CaminoChaos
Bench
that Kings want Noah. After 2 workouts and a lengthy interview they are very high on him. Just what I heard.
Sports 1140 reports...
- Thread starter CaminoChaos
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sactownfan
Guest
I hope so. PLEASE LORD GIVE US NOAH OVER HAWES !
TaxMan
Starter
Seems to be the message of the Sac Bee this morning as well (although...saying that, in their mock draft they have them passing on Noah for Thornton at 10, so go figure.)
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Would be kind of predictable, and one of my own choices if Horford/Yi/Wright are all gone (with the other Wright maybe a possibility too).
That said if those first three at least are still available when we pick, and we gto Noah...I'd be a little annoyed. Whatever he may be, he does not have the offensive game to be a potential star. To pass up the chance of one, for the, stop me if this sounds familiar, safe, veteran, proven, lesser talent would lead me to think that we are going to be stuck for a while.
Who said this BTW? You said 1140, but there must be a lot of different voices on there. Local? National? Kings employee? Media type?
That said if those first three at least are still available when we pick, and we gto Noah...I'd be a little annoyed. Whatever he may be, he does not have the offensive game to be a potential star. To pass up the chance of one, for the, stop me if this sounds familiar, safe, veteran, proven, lesser talent would lead me to think that we are going to be stuck for a while.
Who said this BTW? You said 1140, but there must be a lot of different voices on there. Local? National? Kings employee? Media type?
Yeesh. I'm with you Brick. At this point, I would be willing to go with a gamble. Noah may give a solid 16/8, but nothing that would set the world afire. To me he seems like someone who would make a great addition to a veteran-laden team, a spark off the bench, not someone to build around.
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
It will be a surprise if he ever gets to 16. I like roleplayers, but they are of little use unless you have stars for them to support.
Put him on a vet team and you'll surely see 12. In the right situation, I think he'll get you 6-7 shots + a couple of FT a night. Either way, he's a "safe choice".
On a side note, I wonder where Theus' interests are in this draft? Would he offer any input and/or would Petrie listen? I will give Noah hustle/emo points, but not much else.
On a side note, I wonder where Theus' interests are in this draft? Would he offer any input and/or would Petrie listen? I will give Noah hustle/emo points, but not much else.
Hmm... curious. Petrie never lets anything slip. I wonder if this is a diversion, letting other teams think we want Noah so they'll take him over someone we "really" want.
Or am I thinking too much?
PurpleHaze
All-Star
Noah will very likely not be there at #10. Memphis at #4 is a strong possibility unless they take Conley. Grizz want as close to an immediate impact player as is out there and need some excitement to spark renewed interest in their floundering franchise. Noah to Milwaukee or Minnesota is also possible as is Chicago. Kings make get stuck with Hawes by default, one of the two Wright's, or Thornton. Yi to Sacramento is a very remote possibility as well. #10 looks like a very unlucky number - #8 or #9 soooo much better.
Kingster
Hall of Famer
Wouldn't surprise if he were there at #10, but do you want to take him? The only way he'll ever be a star is if his shooting motion is entirely dismantled and he starts from scratch. Then you've got to believe that his work ethic is commensurate with his "passionate play" on the court. Finally, you've got to believe that he has enough "touch" to one day become a good shooter, after reconstructing his shot and working on it like crazy. Right now, he's like Verajao. Would you take Verajao at #10?
Speaking of Verajao, if the Cleveland deal with Bibby is still in the works, with the Kings getting Verajao, I don't see Petrie taking Noah.
Speaking of Verajao, if the Cleveland deal with Bibby is still in the works, with the Kings getting Verajao, I don't see Petrie taking Noah.
