Which Team Drafted the Best?

[NOVoodoo]

I really think Portland might have had the best draft. McCollum was a great pick at #10, Withey is a great fit, especially in the second round, and ya'lls second round Euro-stash is one of the more promising, rising Euroleaguers.

I'd say my Grizz had a great draft, but we only wound up with two picks, a great steal at #41 with Franklin and a mediocre Euro-stash at #60 with Timma. That's a good draft, but too minor to be considered the best.

So who had a better draft than the Blazers? I was a fan of Minnesota's picks. I think Muhammad and Dieng are great fits, and I also think Utah made out pretty damn well with Burke and Gobert.

I know you guys can be the biggest critics of your Blazers, but all-in-all, it seems like the Blazers drafted better than most of the league tonight.

 

[Natebishop3]

I think Sac lucked out with McLemore. I think he could be a real star.

Also, I think New Orleans made out like bandits. I'm skeptical of Noel's health long term, and I think Holiday is one of the best young point guards in the league. The Pels just solidified their backcourt. If Gordon can stay healthy, he and Holiday will be lethal.

 

[NOVoodoo]

I think Sac lucked out with McLemore. I think he could be a real star.

Also, I think New Orleans made out like bandits. I'm skeptical of Noel's health long term, and I think Holiday is one of the best young point guards in the league. The Pels just solidified their backcourt. If Gordon can stay healthy, he and Holiday will be lethal.

Before I respond to the topic, I've got to give you props... "The Pels"... I was just in New Orleans for about two weeks and hung out a lot with my friends that are sports journalists for the Times Picayune and for TrueHoops Pelicans blog, yet I never heard anyone throw out "The Pels." It was always "the Hornets, er... Pelicans." That's catchy though...

You're right though... with that trade considered, I guess the Pelicans are the big draft winners. ESPN had pretty shitty coverage of the entire draft, in that they all seemed completely aloof to what was actually going on. When they reported the trade, I thought it was so lop-sided in the Pelicans' favor, that I thought they were leaving out details. I figured Eric Gordon would be moved or something, but the fact that all they essentially had to do to get an All-Star PG was give up a #6 pick in a weak draft has to make them the hands-down winners.

I like Sactown's draft as well. McLemore is enough of a get, but McCallum, albeit drafted where he was projected to be drafted, was still a steal in the second round. I'm really not sure (no offense to Portland fans), how McCollum was considered such a better prospect than McCallum.

 

[Draco]

Yeah I like what the Pelicans did, the draft is such a crap shoot getting a known guy like Jrue is brilliant. The Sixers are following the Bobcats rebuilding plan, I'm not impressed because I don't think they'll have the patience to stick it out and the years of being a celler dweller is damaging to a franchise.

But yes I'm super excited about our draft, I'd agree we might have had the best draft as of today. Summer league should be exciting.

 

[Natebishop3]

Before I respond to the topic, I've got to give you props... "The Pels"... I was just in New Orleans for about two weeks and hung out a lot with my friends that are sports journalists for the Times Picayune and for TrueHoops Pelicans blog, yet I never heard anyone throw out "The Pels." It was always "the Hornets, er... Pelicans." That's catchy though...

You're right though... with that trade considered, I guess the Pelicans are the big draft winners. ESPN had pretty shitty coverage of the entire draft, in that they all seemed completely aloof to what was actually going on. When they reported the trade, I thought it was so lop-sided in the Pelicans' favor, that I thought they were leaving out details. I figured Eric Gordon would be moved or something, but the fact that all they essentially had to do to get an All-Star PG was give up a #6 pick in a weak draft has to make them the hands-down winners.

I like Sactown's draft as well. McLemore is enough of a get, but McCallum, albeit drafted where he was projected to be drafted, was still a steal in the second round. I'm really not sure (no offense to Portland fans), how McCollum was considered such a better prospect than McCallum.

Phoenix fans are furious they didn't do that deal. Either that or draft McLemore. They hated the Len pick.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Of teams you haven't mentioned I really like what Atlanta did. I'm a huge fan of Schroeder and Bebe was a good pickup and they also acquired Muscala. However trading Shane Larkin may haunt them like the Wolves trading Ty Lawson.

Minny did a lot right, it seems to me. I don't like Muhammad, but I said a while back that he makes sense for the Wolves because he can't create and Rubio can't score, so they complete each other. But they got Dieng, so now we have to punish them by getting them to overpay Pekovic. Maybe we can threaten them with signing Pekovic to a huge ugly offer sheet unless they give us Dieng? That's allowed, right?

I like what Philly did. It was bold. Jrue's great, but that franchise was wallowing in self-pity and needed a big jolt and Noel and MCW are certainly that, AND they got one of those diamond-encrusted 2014 picks (even if top 5 protected). It's kind of a shame Anthony Davis and Noel didn't stay on the same team, though. They keep missing each other. Oh, and Philly got board faves Nate Wolters and Arsalan Kazemi. They'll be my second fave Summer League team, for sure.

