Kings 2009-2010 NBA Draft:

[bajaden]

I'm just wondering if a dominant post player is the right fit next to the drive dominant Evans?

Cousins does have a little midrange shot. He's far from consistant with it, but with work it will get better. Once it does, they'll have to respect it. By the same token, when Evan's outside shot comes around, making him less predictable, it will help open up the middle for someone like Cousins. So I don't see a problem with the two of them on the floor together. In truth you can make just about anything work. Some just work better than others.

 

[Kingster]

He leads his conference in rebounding. I have no idea what your watching, but I simply don't see what your seeing. Who is it in the NBA thats known for lightning speed and plays center? I guarantee you he's quicker than Chris Kaman. He's as quick or quicker than Marc Gasol. He's quicker than Bogut. He's just as quick as Bynum. Where are all the quick centers he has to match up with. Our problem is that we don't have anyone strong enough to match up with the guys I just mentioned. I'm sorry, I just have to disagree. I'll tell you right now. In a straight matchup between him and Pittman, he would eat Pittman alive. Nothing against Pittman, but I've probably seen Texas play almost as many times as Kentucky. I still have high hopes for Pittman, but he just disappears at times. He needs to lose another 20 pounds if he wants to play in the NBA. I have never seen Cousins disappear in any of the games I've watched.

The way I look at Pittman and Cousins is that they both have risk factors. Cousins is a potential head case. Pittman is a potential overeater case. Would I take Cousins over Pittman? Yes, I would. From what I've seen though, if I the choice of picking Cousins or trading down past #15 (just to choose a number) for two #1s, both with potential risks or issues like a Pittman, I'd rather trade down. In other words, I'd take two Pittman's over one Cousins.

As far as Cousin's rebounding, I'll have to look at it more closely. I don't see him as a major glass eater. I saw Blair was a major glass eater last year. I don't see Cousins in his class.

So let me ask you this question: How do you see Cousins in the NBA? What is he going to hang his hat on? Is he going to be a glass eater? A major shot blocker? A force offensively in the paint? With Blair last year, I could see him having a major impact on rebounding, with and somewhat on offense. With Tyreke I saw a guy who could get in the paint anytime he wanted and play excellent defense. So what is Cousins going to be like?

 

[dbfish]

Well I think the conversation has been about the top end of the draft so far. While I like Patterson, he's not a top ten pick. I do think he can play in the NBA, and who knows, he may end up being better than people think. AKA Landry! But at this point he's another undersized PF without a real good post game. He relies on his athleticism and quickness to score and rebound. He does have a decent midrange game, and this year he's added a three point shot. Strangely enough he's one of the better three point shooters on the Kentucky team. I think thats all you need to say about Kentucky's three point game.

I think he'll get picked somewhere between the 20th and 30th picks in the first round.

Patterson=Landry. Good call.
We would have to go on quite a win streak in order to be picking low enough to even be considering taking Patterson. I do think he will become a serviceable pro though.

 

[dbfish]

Cousins scores 16.4 ppg, 10.1 rpg and 1.8 bpg, while playing only 23 minutes.
Head case? Maybe, but Pittman could eat himself out of the the league ala Oliver Miller, heaven forbid.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I'd say Cousins is very comparable to Al Jefferson, athletically. Jefferson is a 20 ppg scorer, so that's proof that Cousins can be successful with the physical tools that he has. Especially when he probably has an inch on Jefferson.

 

[hammystyle]

The way I look at Pittman and Cousins is that they both have risk factors. Cousins is a potential head case. Pittman is a potential overeater case. Would I take Cousins over Pittman? Yes, I would. From what I've seen though, if I the choice of picking Cousins or trading down past #15 (just to choose a number) for two #1s, both with potential risks or issues like a Pittman, I'd rather trade down. In other words, I'd take two Pittman's over one Cousins.

As far as Cousin's rebounding, I'll have to look at it more closely. I don't see him as a major glass eater. I saw Blair was a major glass eater last year. I don't see Cousins in his class.

