just next year. If we were to get either of those guys, I'd expect by their sophmore years in the league they would be getting significantly more minutes one way or the other.

Top 2 pick would be ideal.

Here was our backcourt minutes breakdown for April fo this year after Reke had gotten back:

Thronton 40.0min
Tyreke 38.9min
Beno 31.1min

Jeter 2gms 6.5min
Talor 1gm 3.0min

Our 3 guard rotation was not only eating up every single one of the 96 backcourt minutes, it averaged 110min a game by chewing into the SF minutes too.

Now we enter a new season, with the same coach, wanting to see if the same lineup works after it generally looked pretty good down the brief stretch last year. Its a lockout season, summer league has already been cancelled, denying the rookie a chance to shine there. If the lockout runs into the new season like it did last time, training camp may be abbreviated, further denying him a chance to show much, and the game schedule compressed to get in more games, reducing practice days. Now if one of these kids, at 19, in Irving's case after playing about 3 weeks worth of college ball, actually comes in and completely dazzles like a young Chris Paul or something, sure. Maybe. But even then its no sure thing. They just aren't going to have a chance to show it on the court barring injury. There are no minutes for them. No need for them. No space for them even.

And hey, its Westphal, and you never know with that guy. He's ****ed us up both the last two years by messing with lineups coming out of training camp and making a mess of things. Maybe he'll **** up the team again (and possibly get fired too) and the door will open. But otherwise, barring an injury to get the kid on the floor, it seems considerably doubtful a rookie guard is going to be able to do anything more than pick splinters out of his butt. Even if he is dazzling in practice all that might do is open things up for a trade deadline trade (if there is a trade deadline in a lockout year) to give him minutes the second half of the year.

 

[rainmaker]

Leonard is my guy. If we don't trade the pick. Strong, athletic, very good defensive player, improving jumper, and really the type of sf we're looking for, but hasn't developed yet. I do think he'd contribute right away, and might even start at sf if we didn't bring in another one(vet). He's drawn comparisons to G Wallace, Artest, and Marion on the defensive side of the ball, and has more upside offensively than any of the 3. There are a few scouts who think he has all star potential. Take it as you want to.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Leonard is my guy. If we don't trade the pick. Strong, athletic, very good defensive player, improving jumper, and really the type of sf we're looking for, but hasn't developed yet. I do think he'd contribute right away, and might even start at sf if we didn't bring in another one(vet). He's drawn comparisons to G Wallace, Artest, and Marion on the defensive side of the ball, and has more upside offensively than any of the 3. There are a few scouts who think he has all star potential. Take it as you want to.

Im starting to feel the same way. Jordan Hamilton may be better right now, but Leonard would be the better fit. He doesnt have the Jumper Hamilton has, but he is a player who wont need the ball all the time .. he'll bring toughness, he'll defend .. he'll do anything you ask of him. And if he developes the outside shot Chad Ford keeps talking about, he could be very good.

Biyumbo should also get a look if we lose out on Dalembert... and after that, drafting a guy and keeping him in europe for a few years may just be the best way to go.

Thats all if we keep the pick of course. Trading it would be my first choice.

 

[sdballer]

I'm really not a Leonard fan. At least not in the top 10. I've watched him all year and he simply doesn't strike me as that all-star potential kind of player. He's very much a role player and even then at times struck me as trying to play like a star when he doesn't really have those offensive abilities. Not that there are a bunch of sure bets left around number 7 but I would be more surprised if leonard ended up a wallace/ Marion/artest than a useful hustle glue guy. Which we need but I think would be a waste at 7.

 

[hammystyle]

Leonard is my guy. If we don't trade the pick. Strong, athletic, very good defensive player, improving jumper, and really the type of sf we're looking for, but hasn't developed yet. I do think he'd contribute right away, and might even start at sf if we didn't bring in another one(vet). He's drawn comparisons to G Wallace, Artest, and Marion on the defensive side of the ball, and has more upside offensively than any of the 3. There are a few scouts who think he has all star potential. Take it as you want to.

I agree, not sure that he actually has more offensive upside than those guys, but he will be a solid 2-way 3 in the league.

I wouldn't be surprised if we take a look at Chris Singleton or Kenneth Faried as well. People may look at them as "reaches", but these are players with elite NBA skills, have more experience than most prospects in this draft, and don't need the ball. Of the trio of Leonard, Singleton and Faried, I think Leonard has the best combo of those attributes and some upside.

If Knight falls he's the best pick though.

 

[bajaden]

I'm really not a Leonard fan. At least not in the top 10. I've watched him all year and he simply doesn't strike me as that all-star potential kind of player. He's very much a role player and even then at times struck me as trying to play like a star when he doesn't really have those offensive abilities. Not that there are a bunch of sure bets left around number 7 but I would be more surprised if leonard ended up a wallace/ Marion/artest than a useful hustle glue guy. Which we need but I think would be a waste at 7.

