With the 7th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select .....

[Glenn]

I wouldn't be bothered if GP picked an international player as I am very certain he knows more about them than any of us. Such is his history.

 

[Kingster]

What makes this such a hard draft to pick is two-fold.

First, depending on the needs of the team, there are probably 15 guys who could go in any order. The fact that there isn't a lot of separation between players when you look at performance vs. potential makes it difficult to see what each team will do with their pick.

Secondly, there is the International factor. I haven't seen any of the International players play game after game after game to get a good feel for them, so I have to rely on scouting reports from other people, which makes it really hard for me to determine where these guys rank compared to the college players which I feel I have a very good read on.

Right now some mock drafts have 4 of the top 10 selections being International. When it comes down to it, are we really going to see that many International players go that high?

It certainly could happen, but since I can't really figure them into my equations it makes it difficult to ascertain who is going where, especially since most of these International players seem to have warts that prevent them from being slam-dunk candidates.

I mean, I got to see Kanter work at the Combine and he looked good, but you know also really looked good last year? Ryan Richards.
He looked very good in the combine last year and was selected by the Spurs with the 49th spot last season. He stayed overseas this last year, but he is a big man who was pretty much unknown and had a really good showing at the combine.
Who knows if he'll turn out to be a good player or not, but it's incredibly difficult to get a read on a player when you haven't had the time to watch them over and over again.

I have a feeling that the mock drafts are going to be all over the board and pretty incorrect this year due to the reasons I've mentioned above.

What all this does mean, is that it should be an exciting draft, so I'm looking forward to it. I hate that we slipped down to #7, but I've been saying for a long time that in this particular draft there are a lot of players who can come in and become a good rotation guy for a lot of teams. So I don't expect us to draft a star (once we lost the lottery again), but I do expect for us to draft someone who is going to be a valuable member of this team going forward.

If it's that murky at #7, all the more reason for Petrie to trade up. Which he will never do..

 

[Capt. Factorial]

If it's that murky at #7, all the more reason for Petrie to trade up. Which he will never do..

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

We almost certainly won't get Knight at #7. If our front office is as gaga over Knight as speculated, we'll have to target the #4 pick (where Cleveland won't want another PG after Irving), hoping that Williams/Kanter go 2/3 in some order. #7 + Casspi or #7 + Greene seems reasonable for the #4 pick, especially when the likely #4 and #5 picks (Knight/Walker) are PGs and would be off Cleveland's list. There's a good chance they can get their #4 guy at #7 for a lot less money, and get a SF out of it. Petrie hasn't traded up before, but maybe this is the year.

 

[bajaden]

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

We almost certainly won't get Knight at #7. If our front office is as gaga over Knight as speculated, we'll have to target the #4 pick (where Cleveland won't want another PG after Irving), hoping that Williams/Kanter go 2/3 in some order. #7 + Casspi or #7 + Greene seems reasonable for the #4 pick, especially when the likely #4 and #5 picks (Knight/Walker) are PGs and would be off Cleveland's list. There's a good chance they can get their #4 guy at #7 for a lot less money, and get a SF out of it. Petrie hasn't traded up before, but maybe this is the year.

I think it comes down to how big a difference Petrie see's between Knight and guys like Walker and Fredette. I think if he were to attempt to trade up, it would be for the 2nd pick that Minny holds so he could get Williams. For what its worth, I'm hearing a lot of rumors around the league that Petrie really likes Fredette, and personally scouted him during the year. I can attest that I know for a fact he was at one of BYU's games because they showed him on camera. Doesn't mean he doesn't have someone else that he would take first if he's there. Fredette may be the default pick at 7.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

For what its worth, I'm hearing a lot of rumors around the league that Petrie really likes Fredette, and personally scouted him during the year. I can attest that I know for a fact he was at one of BYU's games because they showed him on camera. Doesn't mean he doesn't have someone else that he would take first if he's there. Fredette may be the default pick at 7.