So let me ask you this question: How do you see Cousins in the NBA? What is he going to hang his hat on? Is he going to be a glass eater? A major shot blocker? A force offensively in the paint? With Blair last year, I could see him having a major impact on rebounding, with and somewhat on offense. With Tyreke I saw a guy who could get in the paint anytime he wanted and play excellent defense. So what is Cousins going to be like?

You keep using the word "impact" while trumpeting Pittman's cause. Aldrich is a solid rebounder, defender, offensive player but he's not gonna make an "impact". Cousins is throwing up unprecedented production per minute in rebounding and scoring, but where's he going to make an "impact"?

If you can't see how these guys make an impact in the NBA, why are you all gaga for Pittman? He's a senior averaging 10 pppg, 6rpg, 2bpg in 19 minutes. Nice numbers, but let's keep it in perspective. His realistic upside is a backup center who you can run your offense through for 15-20mpg. Any more impact than that is wishful thinking.

They're not perfect but Aldrich and Cousins can be much much more than that. Cousins can be a top 3-4 center in the league averaging 20-10-2. He's going to be a good statstical player, the only question is whether or not he'll be a good teammate and winner. Aldrich is just going to spend the next ten years as the low maintenance, rebounding, shot-blocking starting center for a playoff team. He's about as close to a sure thing as you'll find.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Just another somewhat random thought - I need to see Favors play a bit more. Ive seen Gtech play about 3 times, and they were all in the first half of the season where Lawal was doing most of the damage inside. I see him right up there in the discussion with Aldrich and Cousins. As of now, I'd take both those guys over Favors, but I really need to see him more. He's probly the biggest 'project' out of the three. The least NBA ready. Those guys are the hardest to get a read on. Im sure hes shown more than Ed Davis, but Davis is a guy I really dont like. In basketball terms of course, I bet hes a great dude, but ESPN still has him ranked inside the top 10, I think he may even be in the top 5. Ive never seen it with him. While he is athletic, he moves like a robot, and really hasnt done anything of note all year.


back to Gtech for a minute, I actually really like what I saw from Lawal. He in that Blair/Brockman mold but is probly better offensively than both those guys. Unfortunetly were already stacked with undersized PFs, but I like him.

This draft is deeeeeep with big men. I really want another Late first.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I actually really like what I saw from Lawal. He in that Blair/Brockman mold but is probly better offensively than both those guys. Unfortunetly were already stacked with undersized PFs, but I like him.

Well, last year at the combine Lawal measured out at a full 6'9" in shoes, so he's not quite got the height disadvantages of a Blair/Brockman.

 

[bajaden]

The way I look at Pittman and Cousins is that they both have risk factors. Cousins is a potential head case. Pittman is a potential overeater case. Would I take Cousins over Pittman? Yes, I would. From what I've seen though, if I the choice of picking Cousins or trading down past #15 (just to choose a number) for two #1s, both with potential risks or issues like a Pittman, I'd rather trade down. In other words, I'd take two Pittman's over one Cousins.

As far as Cousin's rebounding, I'll have to look at it more closely. I don't see him as a major glass eater. I saw Blair was a major glass eater last year. I don't see Cousins in his class.

So let me ask you this question: How do you see Cousins in the NBA? What is he going to hang his hat on? Is he going to be a glass eater? A major shot blocker? A force offensively in the paint? With Blair last year, I could see him having a major impact on rebounding, with and somewhat on offense. With Tyreke I saw a guy who could get in the paint anytime he wanted and play excellent defense. So what is Cousins going to be like?

Well he's the best rebounder in his conference and the best rebounder per minute period. So I think its safe to say that he'll be a good rebounder. I think he'll be a decent to good offensive player from the get go. But eventually he could be very good offensively. I think he'll be a good man defender because of his size and the fact that no one is going to move him in the post. He's very strong. If he learns to stay in front of his man, which he does fairly well at the college level, and not bite on pump fakes, he can be a good defender, because of his length.
As I said earlier, he has a little bit of a mean streak in him. Which I like, but it does get him into trouble at times. But he won't take any crap from anyone on the floor. When that turns out to be a ref, thats when he gets into trouble.. To his credit, he's done less of that as the season has gone on.

