Official Draft Discussion Thread (1 Viewer)

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Dont worry you'll be 20 before you know it and wishing you drafted Martynas this year. You're thinking small with Martynas. 17ppg?!?! When I said dominant center I meant it. Dominant like Duncan or Garnett or Dirk, MVP material. But he wont be a three point shooter. You cant have everything you know. I would rather have Splitter because he is simply a sure thing. Worst case scenario for him is Chris Mihm and he's the starting center for the Lakers. Bogut is also almost guaranteed to be a solid contributor. Martynas is all potential and usually I wouldnt want someone based purely on potential. They just might not work out. But there really isnt any other big man I like in the draft so considering the lack of true big men, yes I think he's worth the wait and risk.</div>
Well if he's MVP material we should check him out, but what is his worse case scenario? Those really are KG like tools as well. Dominant I'm thinking 24ppg/11rpg/5apg/2.5bpg Those are some great numbers and I'd wait around for those numbers. If his worse case scenario is severe, I might reconsider though. Chris Mihm right now is averaging 10 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.52 blocks. Through out his career: 7.5ppg/5.4rpg/0.4apg/1.0bpg And that is probably Splitter's absolute worse case scenario. That's what I like about this guy. 7 footer (may not even be done growing, smart, has potentialand at the very least, he brings more diversity to the team as well.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont trust Taft so please keep him away from my team. I think any team that drafts him will be very sorry. And I dont like his name either. Tiago Splitter sounds better.

</div>
I don't either but I'm getting scary thoughts Isiah will draft him because of his athleticism and "potential."

 

[JWohl]

whats the point

whats the point in debating who we should pick ...whatever happens happens....we dont even know what pick we will have right now...

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">whats the point in debating who we should pick ...whatever happens happens....we dont even know what pick we will have right now...</div>
Well, the thread is exploring all of our options and getting an idea of who we can/will draft. The picks are based off of mostly assuptions, but we have a general idea of what pick we'll get.

 

[Trip]

The Knicks will probably get the 5th to 10th pick in the lottery. Drafting a center is most likely their top priority, but outside of Andrew Bogut, there are no sure things in this year's draft at center. Could the Knicks possibly trade their pick and maybe expiring contracts to be in position to draft Bogut?

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks will probably get the 5th to 10th pick in the lottery. Drafting a center is most likely their top priority, but outside of Andrew Bogut, there are no sure things in this year's draft at center. Could the Knicks possibly trade their pick and maybe expiring contracts to be in position to draft Bogut?</div>
Trip, I've been saying that for awhile now. Glad you realize

 

[Trip]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Trip, I've been saying that for awhile now. Glad you realize

</div>
You didn't expect me to read the whole 8 pages did you? I just popped my head in, said hi, gave my opinion and left a question. Well, thanks for somewhat answering anyways. Thing is, looking at the number one pick, it's most likely to go to New Orleans, Charlotte or Atlanta. Would they need expiring contracts for the next summer when they already have plenty of space this summer to make a splash in the free agent market? I don't see a very big possibility in the chances of them trading their pick for New York's and contracts that expire a year after.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">You didn't expect me to read the whole 8 pages did you? I just popped my head in, said hi, gave my opinion and left a question. Well, thanks for somewhat answering anyways. Thing is, looking at the number one pick, it's most likely to go to New Orleans, Charlotte or Atlanta. Would they need expiring contracts for the next summer when they already have plenty of space this summer to make a splash in the free agent market? I don't see a very big possibility in the chances of them trading their pick for New York's and contracts that expire a year after.</div>
Not only here, in the Isiah acquires Malik Rose and Mo Taylor thread. Some posters foolishly said the picks aren't valuable because they're so high. I said they can become perfect trade bait for something like this.

 

[Mr. J]

Hmmm...

There is a guy I posted earlier in the first page...Fran Vazquez. He seems more legit. Lat year in one of the top competition levels known as the ABC, he in 16mpg he got on a 51% shooting 6.8ppg and 5.5rpg. Also in the playoffs he got some serious burn against an elite team. This is the same team Pau Gasol came from. He averaged 30.25 and gave his team 19.7ppg 5.5rpg and 2.2bpg on 56% shooting. He has the shot blocking and shooting ability as well. He is just a undersized. What do you guys think? Should we take another look at him? One mock draft has him going 4th in the draft!

