Rod Thorn Spells It All Out

[SportsTicker]

"The top six or seven is still being sorted out - I know I'm not entirely sure," Rod Thorn said. "Obviously, Rose, Beasley, Mayo and Love will be among the top picks. Then Eric Gordon and probably Brook Lopez, though that's not a sure thing. After that, it can fall in a number of ways."

So he's saying Gallinari, Bayless and Westbrook are the wild cards here - the guys who can land anywhere between six and nine.

And then you have to consider need: A kid like Lopez can land anywhere, if only because there are three teams in the top 9 - Sonics, Clips, Bucks - who have no real need for him.

Then consider the Bobcats at No. 8: They are looking for a point (still not convinced Felton is pure enough), and could screw up every mock draft by grabbing D.J. Augustin; or a big such as Lopez.

Milwaukee (picking 9th) seems to have targeted a small forward, given that their power combo (Bogut/Yi) is just getting started, so they could be looking Gallinari or Randolph. If they succeed in moving Michael Redd (lotsa luck -- he's got $51M coming to him over the next three years), they'd go for Gordon, given that there's a coach on Scott Skiles' staff (Kelvin Sampson) who knows the Indiana kid pretty well.

Then comes 10. What should we think at this point?

Especially since the guy the Nets (so we're told) fell in love with early is now destined to go top 5?

"My feeling all along regarding Love was that he wouldn't be where we are," Thorn said. "With all he's done and the skill set he has, he has to go higher.

"As far as I'm concerned, where we're picking, there is going to be a guy who's going to be a real good NBA player. Now it's a matter of ferreting out who it is, because there's not a whole lot of difference between a lot of these guys. In some cases, it's a matter of predicting, 'Well, this guy's gonna get to this place in a year or so,' or 'This guy has already peaked.' That's the hard part, like it always is."

--Dave D.

http://blog.nj.com/netsblast/2008/06/benvenuto_italia.html

 

[Dumpy]

when's the draft, anyway?

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

26th

 

[Dumpy]

thanks.

 

[GMJ]

The draft never goes "chalk," and so I think you'll see a couple of big reaches this year (like it always is). I actually wouldn't be surprised, nor would I be disappointed, if we took Marresse Speights at 10. If we're looking for a big man who can score in the low post (hi, mythical kenyon heir-apparent), or shoot the jump shot (hi, ghost of nenad), then this guy has what we need. His draft express profile also reports him being one of the most productive bigs in the draft (in terms of stats per 40 minutes). If Russel Westbrook isn't there, then I wouldn't be afraid of taking him at 10.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ Jun 10 2008, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The draft never goes "chalk," and so I think you'll see a couple of big reaches this year (like it always is). I actually wouldn't be surprised, nor would I be disappointed, if we took Marresse Speights at 10. If we're looking for a big man who can score in the low post (hi, mythical kenyon heir-apparent), or shoot the jump shot (hi, ghost of nenad), then this guy has what we need. His draft express profile also reports him being one of the most productive bigs in the draft (in terms of stats per 40 minutes). If Russel Westbrook isn't there, then I wouldn't be afraid of taking him at 10.</div>

I think we should worry about defense more than offensive production.

Does anyone think we should take these DraftExpress negatives seriously?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Weaknesses:

• Stuck between 4 and 5?
• Post-game not very diverse
• Ability to put ball on floor
• Shot-selection/Decision making
• Got by on instincts at college level
• Defensive fundamentals
• Defensive awareness
• Motivation/Focus/Consistency fluctuates
• Tendency to coast
• Conditioning
• Basketball IQ?
• Work ethic?
• Academic issues?
• Needs time to develop</div>

I know nothing about Marreese Speights, other than the fact that he was on a Florida team that didn't do much...

 

[User01]

most of the just tells me he needs help in the mental aspect, he wasn't coached well to this point possibly. And I agree Jigga, Speights is one of the guys I wouldn't mind at 10. (And if we take a wing at 10, would be pumped to get him at 21)

 

[SportsTicker]

Speights at #10 would be a big mistake.

