Prospect watch 2011
- Thread starter asakkings
- Start date
Actually he has a nice J. Unfortunately it just doesn't go in often enough. Your description of him is an accurate one. He's a very good athlete, who to some might resemble Doug Christie to a degree. Christie played some point guard and was known as more of a slasher type of player coming out of college with a nose for defense.
I don't think he's nearly as good a passer as Christie was at the same stage, but I think he's more aggressive at going to the basket than Christie was. He has a nose for the ball and is a good rebounder for his position. His three point shot is very suspect, and it actually regressed from his freshman year. He's still only 19 years old, so there's a lot of time for him to develop.
He's not NBA ready, but would be a nice piece for the future, and someone you could bring along slowly if you resign Thornton. Drafting Burks would probably be the death nell for Taylor though.
I'm still hoping for luck in the lottery. Derrick Williams is still my first choice followed closely by Irving.
I don't think he's nearly as good a passer as Christie was at the same stage, but I think he's more aggressive at going to the basket than Christie was. He has a nose for the ball and is a good rebounder for his position. His three point shot is very suspect, and it actually regressed from his freshman year. He's still only 19 years old, so there's a lot of time for him to develop.
He's not NBA ready, but would be a nice piece for the future, and someone you could bring along slowly if you resign Thornton. Drafting Burks would probably be the death nell for Taylor though.
I'm still hoping for luck in the lottery. Derrick Williams is still my first choice followed closely by Irving.
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There's another player that I like quite a bit thats very comparable to Burks. Thats Jordan Hamilton. Hamilton is an inch taller and also stronger than Burks. Hamilton was a very highly touted player coming out of highschool who had a very disappointing freshman season. But this past season, his sophmore season he really upped his game and looked like the player everyone though he would be. Burks is rated higher than Hamilton on most draft boards, and the only reason I can think of is that Burks may have an edge athleticly.
This is not to say that Hamilton is a poor, or even an average athlete. I believe him to be a good athlete, while Burks flirts with being a freak athlete. But when you comprare the results, the two players are very similar with each having an edge is certain areas.
Alec Burks: 6'6", 185 Lbs, 20.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 TPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 29.2% 3PP, 46.9% FGP, 19 years of age.
Jordan Hamilton: 6'7", 220 Lbs, 18.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.1 TPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 38.5% 3PP, 44.0% FGP, 20 years of age.
Both players are sophmores, and both are aggressive and good defenders at the college level. I give Burks an edge in this area. Hamilton is a terrific rebounder, and reminds me of Evan Turner or Wesley Mathews from last year in that dept. Obviously Hamilton is a far better outside shooter than Burks. Hamilton has good form on his shot, and gets good elevation, with a quick release thats almost impossible to block when he comes off screens. However, I think his shot is a little too flat, and if corrected, I think he could shoot in the 40 percent range.
Overall, I think that Hamilton is a little more rounded player, and is more NBA ready at this time. But Burks may have more upside long term. I also think that Hamilton can play both the SF and SG positions, due to his strength, and extra height, while Burks is going to be strictly a SG, or, if he improves his ballhandling and passing, a combo guard.
I like both guys, so its sort of pick your poison. Its a shame that the Kings don't have an extra pick, which they might be able to pick up with the draft weakening. Because if your looking for someone that can come in and be a lockdown defender at the SF and SG positions, and at times the PF position, then Chris Singleton is your guy.
Singleton is a terrific athlete, is probably one of the best athlete's in the entire draft. Especially for a 6'9" 225 pound player. He's an outstanding defender, and wasn't able to truely show of his defensive skills in the tournament, because he was still recovering from an injury. He can guard three positions and do it effectively. Offensively he's limited, but he knows what his limitations are and plays within himself.
His biggest weakness was his outside shot, but he spent the entire offseason between his sophmore and junior years working on his shot. As a result his percentage went from 29.7% his sophmore year to 36.8% his junior year. I don't think he'll ever be a good scorer in the strict sense of the word. But I do think he can be a guy that can hit the open perimiter shot, and play tough defense. His rebounding is average to good at 6.8 rebounds a game. But he averaged 2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
He would be too big a reach from where the Kings will be picking. Thats why it would be nice to have another 1st round pick middle to bottom of the round.