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">There is a guy I posted earlier in the first page...Fran Vazquez. He seems more legit. Lat year in one of the top competition levels known as the ABC, he in 16mpg he got on a 51% shooting 6.8ppg and 5.5rpg. Also in the playoffs he got some serious burn against an elite team. This is the same team Pau Gasol came from. He averaged 30.25 and gave his team 19.7ppg 5.5rpg and 2.2bpg on 56% shooting. He has the shot blocking and shooting ability as well. He is just a undersized. What do you guys think? Should we take another look at him? One mock draft has him going 4th in the draft!</div>

ACB isnt a competition level it's a league. The Spanish league to be exact, the same league that my boy Splitter plays in. Other than a good jumpshot and hookshot his offense is severely limited, his post moves are poor, shows bad positioning on defense and rebounding, bites on too many pumpfakes, cant take his man mano y mano on the offensive end, and weighs less than 230lbs. Granted he has alot of potential and can improve I'd rather have Splitter. If I'm going to draft someone based on potential it'll be Martynas not someone who's best case scenario is "Poor Man's Marcus Camby".

So let's just get TIAGO SPLITTER!!!!

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">ACB isnt a competition level it's a league. The Spanish league to be exact, the same league that my boy Splitter plays in. Other than a good jumpshot and hookshot his offense is severely limited, his post moves are poor, shows bad positioning on defense and rebounding, bites on too many pumpfakes, cant take his man mano y mano on the offensive end, and weighs less than 230lbs. Granted he has alot of potential and can improve I'd rather have Splitter. If I'm going to draft someone based on potential it'll be Martynas not someone who's best case scenario is "Poor Man's Marcus Camby".

So let's just get TIAGO SPLITTER!!!!</div>
I just thought it was interesting that some had him drafed higher than Splitter. Perhps we might have misread him. Anyway, I think it will be great having a great frontcourt of Sweetney, Splitter and Ariza.

I was just doing some research on some people and I was wondering, why is Bogut drafted so high again? I mean there have been plenty of busts who put up better stats than him and have better competition. Why is he so different?

 

[Mr. J]

I was watching MSG today (really NBA TV) and guess who was on. You guessed it...Tiago Splitter. It was International ball. Tau (Splitter's team) against a team called PAN or something like that. Tau lost that game. I was just browsing and happened to find it right in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Splitter finally got subbed into the game during the last couple of minutes in the 4th. I heard he put on a show with 9 points in the 2nd, however I didn't get to see it. Anyway, he did look a bit jumpy (probably due to him being 19), but he looked pretty good out there. This guy is very athletic. I never realized how much though. I remember there was a guard trying to come in the paint he sent it. He really does have long arms! I think standing straight up he can touch his knees. During the final minute or two, Tau was in transition and someone missed a layup right when I was about to blink. BANG Tiago Splitter threw down a monster put-back dunk. He really is kind of skinny though, but he looks like a promising youngster that I would draft. Hopefully he rolls around our way, but that all depends on how we do.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

Bogut is going number one because he is a legitimate seven foot tall center who can pretty much do it all and still has alot of room to improve.

Splitter is definetely a great athlete for a near seven footer. I've seen videos of him finishing alleyhoops off of pick and roll situations. I'm usually not into athletes but I must say I'm impressed with him and his potential. I will cry if we dont get Bogut or Splitter.

TIAGO SPLITTER!!!!

 

[Mr. J]

Sorry to dissapoint you but you might very well be crying, Tribute. It all depends on the lottery and what pick we'll get. Splitter is projected by many as a 4th pick. If the Knicks get in the lottery, a realistic pick they'll get is maybe 7th or 8th. So what if the lottery looks like this...

1. <strike>Andrew Bogut</strike>, ATL
2. <strike>Chris Paul</strike>, CHA
3. <strike>Marvin Williams</strike>, N.O.
4. <strike>Tiago Splitter</strike> GSW
5. <strike>Nemanja Aleksandrov</strike> UTAH
6. <strike>Johan Petro</strike> TOR
7. <strike>Martynas Andriuskevicius</strike> MIL
8. ........................... NYK

Then who should we draft??? Villanueva?

Btw, Isiah Thomas really might go after Taft. I mean look at him... "Potential"..."Talent"...Born in Brooklen same as the franchise player Marbury!!! All the makings of what Isiah is looking for.