Much as it pains me to say it, OKC did VERY well. I love Roberson and I'd talked myself into Adams. And now I bet Jerrett turns out AMAZING.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Phoenix fans are furious they didn't do that deal. Either that or draft McLemore. They hated the Len pick.

Them getting Len scares me that they're going to trade us Gortat. If it's for McCollum I shall burn down the world.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I really think Portland might have had the best draft. McCollum was a great pick at #10, Withey is a great fit, especially in the second round, and ya'lls second round Euro-stash is one of the more promising, rising Euroleaguers.

For everyone concerned about his low numbers, he was playing for BARCELONA, one of the top 4 franchises in Europe, which has a stacked, veteran frontcourt. For pick 45 it's about as good as you can get.

Incidentally, I think the Griz getting Franklin was amazing. We passed on him, but I can forgive us because we have too many players like him (including his twin, Will Barton) otherwise I would be furious.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

The Jerrett pick was my only real problem with Portland's draft. With as deep as this year's crop was, I would really have liked them to get one more "ready to play" guy, like Muscala or Siva. In fact, if they had used both 40 & 45 on guys they actually wanted, we could have conceivably gone into the FA period with just one roster spot hole--starting center.

 

[illmatic99]

I like UTA's haul.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I like UTA's haul.

beat me to it.

 

[B-Roy]

The Jerrett pick was my only real problem with Portland's draft. With as deep as this year's crop was, I would really have liked them to get one more "ready to play" guy, like Muscala or Siva. In fact, if they had used both 40 & 45 on guys they actually wanted, we could have conceivably gone into the FA period with just one roster spot hole--starting center.

Neil mentioned they only wanted to bring two players from the draft onto the main roster. They stretched that to 3 because they didn't think Whitey would be there at 39.

 

[Natebishop3]

I thought about it last night, and though I don't really like duplicating Lillard, I think CJ was definitely the BPA and I think it was the best way to go. We've hammered the team in the past for not doing the BPA, so it's hard to complain now when they did exactly that.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I thought about it last night, and though I don't really like duplicating Lillard, I think CJ was definitely the BPA and I think it was the best way to go. We've hammered the team in the past for not doing the BPA, so it's hard to complain now when they did exactly that.

In time I think you'll become more enamored with the pick, possibly as soon as the middle of summer league (which starts in 2 weeks).

 

[Natebishop3]

In time I think you'll become more enamored with the pick, possibly as soon as the middle of summer league (which starts in 2 weeks).

I guess my concern is that long term we're either going to have to play them side by side or we'll have to make a trade. I hate drafting someone that will eventually need to be traded. All young players want to start, whether they say so or not, and I don't foresee McCollum being any different. So the question that we will have to answer over the next year or so is whether they can start together. If they can, great. If they can't, I have a hard time seeing McCollum accept a permanent role on the bench, but I guess that's probably pretty far down the line. I guess it's way too early to be worried about something like that.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

it all depends man, some people embrace that 6th man role, he seems like he is one of those types of people imo

ginobli has done it for a decade+, nary a peep

 

[OregonHuskerMan]

I guess my concern is that long term we're either going to have to play them side by side or we'll have to make a trade. I hate drafting someone that will eventually need to be traded. All young players want to start, whether they say so or not, and I don't foresee McCollum being any different. So the question that we will have to answer over the next year or so is whether they can start together. If they can, great. If they can't, I have a hard time seeing McCollum accept a permanent role on the bench, but I guess that's probably pretty far down the line. I guess it's way too early to be worried about something like that.

Two words

Asset acquisition

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

McCollum will play 30 mins a game. He shouldn't be too upset cause I'd imagine he would play at the end of games for us.

 

[magnifier661]

If we are talking draft picks; it's gotta be the blazers. With what they had available; I think they got the best player.

I really think Cleveland made out. It may not look at it now; but it could show huge promise! They needed that interior scorer that plays with his back to the basket.

Sac definitely got a damn good player too.

But I think jersey had the best draft day acquisitions. They are in major contention now with Garnett and pierce. They are stacked in all 5 positions. It's a three year window; but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't win at least one title.

 

[magnifier661]

McCollum will play 30 mins a game. He shouldn't be too upset cause I'd imagine he would play at the end of games for us.

Like the jet or harden in okc?

 

[Eastoff]

I think Sac lucked out with McLemore. I think he could be a real star.

Also, I think New Orleans made out like bandits. I'm skeptical of Noel's health long term, and I think Holiday is one of the best young point guards in the league. The Pels just solidified their backcourt. If Gordon can stay healthy, he and Holiday will be lethal.

Yeah, I think Pels are playoff contenders this year.

