kings should draft jonas valanciunas !!
- Thread starter Demarcus Cousins
- Start date
Well, the kid just turned 19 and Kings would have to pay $500,000 (max NBA allows) as part of his buyout. Poor Jonas would have to pay rest out of his pocket. Then and only then could he be in a Kings uni for 2011-12. Otherwise, have to wait at least a season for his services - so we could have him maybe by age 21. I agree, he's very intriguing big man and possible at #7, if not taken off board earlier.
Jonas is generally seen as third or fourth best international player (right now) behind the likes of Kanter, Vesely, and possibly couple others like Motiejunas, Biyombo or Vucevic. DraftExpress has Cleveland at #4 taking Valanciunas as big man with a lot of upside - and filling a need after they presumably take PG Irving at #1. Jonas is likely off the board by the time Kings select.
Nice evaluation of top international prospects in this NBA draft by Amick:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20....prospects/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a7
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20....prospects/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a7
I don't understand the infatuation with Valanciunas by people who had actually seen him played. Don't get me wrong, he's an NBA player, he could be a starter someday, but I didn't see the star potential.
He's basically Jason Thompson with less skill, less leap, but a better finisher; I think JT is a solid big man but I don't think we need two of them. On the other hand, if JT is in this draft he'd be top 10 pick, so I do get why Valanciunas is ranked high.
He's basically Jason Thompson with less skill, less leap, but a better finisher; I think JT is a solid big man but I don't think we need two of them. On the other hand, if JT is in this draft he'd be top 10 pick, so I do get why Valanciunas is ranked high.
Believe it or not, I wouldn't be bothered by the pick of Valanciunas. I am impressed that he is decently quick (for a center, mind you) and can probably add 15-20 pounds because, unlike our 50% free throw shooting Vesely, this guy has a bigger frame. Not Cousins or Kanter size but big enough for his position. He probably will hit his stride about the time Daly heads to the old folks home. 
The idea of trading down always makes me nervous as a team could trade themselves out of the possibility of a decent player. Also we don't need more bodies which trading down gets you. We need a player. There are sooooooooo many possibilities I know I won't be disappointed.
The idea of trading down always makes me nervous as a team could trade themselves out of the possibility of a decent player. Also we don't need more bodies which trading down gets you. We need a player. There are sooooooooo many possibilities I know I won't be disappointed.
Spurs, I don't know, unless they think they can keep winning while he develops overseas. Considering they had quite the good record last year, it's not out of the question. They're not done yet. Thunder? Probably the same reasoning. When does Kendrick Perkins's contract expire? That might have something to do with it.
He's intriguing and has been getting a lot of hype. The rips on him is that he needs to work on shooting and getting stronger. Also the fact he may have to spend 1-2 years overseas may scare some teams (although sounds like he may go to CLE). The latter is the reason why the Kings wouldn’t select him, the Maloofs are looking to raise the value of their franchise NOW.
All the reports I read yesterday said that he can't come over until after next season. The buyout info was for buying out his contract after next season. Appears he has two years left on his contract and they won't let him out of next season. The Kings are in a win now mode, so if this is true, I just don't see them drafting Valanciunas.
Well, if you watched Duncan play last season, you'd notice that he's not the Duncan of old. He's still pretty good, but his days are numbered. Now I'm not saying that Valanciunas is the next Duncan, but he comes a lot closer than anyone they might draft at number 28. They could bring Valanciunas in and let Duncan mentor him for a couple of years. They know they have to start rebuilding at some point. It might as well start now..