Kings 2009-2010 NBA Draft:

[bajaden]

I'd go one step further and say I think he'll be a good defender, a good rebounder, a good shot blocker, and decent on offense. I'm admittedly pretty high on the guy though.

I think in time he can be better than decent on offense. He's a pretty good athlete, and really didn't work on his offense much at Kansas. Or at least he wasn't expected to be a main contributer on offense. He'll need to add more muscle, but he has a big frame, so I don't see a problem. Worse case senario would be Joe Pryzbilla in my opinion. Best case would be Chris Kaman with a little more athleticism.

 

[roasthawg]

I think in time he can be better than decent on offense. He's a pretty good athlete, and really didn't work on his offense much at Kansas. Or at least he wasn't expected to be a main contributer on offense. He'll need to add more muscle, but he has a big frame, so I don't see a problem. Worse case senario would be Joe Pryzbilla in my opinion. Best case would be Chris Kaman with a little more athleticism.

Bogut would be my best case type comparison.

 

[bajaden]

Bogut would be my best case type comparison.

I would be happy with another Bogut. Somehow I just don't see visions of Bogut when I watch Aldrich play. Bogut is pretty crafty around the basket. But who knows, maybe Aldrich will surprise me.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Another comparison I make with Aldrich is Kendrick Perkins. Cole is probly slightly less athletic, and not as physically imposing as Perk, but they have similar styles. I think if Perkins was on a team were he would get more looks down low, he could easily be a 15-10-2 player. I think thats what Aldrich can do, minus maybe a half a block.

But, like Aldrich, its not all about numbers with Perkins. He alters a lot of shots, he a big big body that can allow you to play post players straight up instead of double teaming every time. It took Perkins a while to establish himself, and put on the extra muscle to be the defender that he is, and I think with time Aldrich can be that guy. Aldrich also has a much better offensive game coming out of college than Perkins did coming out of high school, so the Kaman like offensive potential is there.

 

[Kingster]

This is interesting. Im definitely seeing a udoh>aldrich group and an aldrich>udoh group. Im in the former. I think its pretty close to impossible to buy Aldrich actually being a better talent than Udoh. I cant help but think people want Aldrich because hes a center. If Aldrich was an inch or two shorter and played powerforward, would anyone still want him?

Udoh is > Aldrich. He's quicker, and has more potential on the offensive side of the ball. Seems to come up big in big moments. Good passer. Could be very good on D. I'd just like to see him rebound a little better. He's got the ability, that's for sure.

 

[Kingster]

I like Aldrich just slightly more than Udoh .. and both of those guys behind Cousins and Favors.

I'd be pretty satisfied with any of them, but since everyone is talking about Udoh right now, I'll just explain why I like Aldrich over him.

There isnt a huge gap for me, but the obvious one would be Cole's size. Hes a center, Udoh isnt. With JT and Landry still on the team, It just makes sense to go after a center if the differense between both players is as slim as I think it is. Just a side note though, Hawes and Aldrich will be the same age next year. Hawes will be on his 4th year .. and only 22. Im not ready to give up on him, but maybe this will push Hawes and we can always trade one of them. Thats another minor issue I have with Udoh, hes a year+ older than Aldrich, Its not a huge deal, but if you have to choose, why not take the player whos younger?

I like Udoh better than Cousins, Aldrich, or Favors. Cousins isn't the athlete Udoh is.

 

[Chupacabra]

I know that the Kings have a GAPING hole in interior defense and I know which player would immediately make a significant impact in that area, Udoh. Id say hes the best defensive player that would be available once its our turn to make a selection. His offensive ability has been impressive. So what if hes going to be 23. Ill take a guy that has a good 10 year career over a guy that has an ok 11-12 year career. I like everything about Udoh except for his weight. All of you should too.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I like Udoh better than Cousins, Aldrich, or Favors. Cousins isn't the athlete Udoh is.

