Prospect watch 2011

[bajaden]

Here's another quote from Ford in his article on Leonard..

Leonard proved to be a real gym rat as well. He was the first guy in the gym and the last one to leave both days I was there. On Tuesday I arrived at 9 a.m. and left at 5:30 -- Leonard was there the whole time working on various things; he must have shot 1,000 jumpers.



"I've been trying to find a good NBA comp for him all year, and I think the best may be the Blazers' Gerald Wallace. Leonard has the same type of motor and toughness and is more skilled than you think. If he keeps shooting the ball like he did Tuesday and Wednesday, I believe he could end up being a top-5 pick in the draft. We've moved him up to No. 5 on ourBig Board after seeing what he brings to the table".

What can I say, great minds think alike...

 

[Glenn]

If Kanter has the ability to play PF, I think I would look at him in an entirely different light. There's no denying his talent. I've always felt that if you have two equally talented players and one is a big man and the other is a little man, then I take the big man. There just aren't a lot of skilled big men coming out of college. We were very fortunate to get one last year. There are exceptions to my rule of course. Such as when a once in a decade player like Derrick Rose comes along.

I have to admit. Kanter looked in great shape in that interview. The dude has huge biceps. If his knee's prove to be solid, I think we have to take a serious look at him.

He's 18, right? Wait until he grows up. He'll probably add an inch in height. He looks like a giant to me. He has a frame that can handle a lot of weight. I've never seen a video of him shooting from the outside as he just wades through the little people on his way to the basket.

 

[bajaden]

He's 18, right? Wait until he grows up. He'll probably add an inch in height. He looks like a giant to me. He has a frame that can handle a lot of weight. I've never seen a video of him shooting from the outside as he just wades through the little people on his way to the basket.

In the all star game in which he scored 34 points, he put on an offensive display that included just about everything but the kitchen sink.

 

[Glenn]

In the all star game in which he scored 34 points, he put on an offensive display that included just about everything but the kitchen sink.

I saw it and as you say that kind of all star game leads to a lot of scoring and little defense. His performance seemed more like a big guy just playing his normal game of basketball. No high flying dunks and theatrics that these games are famous for. It's only one game but I think a lot was showcased in that one game that is a good indication of what he is like. Long story short, I put a lot of stock in what I saw and although I have not seen the other big men in the draft, I HAVE seen a lot of big men in my life. This guy is special. I think there is something about his head size and frame that leads to believe he will get bigger without losing any agility in the process. You see those biceps? He knows where his money game is. If he can shoot from the outside even remotely like Cousins or Thompson for that matter, I'd take him and forget about the pgs.

Wilt was skin and bones when he came out of college. Not saying he will be like Wilt but I mean that he is way ahead of the normal development of a man's frame. To exaggerate, an 18 year old could possibly gain 2-3 inches. I thought I read he was 6'9" as a 16 year old. If that is true, he might be in line for another little spurt of growth. What if he hit 7'1"? I hate "what ifs" but we are talking about a very scary guy if that happens.

My bias has always been this way and it is based on skill and our need. Everybody can use a guy this size. Sure we need a SF but that's for free agency. I have never seen Williams but he must be spectacular if he is thought to be better than Kanter. At least Kanter is playing his NBA position and working on another position. Williams is not playing his NBA position or at least as we see it.

Everybody knows by now that I make judgments based on very little. This one game was amazing.

BTW, I thought I saw him dunk the kitchen sink but maybe I'm mistaken.

 

[rainmaker]

I love Kanter, and have seen him play more than most of the college guys, because of my connection/access to that part of the world. The guy has major talent. Can step outside and shoot, as well as pass, but also mixes it up inside, and loves contact, unlike most euro's.

Baja, I have a question for you. Outside of Williams, do you see any sf's in this draft which are already better than Omri and Donte? If we end up failing to aquire a sf through a trade or FA signing, and don't get Williams, do you see any sf's who would come in and start over the guys we have now?

 

[sdballer]

I love Kanter, and have seen him play more than most of the college guys, because of my connection/access to that part of the world. The guy has major talent. Can step outside and shoot, as well as pass, but also mixes it up inside, and loves contact, unlike most euro's.