 

[Mr. J]

WHOA, I never knew about Splitter doing this! Last year he performed so poorly, he had to withdraw himself out of the draft. Caught me by surprise big time. I also heard he might not be as great a defender either. If this is true, I pass on him and I go to Petro.

Here's something to look at while you're reading this thread as well. JBB Mock Draft

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">WHOA, I never knew about Splitter doing this! Last year he performed so poorly, he had to withdraw himself out of the draft. Caught me by surprise big time. I also heard he might not be as great a defender either. If this is true, I pass on him and I go to Petro.

Here's something to look at while you're reading this thread as well. JBB Mock Draft</div>

Most of the international class last year pulled out of the draft. They were afraid that the high school class was going to push them down the draft order. Splitter had a so-so workout and since he wanted to be a lottery pick he stayed in Europe to get better so he could ensure himself a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. I dont know where you got the idea that he wasnt a good defender but he is. I wouldnt mind trading Marbury to Atlanta for their pick to draft Petro. Too bad Isiah will never do that.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Most of the international class last year pulled out of the draft. They were afraid that the high school class was going to push them down the draft order. Splitter had a so-so workout and since he wanted to be a lottery pick he stayed in Europe to get better so he could ensure himself a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. I dont know where you got the idea that he wasnt a good defender but he is. I wouldnt mind trading Marbury to Atlanta for their pick to draft Petro. Too bad Isiah will never do that.</div>
I'm getting some doubts, Tribute. You usually do a good job of convincing me but after what I heard from other people that he was a horrible defender, a bad rebounder for his size and Anderson Varejao is better than Splitter in every aspect of his game offensively and defensively. If this is the guy I?m getting, I think I?ll pass and go for Petro who is a good rebounder and good shot blocker who is just as athletic and someone who can contribute automatically in my opinion.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm getting some doubts, Tribute. You usually do a good job of convincing me but after what I heard from other people that he was a horrible defender, a bad rebounder for his size and Anderson Varejao is better than Splitter in every aspect of his game offensively and defensively. If this is the guy I?m getting, I think I?ll pass and go for Petro who is a good rebounder and good shot blocker who is just as athletic and someone who can contribute automatically in my opinion.</div>

Who are these people telling you that he's a bad defender and bad rebounder?? And are they talking about Splitter from last year or this year?You can listen to Tribute(hey that's me

) who's usually right and only looks up Splitter's stats after every single game he plays and every other person that has Splitter going in the top five or these mysterious friends of yours who are more than likely talking about Splitter from last year. Tell me I forgot, how high did Varejao go in the draft again? And did I mention Splitter already has more experience than him and Nene? I dont know who are these other people you're listening to but they dont have to insult Splitter by saying Varejao is better than him. Splitter is one of the surest things in the lottery and will probably become an All Star and if not he'll at the very worst become a solid starter. If you dont find that appealing enough to use the pick on then I dont know what to say. And do I have to remind you how cool that name is?? Tiago Splitter! Much better than Johan Petro. You cant go wrong picking a player with a name like Tiago Splitter, you just cant!

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Who are these people telling you that he's a bad defender and bad rebounder?? And are they talking about Splitter from last year or this year?You can listen to Tribute(hey that's me

) who's usually right and only looks up Splitter's stats after every single game he plays and every other person that has Splitter going in the top five or these mysterious friends of yours who are more than likely talking about Splitter from last year. Tell me I forgot, how high did Varejao go in the draft again? And did I mention Splitter already has more experience than him and Nene? I dont know who are these other people you're listening to but they dont have to insult Splitter by saying Varejao is better than him. Splitter is one of the surest things in the lottery and will probably become an All Star and if not he'll at the very worst become a solid starter. If you dont find that appealing enough to use the pick on then I dont know what to say. And do I have to remind you how cool that name is?? Tiago Splitter! Much better than Johan Petro. You cant go wrong picking a player with a name like Tiago Splitter, you just cant!</div>
Here is the link: http://www.justbball.com/forums/showthread...newpost&t=34328 Maybe you should talk to them because they have some very different opinions of Splitter.

 

[Mr. J]

Tribute, I think I'm taking Petro. The Knicks need someone who can defend the interior and block shots and it makes it much easier if he's a strong 260 7 feet. I think Aguirre can transform him into something special. I like Splitter, but Petro will give us that Mutombo we had last year. If Splitter turns into the next Andrew DeClerq, I think we'll be in trouble.

