POLL: Who do you think Kings will select?

[CruzDude]

The premise of this poll is that the 5 lottery PGs are gone by 12 and these guys are available.


Joe Alexander a quick, fast, defender-shooter with great work ethic
DeAndre Jordan starting C for Texas, true 7 footer
Darrell Arthur long, athletic, defender, scores with back to basket, quick
Jason Thompson 4-yr player at Rider Univ, 20 pts/12 reb ave senior year, tall, quick
Alexis Ajinca incredibly gifted Euro (French), 7-1, quick, fast, but only 1-yr in Euro Pro's
Roy Hibbert 7-2 and 278 lb 4 yr at Georgtown
Marreese Speights big bruiser PF type but poor work ethics
another BIG
a PG we don't know
none of the above

 

[nbrans]

So tough to say because it's hard to know who's going to be there. I honestly could see someone like Eric Gordon slipping and we end up with another tweener. Or we could reach for McGee or Hibbert. Or we could trade out. Or up. Or down. I feel like this is a really unpredictable year, unlike last year when it was pretty clear we were going big and taking whoever fell to us.

 

[PurpleHaze]

I agree there's so many variables this year compared to last when all the talk was which big the Kings would select at #10 - Noah, Hawes, etc.

I wish there was a decent PG left at #12, but don't think so. That leaves it to which big and which type big. Hibbert, Jordan, Koufos, Speights, etc. all might make sense, but each one has glaring downsides with potential bust written on several. Jason Thompson and Darrell Arthur are polished enough to find a place in the NBA - but maybe not headed for stardom. On the other hand, Joe Alexander does not appear to have reached his potential with a lot of versatile skill, determination, charisma - apparently wants to be a King. With Artest likely gone soon, via opt out, trade, or not resigned - I like Joe Alexander as pick at #12 to replace him as SF for the future. (and in 2nd round maybe Kings can grab a Kosta Koufos-type ultra big or a Richard Hendrix-type inside banger)

Latest on Alexander and some of the other "draft dark horses" here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/06/20/weekly.countdown/index.html?eref=T1

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Under the premise that Jordan and Alexander are the two of the "top 13" that fall, I think the Kings pick Alexander and look for a way to deal Artest (or possibly sign and trade if he opts out, though they might just let him walk). I'm not convinced that Jordan isn't the better long-term bet - he should be good defensively and a rebounder and that would fit us, but I would guess that Alexander is more tempting to Petrie.

 

[JerN820]

I cant say that I am a fan of Jordan. His college stats are less than impressive. ESPN just had an article about him where his competiton expected him to be awesome, but then when they play him, he disappears and doesnt live up to his potential. He looks like he could be an overhyped bust. My top choices in order would be, going by who's available: 1. Randolph 2. Augustin (doubt he will be there with Indiana ahead of us) 3. Arthur 4. Alexander

 

[NoBonus]

I was able to predict Hawes... if Noah was picked last year, but Geoff always keeps me guessing when it comes to the draft... also, bigs ALWAYS tend to go first regardless of need or predictions, so it is really tough for me to say who Geoff will pick..

 

[Emma]

I picked Roy Hibbert because Augustin and Westbrook will be gone. AND Hibbert seems to have the least bust potential. Move Hawes to the 4 and they will complement each other nicely.

Super sneaky sleeper pick: Mario Chalmers. Solid backup PG at least. Decent starter at best.

 

[SacKings7]

I think we pick Darrell Arthur, even though I don't want us to. He just seems like a Petrie pick

 

[bajaden]

My first choice is Speights. But I think that Alexander might be the Kings choice, if he isn't taken sooner. Last year I predicted Hawes and caught some flack over that one. Bricky beleives that Petrie had no choice because Hawes was all that was left.

I'm not privy to the inteworkings of Petrie's mind, so who really knows. But remember this. Petrie always likes players with a decent skill level and the ability to shoot the ball. He also likes players with the ability to pass the ball. Using that as a yardstick, you can start to remove the players that don't fall into that group. Don't be surprised if he takes a player like Koufas or Jason Thompson. I know that their considered a reach at 12, but Douby was a reach, and so was Peja at the time. Even Hedo was considered a reach by many of the pundits.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Douby wasn't really that much of a reach. He was ranked around 20-30 IIRC. Taking a fringe first round pick at 12 is a gigantic reach, Petrie isn't that stupid.