Cousins isnt the athlete Udoh is, but how many centers are as athletic as power forwards? And I would argue that Favors is a better athlete than Udoh if were talking about PFs.

Udoh best case could be KG, but I think a non-headcase stonger version of Tyrus Thomas is more likely. While Cousins is almost universally considered as the next 20-10 guy .. an Al Jefferson like talent on offense with better defensive potential. Obviously to each his own, but im not sure what makes Udoh better than Favors or Cousins.

 

[Gilles]

Cousins isnt the athlete Udoh is, but how many centers are as athletic as power forwards? And I would argue that Favors is a better athlete than Udoh if were talking about PFs.

Udoh best case could be KG, but I think a non-headcase stonger version of Tyrus Thomas is more likely. While Cousins is almost universally considered as the next 20-10 guy .. an Al Jefferson like talent on offense with better defensive potential. Obviously to each his own, but im not sure what makes Udoh better than Favors or Cousins.

I would add bigger Al Jefferson. And yes Favors is more athletic than Udoh if you take the whole package (strength, size, quickness, jumping, coordination) into account.
EDIT: just noticed, did you wrote about KG as the ceiling for Udoh? Nothing to say.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Bogut would be my best case type comparison.

Bogut's a lot more skilled, and is a pretty good passer for a big man. If Cole can do that, I sure haven't seen it. Not to say you need your center to be a good passer (in fact I'd much rather have a rebounder/shotblocker than a passer/shooter) but I don't think the two are all that similar.

 

[bajaden]

Cousins isnt the athlete Udoh is, but how many centers are as athletic as power forwards? And I would argue that Favors is a better athlete than Udoh if were talking about PFs.

Udoh best case could be KG, but I think a non-headcase stonger version of Tyrus Thomas is more likely. While Cousins is almost universally considered as the next 20-10 guy .. an Al Jefferson like talent on offense with better defensive potential. Obviously to each his own, but im not sure what makes Udoh better than Favors or Cousins.

As much as I like Udoh, I don't think I would make his ceiling KG. I mean I wish, and if so, then he's a no brainer. At the same time I think he'll be a much better player than Tyrus Thomas. For one thing thomas is only around 6'7" without shoes and Udoh appears to be quite a bit taller. Thomas may have an athletic advantage, but not enough to make up for the skill advantage Udoh has.

However, I would have to say that Favors is more athletic than Udoh although I think you do reach a point where athletic differences become somewhat marginalized. Both are more athletic than Cousins, but how athletic do have to be when your 6'11" and weigh 275 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan, or longer. Cousins is one of kind. I would take him ahead of Favors or Udoh.

 

[bajaden]

Bogut's a lot more skilled, and is a pretty good passer for a big man. If Cole can do that, I sure haven't seen it. Not to say you need your center to be a good passer (in fact I'd much rather have a rebounder/shotblocker than a passer/shooter) but I don't think the two are all that similar.

I do think its better to have a center thats capable of passing the ball. Just not necessarily a center thats a creative passer. I certainly don't want a center thats incapable of passing out of a doubleteam. Yeah, I know I'm nit picking... Sorry!

 

[Kingster]

Cousins isnt the athlete Udoh is, but how many centers are as athletic as power forwards? And I would argue that Favors is a better athlete than Udoh if were talking about PFs.

Udoh best case could be KG, but I think a non-headcase stonger version of Tyrus Thomas is more likely. While Cousins is almost universally considered as the next 20-10 guy .. an Al Jefferson like talent on offense with better defensive potential. Obviously to each his own, but im not sure what makes Udoh better than Favors or Cousins.

