Dion Waiters

[VanillaGorilla]

Mike Tice Mike Rice Mike Mice

 

[Blaze01]

Wow, his height, lack of, concerns me, checked in at 6'2 for a SG? But he certainly does have some very good offensive skills and he has got the bulk to withstand contact and finish, which in the nBA cannot be understated....very versatile game as well

I'd be surprised at #6, not so much at #11...but not pissed about it....POR needs scorers...go-to scorers and he could fill that role

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Dion-Waiters-Video-Scouting-Report-3955

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

This was posted the other day:

[video=youtube;FjV0IXg_Rjk]

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Remember Ed Weiland, the truck driver from Oregon who saw the potential in Jeremy Lin before anyone else?

In the case of Jeremy Lin, one of those paying attention was a FedEx delivery truck driver in Bend, Ore., named Ed Weiland, who moonlights as a contributor to HoopsAnalyst.com. Before the 2010 N.B.A. draft, Weiland examined Lin’s body of work as a college player at Harvard and concluded that he might be among the best point guards available.

At the time, Weiland was essentially ignored. Now he looks like a prophet.

He has seen his own profile soar as Linsanity has taken hold of the N.B.A.; the increased traffic to the HoopsAnalyst site crashed its servers multiple times.

LINK​

His take on Dion Waiters:

The best backcourt prospect in college right now. Like a lot of the prospects behind Davis, he’s a little hard to get a good read on. There are some signs of a dominant player, but also signs he’s a little too erratic. He also looks like he could play the point and might be a pretty good one. Because he’s on a crowded roster he doesn’t get the minutes a top prospect might at other schools. It’s hard to tell whether this helps or hinders his numbers. I get the feeling that Waiters might be a little over his head now and could fade. But I won’t factor that in until it happens.

But in a draft that’s void of stars after the top pick, Waiters is the type of player who should intrigue teams drafting in the top 10. He’s one of the few players after Anthony Davis who has actually shown some signs of dominance at the college level. Considering his diverse set of skills and the fact that he’s just a soph with a lot of upside, Waiters is a potential all-star who shouldn’t fall out of the top 5

http://hoopsanalyst.com/blog/

 

[ironcrotch]

Ed Weiland? Does he give out burnt biscuits?

IMO, Waiters is gone by the time he gets to #8 with Toronto.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Ed Weiland? Does he give out burnt biscuits?

Not that Ed Weiland.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

But in a draft that’s void of stars after the top pick, Waiters is the type of player who should intrigue teams drafting in the top 10. He’s one of the few players after Anthony Davis who has actually shown some signs of dominance at the college level. Considering his diverse set of skills and the fact that he’s just a soph with a lot of upside, Waiters is a potential all-star who shouldn’t fall out of the top 5

Interesting take, Ed also thinks he has the skillset to play the 1 as well. He's impossible to keep out of the paint and can finish at the rim or find the open guy. Sounds a little like Tony Parker.

 

[Tince]

I'm trying to get more info on where they're at with this, but I'm not sure I'll get more than what I've already shared.

I want to be clear that I wasn't told they were taking him at #6, just that he was a top target. I heard this over two weeks ago when most mocks had him in the late teens, early 20's, and obviously he stock has skyrocketed so who know if that has changed his status with Portland. First thing I assumed at the time was they would trade down from #11 to get him in the mid teens, but clearly that isn't happening anymore.

I'll pass along more info if I get it...

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I'm trying to get more info on where they're at with this, but I'm not sure I'll get more than what I've already shared.

I want to be clear that I wasn't told they were taking him at #6, just that he was a top target. I heard this over two weeks ago when most mocks had him in the late teens, early 20's, and obviously he stock has skyrocketed so who know if that has changed his status with Portland. First thing I assumed at the time was they would trade down from #11 to get him in the mid teens, but clearly that isn't happening anymore.

I'll pass along more info if I get it...

I think it's more likely at #6 than #11 -- It's beyond stupid to cancel workouts/interviews to stay at #11 when you could legitimately go #8 to the Raptors.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Interesting take, Ed also thinks he has the skillset to play the 1 as well. He's impossible to keep out of the paint and can finish at the rim or find the open guy. Sounds a little like Tony Parker.

Waiters playing the point really surprises me. Man I wish you were right. Because if that were true I would take him at 11 in a heart beat. Other wise I would take Rivers.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Waiters does not seem like the type of guy to be able to play point guard.. He seems to only care about getting his. Of course the same can be said of Russell Westbrook, so who knows.

 

[JDC]

Waiters does not seem like the type of guy to be able to play point guard.. He seems to only care about getting his. Of course the same can be said of Russell Westbrook, so who knows.

Had a near 2:1 A/TO for Syracuse last year.

Don't think he makes a complete transition to pg like Russell, but I think he can become a guy that can share those duties in a starting backcourt or be a primary ball handler for a team when its starting pg sits, much like James Harden.

I'd be fine with him at 11 if Lillard or Sullinger aren't available.

He has the highest potential off the dribble out of the SG prospects and that's what Portland is lacking right now at the 2.

 

[Blaze01]

He looks impressive on tape....