 

[soul driver]

I'd like Gallarni at 10, and take a slight risk with Ryan Anderson at 21 if he's still there.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 10 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ Jun 10 2008, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The draft never goes "chalk," and so I think you'll see a couple of big reaches this year (like it always is). I actually wouldn't be surprised, nor would I be disappointed, if we took Marresse Speights at 10. If we're looking for a big man who can score in the low post (hi, mythical kenyon heir-apparent), or shoot the jump shot (hi, ghost of nenad), then this guy has what we need. His draft express profile also reports him being one of the most productive bigs in the draft (in terms of stats per 40 minutes). If Russel Westbrook isn't there, then I wouldn't be afraid of taking him at 10.</div>

I think we should worry about defense more than offensive production.

Does anyone think we should take these DraftExpress negatives seriously?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Weaknesses:

• Stuck between 4 and 5?
• Post-game not very diverse
• Ability to put ball on floor
• Shot-selection/Decision making
• Got by on instincts at college level
• Defensive fundamentals
• Defensive awareness
• Motivation/Focus/Consistency fluctuates
• Tendency to coast
• Conditioning
• Basketball IQ?
• Work ethic?
• Academic issues?
• Needs time to develop</div>

I know nothing about Marreese Speights, other than the fact that he was on a Florida team that didn't do much...
</div>

DX over-rates Gators

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (User01 @ Jun 10 2008, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>most of the just tells me he needs help in the mental aspect, he wasn't coached well to this point possibly. And I agree Jigga, Speights is one of the guys I wouldn't mind at 10. (And if we take a wing at 10, would be pumped to get him at 21)</div>

As someone pointed out, the Draft Express kids attend(ed?) Florida, so you have to take their analysis of Gators with a grain of salt. They have notoriously overrated them in the past.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 10 2008, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Jun 10 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ Jun 10 2008, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The draft never goes "chalk," and so I think you'll see a couple of big reaches this year (like it always is). I actually wouldn't be surprised, nor would I be disappointed, if we took Marresse Speights at 10. If we're looking for a big man who can score in the low post (hi, mythical kenyon heir-apparent), or shoot the jump shot (hi, ghost of nenad), then this guy has what we need. His draft express profile also reports him being one of the most productive bigs in the draft (in terms of stats per 40 minutes). If Russel Westbrook isn't there, then I wouldn't be afraid of taking him at 10.</div>

I think we should worry about defense more than offensive production.

Does anyone think we should take these DraftExpress negatives seriously?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Weaknesses:

• Stuck between 4 and 5?
• Post-game not very diverse
• Ability to put ball on floor
• Shot-selection/Decision making
• Got by on instincts at college level
• Defensive fundamentals
• Defensive awareness
• Motivation/Focus/Consistency fluctuates
• Tendency to coast
• Conditioning
• Basketball IQ?
• Work ethic?
• Academic issues?
• Needs time to develop</div>

I know nothing about Marreese Speights, other than the fact that he was on a Florida team that didn't do much...
</div>

DX over-rates Gators
</div>

WOW. That's pretty bad, then.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (User01 @ Jun 10 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>most of the just tells me he needs help in the mental aspect, he wasn't coached well to this point possibly. And I agree Jigga, Speights is one of the guys I wouldn't mind at 10. (And if we take a wing at 10, would be pumped to get him at 21)</div>
<u>Just</u> the mental aspect??

 

[Run BJM]

I have them taking Kosta Koufos at 10 if hes there (which I think he will be). I've got the mock draft with analysis of picks 1-10 in my blog (in my sig) and Voodoo Child has them taking Darrell Arthur. Just in case anyone cares about our input lol.

Please check it out and leave any comments and questions and we'll try to answer them on the blog.