It was one of the Rise Guys. Not sure where he got that info, but it was one of the show hosts.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
couldnt have stated that any better! hell, the Kings WANT a Championship...and they WANTED to beat the Lakers in 2002...but...
edit: that being said, I doubt Noah is there at #10...we're stuck with Hawes.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
...and the Rise Guys are ALWAYS right in their prognostications.
nbrans
All-Star
They probably read the Bee this morning. Still though, it's worth reading this from Henry Abbott:
Joakim Noah
Enter Joakim Noah.
Honestly, this was the conversation that I'll be remembering for years to come. Based on the next 15 minutes, Noah is easily one of my favorite players in the world.
I finally abandoned the "stupid question" opening and went instead with a tale from David Thorpe. David has been using Joakim Noah, in conversations over the last two or so years, as the prime example of a great teammate. His biggest point is look: every time the TV cameras are on, there's Joakim talking up someone besides himself. And it's true. It's always: look how great Corey Brewer is. Look how great Al Horford is. Let me tell you how hard my dad worked. Stuff like that.
David is of the opinion, and I'm inclined to agree, that it's a rare player indeed who makes it his primary mission to lift up his teammates. And players like that are catalysts for teams that are teams.
I think back to what Brewer had told me moments before: "We had to go through so much. We were together 24/7. We kind of got to know each other like brothers. ..." And you know what? Every college team has those opportunities to bond. But the vast majority never achieve noteworthy roster-wide selflessness.
You have to have special people, people who are amenable to caring for others, to make that happen. And all the Gators I met get credit for that. But you also have to have the real leader to establish that the thing the team will do is be good to each other.
It's impossible to spend 15 minutes one-on-one in ESPN Zone with Joakim Noah and not think he's that guy.
Anyway, I opened with that tale. And Joakim took a deep breath, and said "Wow. That's love. Not a lot of people pay attention to that on that level."
Then he immediately, ironically, and I think subconsciously, spread the credit out to his team: "That's just who we are. You realize you have to sacrifice in order to get ahead in a team sport."
Now, of course, the key realization is that things are different in the NBA. As rare as that kind of teamwork is in college, it's even rarer in the NBA. Can Joakim make it happen at the next level? Does he even intend to try?
"I'm not sure," he said. "I have never played in the NBA. And I'm a rookie. I'll do a lot of listening. But I know I'll play hard every day. And I know I hate to lose. Those things are part of my character. I hate to lose. The next morning is the worst. It just kills me. And winning takes teamwork. Also, I don't think you should ever be afraid to be vocal, if you have something to say."
At this point his phone rang. He glanced down at the screen and asked "do you mind if I take this?"
I had no problem with it. He picked up and launched into French. I could kind of follow along, but it was tough channeling my inner 11th grader. But then he suddenly lapsed into English. "My suit," he says, "is SO funky. You are going to say 'I am proud of my son.' I'm going to be looking like Al Green."
His dad, retired tennis star and gap-toothed, mega-selling Euro pop star Yannick Noah is, Joakim says, playing to 20,000 people somewhere in France tomorrow and can't make the draft. (But Joakim's grandfather is in town from Cameroon, where Joakim visits him every year. They have bought him a suit and he's going to be looking good, too.)
Phone call over, we got back to how much he hates losing.
He remembers clearly how Florida nearly lost to Georgetown two years ago in the tournament. "They missed a wide open jumper. That shot goes down, and we are out, and we never get to be what some people are running around calling the greatest college team of all time. We're not talking about repeats, and probably we're not sitting here getting ready for the draft."
As much as it should not be so, it's amazing how playing well in the NCAA tournament helps your draft stock. It is not lost on me that five of the six players I'm seeing at the ESPN Zone (counting Oden, whom I did not interview, but did see dance) played in the title game.
GMs and owners watch those games, I guess.
At some point around here I stopped taking notes. It just ceased being an interview. We were just two people who had met each other and liked talking. The journalist inside me is not proud of this, but it is what it is. It doesn't happen often, and it's always good to make friends.