 

[bajaden]

Just another somewhat random thought - I need to see Favors play a bit more. Ive seen Gtech play about 3 times, and they were all in the first half of the season where Lawal was doing most of the damage inside. I see him right up there in the discussion with Aldrich and Cousins. As of now, I'd take both those guys over Favors, but I really need to see him more. He's probly the biggest 'project' out of the three. The least NBA ready. Those guys are the hardest to get a read on. Im sure hes shown more than Ed Davis, but Davis is a guy I really dont like. In basketball terms of course, I bet hes a great dude, but ESPN still has him ranked inside the top 10, I think he may even be in the top 5. Ive never seen it with him. While he is athletic, he moves like a robot, and really hasnt done anything of note all year.


back to Gtech for a minute, I actually really like what I saw from Lawal. He in that Blair/Brockman mold but is probly better offensively than both those guys. Unfortunetly were already stacked with undersized PFs, but I like him.

This draft is deeeeeep with big men. I really want another Late first.

Unfortunately I don't think you'll get many chances to see Favors play, unless they show Georgia Tech in their conference tournament. I doubt that G tech will make the NCAA tournament with their record. They just wern't very good this year. Even if they did, the probably wouldn't make it past the first round. Their guard play is terrible, but typical for G Tech.

Its too bad you didn't see their last game. Favors was terrific. I wouldn't call him a project. He has good skills and is very athletic, and, I would love to have him. But I've been looking at centers for the most part because I think thats where our need lies. Plus I think Favors will be selected at number three in the draft. Unless were lucky I doubt we'll have a chance at him.

My dream senario would be to draft Cousins. Aquire another first round pick and grab Udoh. I really like Udoh. He plays with such confidence, and is a defensive presence. I know I'm dreaming, but if we could pull that off, our front court is set for a long time. And it would be a good one.

 

[bajaden]

back to Gtech for a minute, I actually really like what I saw from Lawal. He in that Blair/Brockman mold but is probly better offensively than both those guys. Unfortunetly were already stacked with undersized PFs, but I like him.

If you like Lawal then you should like Patterson. Very similar players. Both a little undersized for the PF position. Both rely on their athleticism more than their skill level. Both are like energizer bunnies running all over the floor. Diving for loose balls etc. Of the two Patterson is the more skilled. Lawal may have an edge in the post game, but Patterson has a very good mid-range game to go along with his post game. I think that Patterson is a better defender than Lawal, but I'm really nit picking here. If I had to choose between the two, I would take Patterson. But the difference isn't that great.

Being were bringing up secondary players I have to put in another plug for my boy Damion James. Not sure why he doesn't get the press, but he's just a terrific player. He's very skilled and he's a great athlete. His only weakness is his three point shot, which is inconsistant. But he's a great defender and rebounder for his position. Basicly he's the glue that holds Texas together. We don't need another SF/sometimes PF. But I would love to have him.

 

[K F Jay]

great insight guys. keep it up. i have a question. out of the top big center prospects that were mentioned cousins, whiteside, aldrich, udoh and others would any of them be our starting C opening day next season? Im thinking most prospect could seeing we have hawes and thompson but who am i to say since i dont follow college basketball and dont scout talent like you all do.

 

[Gilles]

Enough with this Pittman talk. Kings should and will never trade down, especially to get him. You always draft BPA. That's why you trade up even if it cost you a lot if you think that a player there will be better. You don't need 12 very good guys in the NBA, you need structure with 2-3 excellent do-it-all players, 2-3 good do-many-things players and a bunch of specialists. This team is starving for talent. That's why you draft Wall at #1, Turner, Cousins, Favors at the Top-5. You may look at Aldrich 'cause he's a center who rebounds and defends. Whiteside? He's definitely intriguing but he's not as good as his stats look like.
P.S. Omar Samhan is going to play at least one game at the Tourney after St. Mary's knocked 'Zaga down at WCC Finals. Keith Benson from Oakland will be there too.