I didn't realize Petrie had personally scouted Fredette during the season, but I have been getting the feeling that we might be leaning that direction. With at least some anonymous NBA GMs saying they think Fredette can be a star I'm not "afraid" that we'll pick him (though those anonymous GMs might have been Petrie for all we know - at least he's got a good track record). If Fredette can come in, use his smarts to overcome his non-elite athleticism, and turn a team into a winner in the way that Nash does (albeit with more shooting skills and fewer passing skills from what I've seen), then I think it would be extremely hard to complain. You know, unless it takes Jimmer four years and two teams to put it all together like Nash. In that case, we need to let somebody else draft him then trade for him when his stock is still low.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I wouldn't be at all disappointed with Fredette, although I don't think he's exactly what we need. I think it's imperative that the guy we draft is high character. We need a likable young guy who works hard and blends in with our other youngsters. Apart from on the court, this team has to come together off it. Jimmer certainly fits that description.

 

[rainmaker]

What I find interesting is that Petrie looks set on drafting a pg. The Kings didn't interview a big at the combine, and haven't worked out any bigs, here or in Minn. Of course there are some sf's in our range who can help us, but all the rumors, every single one, mentions Petrie loving Knight, and being very high on Fredette.

Combine that with his end of the season comments, and I'm wondering if the organization as a whole had decided Reke needs a pg next to him. We can debate a Reke/Thornton backcourt all we want, but you don't draft a guy like Knight, who I think Petrie would take without hesitation, without thinking he'll be starting next to Reke in a year or two. Same with Fredette, who is definitely not guaranteed to be a starter in this league, but I think has that potential.

Judging from everything I've read, it appears Petrie wants to resign Dally/Thornton, get a FA sf, or aquire one in a trade, and draft a pg. Everyone has their opinion on a Reke/Thornton backcourt, but it's becoming clear to me Petrie doesn't consider that to be the answer going forward, and he wants a pg next to Reke.

 

[bajaden]

What I find interesting is that Petrie looks set on drafting a pg. The Kings didn't interview a big at the combine, and haven't worked out any bigs, here or in Minn. Of course there are some sf's in our range who can help us, but all the rumors, every single one, mentions Petrie loving Knight, and being very high on Fredette.

Combine that with his end of the season comments, and I'm wondering if the organization as a whole had decided Reke needs a pg next to him. We can debate a Reke/Thornton backcourt all we want, but you don't draft a guy like Knight, who I think Petrie would take without hesitation, without thinking he'll be starting next to Reke in a year or two. Same with Fredette, who is definitely not guaranteed to be a starter in this league, but I think has that potential.

Judging from everything I've read, it appears Petrie wants to resign Dally/Thornton, get a FA sf, or aquire one in a trade, and draft a pg. Everyone has their opinion on a Reke/Thornton backcourt, but it's becoming clear to me Petrie doesn't consider that to be the answer going forward, and he wants a pg next to Reke.

Regardless of whom they draft, if it is indeed a PG, I doubt he would start this year. In a way, it would give them insurance against the Evans/Thornton backcourt not working out the way they wanted. The team definitely needs a shooter with range, that can handle the ball, coming off the bench. That description could fit either Thornton or Fredette/Knight. Ironicly the best 3 pt shooter on the team last season was Omri, shooting 37.3%. Its all downhill from there, with Thornton coming in second at 36.8%. I think Thornton's real percentage is a little higher since he wasn't afraid to throw up halfcourt, and last second shots.

Beno isn't a bad 3 pt shooter if he's doing a spot up. But he's not very good off the dribble. Cisco was third at 36.2%, when healthy, and once again, Cisco isn't very good off the dribble. Thats where a guy like Fredette can come in. He's excellent off the dribble, and almost automatic from the spot up. Knight is also good off the dribble. Fredette shot around 42% for most of the year and just slid under 40 % at the end of the year.

One of the things that bothers me about Walker is that he's never shot above 33% from the three. And I think thats a prerequisite for anyone they draft at the PG position. But hey, I could be wrong.

 

[pshn80]

What I find interesting is that Petrie looks set on drafting a pg. The Kings didn't interview a big at the combine, and haven't worked out any bigs, here or in Minn. Of course there are some sf's in our range who can help us, but all the rumors, every single one, mentions Petrie loving Knight, and being very high on Fredette.

Combine that with his end of the season comments, and I'm wondering if the organization as a whole had decided Reke needs a pg next to him. We can debate a Reke/Thornton backcourt all we want, but you don't draft a guy like Knight, who I think Petrie would take without hesitation, without thinking he'll be starting next to Reke in a year or two. Same with Fredette, who is definitely not guaranteed to be a starter in this league, but I think has that potential.