Baja, I have a question for you. Outside of Williams, do you see any sf's in this draft which are already better than Omri and Donte? If we end up failing to aquire a sf through a trade or FA signing, and don't get Williams, do you see any sf's who would come in and start over the guys we have now?

You've got a couple euro's but I don't know that anyone of them is a clear cut next best and all have big question marks. Leonard may be the next best SF rated and I really don't like him that high (at least for our team). He doesn't excel at passing, shooting, dribbling which are 3 areas I really think we need from our 3. He's a dirty work player who may turn out to be something more and I think is a potential steal in the middle of the 1st round. High lottery status is more of an indication that this draft is weak than that he is a special talent.

 

[bajaden]

I love Kanter, and have seen him play more than most of the college guys, because of my connection/access to that part of the world. The guy has major talent. Can step outside and shoot, as well as pass, but also mixes it up inside, and loves contact, unlike most euro's.

Baja, I have a question for you. Outside of Williams, do you see any sf's in this draft which are already better than Omri and Donte? If we end up failing to aquire a sf through a trade or FA signing, and don't get Williams, do you see any sf's who would come in and start over the guys we have now?

If I take your question literaly, the answer is no! But if the question is, is there anyone in the draft that could, will, be better than Casspi or Greene down the road, the answer would be yes. All spectulation of course with no guarantee's. The only guy that I think could come in and start is possibly Hamilton. Now according to Chad Ford, Leonard has really improved his jumpshot and ballhandling. If so, who knows? Maybe he could come in and start. But start and be better immediately than Casspi or Greene, I doubt it. Both those guys have two years experience or more. Thats hard to overcome.

 

[bajaden]

You've got a couple euro's but I don't know that anyone of them is a clear cut next best and all have big question marks. Leonard may be the next best SF rated and I really don't like him that high (at least for our team). He doesn't excel at passing, shooting, dribbling which are 3 areas I really think we need from our 3. He's a dirty work player who may turn out to be something more and I think is a potential steal in the middle of the 1st round. High lottery status is more of an indication that this draft is weak than that he is a special talent.

Actually Leonard is a pretty good passer. And his ballhandling, while nothing to write home about, is better than Greene's. Leonard is another one of those unfortunate players that was forced to play PF in college instead of his natural NBA position. Very similar to Gerarld Wallace who was forced to play center in college. It doesn't allow them to develop the necessary skill levels. But, and I think its a big but, that doesn't mean they can't develop those skills if given a chance. If I see a player like Leonard, and I think he can be a very good SF in the NBA at both ends of the floor, I don't care about him being a reach. They don't give you extra points in a game for pickinig a player in the pundit suggested positon in the draft. How many GM's wish they had taken a shot at Landry Fields now.

 

[Vlade4GM]

As I've stated before, Burks is not a good fit, but I'm still intrigued about him because his potential is pretty good. Improving strength and shooting are probably two of the most common things among young prospects, and those are the two things that can be holding him back from being an all-star player one day. I don't know if I can say the same about many other players in his draft range.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

I am still mad at Harrison Barnes for returning to school he would have been the perfect pick for us. Although I do have a weird feeling we are going to win the lotto this year and pick Irving.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Heres a video posted 3 days ago of Enes Kanter working out. Nothing groundbreaking, but I posted it because of how impressed I am with his shot form. Its very fluid and textbook. No wierd leaning or anything .. purely from a form standpoint, much better than our recent young players like Casspi, Evans, Greene, and Even DMC tends to lean a bit on his shot when he doesnt need too.

Again, just a dumb workout video, but he looks very solid and looks like he has good technique just about everywhere.

 

[sc3252]

Looked very good in that video.
Anyways, quick question. As prospects how does this draft line up with last year. For example is Enes Kanter considered a better prospect than Demarcus Cousins(as a prospect, not current cousins). Also do people think he can play power forward, or is he strictly center? I didn't follow this draft as close as last years(something about team moving), but right now I am trying to get all the info I can.