 

[cpawfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Run BJM @ Jun 11 2008, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I have them taking DeAndre Jordan at 10 if hes there (which I think he will be).</div>

Of course he'll be there and he'll keep on sliding down

 

[Run BJM]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 11 2008, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Run BJM @ Jun 11 2008, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I have them taking DeAndre Jordan at 10 if hes there (which I think he will be).</div>

Of course he'll be there and he'll keep on sliding down
</div>
My bad I had a typo there I actually have NJ taking Kosta Koufos. Yeah DeAndre Jordan is slipping majorly but I don't think hes as bad as many make him out to be. Koufos seems to have securely taken over as the consensus #2 C prospect in the draft and I personally like him a lot better than Robin Lopez. Hes a little bigger than Lopez and definitely more athletic. His jumpshot is lightyears ahead of B. Lopez' and although Lopez was a better post scorer in college I don't think it'll carry over well into the NBA because his moves down there are awkward. Lopez' release point on his post moves are too low, you see guys with textbook post moves like Tim Duncan or Elton Brand and the release point is always at the highest point their arms can go. Lopez doesn't really have an array of fundamental post moves, he kind of just lobs it up there and no one in college can stop it. Koufos wasn't as dominating in the post, he was a little more finesse in the paint but I think his scoring on the block will carry over better because he does have the more fundamental moves down there plus hes a decent athlete for his size.

Koufos wasn't at Orlando but here are his measurables:

KOSTA KOUFOS
Height (in socks) 7' foot 1/2"
Height (in basketball shoes) 7' foot 1 1/2"
Wingspan 7'5 foot 1/2"
Weight 265 pounds
Vertical jump 33"
Body 6.6%
Bench press 16 reps at 185 pounds

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=4156...subCategoryID=0

 

[cpawfan]

1) Koufos is a PF not a Center in the NBA

2) Your not making a compelling case

3) Kiki is dumb enough to take him

4) Jordan is worse than what most people are making him out to be

5) On your blog, it would help you guys out with posting if each of you registered an account with it instead of sharing one unnamed account. If you need help managing it, let me know as I have admin permissions for that entire site.

 

[Run BJM]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jun 11 2008, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>1) Koufos is a PF not a Center in the NBA

2) Your not making a compelling case

3) Kiki is dumb enough to take him

4) Jordan is worse than what most people are making him out to be

5) On your blog, it would help you guys out with posting if each of you registered an account with it instead of sharing one unnamed account. If you need help managing it, let me know as I have admin permissions for that entire site.</div>
1) I do think he's more of a C. Hes got more of a finesse game and isn't a strong rebounder or defender but hes well over 7 foot and while hes a good athlete for his size I don't think hes good enough to play PF full time in the league. Skill-wise hes definitely more of a PF but with his body I think he's a C in the NBA. Its pretty much irrelevant though because you have to figure wherever he goes he'll be playing alongside a more athletic defensive minded PF/C anyway to make up for his deficiencies.

2) As for how compelling my case is, the Nets don't really have any great options at 10. What are your thoughts on who they should pick? With Koufos you're getting a 7 foot+ guy with skill and potential. Look at the other options; DeAndre Jordan, Darrell Arthur, Russell Westbrook, Joe Alexander, Donte Greene, etc. No one else really fits. Koufos seems to fit when you look at the Nets need for a skilled big man. If you don't buy it thats fine I just don't see anyone who fits in better at #10.

5) Yeah I still don't know wtf I'm doing with the blog as far as formatting goes. Its kind of confusing and I have zero experience with blogging.

 

[J.S]

Koufos would seem to be the choice, I'm dying to know how the workout went today.

Danilo is an iffy pick for 10 imo

 

[Dumpy]

One potential drawback to taking Danilo at #10 is that it would make it less likely that the Nets would take Rush, CDR, Batum, or Budinger (who is falling on the mocks) at #21. ESPECIALLY if they are convinced that Diop is going to bolt.

Although, Roy Hibbert has all the hallmarks of a typical Net pick . . . he could be there at #21 . . .

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 12 2008, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>One potential drawback to taking Danilo at #10 is that it would make it less likely that the Nets would take Rush, CDR, Batum, or Budinger (who is falling on the mocks) at #21. ESPECIALLY if they are convinced that Diop is going to bolt.

Although, Roy Hibbert has all the hallmarks of a typical Net pick . . . he could be there at #21 . . .</div>

Yeah, it seems as if Hibbert would fit into this system quite well. He has many of the skills Nenad used to have, that made our offense work so well.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

Hibbert @ 21 would be a nice pick.

Speights @ 10 would be a sh*t pick and a half. I want no part of that bum. There is no place for lackadaisical big men in the NBA.