 

[Natebishop3]

If we are talking draft picks; it's gotta be the blazers. With what they had available; I think they got the best player.

I really think Cleveland made out. It may not look at it now; but it could show huge promise! They needed that interior scorer that plays with his back to the basket.

Sac definitely got a damn good player too.

But I think jersey had the best draft day acquisitions. They are in major contention now with Garnett and pierce. They are stacked in all 5 positions. It's a three year window; but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't win at least one title.

I think BKN's biggest enemy will be health. They have a bunch of guys who are old and injury prone. If they can stay healthy, or more importantly be healthy in the playoffs, I think they'll make some noise.

 

[Stevenson]

All young players want to start, whether they say so or not, and I don't foresee McCollum being any different. So the question that we will have to answer over the next year or so is whether they can start together. If they can, great. If they can't, I have a hard time seeing McCollum accept a permanent role on the bench...

The way I see it is that they are hoping that McCollum will eventually start next to Damien, and thus putting Wes in his natural position - 6th man sparkplug. I agree that you don't use a lotto pick on a guy you think will be coming off the bench.

CJ will start -- Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of his career.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Why do people keep sending Wesley to the bench? He's not a good bench player. He's an ideal fifth starter - like Sefolosha or Danny Green - a complementary player who is best when he can play off better starters. As a bench player you want a much more versatile player - your Ginobilis or Lamar Odoms. McCollum is perfect. Doesn't matter who's the better player, it matters who works best where.

 

[PapaG]

McCollum will play 30 mins a game. He shouldn't be too upset cause I'd imagine he would play at the end of games for us.

I remember when people here would actually claim that playing at the end of games was no different than playing in the second quarter of a game. It was during the Webster/Outlaw wars.

Man, looking back on those debates, both players sucked, but Outlaw could at least create his own shot. Nate got the most out of him as a 6th Man on a 54-win team.

 

[PapaG]

Why do people keep sending Wesley to the bench? He's not a good bench player. He's an ideal fifth starter - like Sefolosha or Danny Green - a complementary player who is best when he can play off better starters. As a bench player you want a much more versatile player - your Ginobilis or Lamar Odoms. McCollum is perfect. Doesn't matter who's the better player, it matters who works best where.

Yep. Wes needs to start this year. He is a very good spot-up shooter who stretches the defense, hustles on defense, and doesn't require the ball other than swing passes to be effective.

Call me a homer, but I think a Lillard/Wes/Batum/LMA/Center line-up, with McCollum and a vet banger at PF off the bench, makes this a play-off team that is still young and entering it's prime.

The key, really, is if Lillard is a franchise player/MVP-level talent. If he's not, it doesn't matter if LMA leaves or not, because this team isn't getting Wiggins in 2014, even if they trade LMA for peanuts right now.

 

[magnifier661]

Why do people keep sending Wesley to the bench? He's not a good bench player. He's an ideal fifth starter - like Sefolosha or Danny Green - a complementary player who is best when he can play off better starters. As a bench player you want a much more versatile player - your Ginobilis or Lamar Odoms. McCollum is perfect. Doesn't matter who's the better player, it matters who works best where.

That's why he will be traded

 

[magnifier661]

I think BKN's biggest enemy will be health. They have a bunch of guys who are old and injury prone. If they can stay healthy, or more importantly be healthy in the playoffs, I think they'll make some noise.

Yep the health issue is the only problem. The bright side is all the players won't need to be the man every night. Basically able to sag off one game and turn it on the next.

It's a good thing kidd is coaching too; since he knows all too well about pacing himself.

 

[ABM]

I just sifted through a bunch of websites' analysis of the 2013 draft.

Bottom line? The Blazers scored.....big time.

 

[Run BJM]

Blazers definitely had one of the better drafts.

I think the other two teams that did well were the Jazz and T'Wolves, who actually put a pretty significant trade together on draft night. Trey Burke was a great pickup for the Jazz who are in desperate need of leadership and guard play. Burke isn't a sure thing (I guess thats stating the obvious with any draftee) but hes the best PG in the draft. Gobert at 27 is another great value pick. High bust potential but at 27 you can more than live with that.

The T'Wolves got really good value at all of their picks AND filled needs. Shabazz is about the best talent you could hope for at pick 14. They need a SG and he seems like a great fit next to Rubio. Dieng at 21 is also pretty good value and gives them a reserve big man who can protect the rim and contribute right away. Both of those guys will likely be rotation players in their rookie seasons. Flier pick on Lorenzo Brown in the second round is another really good value IMO. I'm not a huge fan of his but again, at 52 I'd take a prospect like that all day. They also got a decent Euro big man to stash away. Not a ton of star power but then again there don't appear to be many stars in this draft at all. They also didn't waste a golden opportunity in Burke falling all the way to 9; they turned him into multiple assets and it could be they were going to take Bazz at 9 anyway.