Judging from everything I've read, it appears Petrie wants to resign Dally/Thornton, get a FA sf, or aquire one in a trade, and draft a pg. Everyone has their opinion on a Reke/Thornton backcourt, but it's becoming clear to me Petrie doesn't consider that to be the answer going forward, and he wants a pg next to Reke.

If that's what Petrie thinks then I'm all for it. I certainly see the matter of who starts at one and two as an open question. However, about the time we think we have Petrie's thinking figured out, he has a track record of surprising us. It sure makes it fun to watch.

 

[KingsCitizen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNugzv7_Uo

This a collection of Valanciunas doing most of his damage in the post, I think the kid is a very intriguing prospect. I think offensively, he is already better than Dalembert. And could have a ceiling as high as Delembert on the defensive end. He got a good frame which should allow him to put more weight. He seems to have good motor which was one of the reasons why Dalembert worked well with Cuz. And he's holding unto the top 4-10 in a lot of mocks.

If he falls into #7, it'll be interesting if Petrie decides to take him. I think he already have better skills than Hassan, and Whiteside is still a very tradeable asset.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I'll admit I haven't seen too much of Valnciunas, but I really don't see why he's projected so high. I just don't get it. He is big and he has sound fundamentals, but that's it. He's never going to affect the game on the defensive end like Dalembert can. He does have a good frame and has good size, but I can't see anything special there. Certainly nothing to justify his high projection at this point. He is an average athlete.

 

[Kingster]

What I find interesting is that Petrie looks set on drafting a pg. The Kings didn't interview a big at the combine, and haven't worked out any bigs, here or in Minn. Of course there are some sf's in our range who can help us, but all the rumors, every single one, mentions Petrie loving Knight, and being very high on Fredette.

Combine that with his end of the season comments, and I'm wondering if the organization as a whole had decided Reke needs a pg next to him. We can debate a Reke/Thornton backcourt all we want, but you don't draft a guy like Knight, who I think Petrie would take without hesitation, without thinking he'll be starting next to Reke in a year or two. Same with Fredette, who is definitely not guaranteed to be a starter in this league, but I think has that potential.

Judging from everything I've read, it appears Petrie wants to resign Dally/Thornton, get a FA sf, or aquire one in a trade, and draft a pg. Everyone has their opinion on a Reke/Thornton backcourt, but it's becoming clear to me Petrie doesn't consider that to be the answer going forward, and he wants a pg next to Reke.

It seems to me Petrie wants a pg or a combo guard, just not a prototypical 2-guard. It's the prototypical 2-guard that wouldn't work with Tyreke. The hybrids would work fine. Petrie recognizes that this team needs more quickness in the backcourt. Add a third guard with above average quickness, then add a legit 3 with above average quickness (Iggy?) and now you're talking...

 

[bajaden]

It seems to me Petrie wants a pg or a combo guard, just not a prototypical 2-guard. It's the prototypical 2-guard that wouldn't work with Tyreke. The hybrids would work fine. Petrie recognizes that this team needs more quickness in the backcourt. Add a third guard with above average quickness, then add a legit 3 with above average quickness (Iggy?) and now you're talking...

Yeah, I agree with you. Just a question of who? But thats the fun part! It makes me wonder if Petrie already has a trade worked out, or has worked out some sort of deal for a SF. The fact that so far, he hasn't even looked at a SF for our first pick is somewhat telling.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

If anyone has been following the Draft Express twitter account .. apparently he got his hands on some Enes Kanter tapes from a few years back, and they were .. not good. He has some positive things to say, but most of his reactions were negative. These tapes are making there way around to the GMs aswell.

If this causes him to slide, awesome. I'll still take him at 7 any day of the week.

 

[Kingster]

Yeah, I agree with you. Just a question of who? But thats the fun part! It makes me wonder if Petrie already has a trade worked out, or has worked out some sort of deal for a SF. The fact that so far, he hasn't even looked at a SF for our first pick is somewhat telling.

