Haha, thanks. It was fun for me as well, because you just don't expect those stats from those NBA players, whether they are good or not. I never expected constant 11 ppg from Jefferson, who stayed in college for 3 years and was picked at 14th...
I guess it's all about who has the tools and the desire to compete and get better. Check this out http://www.nbadraft.net/ has us picking Martell Webster. I wouldn't be sad about this pick, but there's hardly much info on the guy other than he seems like a clone of Quentin Richardson. A shooting guard that can rebound and score in a variety of ways might be helpful. He's also relatively polished offensively as far as high schoolers go, but he's not that strong and he's kind of bad on the defensive end. He has potential to improve in this area, but it's a question of when and if. hoopshype.com has us picking Fran Vasquez. ehhh... Don't really see us using another big man that lacks offensive skills unless Zarko, Biedrins, Foyle or Murphy is out. Draftcity.net has us picking Jarret Jack. (Unless Fisher is gone, I hope not, supposedly he's a difference maker when it comes to getting the ball where people like it and playing D) Hopefully he's a better version of Chris Duhon, but not at #9 when we have Baron Davis as starter! I'd rather take Danny Granger, Randolph Morris, Martell Webster or Joey Graham or somebody over that guy at #9. I like Jarret Jack though. I think we need somebody who can be like Joe Johnson at small forward or Elton Brand at power forward. We need somebody that can defend and get fouled quite a lot. So far those players with those qualities come at later picks. I wonder if it's even possible to split our #9 pick so we can get both Ike Diogu and Danny Granger as late first rounds. If Ike doesn't work out, it's not a huge deal. If we get Granger, he might come in handy as a guy that can play some point guard and handle the ball, pass, defend, and get to the line. If he doesn't work out, no big deal. Denver has #20 and #22 picks in this draft. Suppose we package something like Rodney White , Calbert Cheaney + our #9 for their late first rounds and cash. Maybe Denver wants that Fran Vasquez guy or a shooting guard. It's just a thought btw. Nene could be something to look at, but he seems really inconsistent. Other games he boarded really well, and then others he was horrible. He also is foul prone, but he's so athletic and strong I think it might be a hard matchup for small power forwards going against him. His foul shooting also sucks too. One thing I did forget about is Minny is looking for a small forward/guard. I bet Danny Granger won't last past the #14 pick. Unless Digou suffers 2003 - Jameer Nelson's fate, we might not get anyone decent at #20 and #22. But maybe a senior college guy like Wayne Simien/Ryan Gomez/David Lee or high schooler like CJ Miles or Monta Ellis or Andray Blatche or a center like Randolph Morris/Channing Frye if he slips.
Again, we didn't hear enough of Diogu or Taft, so I am not going to start "Taft is better than Diogu" campaign. I didn't say Taft will have the better NBA career but if we pick at #9 pick we should draft someone like Taft. We'd be lucky if someone in the top 8 slips. If Diogu shines at his workout then trade #9/filler for more help/an expiring contract and a #17 to draft Diogu. Drafting Diogu at nine is a waste because he's guaranteed to go lower. We would be doing the Lakers a favor by letting someone slip. If we keep the #9 go for someone with superstar potential. Martynas, Green, Felton, Taft one of which should be on the board. Ainge knows how this works. He tricked Seattle into taking Swift so he could take Jefferson. That's a smokescreen. Picking Diogu at 9 would be like Ainge trading up to get Jefferson when he would be at 17. When REREM says Diogu will go top 5 and Taft will go twenty and use that logic, I'm gonna give my 2 cents. Doesn't mean I think Diogu's a bum and Taft will rule the world.
Don't get me wrong. I am not starting "Diogu is better than Taft" campaign either. Man, I WISH Mullin does better job at hiding who he wants to draft. Last year, everybody knew that we would draft Biedrins, and if somebody wanted him seriously, they may trade up to snatch him. We were able to dodge the bullet last time, but I hope at least we couldn't guess that easily who we will draft...
I wonder if the Clippers would be interested in Mike Dunleavy Jr for their #12 pick. Let's say they do it because they want more passing in their lineup and Jr. wants to be with his dad. Let's say the draftcity mock has this order set and selected for the first 8 picks 1. Atlanta Andrew Bogut C 20 years old; 7' 0"; 240 lbs. Utah,Sophomore 2. New Orleans Marvin Williams SF/PF 18 years old; 6' 9"; 230 lbs. North Carolina,Freshman 3. Charlotte Chris Paul PG 20 years old; 6' 0"; 168 lbs. Wake Forest,Sophomore 4. Utah Raymond Felton PG 20 years old; 6' 1"; 192 lbs. North Carolina,Junior 5. Portland Gerald Green SG/SF 19 years old; 6' 8"; 195 lbs. Gulf Shores Academy,HS Senior 6. Milwaukee Tiago Splitter PF/C 20 years old; 7' 0"; 240 lbs. TAU Vitoria,International 7. Toronto Deron Williams PG 20 years old; 6' 3"; 210 lbs. Illinois,Junior 8. New York Chris Taft PF/C 20 years old; 6' 10"; 230 lbs. Pittsburgh,Sophomore http://www.draftcity.com/mock.php?y=2005 Who would you get at #9 and #12? How about Granger then either Johan Petro or Ike Diogu. I might be on the Granger band wagon because of his comparisons to Joe Johnson and Josh Howard.