This is not to say that Hamilton is a poor, or even an average athlete. I believe him to be a good athlete, while Burks flirts with being a freak athlete. But when you comprare the results, the two players are very similar with each having an edge is certain areas.
Alec Burks: 6'6", 185 Lbs, 20.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 TPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 29.2% 3PP, 46.9% FGP, 19 years of age.
Jordan Hamilton: 6'7", 220 Lbs, 18.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.1 TPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 38.5% 3PP, 44.0% FGP, 20 years of age.
Both players are sophmores, and both are aggressive and good defenders at the college level. I give Burks an edge in this area. Hamilton is a terrific rebounder, and reminds me of Evan Turner or Wesley Mathews from last year in that dept. Obviously Hamilton is a far better outside shooter than Burks. Hamilton has good form on his shot, and gets good elevation, with a quick release thats almost impossible to block when he comes off screens. However, I think his shot is a little too flat, and if corrected, I think he could shoot in the 40 percent range.
Overall, I think that Hamilton is a little more rounded player, and is more NBA ready at this time. But Burks may have more upside long term. I also think that Hamilton can play both the SF and SG positions, due to his strength, and extra height, while Burks is going to be strictly a SG, or, if he improves his ballhandling and passing, a combo guard.
I like both guys, so its sort of pick your poison. Its a shame that the Kings don't have an extra pick, which they might be able to pick up with the draft weakening. Because if your looking for someone that can come in and be a lockdown defender at the SF and SG positions, and at times the PF position, then Chris Singleton is your guy.
Singleton is a terrific athlete, is probably one of the best athlete's in the entire draft. Especially for a 6'9" 225 pound player. He's an outstanding defender, and wasn't able to truely show of his defensive skills in the tournament, because he was still recovering from an injury. He can guard three positions and do it effectively. Offensively he's limited, but he knows what his limitations are and plays within himself.
His biggest weakness was his outside shot, but he spent the entire offseason between his sophmore and junior years working on his shot. As a result his percentage went from 29.7% his sophmore year to 36.8% his junior year. I don't think he'll ever be a good scorer in the strict sense of the word. But I do think he can be a guy that can hit the open perimiter shot, and play tough defense. His rebounding is average to good at 6.8 rebounds a game. But he averaged 2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
He would be too big a reach from where the Kings will be picking. Thats why it would be nice to have another 1st round pick middle to bottom of the round.
The only thing that concerns me about Knight is whether he duplicates the talents of Marcus Thornton too closely. That wouldn't exactly be a bad thing, and we should still take him if he's the best player available (which he might be). I don't see him being the magic piece that completes the roster, but I suppose that's how GMs typically screw up the draft by hoping there is such a player when there usually is not.
Sounds like you answered your own question. I was going to say, let me see. Knight is a good outside shooter. He handles the ball well. He has on occasion shown that he can be a good passer. He's a very good athlete. Probably a better athlete than Thornton, and he's definitely quicker than Thornton. I would say that right now, Thornton is better at finishing at the basket than Knight. Knight also has good size and length for a PG at somewhere around 6'3" to 6'4".
So I guess there is some duplication. But if Knight ends up being as good a player as Thornton, I just don't see how that could be a bad thing. Maybe Knight could be our Jason Terry. That wouldn't be a bad thing. But it wouldn't solve our SF problem either. All good things in time, I guess.
So I guess there is some duplication. But if Knight ends up being as good a player as Thornton, I just don't see how that could be a bad thing. Maybe Knight could be our Jason Terry. That wouldn't be a bad thing. But it wouldn't solve our SF problem either. All good things in time, I guess.
I'm just talking myself out of my "must draft SF" fixation. 
I believe I've mentioned it before that I completely overlooked Tyreke Evans in that 2009 draft because he played SG and we had Kevin Martin as our only building block. I'm pretty happy with how that turned out, so I'm not going to discount anybody because of positional redundancy anymore. Like you said, all good things in time.