It's possible that a trade has been worked out, but that's not my first guess. I think Petrie recognizes that after D. Williams there is a big drop off in the 3s. He just doesn't want a defensive oriented guy who is offensively challenged and will take several years to have an offensive presence. Knight, Kemba, Jimmer. They all can score. They all would complement Tyreke and Cousins on offense. And if they keep Dally, all those guards complement him on offense as well. A 3 that doesn't have an outside offensive game doesn't complement Dally. And that gets me back to a point I've made before - Iggy and Dally don't mix. But that's another topic.

 

[kingsboi]

I personally don't see any of Vesely, Valanciunas whatever his name is or Biyombo going in the top 6 those guys have bust written all over them and they are horrible prospects in my opinion.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I personally don't see any of Vesely, Valanciunas whatever his name is or Biyombo going in the top 6 those guys have bust written all over them and they are horrible prospects in my opinion.

I'm not necessarily saying you're going to be wrong, but I'm willing to bet that you've never seen any competitive games they've played in. It's easy to lie on the internet. All of those guys have weaknesses, but there is things to like.

Personally I believe Vesely is the only one of them deserving to go in the top 8 or 10. To me, Biyombo is a late lottery/mid first rounder, even though I do like some of what he brings. Valnciunas is the same, I don't see why he's being looked at as a top five pick.

 

[kingsboi]

I'm not necessarily saying you're going to be wrong, but I'm willing to bet that you've never seen any competitive games they've played in. It's easy to lie on the internet. All of those guys have weaknesses, but there is things to like.

Personally I believe Vesely is the only one of them deserving to go in the top 8 or 10. To me, Biyombo is a late lottery/mid first rounder, even though I do like some of what he brings. Valnciunas is the same, I don't see why he's being looked at as a top five pick.

Well you see the problem with these Euro prospects I have is that sure they have some qualities a team might like but they should not be drafted ahead of players like Burks, Brooks, Hamilton, Singleton, Leonard, etc.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Well you see the problem with these Euro prospects I have is that sure they have some qualities a team might like but they should not be drafted ahead of players like Burks, Brooks, Hamilton, Singleton, Leonard, etc.

Why not? How are you qualified to say that if you haven't seen them play?

 

[William Blake]

Valnciunas is the same, I don't see why he's being looked at as a top five pick.

Me too. The only good thing i keep reading about him is that he "plays hard", but on the other hand he apparently is too weak to be a good post defender and too raw to be a good scorer. You can say the exact same things about other prospects who are ranked much lower than him.

Speaking of euro players I saw Motiejunas play in a playoff game the other day and I have to say that the 17th spot he is currently predicted at is very low, considering the weakness of this draft. He's very talented and if his future coach can light some fire in him he's going to be a very good player.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Me too. The only good thing i keep reading about him is that he "plays hard", but on the other hand he apparently is too weak to be a good post defender and too raw to be a good scorer. You can say the exact same things about other prospects who are ranked much lower than him.

Speaking of euro players I saw Motiejunas play in a playoff game the other day and I have to say that the 17th spot he is currently predicted at is very low, considering the weakness of this draft. He's very talented and if his future coach can light some fire in him he's going to be a very good player.

Well, I think Valanciunas potential on the defensive end is limited due to his lack of athleticism more so than his strength. I don't think he's that weak, and he seems to have a solid frame to add weight. But he's not a very good athlete. He could end up being a solid post defender if he works at it, but he's never going to be a weakside shotblocker. His fundamentals bode well for him but I really don't see much upside.

Motiejunas is a guy I like alot more. He seems to have slipped down the mock drafts, but I'd be happier taking a chance on him than Valanciunas, although the latter has less chance of being a complete bust. But Motiejunas has better potential. I agree that he could turn out to be a very good player. He's big and skilled.

 

[rainmaker]

I've mentioned Montejiunas numerous times, and have started threads on him going back over a year, and no one had an opinion on him. No one else here has seen him play apparently. Now all the sudden you guys have an opinion?

Given no one here even new who he was a year ago, I'm going with what my eyes have told me, and what euro scouts have said.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I've mentioned Montejiunas numerous times, and have started threads on him going back over a year, and no one had an opinion on him. No one else here has seen him play apparently. Now all the sudden you guys have an opinion?

Given no one here even new who he was a year ago, I'm going with what my eyes have told me, and what euro scouts have said.