 

[KingsCitizen]

Donatas Motiejunas

I have a weird feeling that we're gonna draft this kid from Lithuania, extend Landry to a new offer and keep Hawes and Thompson at C.

I think he might be the better if not best compliment to Evan's in this draft as a big man due to his ability to take the defender to the perimeter. 'Reke likes to drive and someone has got to pull those big men away to the perimeter.

Plus, another talent from Europe would not be bad for marketing Kings jersey's outside to overseas.

 

[Gilles]

I have a weird feeling that we're gonna draft this kid from Lithuania, extend Landry to a new offer and keep Hawes and Thompson at C.

I think he might be the better if not best compliment to Evan's in this draft as a big man due to his ability to take the defender to the perimeter. 'Reke likes to drive and someone has got to pull those big men away to the perimeter.

Plus, another talent from Europe would not be bad for marketing Kings jersey's outside to overseas.

Winning would be much better for marketing Kings everywhere. Motiejunas is very far away from contributing on a winning NBA team. It's not like he's from Germany, France or any other big market. He's from Lithuania.

 

[asakkings]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll get many chances to see Favors play, unless they show Georgia Tech in their conference tournament. I doubt that G tech will make the NCAA tournament with their record. They just wern't very good this year. Even if they did, the probably wouldn't make it past the first round. Their guard play is terrible, but typical for G Tech.

Its too bad you didn't see their last game. Favors was terrific. I wouldn't call him a project. He has good skills and is very athletic, and, I would love to have him. But I've been looking at centers for the most part because I think thats where our need lies. Plus I think Favors will be selected at number three in the draft. Unless were lucky I doubt we'll have a chance at him.

My dream senario would be to draft Cousins. Aquire another first round pick and grab Udoh. I really like Udoh. He plays with such confidence, and is a defensive presence. I know I'm dreaming, but if we could pull that off, our front court is set for a long time. And it would be a good one.

A first round where we come out with Cousins and Udoh will be awesome and set us up nicely for the future.

 

[bajaden]

Enough with this Pittman talk. Kings should and will never trade down, especially to get him. You always draft BPA. That's why you trade up even if it cost you a lot if you think that a player there will be better. You don't need 12 very good guys in the NBA, you need structure with 2-3 excellent do-it-all players, 2-3 good do-many-things players and a bunch of specialists. This team is starving for talent. That's why you draft Wall at #1, Turner, Cousins, Favors at the Top-5. You may look at Aldrich 'cause he's a center who rebounds and defends. Whiteside? He's definitely intriguing but he's not as good as his stats look like.
P.S. Omar Samhan is going to play at least one game at the Tourney after St. Mary's knocked 'Zaga down at WCC Finals. Keith Benson from Oakland will be there too.

First I agree with everything you just posted. Secondly I meant to mention last night that I was estactic that St. Mary's beat Gonzaga and won a berth into the NCAA. You know everytime I watch Samhan my brain tells me he's too slow and not athletic enough, but he just goes out and does what he does. He had six blocked shots against Gonzaga. He's a tough kid.

 

[bajaden]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll get many chances to see Favors play, unless they show Georgia Tech in their conference tournament. I doubt that G tech will make the NCAA tournament with their record. They just wern't very good this year. Even if they did, the probably wouldn't make it past the first round. Their guard play is terrible, but typical for G Tech.

Good news! I was wrong! Georgia Tech will play North Carolina on thursday at 4pm pacific on ESPN2. So if you want to get another look at Favors this is probably your last chance. The only way Georgia Tech can Make the NCAA is by winning their conference tournament. Highly unlikely! I wouldn't be surprised to see them beat N.C though. They've been terrible this year.

 

[bajaden]

I have a weird feeling that we're gonna draft this kid from Lithuania, extend Landry to a new offer and keep Hawes and Thompson at C.

