Kings attending Brooklyn Nets mini combine:

[bajaden]

Not a huge deal, but at least the Kings FO is doing thier due diligence. Today and tomorrow the Brooklyn Nets are holding a sort of mini combine for players that will be 2nd round picks at best, or not drafted at all. However, a lot of these same player will be invited to summer league, and eventually will play in the DBL.

As far as I know, there's no TV coverage of the event, so maybe our great beat rider, Mr. Jones can take some time away from his Oakland Raiders and write a line or two about it. What makes this combine unique, is that its the only one where they can have five on five competition. Here's a site with the rosters...

http://www.nba.com/nets/news/nets_to_host_nba_draft_combine_120515.html

 

[bluntsnbball]

i read on hoopshype this morning that so far the most impressive guy has been Darius Johnson-Odom. The rosters are slightly underwhelming, but there are some interesting prospects. i liked watching Tony Mitchell from Alabama play this season, before he got cut or whatever. not sure if he's a player we really need but its fun to watch explosive players like him.

 

[bajaden]

So far, the players that are standing out, are Kim English, Cameron Moore, Kevin Murphy, Ashton Gibbs, Darius Odom Johnson, Scott Machado, and Josh Owens.

English, a senior SG from Missouri is a terrific shooter. He averaged 14.5 PPG while shooting 52.1% overall from the floor, and 45.9% from behind the line.

Josh Owens from Stanford is a very athletic PF at 6'8" and 240 pounds. He posted a 41" vertical today at the measurement part of the combine. He shot 57.3% overall but only totaled just under 6 boards a game.

Cameron Moore from UAB, is a 6'10", 230 pound, PF/C. He averaged 16.1 PPG and 10.5 RPG, while shooting 48.3% overall from the floor. Take away the unadvised 3pt shots, and he's shooting well over 50% from the floor.

Darius Odom Johnson, a 6'2", 215 pound Guard, was a very good scorer for Marquette. The question is, what is he? A PG or a SG. My guess is a SG, and a undersized one at that. However, he can shoot the rock and there's always a place for guys that can score.

Scott Machado, who according to scouts that I follow, is rising in the draft, and he's not hurting his chances so far at the combine. He led all of college in assists with 9.9 a game at Iona, while only turning the ball over 3.3 times a game. While he didn't shoot much, he did shoot well. Averaging 13.6 PPG on 49.5% overall shooting, and 40.4% from behind the line. At 6'1" and 180 pounds, he's a decent athlete, but by no means above average.

Kevin Murphy, a 6'6", 185 pound SG from Tennessee Tech, is just that, a shooter. He averaged 20.6 PPG on 44.4% overall, and 41.6% from behind the line.

Ashton Gibbs is another of those 6'2" guards that you can't put in a set position just yet. Rumors are that he's training for the PG position, but his main attribute is shooting and scoring. He averaged 14.6 PPG for the Pitt Panthers, but only 2.1 APG.

 

[bajaden]

i read on hoopshype this morning that so far the most impressive guy has been Darius Johnson-Odom. The rosters are slightly underwhelming, but there are some interesting prospects. i liked watching Tony Mitchell from Alabama play this season, before he got cut or whatever. not sure if he's a player we really need but its fun to watch explosive players like him.

I never did find out why Mitchell was suspended, but it must have been fairly serious, because he was one of their best players. Certainly won't help his draft status. Some of the guys I'm most interested in are playing tomorrow. Drew Gordon is one of them. He's another of Howland's top recruits that fled UCLA to another program.

 

[bajaden]

As a follow up on Gordon, he was recruited by Howland at UCLA. He played his first two years there, and had several run in's with Howland on how he was being used. He transfered to New Mexico St. for his junior and senior years, and immediately became one of their best players. He'll definitely be a second round pick, and will be a good role player for some team. At 6'9", 245 pounds, and having a good wingspan, he's a terrific rebounder, averaging over 11 boards a game. He's also turned himself into a good defensive player. He has good, but not great lateral quickness. He didn't score a lot, averaging only 13.7 PPG, but he only took just over 5 shots a game, shooting at a 53.9% overall clip.

Depending on what the Kings do in the first round, he's someone to have on the radar in the second round. I see him as a solid rotational player off the bench that can come in and play defense, rebound, and get you a few points.

 

[Glenn]

Te last thing I want the Kings to do in the first round is pick a guard. I am sure that is arguable by the people who think a PG is the most important person on the court. We are deperate for a SF and depending on what we do with JT, may be desparate for a big also. These are available in the draft. Machado stands out as we need a real PG. We can limp by with IT, Tyreke, TWill, and Jimmer and I would rather do that then blow the 1st round pick on a PG. Perhaps we can always use a shooter but we have 4 in the starting lineup and one's talent is being wasted on any given play. On the other hand, a skilled passer like a real pass first PG is what we need. Let's come out of this draft with Davis, Robinson, MKG, or Barnes an then Machado in the 2nd round. Yes, I have seen them all play.