I believe I've mentioned it before that I completely overlooked Tyreke Evans in that 2009 draft because he played SG and we had Kevin Martin as our only building block. I'm pretty happy with how that turned out, so I'm not going to discount anybody because of positional redundancy anymore. Like you said, all good things in time.Jordan Hamilton (signed agent) is an NBA-ready offensive player--I don't think he'll put up the scoring rate that he did in college, but he knows his game and should reach that upside of good offense in this league. He's a decent rebounder for his size and a very middling passer, so he strikes me as a bit uni-dimensional. I'm actually not entirely sold on his shooting ability, believe it or not, and I think he'll have to make his case as a scorer first/shooter second type of player. He reminds me a bit of poor man's Michael Finley, a strength scorer with wing size primarily, but he's a player who might have peaked a little bit--he's quite NBA-ready as is. Late mid to early late 1st.
Cory Joseph (testing waters) should use another year in college. His best asset right now is his unselfishness and his ballhandling ability, but considering that he largely spots up and avoids creating offense that's not necessarily a good thing, even if it bodes well for prospective PG skills at the next level. His offense should look better in the NBA than it currently does now, but his offense is just very poor at this stage, and he lacks the dynamicism that many PGs sport in this league. There's not much to work with or any real NBA quality ability at this stage, and he definitely has real bust potential at this league. Another year.
Alec Burks (signing agent) is the higher octane/better scoring version of Jordan Hamilton, although he's slightly more 1D than Hamilton is. Burks is an mid-lotto scorer at the college level and the dropoff won't be too large for the NBA, and there's little bust potential; he's a certified scorer and has good height at 6'6". There's questions about whether he possesses NBA range, but his shooting's above average, so I don't foresee this being a problem at all. His high-end upside would be limited by his severe lack of all-around game, but being a mid-range in version of Kevin Martin isn't out of the question at all. He's a late lotto pick.
Klay Thompson (testing waters) again is another very great scorer at the college level, and he should be an equally apt scorer at this level. Very good shooter. He's quite decent at making defensive plays as well, with good length. But I think that he needs to iron out quite a few of the kinks to his game (i.e. turnovers/severe lack of rebounding) and I don't think he's really that NBA-ready at this stage. Has NBA qualities, but there's bust potential here. He does have NBA qualities however, and the balance can put him anywhere from late 1st from mid 2nd. Beauty in the eye of the beholder prospect.
Cory Joseph (testing waters) should use another year in college. His best asset right now is his unselfishness and his ballhandling ability, but considering that he largely spots up and avoids creating offense that's not necessarily a good thing, even if it bodes well for prospective PG skills at the next level. His offense should look better in the NBA than it currently does now, but his offense is just very poor at this stage, and he lacks the dynamicism that many PGs sport in this league. There's not much to work with or any real NBA quality ability at this stage, and he definitely has real bust potential at this league. Another year.
Alec Burks (signing agent) is the higher octane/better scoring version of Jordan Hamilton, although he's slightly more 1D than Hamilton is. Burks is an mid-lotto scorer at the college level and the dropoff won't be too large for the NBA, and there's little bust potential; he's a certified scorer and has good height at 6'6". There's questions about whether he possesses NBA range, but his shooting's above average, so I don't foresee this being a problem at all. His high-end upside would be limited by his severe lack of all-around game, but being a mid-range in version of Kevin Martin isn't out of the question at all. He's a late lotto pick.
Klay Thompson (testing waters) again is another very great scorer at the college level, and he should be an equally apt scorer at this level. Very good shooter. He's quite decent at making defensive plays as well, with good length. But I think that he needs to iron out quite a few of the kinks to his game (i.e. turnovers/severe lack of rebounding) and I don't think he's really that NBA-ready at this stage. Has NBA qualities, but there's bust potential here. He does have NBA qualities however, and the balance can put him anywhere from late 1st from mid 2nd. Beauty in the eye of the beholder prospect.