That's true. Most aren't. I just have a bias to more athletic guys. I don't really see Udoh as Thomas. From what I've seen he has more ability in the post than Thomas, is also bigger, has a longer reach. Athleticism translates better in the NBA. Cousins is fairly flat footed, doesn't have much quickness, is very large, has a good reach, doesn't really go out of his area for rebounds, and is going to be hurt on the defensive end I believe. He has a good drop step, he has the ability to finish right under the basket (and he's gotten a lot of those from Wall & Co.). He may be the real deal if he can truly be a consistent low post offensive threat. He absolutely must become a player that is fed the ball consistently in the post and produces in the post to become a very good NBA player. He's not going to be the kind of guy like Aldrich, for example, where you can just go out and play ball like you've been doing and let him clean up the garbage and block a few shots and get some rebs. He's got to be a central part of the offense.

As far as Favors is concerned, you may be right. He's a very hard read because his guards were so crappy that it was difficult to see his ability. I didn't see a lot of him, but from what I did see he didn't jump of the screen at me.

PS And I agree with bajaden that Udoh doesn't have a KG ceiling. I could see him kind of like an Odom though.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

if we get 6th pick do you guys think petrie might go Al-Farouq Aminu? no one has really talked about him. he has a 7' plus wingspan, rebounds and blocks a couple shots. and we all know he loves wings.

 

[hrdboild]

I've been wondering what people here think about Aminu myself. I had originally written him off as a SF we don't need, but he's got the skillset to play PF. I know we're all afraid of tweener PFs around here due to recent history, but after the obvious top 4 of Wall, Turner, Cousins, Favors it might be that Aminu is the 5th best player. We're not totally set at SF either. Greene and Casspi look like solid players, but I wouldn't say either one is a lock for the starting SF spot at this point. Assuming we don't get a top 4 pick, should Aminu be in consideration?

 

[bajaden]

I've been wondering what people here think about Aminu myself. I had originally written him off as a SF we don't need, but he's got the skillset to play PF. I know we're all afraid of tweener PFs around here due to recent history, but after the obvious top 4 of Wall, Turner, Cousins, Favors it might be that Aminu is the 5th best player. We're not totally set at SF either. Greene and Casspi look like solid players, but I wouldn't say either one is a lock for the starting SF spot at this point. Assuming we don't get a top 4 pick, should Aminu be in consideration?

I'm not a big fan of Aminu. I've watched him play a lot this season and he still has holes in his game. He's not a particularly good ballhandler, and I'm still not impressed with his outside shot. The Kid only weighs about 218 pounds and is reportedly 6'8". To me he's a SF, and doesn't have the skills right now to play SF.

The Kings need a big man that can play defense near or under the basket. I just can't see Aminu doing that in the NBA. Personally I'm tired of settling for almost a PF, or almost a Center. Aminu is an athlete surpreme. And he's able to accomplish a lot in college because of it. I just don't see him as a PF, and we don't need another SF.

 

[bajaden]

I thought I take a look and see which teams had multiple picks in the coming draft, and which teams might be willing to either trade a pick or sell a pick. All the pics listed are based on where they would pick today if the draft were held.

Timberwolves: 3 picks in the first round. Numbers 2, 16, and 26. They also have 3 picks in the second round. Numbers 32, 43, and 47. I seriously doubt that they'll use all six picks, but they might be planing on stashing a couple of players in europe. Still, I would think they would be open to letting one or perhaps even two picks go to the highest bidder.

Memphis: 2 picks in the first round. Numbers 14 and 29. I don't know if they would be willing to part with either. they still need a lot of help and the draft is a cheap way to do it.

New Jersey: 2 picks in the first round. Numbers 1 and 27. They've cleared a lot of cap space for the offseason, so they might be willing to part with their 2nd pick in the first round. Although the 27th pick isn't guaranteed that much money. Who knows?

Washington: 2 picks in the first round. Numbers 4 and 30. I'm not sure I'd trade for the 30th pick which is guaranteed money and the last pick in the first round. Might be a better investment to go after a high second round pick instead.

Miami: 2 picks in the first round. Numbers 15 and 17. They've also cleared a lot of cap space, so they might be willing to part with one of the picks. I would like either one.