And I'm telling you: it's CRAZY to judge this Joakim Noah by height, weight, points per game, or the arc on his jumper. You get this guy on your team because he gives you at worst a puncher's chance at becoming a real team. And he'll play his a-- off too.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-25-119/Almost-Chatting-with-Top-Draft-Prospects.html
Joakim Noah
Enter Joakim Noah.
Honestly, this was the conversation that I'll be remembering for years to come. Based on the next 15 minutes, Noah is easily one of my favorite players in the world.
I finally abandoned the "stupid question" opening and went instead with a tale from David Thorpe. David has been using Joakim Noah, in conversations over the last two or so years, as the prime example of a great teammate. His biggest point is look: every time the TV cameras are on, there's Joakim talking up someone besides himself. And it's true. It's always: look how great Corey Brewer is. Look how great Al Horford is. Let me tell you how hard my dad worked. Stuff like that.
David is of the opinion, and I'm inclined to agree, that it's a rare player indeed who makes it his primary mission to lift up his teammates. And players like that are catalysts for teams that are teams.
I think back to what Brewer had told me moments before: "We had to go through so much. We were together 24/7. We kind of got to know each other like brothers. ..." And you know what? Every college team has those opportunities to bond. But the vast majority never achieve noteworthy roster-wide selflessness.
You have to have special people, people who are amenable to caring for others, to make that happen. And all the Gators I met get credit for that. But you also have to have the real leader to establish that the thing the team will do is be good to each other.
It's impossible to spend 15 minutes one-on-one in ESPN Zone with Joakim Noah and not think he's that guy.
Anyway, I opened with that tale. And Joakim took a deep breath, and said "Wow. That's love. Not a lot of people pay attention to that on that level."
Then he immediately, ironically, and I think subconsciously, spread the credit out to his team: "That's just who we are. You realize you have to sacrifice in order to get ahead in a team sport."
Now, of course, the key realization is that things are different in the NBA. As rare as that kind of teamwork is in college, it's even rarer in the NBA. Can Joakim make it happen at the next level? Does he even intend to try?
"I'm not sure," he said. "I have never played in the NBA. And I'm a rookie. I'll do a lot of listening. But I know I'll play hard every day. And I know I hate to lose. Those things are part of my character. I hate to lose. The next morning is the worst. It just kills me. And winning takes teamwork. Also, I don't think you should ever be afraid to be vocal, if you have something to say."
At this point his phone rang. He glanced down at the screen and asked "do you mind if I take this?"
I had no problem with it. He picked up and launched into French. I could kind of follow along, but it was tough channeling my inner 11th grader. But then he suddenly lapsed into English. "My suit," he says, "is SO funky. You are going to say 'I am proud of my son.' I'm going to be looking like Al Green."
His dad, retired tennis star and gap-toothed, mega-selling Euro pop star Yannick Noah is, Joakim says, playing to 20,000 people somewhere in France tomorrow and can't make the draft. (But Joakim's grandfather is in town from Cameroon, where Joakim visits him every year. They have bought him a suit and he's going to be looking good, too.)
Phone call over, we got back to how much he hates losing.
He remembers clearly how Florida nearly lost to Georgetown two years ago in the tournament. "They missed a wide open jumper. That shot goes down, and we are out, and we never get to be what some people are running around calling the greatest college team of all time. We're not talking about repeats, and probably we're not sitting here getting ready for the draft."
As much as it should not be so, it's amazing how playing well in the NCAA tournament helps your draft stock. It is not lost on me that five of the six players I'm seeing at the ESPN Zone (counting Oden, whom I did not interview, but did see dance) played in the title game.
GMs and owners watch those games, I guess.
At some point around here I stopped taking notes. It just ceased being an interview. We were just two people who had met each other and liked talking. The journalist inside me is not proud of this, but it is what it is. It doesn't happen often, and it's always good to make friends.