 

[SacTownKid]

Considered a better prospect than Cousins? Talent wise, no. This draft class is viewed as "weak" by some. The Wall, Cousins, Favors class was pretty hyped before graduating high school.

 

[Glenn]

Looked very good in that video.
Anyways, quick question. As prospects how does this draft line up with last year. For example is Enes Kanter considered a better prospect than Demarcus Cousins(as a prospect, not current cousins). Also do people think he can play power forward, or is he strictly center? I didn't follow this draft as close as last years(something about team moving), but right now I am trying to get all the info I can.

This draft is considered weak especially from 3rd pick to 100. The first two are considered locks and 3-10 are roughly equivalent so a team could pick for need. Barring good luck, we should be picking after the first two.

I liked Cousins when we picked him and Kanter right now. By reports Kanter is bright and has a diverse game which is very similar to Cousins. Kanter is presently working on his outside shooting as he sees the possibility of being a PF. He seems to be a very good outside shooter. He is virtually unstoppable in close. I personally think he is one of the largest human beings I have seen and he is in shape. Kind of like Dwight Howard with immense biceps. He seems quick given his size and has very good lateral movement.

There are rumors of knee problems but Kanter says he has had no problems in the past two years. His knee problem was "jumper's knee" or an inflammation of the tendon connecting to his knee cap. He was out 5 months. Hassan Whiteside had the same diagnosis EXCEPT there was an actual tear in the tendon that required surgery. There is no reason to think he will have serious problems going forward given proper care by an NBA training staff.

I have not seen the top two as Irving missed much of the season and for some reason I couldn't get a connection to watch Williams. I am a little confused that people think Williams will have an easy switch to SF while he was a PF in college. I trust the experts here. Perhaps the transition is expected to be easy. It must be.

Kanter excites me very much as Cousins did in college. Their limits will only be in their attitude and so far they both seem to be hard workers. Kanter is 18!! He can be a center or PF. When we got Cousins I thought we got the steal of the draft and absolutely nothing has changed my mind. Kanter = Cousins.

I need advice from those who watch these things more than I do as it is hard for me to imagine another player in this draft with the skills and upside as Kanter. I will always favor the big guy over the smaller guy and honestly, perhaps I am a bit giddy, I don't understand why he wouldn't be the #1 pick. Perhaps he is a little off the radar at the moment as he is from Turkey and did not play organized ball last year. I don't think he will be off the radar long.

Making these kinds of analyses is not my forte so any correction will be welcomed.

 

[bajaden]

This draft is considered weak especially from 3rd pick to 100. The first two are considered locks and 3-10 are roughly equivalent so a team could pick for need. Barring good luck, we should be picking after the first two.

I liked Cousins when we picked him and Kanter right now. By reports Kanter is bright and has a diverse game which is very similar to Cousins. Kanter is presently working on his outside shooting as he sees the possibility of being a PF. He seems to be a very good outside shooter. He is virtually unstoppable in close. I personally think he is one of the largest human beings I have seen and he is in shape. Kind of like Dwight Howard with immense biceps. He seems quick given his size and has very good lateral movement.

There are rumors of knee problems but Kanter says he has had no problems in the past two years. His knee problem was "jumper's knee" or an inflammation of the tendon connecting to his knee cap. He was out 5 months. Hassan Whiteside had the same diagnosis EXCEPT there was an actual tear in the tendon that required surgery. There is no reason to think he will have serious problems going forward given proper care by an NBA training staff.

I have not seen the top two as Irving missed much of the season and for some reason I couldn't get a connection to watch Williams. I am a little confused that people think Williams will have an easy switch to SF while he was a PF in college. I trust the experts here. Perhaps the transition is expected to be easy. It must be.

Kanter excites me very much as Cousins did in college. Their limits will only be in their attitude and so far they both seem to be hard workers. Kanter is 18!! He can be a center or PF. When we got Cousins I thought we got the steal of the draft and absolutely nothing has changed my mind. Kanter = Cousins.