The things we need to improve on in the backcourt: Shooting, IQ, decision making, and pick and roll play. I think (as far as we can tell at this moment) Knight only really solves one of those issues (shooting), and Thornton solves that just as well if not more so. I'd rather not spend our draft pick on redundant talent that isn't clearly better in overall talent compared to the other prospects in that range. Knight seems way too much like a 1-on-1 gunner to me, I think I'd rather pass on that, but I do have a suspicion that the Kings will take a liking to him.
Here's my revised list of players, US only, in the order that I like them, and not necessarily in the order they would be drafted. My top 20.
1. Derrick Williams
2. Kyrie Irving
3. Brandon Knight
4. Kemba Walker
5. Terrence Jones
6. Alec Burks
7. Kawhi Leonard
8. Jordan Hamilton
9. Jimmer Fredette
10. Kenneth Faried
11. Marcus Morris
12. Tristan Thompson
13. Chris Singleton
14. Justin Harper
15. Markieff Morris
16. Nolan Smith
17. Marshon Brooks
18. Tyler Honeycutt
19. JaJuan Johnson
20. Josh Selby
Now of course you add in the international players and some of these guys get pushed down. Josh Selby probably doesn't deserve to be as high as I have him, but I watched him play in highschool and in two all star games before playing for Kansas. He got off to a rough start being suspended for around 12 games to start the season, and then had an ankle injury which took him out for a couple of games. I think he's a very talented kid, and I believe that if he could have started the season normally, he would have put up much better numbers. Thus the higher rating.
1. Derrick Williams
2. Kyrie Irving
3. Brandon Knight
4. Kemba Walker
5. Terrence Jones
6. Alec Burks
7. Kawhi Leonard
8. Jordan Hamilton
9. Jimmer Fredette
10. Kenneth Faried
11. Marcus Morris
12. Tristan Thompson
13. Chris Singleton
14. Justin Harper
15. Markieff Morris
16. Nolan Smith
17. Marshon Brooks
18. Tyler Honeycutt
19. JaJuan Johnson
20. Josh Selby
Now of course you add in the international players and some of these guys get pushed down. Josh Selby probably doesn't deserve to be as high as I have him, but I watched him play in highschool and in two all star games before playing for Kansas. He got off to a rough start being suspended for around 12 games to start the season, and then had an ankle injury which took him out for a couple of games. I think he's a very talented kid, and I believe that if he could have started the season normally, he would have put up much better numbers. Thus the higher rating.
As of now, I have essentially the same order. The big one for me (since it is a realistic decision we will have to make) is Kemba versus Knight.
I have flip flopped on this many times already, but I have to agree with you and put Knight first. He's not a perfect player or without risk, but he's 2 years younger than Walkers, is a better 3 points shooter and defender, and he's a 4.0 student in both high school and college. I just think long term, the idea of having Knight and Reke as our starting backcourt with Thornton coming off the bench would pose a lot of problems for teams on both sides of the ball. In the right matchup, a Knight-Thornton-Reke lineup could be devistating as well.
I have flip flopped on this many times already, but I have to agree with you and put Knight first. He's not a perfect player or without risk, but he's 2 years younger than Walkers, is a better 3 points shooter and defender, and he's a 4.0 student in both high school and college. I just think long term, the idea of having Knight and Reke as our starting backcourt with Thornton coming off the bench would pose a lot of problems for teams on both sides of the ball. In the right matchup, a Knight-Thornton-Reke lineup could be devistating as well.
Baja can probably give a better overall scouting report, but the quick different would be O and D. Leonard is a better shooter and more aggressive offensive player. Jones is a better defender and is more apt to just play within himself. Obviously this is based off of a limited number of college teams, where the two had very different roles (Leonard was the main offensive player, Jones was on a more talented team). But that should give you some idea.
At this stage of their careers they're very different, and in some aspects similar. Confusing huh? Although Jones is only an inch taller than Leonard, he is just a bigger player. He weighs around 240 and has wide shoulders. He's big enough to get in and bang with PF's, which is the position he played at Kentucky. Mostly due to their lack of height on the team. Leonard is also a strong player, but in a more wirey way. Both guys are very good athletes and both guys play defense. Once again Jones has an advantage in length, and is a very good weakside shotblocker. Jones is a better rebounder, due to his greater bulk and strength.