I probably saw Leonard play as much as any other player in the draft, except maybe the Kentucky and Texas players. And Fredette, now that I think about it. I never once thought that he was trying to be a star. The truth is, San Diego St. wouldn't have even made the NCAA tourney without him. He was to SDSU what Jimmer Fredette was to BYU. Different kind of players of course, but no less important. From all accounts, as seen in the posted video in the prospect thread, he's made huge strides with his jumpshot, and with his ballhandling. Those being his two biggest weaknesses. He's an above average athlete, with a great motor, and is a terrific defender.

I'm by no means saying we should draft him. I'am saying he needs to be on our short list. Its also highly possible that he'll be gone by number 7.

 

[bajaden]

I agree, not sure that he actually has more offensive upside than those guys, but he will be a solid 2-way 3 in the league.

I wouldn't be surprised if we take a look at Chris Singleton or Kenneth Faried as well. People may look at them as "reaches", but these are players with elite NBA skills, have more experience than most prospects in this draft, and don't need the ball. Of the trio of Leonard, Singleton and Faried, I think Leonard has the best combo of those attributes and some upside.

If Knight falls he's the best pick though.

I have to have Hamilton on my list as well. I really like this kid. If you want athletic, and defense for the SF position, then you have to consider Chris Singleton, who along with Faried is one of the best athlete's in the draft, and is an outstanding defender. Chris really improved his outside shot this past season as well. He's no Jimmer Fredette, but when he's set and squared up, he's a pretty good shooter.

I also believe that someone is going to slide. I'm not sure who just yet, but it happens every year, and I can guarantee you it will happen this year as well. There are a slew of international players that are going to muddy up the waters a bit, and I believe that someone will slide down to us as a result.

 

[sdballer]

I probably saw Leonard play as much as any other player in the draft, except maybe the Kentucky and Texas players. And Fredette, now that I think about it. I never once thought that he was trying to be a star. The truth is, San Diego St. wouldn't have even made the NCAA tourney without him. He was to SDSU what Jimmer Fredette was to BYU. Different kind of players of course, but no less important. From all accounts, as seen in the posted video in the prospect thread, he's made huge strides with his jumpshot, and with his ballhandling. Those being his two biggest weaknesses. He's an above average athlete, with a great motor, and is a terrific defender.

I'm by no means saying we should draft him. I'am saying he needs to be on our short list. Its also highly possible that he'll be gone by number 7.

It's always amazing how different people can watch the same guy and have very different impressions. One of the things I love about sports. I also saw leonard a lot. I live in San Diego and go to all the state games. I'd love to be wrong about him, especially if the kings were to draft him, but I just don't like his game that much. We'll see.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Here was our backcourt minutes breakdown for April fo this year after Reke had gotten back:

Thronton 40.0min
Tyreke 38.9min
Beno 31.1min

Jeter 2gms 6.5min
Talor 1gm 3.0min

Our 3 guard rotation was not only eating up every single one of the 96 backcourt minutes, it averaged 110min a game by chewing into the SF minutes too.

Now we enter a new season, with the same coach, wanting to see if the same lineup works after it generally looked pretty good down the brief stretch last year. Its a lockout season, summer league has already been cancelled, denying the rookie a chance to shine there. If the lockout runs into the new season like it did last time, training camp may be abbreviated, further denying him a chance to show much, and the game schedule compressed to get in more games, reducing practice days. Now if one of these kids, at 19, in Irving's case after playing about 3 weeks worth of college ball, actually comes in and completely dazzles like a young Chris Paul or something, sure. Maybe. But even then its no sure thing. They just aren't going to have a chance to show it on the court barring injury. There are no minutes for them. No need for them. No space for them even.

And hey, its Westphal, and you never know with that guy. He's ****ed us up both the last two years by messing with lineups coming out of training camp and making a mess of things. Maybe he'll **** up the team again (and possibly get fired too) and the door will open. But otherwise, barring an injury to get the kid on the floor, it seems considerably doubtful a rookie guard is going to be able to do anything more than pick splinters out of his butt. Even if he is dazzling in practice all that might do is open things up for a trade deadline trade (if there is a trade deadline in a lockout year) to give him minutes the second half of the year.

This particular discussion has turned out to be irrelevant thanks to the lottery, but Irving is better than Udrih in every single category, apart from mid-range shooting. He would definitely eat up Udrih's minutes by the halfway point of the season (if there is one). I am sure of it.

On another note, there are some interesting options at 7, although ideally we'd all like to have gotten luckier in the lottery.

I think I'd be very comfortable with Biyombo. I don't think he's a flash in the pan type guy - he's been fairly productive in a tough league, especially defensively. And looking at his face, I don't think age is a worry. If he isn't 18, he's no more than a couple years older than that. He could be the perfect guy to have at PF next to Cousins. On the other side of things, is he really that necessary with the possible re-signing of Dalembert, and Whiteside waiting in the wings?