I need advice from those who watch these things more than I do as it is hard for me to imagine another player in this draft with the skills and upside as Kanter. I will always favor the big guy over the smaller guy and honestly, perhaps I am a bit giddy, I don't understand why he wouldn't be the #1 pick. Perhaps he is a little off the radar at the moment as he is from Turkey and did not play organized ball last year. I don't think he will be off the radar long.

Making these kinds of analyses is not my forte so any correction will be welcomed.

The million dollar question is can he play PF? Of course he can, but would he be effective at both ends of the floor. I don't have that answer, and its something that will be decided by the teams that work him out.. Is he as good as Cousins was last year? Hard to say. I had the ability to watch Cousins play in over 25 games in college. Thats a pretty good test sampling. I've seen Kanter play in two all star games. Hardly a good comparison. I'd also like to add, that although Kanter is a big dude, Cousins is bigger. Unfortunately they don't give you any extra points for being big.

As to why both Irving and Williams are at present ranked higher than Kanter, its the unknown factor. At the moment teams have more questions than answers about Kanter. Some of those questions will be answered in the weeks to come starting next wednsday at the combine. Add in, that they already have a pretty good read on Williams and Irving, both of whom are more athletic than Kanter. Yes, he's looking good in his workouts. But I could probably do some research and name you at least 50 guys that shot up the draft boards due to outstanding workouts prior to the draft, that ended up being busts. There is no substitute for real games. And considering that Kanter didn't play in one real game all of last season, his current draft status is no surprise.

Personally, I like him, or what I've seen of him. And if he can play the PF positon effectively, then my interest in him increases. Once again, I'll trust Petrie on this one.

A guy to keep your eye on thats starting to get some buzz is Josh Selby. I really liked this kid coming out of highschool. Unfortunately his freshman season was pretty much a disastor. He started out the season serving a suspension for I think, 10 games. Relying on my memory here, and then later suffered an injury, sidelining him for another 5 games or so, just as he was starting to get into the flow a little. All in all I don't believe he really represented his overall abilities last season. He's a very good athlete, with a good outside shot. He's also a good defender. He reminds me a little of Bradley from last season, but with a little more quickness and with better handles.

To be honest, I was surprised when he declared for the draft. If he had stayed he probably would have been the starting PG for Kansas next season. But then I was surprised by Bradley as well.

 

[vikinginferno]

How do you guys feel Brandon Knight compares to Chauncey Billups?

 

[bajaden]

How do you guys feel Brandon Knight compares to Chauncey Billups?

I like Knight, and coming out of college, I'd say he's a better player than Billups was at the same time. Does that mean he'll turn out as well as Billups has? Don't know. Their both around the same size at 6'3". I would say that Knight is a better overall athlete than Billups. I also think that Knight is a much better shooter than Billups was when he came out.

Lets not forget that it took Billups around 6 or 7 years in the league to find his Mojo. He went through 3 teams, if my memory serves, before landing at Detroit, where he finally found a home. Considering all of Knights skills, I would say its highly possible that he'll be just as good a player as Billups, and perhaps sooner. I think he has the ability to be a better defender than Billups. All just pure spectulation on my part.

The draft is a crapshoot to a large extent. Its much easier to predict how a racehorse is going to turn out, than it is a professional athlete. People have minds of their own, and every person is going to be just as good as that person wants to be. And by want, I mean the dedication and desire to reach that persons full ability.

So if a player like Knight is willing to put in 8 hours a day whenever he has the opportunity to work on his game, I can fairly well predict that he'll be a damm good player in the league. To quote Ken Venturi again. "The more I practice, the luckier I get"

 

[Glenn]

I'd also like to add, that although Kanter is a big dude, Cousins is bigger. Unfortunately they don't give you any extra points for being big.

Unless the size is muscle and is useful in wading through other guys on the way to the basket. I don't understand what you mean by, 'they don't give you any extra points for being big." Should he lose weight? In an era where I hear comment after comment that a guy needs to put on muscle I am now wondering "why" especially given your above comment. If size is not important, then why should Hassan, Omri, and the like put on muscle?

I'll trust Petrie on this one.

Same here.