I think both guys are going to play SF in the NBA, but Jones could play some PF as well. Leonard has a very good mid-range game, and likes to do a lot of his scoring in the key in a variety of ways. Leonard doesn't take many shots from beyond the arc. Of the two, leonard is the hardest to quantify. He's sort of a jack of all trades. He's just good at a lot of things, but not great at anything. Jones is a more defined player, and a player that I think has a better handle on who he is as a player. If that makes any sense. Both guys play with a lot of intensity and energy, but Jones will sometimes let bad calls or a bad bounce of the ball affect him on the floor. He's gotten better at it as the season went on, but it is an issue you have to consider.
I like both guys, and if I had to pick one that is best suited to be a SF, it would probably be Leonard. If I had to pick the one that I thought had the best chance of being a star, it would be Jones. He just has more all around skills.
I think both guys are going to play SF in the NBA, but Jones could play some PF as well. Leonard has a very good mid-range game, and likes to do a lot of his scoring in the key in a variety of ways. Leonard doesn't take many shots from beyond the arc. Of the two, leonard is the hardest to quantify. He's sort of a jack of all trades. He's just good at a lot of things, but not great at anything. Jones is a more defined player, and a player that I think has a better handle on who he is as a player. If that makes any sense. Both guys play with a lot of intensity and energy, but Jones will sometimes let bad calls or a bad bounce of the ball affect him on the floor. He's gotten better at it as the season went on, but it is an issue you have to consider.
I like both guys, and if I had to pick one that is best suited to be a SF, it would probably be Leonard. If I had to pick the one that I thought had the best chance of being a star, it would be Jones. He just has more all around skills.
This isn't a ranking of where they'd fall in the draft, but this is a ranking of where they stack in terms of contributing to the league:
1) Kyrie Irving
2) Kemba Walker
3) Terrence Jones
4) Jared Sullinger
5) Derrick Williams
6) Kyle Singler
7) Kawhi Leonard
8) Reggie Jackson
9) Iman Shumpert*
10) Tyler Honeycutt*
11) Alec Burks
12) Trey Thompkins
13) Keith Benson*
14) Tristan Thompson
15) Markieff Morris
16) Jordan Hamilton
17) Klay Thompson*
18) Jimmer Fredette
19) Jon Leuer
20) Marcus Morris
Ones with *'s= Bust potential. Has skills to warrant their high draft mark, but might not bear fruit in the league.
1) Kyrie Irving
2) Kemba Walker
3) Terrence Jones
4) Jared Sullinger
5) Derrick Williams
6) Kyle Singler
7) Kawhi Leonard
8) Reggie Jackson
9) Iman Shumpert*
10) Tyler Honeycutt*
11) Alec Burks
12) Trey Thompkins
13) Keith Benson*
14) Tristan Thompson
15) Markieff Morris
16) Jordan Hamilton
17) Klay Thompson*
18) Jimmer Fredette
19) Jon Leuer
20) Marcus Morris
Ones with *'s= Bust potential. Has skills to warrant their high draft mark, but might not bear fruit in the league.
Have to disagree strongly with Arby's list.
On another note, I've read somewhere that the tie-breaker between Kings and Jazz has taken place, and that the Kings won. Maybe it's been discussed but I haven't seen it. Can anyone confirm this?
Unless we get lucky and nab a top 3 pick, the guys to consider at 5 are Knight, Walker, Jones, and as a dark horse, Vesely. I would be fine with taking a chance on him. He has alot of potential, and if he worked out he would be great for us at the SF position. Excellent athleticism, size, solid skills with a good foundation for improvement etc.. Could be a very good player down the line. There are other interesting guys like Kanter, Motiejunas.
On another note, I've read somewhere that the tie-breaker between Kings and Jazz has taken place, and that the Kings won. Maybe it's been discussed but I haven't seen it. Can anyone confirm this?