 

[steelevt]

it seems the closer we get to the draft, the more i feel #12 is a no mans land pick. all the picks have their pros and cons but all seem to be quite a reach at the 12 pick due to some flaws. so i really wouldnt mind trading down now because i believe most/some of the options should still be there if we traded a couple spots down.

but if we had to pick at 12 i would go with potential. if we keep picking avg/low bust players, all that would do is keep us in the 12-18 pick the next few seasons. with potential, if the kid busts (which i truly hope none of our picks ever do cuz its basically a wasted pick) we're worse off and hopefully get a better pick next year, but if the kid reaches his potential, he can become a star(ie peja or kmart), which is what our team needs. so based on that train of thought id go with alexander. but what id truly want but isnt an option is to trade up or trade down

 

[venom_7]

Douby wasn't really that much of a reach. He was ranked around 20-30 IIRC. Taking a fringe first round pick at 12 is a gigantic reach, Petrie isn't that stupid.

It was a reach when we needed a defensive PG and Rondo and Marcus Williams were both available. As well as Kyle Lowry and Jordan Farmar. We needed a PG, we got a tweener who probably wont be in the league this time next year.

 

[One and Done]

I have a feeling we'll take Darrell Arthur...which I don't agree with at all. He does seem like a Petrie pick...Another undersized PF who can't rebound, whoopee...

I'd like us to take Joe Alexander or DJ Augustin, but it's likely Alexander won't get past Milwaukee and Augustin won't get past Indiana's #11. I'm not high on either but I see them as valuable assets off the bench, especially Augustin's passing ability.

 

[Vlade4GM]

It was a reach when we needed a defensive PG and Rondo and Marcus Williams were both available. As well as Kyle Lowry and Jordan Farmar. We needed a PG, we got a tweener who probably wont be in the league this time next year.

It wasn't a reach because he was ranked around the mid 20's and we got him at 18, period.

 

[jimbodan]

It wasn't a reach because he was ranked around the mid 20's and we got him at 18, period.

I agree he wasn't a reach. Just a bad pick. Although I guess there is some chance he will come around this year, but I'm not holding my breathe.

 

[Entity]

I am looking for Mcgee

 

[Jechtsphere]

Hope we get a PF, don't want another SF.

 

[talltimbr]

"None of the above" - although Alexander has the determination, drive and love of the game to be somebody on my list.

I've been hearing/reading (and I agree) that one of our 2 major needs is a defensive presence, a big body that can and will bang in the paint, that can change/block shots. Someone who has a feel for the game and plays D with determination and intensity. A self motivated, Team oriented big with a good motor who is active on both ends.

I've read all the Kings boards I can find and I haven't seen any mention of Lopez (the other one). I think that most people would agree with the above comments about Robin. Yes, he has a couple of question marks ... rebounding and offense. I believe that out of the poll players mentioned above he is the most likely to overcome his percieved shortcomings with the smallest downside.

As the SI article says and I agree, Robin will rebound much beter without his brother beside him and his offensive game will improve also. IMO he will be a "good" rebounder in a couple years ... a solid double/double, 2 BS, defensive presence that will bang with anybody type guy.

Will he become an All Star? Probably not. But you can't have an all "All Star" team. You need players that will do the dirty work and whatever is needed by the team for the team. With the 12th pick the chances of hitting the home run aren't very good, it happens, but I sure wouldn't put money on it.

Daft a solid piece for the future now and swing for the home run in the 2010, 2011 free agent market. The Kings need pieces to build the future upon.

 

[ovrush]

I THINK we'll take Arthur, I sincerely hope we take Speights or Jordan if either is available as it would be nice to have some size on our frontline.

 

[dmj]

I have a feeling we'll take Darrell Arthur...which I don't agree with at all. He does seem like a Petrie pick...Another undersized PF who can't rebound, whoopee...

I'd like us to take Joe Alexander or DJ Augustin, but it's likely Alexander won't get past Milwaukee and Augustin won't get past Indiana's #11. I'm not high on either but I see them as valuable assets off the bench, especially Augustin's passing ability.