 

[bajaden]

Te last thing I want the Kings to do in the first round is pick a guard. I am sure that is arguable by the people who think a PG is the most important person on the court. We are deperate for a SF and depending on what we do with JT, may be desparate for a big also. These are available in the draft. Machado stands out as we need a real PG. We can limp by with IT, Tyreke, TWill, and Jimmer and I would rather do that then blow the 1st round pick on a PG. Perhaps we can always use a shooter but we have 4 in the starting lineup and one's talent is being wasted on any given play. On the other hand, a skilled passer like a real pass first PG is what we need. Let's come out of this draft with Davis, Robinson, MKG, or Barnes an then Machado in the 2nd round. Yes, I have seen them all play.

I agree with you, and certainly don't think the Kings will draft a PG in the first round. In the first place, there isn't one good enough to be taken as high as we'll be picking. We need help on the wing, and in the post. If we were to add a PG, then I would hope it would be through freeagency, so we'd be getting some experience as well. Someone like an Andre Miller, who could bring some experience off the bench. But even then, I'd rather not go PG anywhere. We have several players that can bring the ball up. Its not a perfect position, but at least its t deep one. Especially if we find a way to resign Terrence Williams.

 

[BMiller52]

As a follow up on Gordon, he was recruited by Howland at UCLA. He played his first two years there, and had several run in's with Howland on how he was being used. He transfered to New Mexico St. for his junior and senior years, and immediately became one of their best players. He'll definitely be a second round pick, and will be a good role player for some team. At 6'9", 245 pounds, and having a good wingspan, he's a terrific rebounder, averaging over 11 boards a game. He's also turned himself into a good defensive player. He has good, but not great lateral quickness. He didn't score a lot, averaging only 13.7 PPG, but he only took just over 5 shots a game, shooting at a 53.9% overall clip.

Depending on what the Kings do in the first round, he's someone to have on the radar in the second round. I see him as a solid rotational player off the bench that can come in and play defense, rebound, and get you a few points.

Can we get him with our 2nd round pick? He was a top recruit when UCLA signed him, and it just didn't work out there because Howland did a horrible job handling his lockerroom and letting guys like Reeves Nelson run the show. I still think Gordon can be a good player, and a solid big with good athleticism and good rebounding and defense is a perfect compliment to Cousins. Even if he turns out to only be an 18-20 MPG guy or whatever, the fit is still perfect IMO.

 

[bajaden]

Can we get him with our 2nd round pick? He was a top recruit when UCLA signed him, and it just didn't work out there because Howland did a horrible job handling his lockerroom and letting guys like Reeves Nelson run the show. I still think Gordon can be a good player, and a solid big with good athleticism and good rebounding and defense is a perfect compliment to Cousins. Even if he turns out to only be an 18-20 MPG guy or whatever, the fit is still perfect IMO.

I would say that the odds are pretty good that he'll be there when we pick in the second round. Of course anything can happen between now and the draft. If he really impresses in team workouts, he could move up.

 

[Gilles]

This is the type of setting Machado thrives in. With real game preparation opponents take out his left hand and he becomes totally useless.

 

[bajaden]

This is the type of setting Machado thrives in. With real game preparation opponents take out his left hand and he becomes totally useless.

You know, to be honest, I don't know what your talking about. I'll admit that I only got to see Iona play around 4 or 5 times this season. They wern't on a lot. But I saw nothing that would validate what you just posted as far as his left hand is concerned. I've seen him handle the ball with both hands, and most scouts think he's a good ballhandler. I've seen him attack the basket with both hands, but mostly his right. He passes with either hand. So I'm confused.

I'd say the biggest knock on him is his average athleticism. He's more quick than fast. What sets him apart is his terrific court vision. I think he can definitely play in the NBA. He also had his best year shooting the ball. Here's a little video of him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5E7YdMHnw

 

[Gilles]

tweet "DraftExpress: Fairfield forcing Scott Machado to drive right all 2nd half, which he doesn't appear to be able to do whatsoever? Major weakness for him."
And in his previous game in the NIT opponents did the same only realised it was that effective mid-way through second half.

 

[bajaden]

tweet "DraftExpress: Fairfield forcing Scott Machado to drive right all 2nd half, which he doesn't appear to be able to do whatsoever? Major weakness for him."
And in his previous game in the NIT opponents did the same only realised it was that effective mid-way through second half.

Since I only report what I see, and what some of the scouts I follow have to say, I can't argue with Draftexpress. I might point out that Draftexpress was terribly wrong about Tyreke Evans, so they're far from perfect. As am I!. But don't you think its strange for a right handed player to have trouble driving to his right. I will admit that he brings the ball up the court a lot with his left hand, but I must assume that he's right handed since he shoots with his right hand. Most players that are right handed usually have trouble going to their left. Anyway, whatever! I didn't see it. Its not noted in any of the scouting reports that I've seen.