Unless we get lucky and nab a top 3 pick, the guys to consider at 5 are Knight, Walker, Jones, and as a dark horse, Vesely. I would be fine with taking a chance on him. He has alot of potential, and if he worked out he would be great for us at the SF position. Excellent athleticism, size, solid skills with a good foundation for improvement etc.. Could be a very good player down the line. There are other interesting guys like Kanter, Motiejunas.
Yes, we did win the coin flip. We have a 25.5% chance to get one of the top three slots, a 26.1% chance to stay at #5, a 38.6% chance to drop to #6, a 9.3% chance to drop to #7 and a 0.4% chance to drop to #8.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Yes, we did win the coin flip. We have a 25.5% chance to get one of the top three slots, a 26.1% chance to stay at #5, a 38.6% chance to drop to #6, a 9.3% chance to drop to #7 and a 0.4% chance to drop to #8.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Not sure exactly what your inference is as contributing to the league, but are you aware that Sullinger is no longer in the draft? You have some interesting players rated pretty high. I'm wondering why. For instance, I would take JaJaun Johnson in a heartbeat over Jon Leuer. And I would bet you a million dollars on Johnson beating Leuer in a game of one on one. Every game I watched where a good defender was put on Leuer, he was just terrible. The dude can shoot from the outside if left open, so he can probably find a spot in the NBA with someone, but he wouldn't even get a sniff in the first round in a normal draft, and I'm not sure he'll get one in this draft.
I like both Shumpert and Jackson, but I'll really be surprised if either is taken in the first round. Someone may take a flyer on Benson because of his size, and there being such a lack of good bigs in the draft. I think Klay Thompson will go in the first round, but I agree with your bust potential there. I watched Thompson and Hamilton go head to head, and Hamilton won that decision, and easily. But I like Thompson. I just didn't like the way his collar got tight a few times.
But hey, interesting list. I guess its all a matter of taste.
I like both Shumpert and Jackson, but I'll really be surprised if either is taken in the first round. Someone may take a flyer on Benson because of his size, and there being such a lack of good bigs in the draft. I think Klay Thompson will go in the first round, but I agree with your bust potential there. I watched Thompson and Hamilton go head to head, and Hamilton won that decision, and easily. But I like Thompson. I just didn't like the way his collar got tight a few times.
But hey, interesting list. I guess its all a matter of taste.
There's a couple of guys that just threw their names into the draft that might be worth a gamble. Of course either of them could really rise up the draft board if they show well at the combine and the team workouts. But if not, I say what the hell, go ahead and draft them. One is Lucas Nogueira, and 18 year old, 7 foot center from Nigeria. The other is Davis Bertans, a 6'8" SF. Another 18 year old who is suspossed to be a very good shooter, good athlete, but still very raw in a lot of areas. Anyway, I just throw them out as examples. I'm sure those that spend more time watching international basketball can offer more on the subject.
Anyone have an idea where Valanciunas will go? We obviously don't need a backup big, well, its not a priority, but DX has had him ranked top 5 all year, and #3 right now. I'm just wondering if we end up picking between 4-7, and want Knight/Walker to fall to us, what are the chances Valanciunas is picked before those guys? DX think this guy is the best big in the draft.
The only top euro prospect I've seen play a number of times is Motiejunas, who is pretty talented, and I like, but doesn't fill a need for us. I've ben impressed when watching him, and find it interesting DX thinks Valanciunas is better than both Motiejunas and Kanter.
The only top euro prospect I've seen play a number of times is Motiejunas, who is pretty talented, and I like, but doesn't fill a need for us. I've ben impressed when watching him, and find it interesting DX thinks Valanciunas is better than both Motiejunas and Kanter.
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One guy that no one seem to notice is Reggie Jackson from BC:
he's junior, 6'3 with a 7' wingspan, athletic, defends, shot .556FG, .796FT, .420 3pt, decent playmaker who had 4.5apg with 2.4topg for 1.88 A/TO ratio, doesn't force things on offense, made a big jump in productivity this season and his team improved from 15-16 to 21-13 so it's not like he put empty stats. He seems to have serious potential as a first guard off the bench.