 

[bajaden]

Unless the size is muscle and is useful in wading through other guys on the way to the basket. I don't understand what you mean by, 'they don't give you any extra points for being big." Should he lose weight? In an era where I hear comment after comment that a guy needs to put on muscle I am now wondering "why" especially given your above comment. If size is not important, then why should Hassan, Omri, and the like put on muscle?



Same here.

Where did I say that size wasn't important? You've got to stop reading between the lines. I said exactly what I meant. Size, unto itself, is meaningless. My point is, that there have been thousands of guys that have been big, but they weren't skilled, and so they never amounted to a hill of beans. In this particular case, it was merely a throw away line meant to be humorus. Nothing more! I like Kanter! And I think he is skilled, therefore, his size matters. And of course the size that I'm speaking of, is size measured by height, and strength, and not by blubber.

Let me be very clear about this so you know where I'm coming from. There are those that are secduced by athleticism, length, and overall size. And I have nothing against any of those things, as long as they come with a skill set. The first thing I look for in a player are skills. How does he handle the ball? How good a passer is he? Does he have court vision? How good a shooter is he for the position he'll play? Whats his basketball IQ? If he excells in all of those things, then I would grade him according to his size for the position, and how athletic he is. But the size and the athleticism don't mean a damm thing if he doesn't have the skills to go along with them. I'll take a highly skilled average athlete over an unskilled freak athlete every day of the week. Because I know exactly what I'm getting from the skilled player. Whereas, the freak athlete is just rolling the dice.

Now I know there are many that will disagree with me, and thats OK. But I'll bet you a dinner at a resturant of your choice that I'll be better at predicting the success of the skilled players, than they are the athletic one's.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Unless the size is muscle and is useful in wading through other guys on the way to the basket. I don't understand what you mean by, 'they don't give you any extra points for being big." Should he lose weight? In an era where I hear comment after comment that a guy needs to put on muscle I am now wondering "why" especially given your above comment. If size is not important, then why should Hassan, Omri, and the like put on muscle?

I think his point was that you can be big .. but you wont get anything by 'just being big' you have to use that size .. you want guys like Hassan and Omri to get bigger, but if they dont improve there skill at the same time than it wont help them as much as it could.

Take a look at a guy like Kwame Brown. Big, athletic ... about as good a body for the NBA as you can have, but he didnt have any real skill and wasnt a hard worker. So in that case, being big did nothing for him.

 

[Glenn]

baja, you said size doesn't give extra points. That's why I quoted it. What should I have thought that meant? Actually this guy uses his size to get him points. Kanter, the guy we are talking about, no one else.

Humor, especially subtle, doesn't translate well on forums. There is always a risk of misunderstanding hence we ask questions of each other for clarification. That's all I did.

 

[Glenn]

Where did I say that size wasn't important? You've got to stop reading between the lines. I said exactly what I meant. Size, unto itself, is meaningless. My point is, that there have been thousands of guys that have been big, but they weren't skilled, and so they never amounted to a hill of beans. In this particular case, it was merely a throw away line meant to be humorus. Nothing more! I like Kanter! And I think he is skilled, therefore, his size matters. And of course the size that I'm speaking of, is size measured by height, and strength, and not by blubber.

Let me be very clear about this so you know where I'm coming from. There are those that are secduced by athleticism, length, and overall size. And I have nothing against any of those things, as long as they come with a skill set. The first thing I look for in a player are skills. How does he handle the ball? How good a passer is he? Does he have court vision? How good a shooter is he for the position he'll play? Whats his basketball IQ? If he excells in all of those things, then I would grade him according to his size for the position, and how athletic he is. But the size and the athleticism don't mean a damm thing if he doesn't have the skills to go along with them. I'll take a highly skilled average athlete over an unskilled freak athlete every day of the week. Because I know exactly what I'm getting from the skilled player. Whereas, the freak athlete is just rolling the dice.

Now I know there are many that will disagree with me, and thats OK. But I'll bet you a dinner at a resturant of your choice that I'll be better at predicting the success of the skilled players, than they are the athletic one's.

I happen to agree. I apparently lost the point you were making. I apologize.