I think he might be the better if not best compliment to Evan's in this draft as a big man due to his ability to take the defender to the perimeter. 'Reke likes to drive and someone has got to pull those big men away to the perimeter.

Plus, another talent from Europe would not be bad for marketing Kings jersey's outside to overseas.

This is just my opinion, OK? We already have a big man that likes to live on the perimeter. His name is Spencer Hawes. We don't need two. We need inside toughness and rebounding. Tyreke can take care of Tyreke. His outside shot will improve and that will open up the middle for him. There's also nothing wrong with Tyreke driving and drawing all the attention and then dishing to a 6'11" 275 pound center with a 7'6" wingspan thats standing right under the basket. Its also a higher percentage shot me thinks.

 

[bajaden]

Jerome Jordan: I've made no secret that I'm not a big fan of his, and I was probably a little too harsh in some of my comments when I said I wouldn't even invite him to camp if he was undrafted. I retract that statement. Yes, I would invite him to camp. But no, I wouldn't use a draft choice on him because I'm sure there would be someone else available thats better.

He seems to be a very nice young man. His teammates all like him and he gets along with the coaching staff. I believe he's from Jamaica, and perhaps its the laid back style of his home country thats part of his makeup. Offensively he's impoved from his freshman year till now. He has a lot of post moves including a variety of jump hooks which are effective at his current level. However most of his shots are not contested as they would be in the NBA since he's usually being guarded by players 3 to 4 inches shorter than he is. Now thats not his fault, but at times he's very mechanical in his movements, almost arkward. He doesn't appear to like a lot of contact, which is disturbing to me since more often than not, he's the biggest guy out there and should be imposing his will. Having said all that, I think some of his offense does translate to the NBA. It still needs work, but there is a foundation there.

Now for the bad stuff. I found it amusing that he was named to the all defensive team of something. Because he's simply not a good defender. Yeah, he blocks a lot of shots. Unfortunately that just doesn't tell the whole story. What you don't see is his inability to react quickly to players in the post. I can't count the times he watched from a few feet away as an opposing player dunked the ball, simply because he couldn't react. He has absolutely no idea how to defend the pick and roll. And if he does, then he simply doesn't do it. He's best used in a zone defense, because he gets lost in rotations.

Physicaly he has everything you'd want in a center. He's 7 foot tall and has a long wingspan. He has a very good frame that can carry more weight. He's not a great athlete, but he's not a terrible athlete. He has average hands at best. He's not a good ballhandler, but most college bigs aren't. However, when you consider that he's a senior, you have to wonder just how much better he'll get at handling the ball. He is better at passing out of the double team than he used to be. All in all he's at his best when he has the ball in his hands and he knows what he going to do with it. He's at his worse when he has to react to someone else with the ball.

I don't see him as a first round pick and I would be absolutely stunned if someone took him in the first round. I do think he'll go in the second round simply because of his size. I see him as being no better than a career backup, or someone thats out of the league in a few years. That can all change if he can somehow find a way to become more agressive in his approach to the game. Somehow I just can't get the image out of my mind of him standing at the pier with a big smile on his face saying, "Welcome to Jamaica man"

By the way. If he ever makes the NBA all star team, I have a self destruct code built into the post..

 

[hammystyle]

I have a weird feeling that we're gonna draft this kid from Lithuania, extend Landry to a new offer and keep Hawes and Thompson at C.

I think he might be the better if not best compliment to Evan's in this draft as a big man due to his ability to take the defender to the perimeter. 'Reke likes to drive and someone has got to pull those big men away to the perimeter.

Plus, another talent from Europe would not be bad for marketing Kings jersey's outside to overseas.

This is all off scouting reports and euro-league numbers, but the guy who seems to be jumping is Jan Vesely. He's 19, 6'11 240, with a nice wingspan and apparently a very good athlete. He's playing SF currently, but as his frame fills out he'll assuredly be an NBA 4. He doesn't stand out skill-wise in the Euroleague, but he's still contributing as a hustling athletic role player.