And I'm telling you: it's CRAZY to judge this Joakim Noah by height, weight, points per game, or the arc on his jumper. You get this guy on your team because he gives you at worst a puncher's chance at becoming a real team. And he'll play his a-- off too.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-25-119/Almost-Chatting-with-Top-Draft-Prospects.html
stevetaebo
Bench
Can Somebody Say "Smoke Screen"?
Hmm... If this rumor is true, then From Geoff's past, I'm guessing the one player he's not going to take then is Noah(if available).
Hmm... If this rumor is true, then From Geoff's past, I'm guessing the one player he's not going to take then is Noah(if available).
I personally don't think Noah will even be there at #10. Usually when you play around with misdirection it has to be somewhat plausible before anyone buys into.
And back in the Jason Williams draft there were a few Bee articles that locked in on Jason in the final days.
It's a #10 pick. Just be darn happy if that player turns out to be a starter down the line. The chance of a major impact player at #10 is next to nothing.
And back in the Jason Williams draft there were a few Bee articles that locked in on Jason in the final days.
It's a #10 pick. Just be darn happy if that player turns out to be a starter down the line. The chance of a major impact player at #10 is next to nothing.
Greg Ostertag
G-League
Yeah, I definitely don't think drafting Noah would be a bad thing. His winning and encouraging attitude would be much like Garcia is now. He's a hustle player with a ton of heart and confidence.
Sac.Kings
All-Star
Drafting Noah wouldn't be a bad thing at all, but if there were better options then you would certainly take the chance. Yi falling to 10 is impossible, I think the Celtics will take him if they keep their #5 (which it looks like they will). Noah and the 2 Wrights I would be fine with.
no one should complain about getting Noah. we get a PF who hustles and has energy, not some old bags who get paid millions to whine as much as possible. he is exactly what we need. a big guy who tries his hardest. he goes for rebounds and blocks. he's not a great shooter, but we don't need him to be because as of now Artest, Bibby and Martin provide the points.
remember how excited everyone was when JWill Part Deux got minutes and put up some pretty big numbers on hustle alone? well imagine having two of those guys getting plenty of minutes to develop and hone those skills during the rebuild? that's exciting.
remember how excited everyone was when JWill Part Deux got minutes and put up some pretty big numbers on hustle alone? well imagine having two of those guys getting plenty of minutes to develop and hone those skills during the rebuild? that's exciting.
Ryle
Starter
I actually wouldn't mind Noah starting at Center and Miller at the 4. Both have different games that can complement one another.
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
We need much more than a Noah, or a Jwill part 2. And Bibby/Martin./Artest are dysfunctional, and not a first rate star amongst them. Its not enough. Not nearly enough. Not an awful pick to be sure. But I'm not even clear if he;s going to be a top roleplayer or just a middling one. His college numbers were drab to say the least, and now he's stepping up to another level. In any case, he's a guy who you fill out your frontcourt with...AFTER you have the core of the team. There is a good chance he'll never average 15ppg, or 10rpg or 2bpg or anything else noteworthy in the NBA. He's much more liekly to be support staff than star. But there is currently precious little to support, and if you use your lottery pick gettign a support player, what oh what exactly is supposed to get you your legit WINNING core (becasue I don't want to hear anymore about Mike Kevin Brad and Ron winning anything as a core).
Big Cuz 15
All-Star
i wouldn't be mad if we drafted noah. if yi, b wright are off the board. the guy is intense. his energy wouldn't be a bad thing for the kings.
jimbodan
Bench
I've been pretty anti-Noah, but after the combine numbers came out I've been a little bit higher on him. I'm wondering if he could somehow play center? He definitely has the height for it and I think if he could put on a little more weight and develop a little bit more strength he could be a perfect fit at center. He likes to bang and do the dirty work down low as opposed to stay on the wing and shoot anyway. Also his poor shooting wouldn't nearly as much of a detriment at center then it would at PF. In fact at center I think it would pretty much be a non-factor.
PFFFT!!
Starter
Yep, get this thing over with is what I say. Im tired of all the speculation.