Thats a pretty accurate top-8 there. I'd take Granger and Diogu/Petro depending on their stock between now and the draft. I strongly believe Dunleavy is gone before next season (probably at or before the all-star break) unless he averages very good numbers or doesn't demand much cash (not likely).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">Thats a pretty accurate top-8 there. I'd take Granger and Diogu/Petro depending on their stock between now and the draft. I strongly believe Dunleavy is gone before next season (probably at or before the all-star break) unless he averages very good numbers or doesn't demand much cash (not likely).</div> Thanks! I rearranged what draftcity had for Utah, Portland, Milwaukee picks while everything else is the same. It made more sense for the Jazz to run with a point guard instead of a shooting guard. I figure Raymond Felton's stock was higher since his team won the NCAA championship and he's got the most fundamentals to go with his speed and bulk whereas a guy like Deron Williams is a good guard, but maybe the Jazz want Felton instead. Milwaukee needs a franchise player, so I figured Splitter was their pick since he's got some serious potential. Portland needs a shooting guard and Gerald Green, despite being raw, has the tools to just dominate like a Tracy McGrady. Utah could take a chance on Green, but I figure once they get a point guard to run things, they'll kick butt like they did earlier in the season last year before all the injuries.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Thanks! I rearranged what draftcity had for Utah, Portland, Milwaukee picks while everything else is the same. It made more sense for the Jazz to run with a point guard instead of a shooting guard. I figure Raymond Felton's stock was higher since his team won the NCAA championship and he's got the most fundamentals to go with his speed and bulk whereas a guy like Deron Williams is a good guard, but maybe the Jazz want Felton instead. Milwaukee needs a franchise player, so I figured Splitter was their pick since he's got some serious potential. Portland needs a shooting guard and Gerald Green, despite being raw, has the tools to just dominate like a Tracy McGrady. Utah could take a chance on Green, but I figure once they get a point guard to run things, they'll kick butt like they did earlier in the season last year before all the injuries.</div> I agree, but i wouldn't be surprised to see Utah take Green, though a PG would be a safer move. I can also see Charlotte having a great draft with Paul at 3, Petro at 13, then Stoudamire in the second. That would make a badass young lineup.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree, but i wouldn't be surprised to see Utah take Green, though a PG would be a safer move. I can also see Charlotte having a great draft with Paul at 3, Petro at 13, then Stoudamire in the second. That would make a badass young lineup.</div> Gerald Green might have more suitors, so the Utah Jazz could pick him for somebody else in order to acquire another player.
In Utah's slot,I'd likely grab Green. Paul-Felton-Williams are good point G's,but none are sure to be real stars. Paul is small.not consistant on D,while Felton and Williams are pretty well rounded,but are not big scorers,and if they can't get double figure points regularly,most teams won't be content. Any guy fresh out of HS is risky,they need to have some common sense and maturity. Green has a great set of tools,so the possibilities are tempting.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting upsidedownside7:</div><div class="quote_post">Again, we didn't hear enough of Diogu or Taft, so I am not going to start "Taft is better than Diogu" campaign. I didn't say Taft will have the better NBA career but if we pick at #9 pick we should draft someone like Taft. We'd be lucky if someone in the top 8 slips. If Diogu shines at his workout then trade #9/filler for more help/an expiring contract and a #17 to draft Diogu. Drafting Diogu at nine is a waste because he's guaranteed to go lower. We would be doing the Lakers a favor by letting someone slip. If we keep the #9 go for someone with superstar potential. Martynas, Green, Felton, Taft one of which should be on the board. Ainge knows how this works. He tricked Seattle into taking Swift so he could take Jefferson. That's a smokescreen. Picking Diogu at 9 would be like Ainge trading up to get Jefferson when he would be at 17. When REREM says Diogu will go top 5 and Taft will go twenty and use that logic, I'm gonna give my 2 cents. Doesn't mean I think Diogu's a bum and Taft will rule the world.</div> "..go for someone with superstar potential", is not a bad idea,but of the 4 mentionde,Green has superstar potential,and if he lasts past #5 I'd be surprised. Felton certainly looks able to start somewhere and can be pretty good. He does not pass like Kidd or Baron,does not score like Marbury or Francis,basically there just has been no "superstar" stuff there. Taft has yet to accumulate 30 sec of superstar game in a 2 year career and is a guy who failed to improve on his freshman year. His scorer skills are limited,he is,at 6-10,not that big,quick or agile. He needs more hustle,energy and basketball smarts. Martynas is taller,thinner and his skills seem years behind Taft,or most college centers. Until you show you can be at least mediocre,"superstar" is a laugh. I keep suggesting players who I saw have some star quality,plus the approach to the game.the desire to improve-to reach their potential. A physical package alone says little about potential,it's just easy to see,measure. Kwame Brown does not hustle,Olowokandi lacks motivation,Diop lacks skills,Shika lacks toughness and reactions.They all look like players otherwise. I have seen real good players from 5'5" to 7'5". If a player has plenty of talent,productivity,he finds a role,and his dimensions are secondary as long as the results are there.