Trying to disseminate scouting reports on Euro prospects is tough. But the trend I've noticed is the odds are improved when he's producing at the EuroLeague level, and the chief scouting strengths are defense, athleticism and toughness. DX keeps comparing him to a larger more talented Omri Casspi.

Motujanas on the other hand, has all the Euro reports I don't like. Skinny, soft, ultra-skilled offensive player who will struggle on D. I don't care how neat it is to see a 7 foot guy dribble the ball like a guard and shoot pull ups, this story keeps ending the same way.

 

[asakkings]

Motujanas doesn't fit with the style of toughness that we are trying to build. Cousins with his little bit of nastiness fits perfectly.

 

[bajaden]

This is all off scouting reports and euro-league numbers, but the guy who seems to be jumping is Jan Vesely. He's 19, 6'11 240, with a nice wingspan and apparently a very good athlete. He's playing SF currently, but as his frame fills out he'll assuredly be an NBA 4. He doesn't stand out skill-wise in the Euroleague, but he's still contributing as a hustling athletic role player.

Trying to disseminate scouting reports on Euro prospects is tough. But the trend I've noticed is the odds are improved when he's producing at the EuroLeague level, and the chief scouting strengths are defense, athleticism and toughness. DX keeps comparing him to a larger more talented Omri Casspi.

Motujanas on the other hand, has all the Euro reports I don't like. Skinny, soft, ultra-skilled offensive player who will struggle on D. I don't care how neat it is to see a 7 foot guy dribble the ball like a guard and shoot pull ups, this story keeps ending the same way.

Having not seen either of these guys play, I can't really offer an opinion. From everything I've read on Motujanas, he's not what I'm looking for and not what the Kings need. From what I know of Vesely he's very raw but is very athletic and shows toughness. My problem with the majority of the Euro Bigs is that they live too much on the perimiter and few are good rebounders. There are exceptions of course, and I would hate to pass up the next Dirk. I guess I'll just have to trust Petrie's judgement on this one.

 

[beb0p]

I've seen Motujanas and yes, he is a horrible defender - bad man defender, bad help defender, and just average rebounder. I don't see him becoming more than an average defender, if he works really hard at it.

His body needs a lot of work, the slightest contact throws him off and anyone strong enough to bench press a candy bar can take him to the post.

But he's one of the most skilled 7-footer I've seen. I'm talking about Vlade Divac/Toni Kukoc level of skill. Motujanas' is a true ambidextrous, the first thing that struck me about him is that his left and right hand are equally good. I've seen him grabbed a rebound, pushed the ball up the floor and with his right hand (weak hand) wiped a behind the back pass to a teammate. He can go right or left, finish with either hand, or shoot jump hook with either hand equally well.

The second thing that struck me is his ability to read the defense and make plays. When Spencer Hawes was a rookie and he got the ball, I have a feeling he doesn't know what to do half the time (and you may argue that he still doesn't). With Motujanas , this almost never happens. He's one of those guys that you expect something to happen every time he touches the ball. Now, he is prone to TO and he can be wild at times, but even when he failed to pull it off, you can see what he was getting at. You can see that the defense was reacting to him rather than the other way around.

A typical Motujanas moment has him with the ball at the elbow or just inside the 3-pt line. He is not quick but has good handle and he can go left or right so the defender has to respect that. If the defender backs off he can hit the 20 foot jumper. If the defender closes in, he gets by him into the lane where he is at his best - he can find an open teammate under the basket, shoot a floater, or kicks it out to the open shooter.

For a guy who gets pushed around, Motujanas is not afraid of posting inside. He is very long and his hook shot is near unblockable, but the slightest contact throws him off so he has only moderate success in the post, but the potential is there.

Now I don't want to come off sounding like I'm on his bandwagon because I'm not. Motujanas is still very raw and he doesn't fit into where the Kings are heading. He is a great-offense no-defense center that is atypical of the type that I want on the team. However, don't discount Motujanas just because he is a soft Euro. This guy has all-star potential, with emphasis on "potential." The only thing he has to work on really, is his body. He has most everything else: namely height and skill. If he can pack on an extra 50 pounds of muscle (and I have no idea how or if it's even possible) then I can see him being very good.