Valanciunas, Byiombo and Vesely can always stay for another year overseas in case of a lengthy lockout. Valanciunas is not going to come over after this season anyway. He wants to leave Europe only when there are some guaranteed minutes for him in the NBA. It's quite likely he stays overseas for two more seasons but he's not Fran Vasquez, he wants to play in the NBA. The way this team is composed right now Kings don't really need another player but 2-3 years from now he may replace aging Dalembert. Same with Byiombo.
he's junior, 6'3 with a 7' wingspan, athletic, defends, shot .556FG, .796FT, .420 3pt, decent playmaker who had 4.5apg with 2.4topg for 1.88 A/TO ratio, doesn't force things on offense, made a big jump in productivity this season and his team improved from 15-16 to 21-13 so it's not like he put empty stats. He seems to have serious potential as a first guard off the bench.
Valanciunas, Byiombo and Vesely can always stay for another year overseas in case of a lengthy lockout. Valanciunas is not going to come over after this season anyway. He wants to leave Europe only when there are some guaranteed minutes for him in the NBA. It's quite likely he stays overseas for two more seasons but he's not Fran Vasquez, he wants to play in the NBA. The way this team is composed right now Kings don't really need another player but 2-3 years from now he may replace aging Dalembert. Same with Byiombo.
Depends on need, really. Valanciunas is an upper-crust NBA rebounder and at 6'11" 230 with his athleticism and mobility you can think perhaps maybe another Andris Biedrins in that respect. Like Biedrins he's a real project elsewhere--I'm not certain about his offense, and while I think it will look better in the league (his free throw shooting gives a lot of hope), I still don't think he's much of a scorer in this league. Similarly he's a hack defensively, so while he can make plays it might really stymie his minutes on the court like it did with Biedrins the first several years. His rebounding is NBA ready, but he's still raw in other facets.
Motiejunas and Mirotic, as I stated in previous reports, seem to be good offensive upside in the league, but is that all they're going to be? 6'11" and 6'10" scorers/shooters are prototypes that NBA teams have explored with in the past (Radmanovic, Cabarkapa, Bargnani) and while some do well I'm not sure if Motiejunas or Mirotic have the ability to do so. Both their all-around games are pretty poor.
At least Valunciunas looks the part of the NBA and has surefire NBA rebounding ability, but Motiejunas/Mirotic are purely banking on offensive potential which may or may not bear fruit. All are projects in various ways, but it really depends on who their coach is/what team they play for/how they are used at the end.
Motiejunas and Mirotic, as I stated in previous reports, seem to be good offensive upside in the league, but is that all they're going to be? 6'11" and 6'10" scorers/shooters are prototypes that NBA teams have explored with in the past (Radmanovic, Cabarkapa, Bargnani) and while some do well I'm not sure if Motiejunas or Mirotic have the ability to do so. Both their all-around games are pretty poor.
At least Valunciunas looks the part of the NBA and has surefire NBA rebounding ability, but Motiejunas/Mirotic are purely banking on offensive potential which may or may not bear fruit. All are projects in various ways, but it really depends on who their coach is/what team they play for/how they are used at the end.
Regarding my list, I knew it would be polarizing--it's way off base from what the other mocks are reporting. That's why I said it was more in line with players who I think have the swath of skills and NBA-readiness to contribute within a time period of 2-3 years after entering the league. I discounted Euros from that list by the way, but notable omissions from the list include luminaries such as Josh Selby, Brandon Knight, and others who if you've read my scouting reports I don't think are all that ready, and their upside is more team-based than individual-based IMO. Just my two cents there. The guys who I think have bust potential have NBA skills that might be viable, but may have bad habits/raw games/bad competition that prevent their NBA success from being an absolute certainty--as I've stated before, Iman Shumpert's game is incredibly tantalizing but incredibly haywire, Honeycutt faded in the second half, Klay T is turnover prone and Benson played against bad competition and his offense should look way worse in the league. Those are more beauty in the eye of the beholder type prospect, tantalizing with good upside but can also flame out--if you really want to go for the safe picks, omit them from the list.
