Jeff Pendergraph at #24?

[Fez Hammersticks]

A few interesting notes from Blazersedge...

Pendergraph shoots straight to the top of the board because of his physical skills, his likely availability at pick 24, his good locker room presence, intelligence and personality, his energy and, most importantly, his NBA readiness. If the Blazers keep their pick at 24, he seems like a great option. There's no really strong argument against him. Also, I'm reliably informed that his advanced stats are near the very top of the nation for college players as well. The fact that he plays a position that the Blazers have identified as a need is just the icing on the cake

All Hansbrough hype aside, the chatter today was that Pendergraph might have been the most impressive player in the gym today

6'10" and 240 lbs with a 35" vertical leap, he's an intriguing prospect. Even more so that he can step in right away.

 

[cdub503]

from what ive read i liked him a lot! im down to get him if we dont trade up for blair or get a vet

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'd definitely be on board with Pendergraph, he's also likely to be available in the early part of the second round so the team could likely use their 32nd pick on him if they wanted to.

Somebody mentioned yesterday that they'd be ecstatic if we got Collison and Psycho T and I kind of chuckled at that, but assuming no moves are made from our current draft positions, I wouldn't be "ecstatic" to get Collison and Pendergraph, but I would be mildly satisfied at least; both guys project as backups, but also guys that can probably contribute sooner rather than later, plus they are both going to be cheap which is a double bonus.

 

[Reep]

Draft Express:

Pendergraph is a meat and potatoes type player, mostly living off scraps offensively. The overwhelming majority of his points come off the ball--cuts, offensive rebounds, pick and rolls, and in transition. He’s smart, has terrific hands, and finishes pretty well around the basket—which makes him a reliable target inside. Arizona State is one of the slowest-paced and most offensively efficient teams in college basketball,

In terms of intangibles, Pendergraph is pretty much the entire package, as he’s a smart, well-spoken, hard working player on and off the court who graduated in three and a half years and is very well respected by his teammates.

Sounds like a nice fit.

Oh yeah, and he plays with Nate's son, right? Maybe they have some inside information.

He is a lot bigger than people are making out too. Some say he is undersized. The guy measured 6'9" barefoot and 6'10" in shoes and 240 lbs.

 

[Ed O]

Any "NBA-ready" player that will definitely be available at #24 makes me wonder how good he is and/or will ever be.

Ed O.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Any "NBA-ready" player that will definitely be available at #24 makes me wonder how good he is and/or will ever be.

Ed O.

Low upside, high 'floor' ... definitely an unsexy pick, but probably not a lot of risk either.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Sergio for Pendergraph I can live with.

He's NBA ready but will he get any playing time?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Sergio for Pendergraph I can live with.

He's NBA ready but will he get any playing time?

Depends on trades and free agency, but yeah I think he's got an opportunity to pick up the minutes vacated by Frye and if Travis is traded he could get pressed into a 12-15 minute a night role ... maybe All of it's going to depend how he does in summer league and training camp.

 

[Sinobas]

Clips from a scrimmage with Jeff Pendergraph. Look at him almost hit his head on the rim as he swats a guy.

[video=youtube;Wks7elE8C28]

 

[Zipperhead]

Great pick.

 

[number 10]

BE on Pendergraph's pre-draft workout

All Hansbrough hype aside, the chatter today was that Pendergraph might have been the most impressive player in the gym today. He had the most impressive shoes for sure.

Today's workout was described as a power forward battle royale and when it was all said and done Pendergraph carried himself like he had won it. Check out this freaking awesome picture taken by Casey Holdahl. Did someone say gun show? How much are tickets? Can I purchase them in advance?

Pendergraph was affable and interacted with team staff very naturally. No nerves whatsoever. Totally confident. Totally cool.

His bio notes that he graduated a semester early with a degree in economics. I realize that it's Arizona State but still I think we can agree he passes the intelligence test. And honestly, the rest of his bio reads exactly how you would expect a Blazers 1st round pick's bio to read: "active and efficient around the basket... blue collar... plays with energy and toughness."

We were able to see him step back and shoot the mid-range jumper a bit today and there was no question Hansbrough has a more consistent, clean stroke. But do we really expect the Blazers' backup power forward to shoot 12 foot jumpers in the key? I don't think so.

KP on Pendergraph

"He shot the ball really well in the shooting drills. He's going to be a good defender in our league. He's a great runner. If you're going to run, he's going to really look good."

Chad Buchanan on Pendergraph

He's got good size. He knows what he is as a player. He's not going to give you a ton of offense. He's going to play the right way. He's going to set screens. He's going to finish easy plays that more talented guys create for him. He's going to play good position defense. Really intelligent kid. Has been well-coached. He doesn't have star potential but I think you can put him on an NBA floor. If you look at Jeff and Dante and Tyler, those guys are physically ready to play in an NBA game. All 3 of those guys are all 4 year guys.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

BE on Pendergraph's pre-draft workout

But, we don't need a guy like this.

Coachable. Plays the right way. Does the little things. Defends well. Rebounds. Size.

He's a perfect replacement for Travis at the 4 IMO. I'll trust our scouts and management in this decision.

 

[Nikolokolus]

But, we don't need a guy like this.

Coachable. Plays the right way. Does the little things. Defends well. Rebounds. Size.

He's a perfect replacement for Travis at the 4 IMO. I'll trust our scouts and management in this decision.

Hell, almost anything is better than the craptacular production we got out of Channing Frye and Ike Diogu last season.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Does blazers.com have any video of his blazers workout? I'm pretty sure he was here.