I've seen him play a few times, probably about 5 or 6 games. The past year has been his best, so you can't blame others for taking notice in the last 12 months. Considering you can't even spell his name correctly, I'd lose the holier-than-thou attitude. Saying no one here knew who he was a year ago is ridiculous. Give people some credit. I watch more Euro and college games than most people on this site. I'm European, but you're right on one thing - go with what the European scouts are saying.

 

[PurpleHaze]

QUOTE=Dime Dropper;833140]I wouldn't be at all disappointed with Fredette, although I don't think he's exactly what we need. I think it's imperative that the guy we draft is high character. We need a likable young guy who works hard and blends in with our other youngsters. Apart from on the court, this team has to come together off it. Jimmer certainly fits that description.[/QUOTE]

I'm beginning to think Jimmer Fredette may just be who we take at #7 if the other usual suspects are gone - Knight, Walker, etc. #7 might be bit high for him since most mock boards have Fredette around #10-20. If the BYU top national scorer is the one chosen, I think Petrie just sees him as Beno Udrih's eventual replacement, maybe becoming an even more valuable backcourt piece than most imagine.

 

[kingsboi]

Why not? How are you qualified to say that if you haven't seen them play?

Are you serious bro? Are you really telling me this bust of a pick is going to amount to anything? I'd rather take a chance on an athlete or who is known for his defense/shooting.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Serious about what? I'm just wondering how you came to your conclusion without having seen any of them play. It seems a bit strange to proclaim them busts when you haven't seen them. Being an athlete is no good if you can't play the game. Good players do come from Europe. I wouldn't say no to Dirk or Pau right now, would you? How about Batum, Parker, Ginobili, Scola, Bogut, Nene, Varejao, Gallinari, Gortat, Ibaka, Kirilenko, Marc Gasol, Sefalosha, Okur etc.? None of them worthy of the 7th pick? How about some past international players like Vlade, Peja, Hedo, Sabonis, Ilgauskas and Petrevic?

Look, unless you think all the talent in Europe has all of a sudden just vanished, which it hasn't, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice by just dismissing European guys. Especially when you haven't even seen them play. It's just ludicrous. Europe has and will continue to produce important NBA players and if we have the chance to nab one of them, I don't want to miss the opportunity due to ignorance and laziness.

 

[kingsboi]

Serious about what? I'm just wondering how you came to your conclusion without having seen any of them play. It seems a bit strange to proclaim them busts when you haven't seen them. Being an athlete is no good if you can't play the game. Good players do come from Europe. I wouldn't say no to Dirk or Pau right now, would you? How about Batum, Parker, Ginobili, Scola, Bogut, Nene, Varejao, Gallinari, Gortat, Ibaka, Kirilenko, Marc Gasol, Sefalosha, Okur etc.? None of them worthy of the 7th pick? How about some past international players like Vlade, Peja, Hedo, Sabonis, Ilgauskas and Petrevic?

Look, unless you think all the talent in Europe has all of a sudden just vanished, which it hasn't, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice by just dismissing European guys. Especially when you haven't even seen them play. It's just ludicrous. Europe has and will continue to produce important NBA players and if we have the chance to nab one of them, I don't want to miss the opportunity due to ignorance and laziness.

So what your basically telling me is we can find a type of player that you mentioned with the 7th pick out of one of the Euro prospects in this draft? I'm sorry but I don't see any Euro prospects in this years draft that is worthy of being taken number seven. Maybe some other team can use them but like I told you, I'd prefer athleticism or shooting as a forte and try to make it work with that player.

 

[LPKingsFan]

If anyone has been following the Draft Express twitter account .. apparently he got his hands on some Enes Kanter tapes from a few years back, and they were .. not good. He has some positive things to say, but most of his reactions were negative. These tapes are making there way around to the GMs aswell.

If this causes him to slide, awesome. I'll still take him at 7 any day of the week.

Yeah, why does it matter what he looked like a few years ago?

 

[hrdboild]

It seems kind of suspicious to me. Almost everyone else has moved Kanter into the top 4 but Givony is mounting a one man campaign to drive down his stock. Is he on someone's payroll? Kaaahhhhnnn perhaps?

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Yeah, why does it matter what he looked like a few years ago?

Well, it is a few years ago, but when you consider the fact that he hasnt played in a real 'league' for over a year, its probly the most recent game tape you can get on him. But I do agree with the bigger point .. its an old video ... not sure how much you can take away from that.