As for the other guys, I'm just very high on many of them. I'm not super certain on Terrence Jones--I think he can definitely make a mark defensively in this league but his lack of great height and widebody might impede him to a degree, you can move him down because of that. I think Reggie Jackson is absolutely a huge sleeper--he looks like he has PG skills and he can score and rebound in this league; while he lacks significant upside, that's pretty much the battle. Jon Leuer is an interesting case, and you can also move him down the list: I think he's a very good ballhandler at his size and can make a few D plays, but his offense should look worse in this league and he's a pretty bad rebounder. Probably a Jason Smith role in this league, which is not much of anything.
As for the other guys, I'm just very high on many of them. I'm not super certain on Terrence Jones--I think he can definitely make a mark defensively in this league but his lack of great height and widebody might impede him to a degree, you can move him down because of that. I think Reggie Jackson is absolutely a huge sleeper--he looks like he has PG skills and he can score and rebound in this league; while he lacks significant upside, that's pretty much the battle. Jon Leuer is an interesting case, and you can also move him down the list: I think he's a very good ballhandler at his size and can make a few D plays, but his offense should look worse in this league and he's a pretty bad rebounder. Probably a Jason Smith role in this league, which is not much of anything.
Yes, we did win the coin flip. We have a 25.5% chance to get one of the top three slots, a 26.1% chance to stay at #5, a 38.6% chance to drop to #6, a 9.3% chance to drop to #7 and a 0.4% chance to drop to #8.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Because we were tied, the order of the Kings and the New Jersey second round selections will be in reverse of the first round but the Nets' pick (which belongs to the Jazz) may move ahead of us in the lottery so we will pick either #35 or #36 pending the lottery results.
We also get to draft Mr. Irrelevant, as we own Chicago's #60 pick which we received via Milwaukee as a part of the Brockman/Jackson trade. Perhaps there will be a Manu Ginobili available.
Are you sure on #60 by the way. I've seen this reported differently on different sites. I thought we had traded the Bucks for their 2nd round pick, so I am not sure they can force us to take Chicago's because it is the worse selection.
I didn't know the Kings had the 60th pick in the draft. What are the chances that he stays on the team or that we find a productive player with the last pick? I mean never say never, there are always second round steals to be found and even though Petrie isn't much of a 2nd round gem type of guy, do you guys think Nikola Mirotic would fall to 60?
Of all the guys that, most would say were somewhat out of postion, Reggie Jackson intrigues me the most. And he's a guy that I wouldn't normally mind taking a flyer on in the second round. Two things that I wonder about, or that bother me, is number one, his true height. If he measures out at 6'3" or above, then I think he could slide into the first round. I doubt it, but its possible if he really shows well in the team workouts. The other is the huge jump in his shooting percentage from the previous two years. Not something you should hold against him I guess, but it always gives me pause.
The main question is whether we should draft him or not if were going to resign Thornton. I suspose we could dispose of Taylor and insert Jackson. Obviously I'm not a very big Jon Leuer fan. And Jason Smith was a terrific athlete when he came out of college. I don't see Leuer having much of an impact in the NBA. He's a big, but he doesn't play big. There's no doubt he can score in college. He was one of Wisconsin's main go to guys, and he played decent defense on a team that was very defensively oriented. I just don't see what he brings translating to the NBA. But hey, I've been wrong before.
The main question is whether we should draft him or not if were going to resign Thornton. I suspose we could dispose of Taylor and insert Jackson. Obviously I'm not a very big Jon Leuer fan. And Jason Smith was a terrific athlete when he came out of college. I don't see Leuer having much of an impact in the NBA. He's a big, but he doesn't play big. There's no doubt he can score in college. He was one of Wisconsin's main go to guys, and he played decent defense on a team that was very defensively oriented. I just don't see what he brings translating to the NBA. But hey, I've been wrong before.