 

[bajaden]

I happen to agree. I apparently lost the point you were making. I apologize.

No apologies necessary. Hard to use inflection in a written line. I'll try a smiley face next time..

 

[bajaden]

There are a few guys that should be available in the second round, that I think have the skills to surprise. Think Landry Fields. Three of them are seniors, so there's no going back for these guys. I think all three of them can play in the NBA because of their individual skill sets, and size. The best of the lot may be Chandler Parsons. A 6'9" SF, that played PF in college. He's an interesting player, that has a lot of skills. He only weighs 200 pounds, and has a slight build that can carry more weight, but I just don't ever see him matching up against the PF's of the league.

He's just an average athlete, and certainly isn't the prototype above the rim kind of guy. But he's sneaky fast. He really handles the ball well for a guy his size and is an excellent passer. He's also a good shooter, hitting close to 40% of his shots from behind the 3 pt line. He also is good at putting the ball on the floor and going to the basket, where he will also pullup and take the midrange shot. And he's a good rebounder, when considered a SF. Offensively, his weakness is having trouble finishing at the basket at times. Also, he has a somewhat slow release on his jumpshot. And he tends to favor his power hand, although he will use his off hand at times.

Despite being an average athlete, he's actually a good defender. He's blessed with very good lateral movement, and is good at keeping his man in front of him. He played for Florida, which emphasized team defense. He also has quick hands. Some will note that offensively he wasn't as productive as his junior year. I can't speak for him, but I think it had more to do with his role on the team, than lack of ability. I'm not sure why he's ranked as low as he is, unless he's being looked at as a PF. I could be wrong, but I think he's going to surprise some people.

 

[bajaden]

My second guy is Demetri McCamey, a 6'3", 205 pound PG. If you looking for a pure PG, in the strict sense of the word, McCamey is your guy in the second round. He started off the year with a bang, getting Illinios off to a great start. He's a very good ballhandler,and passer. He's definitely a pass first PG. But the dude can also shoot the ball if needed. He shot 45.1% from behind the 3pt line. And that wasn't just a one year splash. He's at 42% for his career. He also averaged 6.1 assists against 2.9 turnovers. He has excellent court vision, and at times will get a wow out of you with one of his passes. Defensively, he has decent to good lateral quickness and is capable of keeping his man in front of him. He has a build similar to Timmy Hardaway.

Now the bad news. Something happened about halfway through the season. I wish I could tell you what, but all I have are rumors. All I know is that suddenly, Demetri just wasn't the same player. His defense looked to be more token than real effort. His playmaking wasn't as crisp, and at times he just looked like a completely different player. As a result, Illinois great start, fizzled, and the season was a disappointment.

McCamey has had off court issues in the past. Mostly dealing with his dedication and conditioning. That didn't seem to be an issue this season. He looked in great shape at the start of the season, and was playing a very high level. The rumor is that he had a very serious run in with his head coach, and it was all downhill from there. As I said, it was a rumor, and I can't verify it.

The bottom line is, he's a very talented kid. If someone can light a fire under him, they'll have themselves a very good basketball player. I doubt he'll drop to our very last pick in the second round, but if he did, I'd grab him in a heartbeat.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

My second guy is Demetri McCamey, a 6'3", 205 pound PG. If you looking for a pure PG, in the strict sense of the word, McCamey is your guy in the second round. He started off the year with a bang, getting Illinios off to a great start. He's a very good ballhandler,and passer. He's definitely a pass first PG. But the dude can also shoot the ball if needed. He shot 45.1% from behind the 3pt line. And that wasn't just a one year splash. He's at 42% for his career. He also averaged 6.1 assists against 2.9 turnovers. He has excellent court vision, and at times will get a wow out of you with one of his passes. Defensively, he has decent to good lateral quickness and is capable of keeping his man in front of him. He has a build similar to Timmy Hardaway.

Now the bad news. Something happened about halfway through the season. I wish I could tell you what, but all I have are rumors. All I know is that suddenly, Demetri just wasn't the same player. His defense looked to be more token than real effort. His playmaking wasn't as crisp, and at times he just looked like a completely different player. As a result, Illinois great start, fizzled, and the season was a disappointment.