Indianapolis: 2 picks in the second round. Numbers 39 and 57. I wouldn't mind going after number 39. There should still be some good players there. But hey, Omar Samhan might be lurking at the bottom of the second round.

There may be more, but thats all I could find in my short search and destroy mission.

 

[jalfa]

There may be more, but thats all I could find in my short search and destroy mission.

Utah also has two picks, their own and New York's pick. I could imagine them trading away their own one.

By the by: Everybody consider for a second that Utah might wind up with a top three pick and imagine them drafting Turner. That team would be hell to deal with, even if they should lose Boozer in the offseason and they'd also have a great future. *shudders*

 

[bajaden]

Utah also has two picks, their own and New York's pick. I could imagine them trading away their own one.

By the by: Everybody consider for a second that Utah might wind up with a top three pick and imagine them drafting Turner. That team would be hell to deal with, even if they should lose Boozer in the offseason and they'd also have a great future. *shudders*

The Timberwolves have Utah's first round pick at number 24. So the only pick Utah has is the Knicks pick.

 

[Gary]

Have been thinking of Favors, Cousins, Wall are all gone and we had the # 4 pick if we could get Evan Turner.. Wow... Still not a big but I would definitely take it.

 

[gunks]

Utah also has two picks, their own and New York's pick. I could imagine them trading away their own one.

By the by: Everybody consider for a second that Utah might wind up with a top three pick and imagine them drafting Turner. That team would be hell to deal with, even if they should lose Boozer in the offseason and they'd also have a great future. *shudders*

And we owe it all to Zeke.

How come GP didnt take advantage of that goofball when he had the chance?

 

[=LarryLegend=]

Have been thinking of Favors, Cousins, Wall are all gone and we had the # 4 pick if we could get Evan Turner.. Wow... Still not a big but I would definitely take it.

I would be very interested to see Petrie with the 1st pick. I want to see wall, evans, bledsoe all come in for a workout and pullen. Favors, Cousins, Aldrich, Monroe and Udoh come in for workouts. Man I can't waitttt I love the draft build up. Have a draft party every year. I still believe this is our draft year!!! Back to back ROY's???

 

[bajaden]

Have been thinking of Favors, Cousins, Wall are all gone and we had the # 4 pick if we could get Evan Turner.. Wow... Still not a big but I would definitely take it.

Well if we end up at number 4 we'll certainly get a very good player. I really doubt that Turner will fall to number 4 though. I believe we just had a big earthquake here.... the whole house was shaking and my SUV was jumping up and down in out on the road..

 

[rainmaker]

Well if we end up at number 4 we'll certainly get a very good player. I really doubt that Turner will fall to number 4 though. I believe we just had a big earthquake here.... the whole house was shaking and my SUV was jumping up and down in out on the road..

Yahoo news said there was just a 6.9 in Baja. Hope everything is ok down there.

 

[Vlade4GM]

The number 4 pick isn't a likely number for us to get.

 

[est.1999]

Why not? We're a half game ahead of teams in the 3rd spot. 4th is a realitic possibilty IMO.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Why not? We're a half game ahead of teams in the 3rd spot. 4th is a realitic possibilty IMO.

indeed

 

[Vlade4GM]

Why not? We're a half game ahead of teams in the 3rd spot. 4th is a realitic possibilty IMO.

If we end up top 3 sure, but even if we get 4th then it's still only a 10% chance we would stay 4th.

 

[RichieInRocklin]

If we end up in 4th, then we would have a 47.7% chance of a top 4 pick. You are right, however, that we would only have a 9.9% chance to retain the 4th pick.

 

[ParniValjak]

If we end up in 4th, then we would have a 47.7% chance of a top 4 pick. You are right, however, that we would only have a 9.9% chance to retain the 4th pick.

So in other words, if we end up 4th, we have more chance picking outisde the top 4 than inside the top 4. Knwing our luck, if we end up 4th we will pick 5th or 6th.