 

[Blazinaway]

Had a near 2:1 A/TO for Syracuse last year.

Don't think he makes a complete transition to pg like Russell, but I think he can become a guy that can share those duties in a starting backcourt or be a primary ball handler for a team when its starting pg sits, much like James Harden.

I'd be fine with him at 11 if Lillard or Sullinger aren't available.

He has the highest potential off the dribble out of the SG prospects and that's what Portland is lacking right now at the 2.

if we take Drummond at 6 then Waiters at 11 might be a good choice

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Ability to set up others, good “drive and kick” passer with court vision, unselfish, secondary ball handler (4.1 ast. per 40 min.)

Dynamic scoring threat who can put up points in spurts, aggressive, versatility with the ball, excellent at creating separation off the dribble and quickness with the ball, can get to the rack, pull up from midrange or spot up from three

Waiters has a tight handle for a guard and can make good things happen with the ball in his hands. He’s a great driver who can penetrate defenses and create his own shot. Aided by his quick first step and burst, he has the ability to size up his defender on the perimeter and read the direction of lean, and blow by them the opposite way this his acceleration and quickness. Has some impressive dribble moves and ability to improvise with the D playing up on him, throwing a quick crossover or spin move at them. Has great ability to create separation off the dribble for a jumper with his step back dribble. Fairly shifty with his body control and can knife through traffic, but will often opt for the straight-line drive down the lane after sizing up and blowing by his man. Can operate as a secondary ball handler for his team and run the point for stretches of the game if needed as well. Should be able to put that quickness with the ball and those nifty moves to good use in the league as a scoring guard

...

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Mike Fratello's take on Waiters:

Waiters can handle the rock as well as play off the ball. He’s an above average shooter with NBA range and can create off the dribble, find the open man and deliver the difficult pass, rarely turning it over.

Waiters was originally projected to go mid-to-late in the first round, primarily because he’s not a true point or scoring guard. Also, he played almost exclusively zone defense under HOF coach Jim Boeheim and lacks man-to-man experience. But after an impressive showing in Vegas, the superstar sleeper has been buzzing up the ranks and may wind up being fished out if the 2012 draft pool earlier than first expected

Waiters possesses a Manu Ginobili-like ability to change direction suddenly with the ball and glide into spots that the defense doesn’t anticipate. He plays with a controlled electricity and can be unstoppable when he’s feeling it.

LINK​

 

[Nikolokolus]

Despite MM's ominous (and probably prescient) argument against Waiters because of his 'Cuse' pedigree, I can't shake the feeling that this kid is going to be good ... like really good.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

David from Portland
This years draft is going to be pretty important to the Blazers, which 2 players do you think they should draft with their two picks assuming they fall to them? Beal, Drummond, Meyers, Lillard, Barnes, Sullinger, Zeller, or any other players you think would be a good pick.

Steve Kyler
My latest Mock has them taking Drummond and Waiters… Drummond is too talented to pass and Waiters has a promise from someone, hearing its not Phoenix or Toronto, so either there is a trade in play for him or its the Blazers

...

 

[MickZagger]

Waiters at #11, yes. Waiters at #6, oh hell no.

At the 11 spot I'm for us going for a high risk/reward type guy. Thats why I'm for Leonard and PJIII at that spot.

I still feel Andrew Nicholson will be a very solid player in the league. I think we should look into trading down a couple spots to attain him, or getting another pick to use on him.

 

[Mediocre Man]

You will all see, Gosh darnit

 

[Nikolokolus]

I don't want to get too worked up about a guy because frankly, most draft prospects are a crapshoot no matter how good they looked in college, but every now and then I've seen a guy who makes me say "wow" multiple times during a game and Waiters did just that during the tournament. The last guy I remember having that visceral reaction to was Westbrook when he was in his sophomore year at UCLA.

 

[Nikolokolus]

You will all see, Gosh darnit

Probably.

 

[santeesioux]

I don't want to get too worked up about a guy because frankly, most draft prospects are a crapshoot no matter how good they looked in college, but every now and then I've seen a guy who makes me say "wow" multiple times during a game and Waiters did just that during the tournament. The last guy I remember having that visceral reaction to was Westbrook when he was in his sophomore year at UCLA.

We're due for some good luck like getting the next Westbrook, dammit!

 

[Mediocre Man]

Despite MM's ominous (and probably prescient) argument against Waiters because of his 'Cuse' pedigree, I can't shake the feeling that this kid is going to be good ... like really good.

You don't see or hear the word prescient enough, IMO. $10 word right there

 

[Blazinaway]

does anyone know if we even interviewed Waiters at the combine?

 

[Mediocre Man]

does anyone know if we even interviewed Waiters at the combine?

I don't. I will try and look through twitter and see if I can find anything for you.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Waiters promise is from the Suns. That's the word.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Waiters promise is from the Suns. That's the word.

I thought I read it wasn't from the Suns either yesterday or the day before?

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Waiters promise is from the Suns. That's the word.

Apparently there's more than one word.

 

[ironcrotch]

It's all finger pointing until draft day. Maybe it's false hype to get Toronto to bite on him at 8.