While Alabi or Udoh may be better fit, Motujanas may be the BPA.
If the Kings somehow fall to #8-10 range in the draft, I'd seriously consider Motujanas because of the upside. But I don't think he is Petrie's type at this point.

.

 

[bajaden]

I've seen Motujanas and yes, he is a horrible defender - bad man defender, bad help defender, and just average rebounder. I don't see him becoming more than an average defender, if he works really hard at it.

His body needs a lot of work, the slightest contact throws him off and anyone strong enough to bench press a candy bar can take him to the post.

But he's one of the most skilled 7-footer I've seen. I'm talking about Vlade Divac/Toni Kukoc level of skill. Motujanas' is a true ambidextrous, the first thing that struck me about him is that his left and right hand are equally good. I've seen him grabbed a rebound, pushed the ball up the floor and with his right hand (weak hand) wiped a behind the back pass to a teammate. He can go right or left, finish with either hand, or shoot jump hook with either hand equally well.

The second thing that struck me is his ability to read the defense and make plays. When Spencer Hawes was a rookie and he got the ball, I have a feeling he doesn't know what to do half the time (and you may argue that he still doesn't). With Motujanas , this almost never happens. He's one of those guys that you expect something to happen every time he touches the ball. Now, he is prone to TO and he can be wild at times, but even when he failed to pull it off, you can see what he was getting at. You can see that the defense was reacting to him rather than the other way around.

A typical Motujanas moment has him with the ball at the elbow or just inside the 3-pt line. He is not quick but has good handle and he can go left or right so the defender has to respect that. If the defender backs off he can hit the 20 foot jumper. If the defender closes in, he gets by him into the lane where he is at his best - he can find an open teammate under the basket, shoot a floater, or kicks it out to the open shooter.

For a guy who gets pushed around, Motujanas is not afraid of posting inside. He is very long and his hook shot is near unblockable, but the slightest contact throws him off so he has only moderate success in the post, but the potential is there.

Now I don't want to come off sounding like I'm on his bandwagon because I'm not. Motujanas is still very raw and he doesn't fit into where the Kings are heading. He is a great-offense no-defense center that is atypical of the type that I want on the team. However, don't discount Motujanas just because he is a soft Euro. This guy has all-star potential, with emphasis on "potential." The only thing he has to work on really, is his body. He has most everything else: namely height and skill. If he can pack on an extra 50 pounds of muscle (and I have no idea how or if it's even possible) then I can see him being very good.

While Alabi or Udoh may be better fit, Motujanas may be the BPA.
If the Kings somehow fall to #8-10 range in the draft, I'd seriously consider Motujanas because of the upside. But I don't think he is Petrie's type at this point.

.

Well its seems like he's the type that Petrie used to like. Thanks for the breakdown. Very informative. Whereas I'm not a huge fan of Alabi at this point I wouldn't have a problem taking him if that were the choice. I'd have to think about taking him over Udoh though. Udoh is a much more rounded player than Alabi. I'm not about to compare his offensive skills with Motujanas of course. But he does have offensive skills and he's a good rebounder and a very good defender. It would be tough choice because Udoh is more of what we need. However, if Motujanas has star potential, one does have to consider him.
Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and bench press my candy bar and bottle of cervesa.

 

[Kingster]

I'd say Cousins is very comparable to Al Jefferson, athletically. Jefferson is a 20 ppg scorer, so that's proof that Cousins can be successful with the physical tools that he has. Especially when he probably has an inch on Jefferson.

So you think Cousins will be a dominant low post scorer?

 

[Kingster]

You keep using the word "impact" while trumpeting Pittman's cause. Aldrich is a solid rebounder, defender, offensive player but he's not gonna make an "impact". Cousins is throwing up unprecedented production per minute in rebounding and scoring, but where's he going to make an "impact"?