McCamey has had off court issues in the past. Mostly dealing with his dedication and conditioning. That didn't seem to be an issue this season. He looked in great shape at the start of the season, and was playing a very high level. The rumor is that he had a very serious run in with his head coach, and it was all downhill from there. As I said, it was a rumor, and I can't verify it.

The bottom line is, he's a very talented kid. If someone can light a fire under him, they'll have themselves a very good basketball player. I doubt he'll drop to our very last pick in the second round, but if he did, I'd grab him in a heartbeat.

Yea, I dont know how McCamey fell off the map so far. Early in the season he was right up there with the other PG's of the draft .. very much in the discussion with Walker and Knight. I like his skill set, and with a second round pick .. could be an absolute steal... or he could just be another Lance Stephenson ( Who I liked in the second round last year .. doh! )

It will take some evaluation by Petrie though .. we cant afford another distraction in this locker room. I dont mind wasting the pick on him if he doesnt work out .. I worry about the effect he would have on the team more than wasting the pick.

 

[gunks]

Man.... That Kanter is a big dude. He and Cousins could be a NASTY frontline down the road.


...Of course, he'll probably get picked before us and we'll be left with some high scoring combo guard... Oh well.

 

[bajaden]

Yea, I dont know how McCamey fell off the map so far. Early in the season he was right up there with the other PG's of the draft .. very much in the discussion with Walker and Knight. I like his skill set, and with a second round pick .. could be an absolute steal... or he could just be another Lance Stephenson ( Who I liked in the second round last year .. doh! )

It will take some evaluation by Petrie though .. we cant afford another distraction in this locker room. I dont mind wasting the pick on him if he doesnt work out .. I worry about the effect he would have on the team more than wasting the pick.

Funny you should mention Stephenson, who has shown that he's definitely a talent. I don't think I ever saw anyone as disruptive to a team as he was in Cincinnatti. So you never know how a player is going to turn out.

 

[bajaden]

My third guy is Gilbert Brown, a 6'6", 200 pound, SF/SG. Brown is a terrific athlete. And if he were 19 or 20 years of age, he might be a first round pick. But unfortunately he's going to be 24 years of age in august. Unless your name is David Robinson, teams are reluctant to use a first round pick on someone that old. You have to figure that your already looking at the upside. Offensively, Brown is limited. He has poor mechanics on his jumpshot, although, when he's set, in a spot up position, he's a fairly accurate shooter, hitting 41% from behind the 3 pt line. He does attempt mid-range shots, but off the dribble, his percentage drops significantly.

You would think that being such a good athlete, he would be effective around the basket. On putbacks and garbage, he is. But his ability to get to the basket with the ball, is extremely limited by his average to below average ballhandling. Improving in this area would really help his game, and allow him use his above average athleticism more effectively. He is however a pretty good passer, and he's a very unselfish player that seems to know his limitations, and stay within them.

Its defensively that Brown shines. At 6'6" he has good length and has quick hands. He's blessed with outstanding lateral quickness that allows him to guard everything from PG's to SF's. If I had to pick a current player he reminds me of, I would pick Tony Allen. If Brown can improve his shot mechanics, and improve his ballhandling, that along with his defensive abilities can land him a spot on an NBA team. By all accounts, he's a hard worker, and a great teammate. And in the second round, where its really a crapshoot, you'd have a better idea of what your getting than with most guys. He could develop into that so called defensive lockdown guy that every team wishes they had.

Brown played for the Pitt Panthers by the way. A team that had plenty of offensive weapons, whch in some ways may have hindered Brown's development on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Hallama]

I'd throw DeAndre Liggins as a second round sleeper as well. Can play some point off the bench with good size and length. Decent shooter/slasher too that can guard PGs and SGs. Don Nelson would've loved him as a Paul Pressey type of player in his system. He kind of gets lost in the shuffle of the recruits Kentucky has brought in the last few years - Wall, Cousins, Knight, Jones, Bledsoe. I could see Liggins being a nice 7 or 8th guy off the bench in a couple of years.