Diogu is at #15, #28, #24 on 3 draft sites (draft city, nbadraft.net, hoopshype). I guess it's a flip of the coin and it's his size that's holding him back. Everything he has is good.) and what is up with ESPN's mock draft? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2005/index Bogut is #3. They're saying it's his athleticism.
I'd take Bogut #1. I think Starvin Marvin could be a great player but Bogut is too good to pass up. How many centers have great athleticism? His touch, toughness and strength are awesome for a 20 year old. He's got the length and touch of Duncan, passing of Vlade and he's more agile than Gasol. He may not become a star but you can build a team structure around him. Starvin Marvin is athletically gifted and skilled but I don't see him being a franchise player. I'd love either one but you can give the ball to Bogut and tell him to make something happen whether it's through scoring, passing etc. Remember, Bogut put up big numbers all year despite being triple teamed every game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting upsidedownside7:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd take Bogut #1. I think Starvin Marvin could be a great player but Bogut is too good to pass up. How many centers have great athleticism? His touch, toughness and strength are awesome for a 20 year old. He's got the length and touch of Duncan, passing of Vlade and he's more agile than Gasol. He may not become a star but you can build a team structure around him. Starvin Marvin is athletically gifted and skilled but I don't see him being a franchise player. I'd love either one but you can give the ball to Bogut and tell him to make something happen whether it's through scoring, passing etc. Remember, Bogut put up big numbers all year despite being triple teamed every game.</div> Agreed, centers dont need athleticism as much as players at other positions. Worst case scenario this guy is Divac from 5 years ago (passes well).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">Diogu is at #15, #28, #24 on 3 draft sites (draft city, nbadraft.net, hoopshype). I guess it's a flip of the coin and it's his size that's holding him back. Everything he has is good.) and what is up with ESPN's mock draft? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2005/index Bogut is #3. They're saying it's his athleticism.</div> That is not a mock it is a top 10 BAP list...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Warriorfansnc93:</div><div class="quote_post">That is not a mock it is a top 10 BAP list...</div> Are those guys kidding us? Then that ain't a real BAP then. Marvin Williams hasn't done smack, really. He's got pure athleticism, size, and skill to make him a rare and unique player, but everything else I fail to see how he could make a team better because he's just so young and unproven. I'm not even sure if Andrew Bogut is a franchise player, but given the dearth of polished big men that can rebound, block shots, pass, score with their back to their basket and face up and shoot, he sounds more like the BAP then Marvin Williams. I also don't think he's as slow as they say, it's a matter of finding his target weight so he can keep a good balance of quickness and adequate bulk to hold his own in the post. Also guys like Chris Paul, have shown he can be clutch, lead a team, get people involved, play both ends decently, and use quickness as a dominant weapon. I'm certainly questioning it, but I like the fact these guys aren't saying what everyone else is saying in the media because even I have doubts about how good Bogut can be. Guys like Tim Duncan or Shaq come once in a blue moon and they can mix it up inside and pass well out of double teams and be dominant go-to players. Andrew Bogut, to me, just doesn't seem as badass. But nobody has a crystal ball... so who knows?
Trading the draft for the future!! Be honest...there are no studs in this draft that can help the warriors. I think one more year of playing together with Bdiddy will give people a better idea of what our needs are. Why dont we trade the nine pick for some future pick/picks, then get a guy like Ronny Turiaf in the second round and let him come off the bench in a role similar to biedris last year? Maybe i'm biased because i went to gonzaga...but in the right system where he doesnt have to do the scoring, he can be the guy that does the dirty work...rebound, block shots, play D. But give him the ball, and he can score it too. Granted...he never really showed up in the big games (like nevada last year in the 2nd round)...but marvin williams didnt show up at all either. Just a thought...any takers or haters? Trade the nine pick back to new orleans for speedy and a future 2nd pick. This leaves dfish in the dark, but speedy coming off the bench is exactly what this team needs for a second spark. Baron and speedy on the floor at the same time would give teams fits...