I do like Leonard and Hamilton, I'm just not sure how much yet. International guys are interesting - Valanciunas, Vesely etc.. So there are some options available. I'd like to keep the pick if possible.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I'm happy when it's called for. And this one missed the call. You might be in love with what you see in the top 5, but I'm not. If Irving or Williams were in last years draft, they would be picked much closer to 10 than to #1.

Name me one year in which Irving OR Williams would have gone closer to ten than one? You seem to have dodged my question. It's pure nonsense. Both Irving and Williams would be top 5, and top 3, in most drafts.

Just because they hold a yearly draft, doesn't mean there is a star player every year. I can understand getting excited if you had a chance a Blake Griffen or John Wall in this draft, but there aren't any. There might be some good players in there that develop down the line like the weak 2006 draft. But it's hard to get excited over a draft that might have a chance to help a few years down the line.

There is a star player every year. When hasn't there been? Nobody forseen Griffin being as dominant as he is, if you looked back you would see that he had his fair share of doubters. Things are not as you're making them out to be. There are multiple guys in this draft that will come in and help right away.

I think some people fall into the trap of watching college ball too much. It's like going to a bar loaded with ladies that are 8s and 9s one night and then going to another bar a week later loaded with 6's and 7's. Your going to drink a few and want to go home with one of them no matter what. This year you are in the second bar...

That is ridiculous. In what way could it possibly be a bad thing to watch alot of college basketball when it comes to evaluating talent? There is literally no advantage for people who don't watch alot of college ball versus people who do when it comes to knowing what they're talking about. You come across as the type who judges players based on hype from the media, and is too lazy to watch college players and decide for yourself. Just because there is no major hype surrounding anyone this year, does not mean there will not be stars!

Now I'm not saying that this is the best crop of players ever. But there are some very good prospects, and there will be stars out of it.

 

[bajaden]

It's always amazing how different people can watch the same guy and have very different impressions. One of the things I love about sports. I also saw leonard a lot. I live in San Diego and go to all the state games. I'd love to be wrong about him, especially if the kings were to draft him, but I just don't like his game that much. We'll see.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. All I can say is that in general, I have no dog in this hunt. I started the season with no preconcieved notions about Leonard, and became impressed as the season went on. Of course he's not a perfect player. He has some warts just like a lot of the others out there. I just think that from a defensive point of view, Leonard may have the most offensive upside. As oppossed to someone like Chris Singleton, who is a terrific defender, but is more mechanical on the offensive side of the ball. Ditto Kenneth Faried, who I just love as player.

 

[bajaden]

I think some people fall into the trap of watching college ball too much. It's like going to a bar loaded with ladies that are 8s and 9s one night and then going to another bar a week later loaded with 6's and 7's. Your going to drink a few and want to go home with one of them no matter what. This year you are in the second bar...

Are you really serious? You lose all credibility when you make statements like that. Just where the hell do you think NBA scouts get their info? Reading mock draft fourms? Perhaps your the one going to too many bars and having a few too many. Your implying that too much info about a player is a bad thing. Which of course defies logic. Hell, why bother going to school, all their giving you is information, and you don't want to get too much of that. The problem with your analogy, is that your making your judgement about the second bar, on lack of information.

 

[Glenn]

Are you really serious? You lose all credibility when you make statements like that. Just where the hell do you think NBA scouts get their info? Reading mock draft fourms? Perhaps your the one going to too many bars and having a few too many. Your implying that too much info about a player is a bad thing. Which of course defies logic. Hell, why bother going to school, all their giving you is information, and you don't want to get too much of that. The problem with your analogy, is that your making your judgement about the second bar, on lack of information.

It sounds personal, doesn't it? It's like throwing chum in the water with sharks in the area.

If this is meant to criticize bajaden in any way I'll say without a hesitation that he would be a great scout. Far better than most. Translating that to the NBA is not easy as we have seen sure things bomb horribly and then there are the suprises. It is not an exact science by any means. You only know what you know and you make educated guesses about the future.

BTW, no matter what bar I was in, I would go home with someone as my desire was to accomplish a task and not to choose Miss America. My apologies to the ladies on this board. We may be in the second bar but we still have the task of picking the right guy for our team and I don't know if I depart from other's opinions, but I think in this draft with this team with the #7 pick, we have the luxury of picking for need and if lucky we might also get BPA. Only time will show if we got the best NBA player.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Are you really serious? You lose all credibility when you make statements like that. Just where the hell do you think NBA scouts get their info? Reading mock draft fourms? Perhaps your the one going to too many bars and having a few too many. Your implying that too much info about a player is a bad thing. Which of course defies logic. Hell, why bother going to school, all their giving you is information, and you don't want to get too much of that. The problem with your analogy, is that your making your judgement about the second bar, on lack of information.

Bravo, sir, bravo!