Blazers Pick 24th in 2009 Draft

[Fez Hammersticks]

Danny Green (UNC) is an interesting prospect. He's a hardnosed 6'6" SG/SF with a long wingspan, and can guard multiple positions. Think Raja Bell.

Decision making
- Executes offensively
- Off-ball movement
- Ability to contest shots
- All-around defense
- Shot-blocking skills
- Intelligence
- Mental toughness
- Role-player potential
- Young for class
- Solid frame
- Wingspan
- 3-point range
- Improved perimeter shot
- Shooting mechanics
- Solid free throw shooter

 

[LameR]

Danny Green (UNC) is an interesting prospect. He's a hardnosed 6'6" SG/SF with a long wingspan, and can guard multiple positions. Think Raja Bell.

Decision making
- Executes offensively
- Off-ball movement
- Ability to contest shots
- All-around defense
- Shot-blocking skills
- Intelligence
- Mental toughness
- Role-player potential
- Young for class
- Solid frame
- Wingspan
- 3-point range
- Improved perimeter shot
- Shooting mechanics
- Solid free throw shooter

I'm really high on Green. I would love to have him on our team as a backup, but I doubt he'd get PT without injuries. I like the flying teabag pic as well.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I think that all depends on the moves we make. I don't see Travis here long term. Same goes for Webster. The future is clearly Batum, IMO. Green has a lot of potential as a role player, specialist, like Raja.

Btw, Dejuan Blair, does he remind anyone else of (Golden State version) Danny Fortson?

 

[MAS RipCity]

DeJaun Blair reminds me of a badass who we need!

 

[GoBlazersGo]

I'm really high on Green.

We're from Oregon... aren't we all!?

 

[RudyFor3]

Tony Parker - 28th
Aaron Brooks - 26th
Terry Porter - 24th
Mo Williams - 47th


Just to name a few. KP needs to look long and hard to see if a PG in this draft can become one of the players I mentioned.

 

[MAS RipCity]

Getting Porter and him being so good was once in a lifetime, dude payed at an Oregon Institute of Technology level..you just don't see that anymore.

 

[Reep]

Getting Porter and him being so good was once in a lifetime, dude payed at an Oregon Institute of Technology level..you just don't see that anymore.

It's really not quite that rare. Here are some of the top NAIA players historically.


Nate Archibald, Alcorn State (Miss.) - Boston Celtics
Billy Ray Bates, Kentucky State - Portland, Golden State
Elgin Baylor, College of Idaho - Los Angeles Lakers (Wow, never would have guessed this one)
M.L. Carr, Guilford (N.C.) - Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics
World B. Free, Guilford (N.C.) - Philadelphia 76'ers/Houston Rockets
Del Harris, Hanover (Ind.) - LA Lakers
Rick Mahorn, Hampton (Va.) - Washington/Philadelphia
Earl Monroe, Winston-Salem (N.C.) - Washington Bullets/New York Knicks
Moochie Norris, West Florida - Houston Rockets
Scottie Pippen, Central Arkansas - Chicago Bulls, Portland Trailblazers
Terry Porter, Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Portland Trailblazers
Willis Reed, Grambling State (La.) - New York Knicks
Robert Reid, St. Mary's (Texas) - Houston
Dennis Rodman, Southeastern Oklahoma State - Detroit Pistons/Chicago Bulls/LA Lakers/SA Spurs
Mike Schimensky, Central Washington - Seattle Supersonics
Purvis Short, Jackson State (Miss.) - Golden State
Jack Sikma, Illinois Wesleyan - Seattle Supersonics
Larry Smith, Alcorn State (Miss.) - Golden State
Sedale Threatt, West Virginia Tech - Seattle/Washington/LA Lakers

I agree that there are not as many recently out of NAIA.

 

[maxiep]

I think we either trade a player plus our pick and move up, or we move out of the first round altogether.

 

[DUB]

Patty Mills seems interesting.

Aren't there some Aussies here that can give some insight on his game. "what he play like?"

At one stage I was going to make a huge post detailing all of Patrick Mills' achievements, attributes, positives/negatives, etc.

But since I don't watch any college ball (except the occasional St Mary's game), and I'm Australian; I thought people would just dismiss me as being a homer, so I didn't bother.

How does Mills play?

If you saw him play for Australia against the USA, that's what he plays like. Although he didn't showcase his outside shooting; I think because we have way too many outside shooters, and not many inside players, or penetrators. So outside shooting wasn't his job when playing for Australia, and he followed coaches instructions.

Keep an eye out for former Blazers Chris Anstey, and CJ Bruton.

[video=youtube;U5zfDNT4A8Y]

Loves to push the fast break, where I've yet to see anyone quick enough to keep up with him. But is quite comfortable in the half court set, and doesn't need to have to ball in his hands. He would fit very well next to Roy, where he would push the fast break, but if nothing was on, he'd be very comfortable handing the ball to Roy, and being a spot up shooter.

He is a great character guy. Lots of drive and determination. Very Brandon Roy like in his attitude. I can't stress this enough.

He has also captained Australia at all levels of junior basketball. Played at the Nike Hoops Summit as well.

First clip was made when he was just about to finish high school. He went to the Australian Institute of Sport BTW, which is sort of like a high school where we send all of our elite junior sports talents; so they can have the benefit of cutting edge sports science, diet, training regime, coaching, etc.

[video=youtube;0qtjgG0AG1g]

He has achieved every single one of those goal he listed, except playing in the NBA; now he's about to do that.

Second clip was made during his first year with St Mary's. Ducks fans may not want to watch this one.

[video=youtube;-tRLRvWUtI4]

Even if he wasn't from Australia, I'd be extremely happy if we drafted Mills.

The fact that he's a fellow countryman .... well, I'd be over the moon.

If he falls to the second round, he will be an absolute steal for whoever gets him.

 

[bluefrog]

Thanks for the breakdown! Repped

 

[MrJayremmie]

Yep, Mills would probably be my 3rd (realistic) choice. I like Maynor and Blair as well. But Mills is definitley intriguing.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Talking to a friend of mine, who's not a Blazers fan, was talking about the draft and was raving out Wayne Ellington. He played SG at UNC but can swing to the one. He played a lot of PG in HS. He called him the best shooter in this draft.

A scoring machine. Pure shooter with an advanced offensive package Tremendous three point shooter who can spot up or pull up off the dribble equally effective Has a picture perfect release and excellent range on his shot Extremely quick and fluid, his ball handling ability is smooth as he spent time in high school playing both guard positions Has a tremendous first step but should look to get to the rim more often Benefits playing at UNC where his skills are showcased as well as anywhere A decent passer, but tends to look to create offense for himself first and foremost

 

[gambitnut]

I'm really high on Green. I would love to have him on our team as a backup, but I doubt he'd get PT without injuries. I like the flying teabag pic as well.

I think very few players in this draft would get much PT on the Blazers as rookies. I would love to have Green as a backup as well.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Keep an eye on Victor Claver. The 6'10" PF from Spain. KP was very high on him last summer. I can see KP moving up to grab him.

I called this one!

I really like Claver as a prospect but not as much as I liked Blair coming into this draft. Time will tell but Claver does have a lot of potential at 6'10" playing the wing.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

I called this one!

I really like Claver as a prospect but not as much as I liked Blair coming into this draft. Time will tell but Claver does have a lot of potential at 6'10" playing the wing.

Claver's another guy I've liked for awhile. I had thought he was going to pull out of the draft. He also hurt his knee. This appears to be the next treasure found by the Blazers.