 

[Uncia03]

I saw Machado play a few times this season and he definitely has very good court vision and is phenominal with his passing on the fast break. Really does a good job getting the ball to players hustling up the floor or coming down the wings.

He also seems to be pretty aggressive driving into the lane, but I think his size/athleticism is going make that far more difficult at the next level because he seemed to have problems quite a bit at the college level.

I also want to note something I thought was very odd.
If you watched the Iona/BYU game in the tournament, Machado was absolutely brilliant in the first half. Iona ran a fast-break style game and Machado orchestrated it perfectly and had around 10 assists in the 1st half and I believe Iona had over a 20 point lead at one point.
Then BYU decided to zone up, and it just killed Iona. Iona was a good shooting team, but they struggled to shoot through the zone and weren't able to attack it well to get easier opportunities.

Anyway, I was pretty surprised that Machado wasn't able to do more to break down the zone when it was clear that the shots were not falling for them, and ultimiately BYU pulled out the victory. I would guess it was one of the bigger come-from-behind victories in the tournament this year, and Iona and Machado were on the losing end of it.

With ITs emergence this last year, I don't think we have a realistic roster spot for Machado, unless we used IT's good year to facilitate a trade, then brought in Machado as a potential replacement.

 

[bajaden]

I saw Machado play a few times this season and he definitely has very good court vision and is phenominal with his passing on the fast break. Really does a good job getting the ball to players hustling up the floor or coming down the wings.

He also seems to be pretty aggressive driving into the lane, but I think his size/athleticism is going make that far more difficult at the next level because he seemed to have problems quite a bit at the college level.

I also want to note something I thought was very odd.
If you watched the Iona/BYU game in the tournament, Machado was absolutely brilliant in the first half. Iona ran a fast-break style game and Machado orchestrated it perfectly and had around 10 assists in the 1st half and I believe Iona had over a 20 point lead at one point.
Then BYU decided to zone up, and it just killed Iona. Iona was a good shooting team, but they struggled to shoot through the zone and weren't able to attack it well to get easier opportunities.

Anyway, I was pretty surprised that Machado wasn't able to do more to break down the zone when it was clear that the shots were not falling for them, and ultimiately BYU pulled out the victory. I would guess it was one of the bigger come-from-behind victories in the tournament this year, and Iona and Machado were on the losing end of it.

With ITs emergence this last year, I don't think we have a realistic roster spot for Machado, unless we used IT's good year to facilitate a trade, then brought in Machado as a potential replacement.

I don't think there's any doubt that Machado is much better in the open court on the break, than in a half court set. At least in college where they probably play more zone than they do man defense. Now some of that has to do with Machado, and some of it has to do with his teammates. It takes more than the PG alone to break down the zone. It certainly helps to have a Cousins or someone of similar ilk that you can force the ball into. Iona didn't have that, so they turned into a bunch of perimiter shooters. If the shots don't drop, you lose!

 

[Gary]

Te last thing I want the Kings to do in the first round is pick a guard. I am sure that is arguable by the people who think a PG is the most important person on the court. We are deperate for a SF and depending on what we do with JT, may be desparate for a big also. These are available in the draft. Machado stands out as we need a real PG. We can limp by with IT, Tyreke, TWill, and Jimmer and I would rather do that then blow the 1st round pick on a PG. Perhaps we can always use a shooter but we have 4 in the starting lineup and one's talent is being wasted on any given play. On the other hand, a skilled passer like a real pass first PG is what we need. Let's come out of this draft with Davis, Robinson, MKG, or Barnes an then Machado in the 2nd round. Yes, I have seen them all play.

Your list looks pretty much like mine.. Davis, Robinson, MKG/Barnes.. I wanted to add a player who I think will success in the NBA, Kendall Marshall. I would love to grab him up if we are for some reason picking 7th.

 

[Glenn]

Your list looks pretty much like mine.. Davis, Robinson, MKG/Barnes.. I wanted to add a player who I think will success in the NBA, Kendall Marshall. I would love to grab him up if we are for some reason picking 7th.

Because Gary and I never agree, I feel a need to defend my choice of Barnes. I don't see him as anywhere as useful as MKG at this point but I think he will prove to be a great spot up shooter at the least. That's a good start. The Kings need a spot up shooter. He would help open up the court for Tyreke and Cousins. In that sense, for the Kings in particular, he has much value. Truth is, I would be thrilled with any of the top two and very excited about Robinson and I must admit, I have seen Robinson very little. It just happened to be when I watched him, he stood out. What excites me about these top four is that none of them need the ball. This must be a first in NBA history that the top 4 picks, if it should work out that way, are not people who need the ball in their hands.

After that, I am almost clueless except I have a list of names as long as my arm that will help the Kings. That's good. We don't NEED a potential superstar. We have two potential superstars and for most teams, that should be enough. The Kings haven't had two potential superstars in a decade. We need the rest of the team to be solid and there still is that list of players as long as my arm that will contribute to making the team solid.