 

[JWohl]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Tribute, I think I'm taking Petro. The Knicks need someone who can defend the interior and block shots and it makes it much easier if he's a strong 260 7 feet. I think Aguirre can transform him into something special. I like Splitter, but Petro will give us that Mutombo we had last year. If Splitter turns into the next Andrew DeClerq, I think we'll be in trouble.</div>
picking petro at the 9th or 10th pick would be a HUGE mistake.....i have him ranked AT BEST as a late first rounder going around 20 /25

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">picking petro at the 9th or 10th pick would be a HUGE mistake.....i have him ranked AT BEST as a late first rounder going around 20 /25</div>
Why is this?

 

[JWohl]

here

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Why is this?</div>
here are SOME of the things he needs to improve: he needs to work harder, very raw offensivley, slow foot work, lazy, shot is limited, doesnt look for his shot, doesnt rebound on the offensive side, cant gaurd smaller post players, slow reaction times.....I know everybody is gonna say "give Agguire a year and he'll develop this guy" but aguirre cant do anything if petro is willing to work

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">here are SOME of the things he needs to improve: he needs to work harder, very raw offensivley, slow foot work, lazy, shot is limited, doesnt look for his shot, doesnt rebound on the offensive side, cant gaurd smaller post players, slow reaction times.....I know everybody is gonna say "give Agguire a year and he'll develop this guy" but aguirre cant do anything if petro is willing to work</div>
Well, every player has weaknesses, those are some of his. Again, lazy and can't guard smaller forwards is not true. Petro can guard every frontcourt position which is why people are drawing some Rasheed Wallace comparisons on defense. Sometimes he might look a bit passive, but he has a high motivation level and is more competitive than people give him credit for. He will work with Aguirre and over the years, he can develop. The offense will come eventually, but the offense is definitely not a main concern for the Knicks. I seem to remember last year with Mutombo (who had no offense) the Knicks not struggling too much. The only thing is he is a hair (literally) shorter than Mutombo, a longer wingspan I think, more athleticism and much quicker. Mutombo was 38 or something when he was with us and now we have someone who's 19 and who can develop some offense.

 

[crazyrussianz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, every player has weaknesses, those are some of his. Again, lazy and can't guard smaller forwards is not true. Petro can guard every frontcourt position which is why people are drawing some Rasheed Wallace comparisons on defense. Sometimes he might look a bit passive, but he has a high motivation level and is more competitive than people give him credit for. He will work with Aguirre and over the years, he can develop. The offense will come eventually, but the offense is definitely not a main concern for the Knicks. I seem to remember last year with Mutombo (who had no offense) the Knicks not struggling too much. The only thing is he is a hair (literally) shorter than Mutombo, a longer wingspan I think, more athleticism and much quicker. Mutombo was 38 or something when he was with us and now we have someone who's 19 and who can develop some offense.</div>

Is Petro a PF or C if he is, i see why Knicks might want him, but mayb we should go for a more offensiveplayer, dont forget we have the young jackie butler, who can develop into a great player..

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting crazyrussianz:</div><div class="quote_post">Is Petro a PF or C if he is, i see why Knicks might want him, but mayb we should go for a more offensiveplayer, dont forget we have the young jackie butler, who can develop into a great player..</div>
No, he's definitely a center. He has the lock up the paint mentality and getting the block. The Knicks need defense. We have enough scorers. Petro can develop some offense and can work in the Aguirre work out plan. It's not like he'll be like this forever. He can develop into something. He's a project and the Knicks need to mold him into something special. Yeah, Butler can turn into a good player. He's 20 and is on the Aguirre work out plan too! 6 points in 1 minute against Boston is pretty impressive...even if it was garbage minutes

 

[JWohl]

what makes you think you know better

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, every player has weaknesses, those are some of his. Again, lazy and can't guard smaller forwards is not true. Petro can guard every frontcourt position which is why people are drawing some Rasheed Wallace comparisons on defense. Sometimes he might look a bit passive, but he has a high motivation level and is more competitive than people give him credit for. He will work with Aguirre and over the years, he can develop. The offense will come eventually, but the offense is definitely not a main concern for the Knicks. I seem to remember last year with Mutombo (who had no offense) the Knicks not struggling too much. The only thing is he is a hair (literally) shorter than Mutombo, a longer wingspan I think, more athleticism and much quicker. Mutombo was 38 or something when he was with us and now we have someone who's 19 and who can develop some offense.</div>