If you can't see how these guys make an impact in the NBA, why are you all gaga for Pittman? He's a senior averaging 10 pppg, 6rpg, 2bpg in 19 minutes. Nice numbers, but let's keep it in perspective. His realistic upside is a backup center who you can run your offense through for 15-20mpg. Any more impact than that is wishful thinking.

They're not perfect but Aldrich and Cousins can be much much more than that. Cousins can be a top 3-4 center in the league averaging 20-10-2. He's going to be a good statstical player, the only question is whether or not he'll be a good teammate and winner. Aldrich is just going to spend the next ten years as the low maintenance, rebounding, shot-blocking starting center for a playoff team. He's about as close to a sure thing as you'll find.

Usually a guy has to be very good at some thing in order to be good in the NBA. I think Pittman has the potential to be a very good low post scorer in the NBA, albeit with risk. I think Alabi has the potential to be a very good shot blocker in the NBA. Cousins has the potential to be a very good low post player in the NBA, albeit with risk. I just don't see what Aldrich is going to be very good at in the NBA. He's vanilla. And I certainly don't want vanilla if I pick in the top 5. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'd literally rather have 20 minutes of stamina deprived Pittman than 40 minutes of Aldrich. At least in those 20 minutes you can be assured that the guy is going to draw double teams in the post. That is critical in the NBA. And he'll give you good D for those 20 minutes. With Aldrich, he's not going to demand a double team. If anything, teams are going to sluff off the guy when he's on offense. He's going to be a hustle guy like Jason Thompson with a little more defensive ability, but not the outside shot. If Aldrich is there in th 5-7 slot when the Kings draft I hope some GM like you or bajaden gives Petrie a call about trading down.

 

[Vlade4GM]

So you think Cousins will be a dominant low post scorer?

I didn't say that, I said that even with his athletic shortcomings, it's totally possible for him to become a very good low post scorer, as shown by Al Jefferson. Whether he develops his post moves enough to become that, I have no idea.

 

[hammystyle]

Usually a guy has to be very good at some thing in order to be good in the NBA. I think Pittman has the potential to be a very good low post scorer in the NBA, albeit with risk. I think Alabi has the potential to be a very good shot blocker in the NBA. Cousins has the potential to be a very good low post player in the NBA, albeit with risk. I just don't see what Aldrich is going to be very good at in the NBA. He's vanilla. And I certainly don't want vanilla if I pick in the top 5. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'd literally rather have 20 minutes of stamina deprived Pittman than 40 minutes of Aldrich. At least in those 20 minutes you can be assured that the guy is going to draw double teams in the post. That is critical in the NBA. And he'll give you good D for those 20 minutes. With Aldrich, he's not going to demand a double team. If anything, teams are going to sluff off the guy when he's on offense. He's going to be a hustle guy like Jason Thompson with a little more defensive ability, but not the outside shot. If Aldrich is there in th 5-7 slot when the Kings draft I hope some GM like you or bajaden gives Petrie a call about trading down.

Aldrich's rebounding and shotblocking should both be better tools than Pittman's low post scoring. Those skills will be above average in the NBA an will play against first team NBA centers. The fact he can shoot and score on top of is what makes him such an attractive prospect. If you think Pittman's drawing a double team against NBA starting centers then good luck. I also consider the "he'll give you good D for those 20 minutes" to be wisful thinking as well.

You're basically projecting Pittman to be Eddy Curry with better defense. The difference being that Pittman is 21 years old in the Big 12 averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds, while when Eddy Curry was 21 he was averaing 15 points and 6 reboungs in the NBA.

 

[Kingster]

I didn't say that, I said that even with his athletic shortcomings, it's totally possible for him to become a very good low post scorer, as shown by Al Jefferson. Whether he develops his post moves enough to become that, I have no idea.

It wasn't a rhetorical question. I've noticed he has good footwork in the post. He's got a drop step that Thompson might learn in maybe 5 to 7 years.