How exactly is Arthur a Petrie pick? Petrie tends to value players with a high basketball IQ who can pass the ball well, which would seem to disqualify Arthur.

And I know I've made this point to death, but his standing reach is about average for a PF and his athleticism allows him to play taller than he is.

Of course, his rebounding is a real concern and so are a number of other things. I really hope we pass on both him and Randolph and go with Speights if we take a PF.

 

[SacKings7]

How exactly is Arthur a Petrie pick? Petrie tends to value players with a high basketball IQ who can pass the ball well, which would seem to disqualify Arthur.

And I know I've made this point to death, but his standing reach is about average for a PF and his athleticism allows him to play taller than he is.

Of course, his rebounding is a real concern and so are a number of other things. I really hope we pass on both him and Randolph and go with Speights if we take a PF.

I said he seemed like a Petrie pick as well, and I'm not sure why. Just a feeling. Although what I bolded probably has something to do with it. (See current PF's)

 

[bajaden]

I read an article in one of the newspapers this morning, and please don't ask which one, because I read around 20 different papers trying to get a read on the draft. Anyway, one scout said that in valuating Jordan, he's so unskilled he wouldn't be surprised to see him slip into the second round. He said he didn't think he would, but the kid really needs a lot of work.

 

[nbrans]

I've been trying out a few different mock draft scenarios, and I think the key to someone falling to us depends on four players: Eric Gordon, Danilo Galinari, Anthony Randolph, and Joe Alexander.

If all four of those guys go ahead of #12, which is actually possible (one scenario, for instance: Gordon to the Clippers, Galinari to the Nets, Randolph to the Bobcats, Alexander to the Bucks), it means one out of Brook Lopez, Russell Westbrook or DJ Augustin will fall to us. My preference would be one of the first two by far, but I'd at least understand an Augustin pick because of how badly we need a point guard.

However, assuming Lopez, Westbrook and Augustin go before #12 it means we'd most likely be choosing from Randolph, Alexander, Arthur, Speights, Hibbert, Jordan, McGee, Robin Lopez, and some left-field picks like Anjica, Thompson, Batum, etc.

Of those, after watching tapes on everyone, I really think McGee is a Petrie type player. We all know Petrie puts a premium on all-around skills, and of the bigs available I think he has the most all-around skills. He can put the ball on the floor, shoot from outside, he has a pretty solid swooping hook shot, he's a pretty deft passer (when he decided to pass, which wasn't often), and he's a decent rebounder and shotblocker. As people have pointed out, atrocious defense, but I don't really think there's a great deal of correlation between playing defense in college and playing defense in the NBA. He at least has the athleticism and size to be a solid defender in the NBA, whereas undersized guys like Arthur are limited from the getgo.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Arthur, Hibbert or Speights picked because those are the other bigs with some skills. I would be really shocked to see him pick Randolph or Jordan because of how unskilled they are. Alexander would be out of left field, but I guess I wouldn't be surprised.

So I'll go with McGee. And I'll probably change my mind 10 times before Thursday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSh4w-UPUk4&feature=related

 

[CruzDude]

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Arthur, Hibbert or Speights picked because those are the other bigs with some skills. I would be really shocked to see him pick Randolph or Jordan because of how unskilled they are. Alexander would be out of left field, but I guess I wouldn't be surprised.

So I'll go with McGee. And I'll probably change my mind 10 times before Thursday.

Don't think Arthur or Hibbert are GP types at this point. Hibbert is too slow and not terribly agile, Arthur is a toothpick we don't need. But I agree McGee is one possibility and earlier wrote "wouldn't it be great to seem him on the Reno D-League team for a year playing full time under control of Kings and only a 2-hour drive away". Plus he would sell out every game in his college town.

The only other BIG is Speights who seems ready to play now off the bench and needs a year of 10>20 min/gm to begin to contribute or even work into starting PF.

 

[Emma]

I've found the more I think about it, the more I change my mind. This draft is utterly frustrating. Anyone he drafts I will accept. Whatever. Our PF problem most likely will only be solved through trade anyway. Beno is a pretty good PG and I wouldn't be surprised if Petrie selects the most skilled PG left to hedge up the position (if Beno wants the MLE of course). I fully expect nothing spectacular from this draft.