What makes you think you know better than NBA scouts? Every scouts opinion i've read about him says he is lazy. He is not quick enough to guard smaller PFs or centers

 

[Mr. J]

what makes YOU think you know better

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">What makes you think you know better than NBA scouts? Every scouts opinion i've read about him says he is lazy. He is not quick enough to guard smaller PFs or centers</div>
How many scouts have you read. The one on draftcity which is very reliable says that. He is quick enough, more athletic than the average center and is a strong 260.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

Petro can guard centers and powerforwards but I dont think he'll be able to guard small forwards. At least not NBA small forwards. He definetely comes across as lazy but some people say it's because he needs better competition which is strange since he doesnt dominate at his level anyway.

His offense as it has already been said before is pretty raw although he's better at the defensive end. He's a project like Martynas. If we draft him we're just drafting on potential. He's more ready than Martynas but he's not ready for the NBA just yet. He should stay in Europe for another two years. He hasnt even had alot of good performances in Europe despite the fact he's starting for his team whereas Splitter is coming off the bench and often plays limited minutes but still puts up performances worth mentioning.

We dont just need a defensive prescence in the paint. What the Knicks need is a player who can help Sweetney out in the low post offensively and contribute defensively. I doubt Petro will be able to do both but I know Splitter can. Probably doesnt matter though. Unless we get a lucky bounce of the ping pong balls we're not going to have a high enough pick to draft Splitter. Although Petro should be available by the time our pick comes around. By the way, do we have a second round pick from Houston for this upcoming draft?

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Petro can guard centers and powerforwards but I dont think he'll be able to guard small forwards. At least not NBA small forwards. He definetely comes across as lazy but some people say it's because he needs better competition which is strange since he doesnt dominate at his level anyway.</div>
At the least not right now, but sometime in the future isn't out of the question. But, he only gets 13 minutes so he can't really dominate.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">His offense as it has already been said before is pretty raw although he's better at the defensive end. He's a project like Martynas. If we draft him we're just drafting on potential. He's more ready than Martynas but he's not ready for the NBA just yet. He should stay in Europe for another two years. He hasnt even had alot of good performances in Europe despite the fact he's starting for his team whereas Splitter is coming off the bench and often plays limited minutes but still puts up performances worth mentioning. </div>
I still don't know what's with all of this hype on Martynas, but isn't patience a virtue? If we are patient and watch him develop, can't he turn into a Jermaine O'Neal according to some Mocks. I mean imagine a muscular 7 footer with some great athleticism who can post up, shoot a jumper, and lock up the paint. If we wait, we can get a really good player. Splitter's had some excellent performances, but I heard he had an injury and he hasn't rebounded from it and his numbers have struggled because of it. Nevertheless, I've seen some good stuff from Splitter. Petro gets 13 minutes which isn't too much, but judging on potential and talent I think Petro surpasses Splitter.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">We dont just need a defensive prescence in the paint. What the Knicks need is a player who can help Sweetney out in the low post offensively and contribute defensively. I doubt Petro will be able to do both but I know Splitter can. Probably doesnt matter though. Unless we get a lucky bounce of the ping pong balls we're not going to have a high enough pick to draft Splitter. Although Petro should be available by the time our pick comes around. By the way, do we have a second round pick from Houston for this upcoming draft?</div>
Yeah, but one of the Knicks main problems this season, has been defense. The Knicks perimeter defense has been horrible and a shot blocker bailing out them will be a major plus. I mean remember what happened with Mutombo? We had the paint pretty much locked up and it really helped us. I heard Splitter gets into fouls too quickly especially with the bigger stronger players, so imagine what will happen in the NBA where pretty much everyone is strong.

Fran Vazquez is really someone to look at. I don't think he will be a poor man's Marcus Camby. I mean he will be very solid. He can run the floor, block shots and shoot the jumper. He is quite mature and I also heard he plays top notch competition. His stats are very good and he's quite mature. I think a work out with Aguirre along with that midrange jumper can really help him.

 

[Mr. J]

Anyone else have any draft thoughts?
We have:
Splitter
Green
Taft
Petro
on the radar by some. Who should we take?