Zeller or Leonard ?

[HailBlazers]

The conventional wisdom about the Blazers (if they keep this selection and No. 6) is that they'll be seeking to draft one guard and one big man. Zeller was the ACC Player of the Year, having averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Leonard could be under consideration, too.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...-mock-draft-2012/index.html?eref=twitter_feed

After passing on Faried last year we most definitely need a big man who can rebound, one that can block shots is crucial as well.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Zeller.
I think he's a lock as a solid starting big for 10+ years.
Leonard is much more of a riskier pick.

 

[DaLincolnJones]

This is 6 of one, half a dozzen of the other.

I figure Zeller because he is so fluid, runs well, has a soft touch, will provide points inside as well as being able to pull an opposing player to the outside with his long ball.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Zeller.
I think he's a lock as a solid starting big for 10+ years.
Leonard is much more of a riskier pick.

Agreed. Heard only good things (including some absolute raves) about Zeller. Leonard just screams Curtis Borchardt to me.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Death First

Keeping with our Princess Bride quotes

 

[Reep]

I went Leonard because I want some shot blocking, which is one of Zeller's weak points. I don't dislike Zeller, but in the lottery I want to try for someone who could be more than just solid. If this team was ready to compete for a title, then maybe Zeller would be the pick. But, they are not.

It's inconceivable that Blazers would pick Zeller here. (setup)

 

[Natebishop3]

Neither.

 

[HailBlazers]

I went Leonard because I want some shot blocking, which is one of Zeller's weak points. I don't dislike Zeller, but in the lottery I want to try for someone who could be more than just solid.

+1 yes siir

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I went Leonard because I want some shot blocking,

I'm sorry, but you won't be hearing "as you wish" from Olshey.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'd rather have a nasty case of the clap ... but I voted Zeller because while I don't think he'll ever be anything other than a serviceable big, Leonard has Bust written all over him.

 

[Blaze01]

Niether.....

But if I had no choice...Zeller...

I think Leonard is going to struggle mentally in the NBA, he is probably going to be picked too high, the NBA is notoriously rough (fouls) on young big men, he has pretty raw offensive ability and my major concern is that he has well known struggles with confidence and emotion....and ANY struggles with confidence at the NBA level can just destroy a player...there just is no room for self doubt....and with high expectations based on where he was picked, likely struggles out of the gate and the general expectations\pressure from NBA teams for players to perform immediately...that is a recipe for disaster with this kid....

He might turn out ok...down the road...but likely with a team that didn't draft him....

 

[BBert]

Can one of them provide LaMarcus with defensive help so he can save a little juice for offense? Really, I don't know.

 

[HailBlazers]

Can one of them provide LaMarcus with defensive help so he can save a little juice for offense? Really, I don't know.

KEY question indeed

 

[MickZagger]

Leonard.

Much more upside.

 

[Reep]

Ways in which I think Leonard is already better than Zeller that are important:

1) shot blocking
2) hedging out on the pick and role (lateral quickness)

Those are two things I don't believe Zeller can improve on given his build.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Leonard based on his upside.

He's probably a good 2 years away, he has A LOT to work on defensively.

 

[Blaze01]

and he is a bit of a headcase.....

 

[Sinobas]

I'd go with Leonard. Leonard is a better athlete, and is bigger. Zeller's standng reach is only 8-8, which is lower than many small forwards. As a contrast, Leonards is 9-3, a full 7 inches higher.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

what about Henson? Too thin?

 

[Reep]

what about Henson? Too thin?

Probably gone before 11, but I'm sure he would be considered. He is very thin and likely will max at around 230. Has super long arms (good), but some are concerned that his super long legs give him a high center of gravity which is bad for balance and also will prevent him from being able to push others out.

 

[Blaze01]

oh brother, so Blazer fans on this board think POR needs to go Need over BPA.......

That usually works out really well....

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Tom Penn is high on Leonard -- calling him a young Przybilla with offense.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

oh brother, so Blazer fans on this board think POR needs to go Need over BPA.......

That usually works out really well....

The OP references an SI article. This isn't necessarily Blazer fans.

 

[STOMP]

I'd go with Leonard. Leonard is a better athlete, and is bigger. Zeller's standng reach is only 8-8, which is lower than many small forwards. As a contrast, Leonards is 9-3, a full 7 inches higher.

in my ideal recipe for a team, the Bigs have to have length. Repeating your note of the obvious important fact, Leonard is also the better athlete. Unless he's truly thought to be a mess between the ears I go with the punk with upside over the coordinated short armed stiff

STOMP

 

[RedHotRollin]

Leonard Meyers, only because Mr. Potato head said so.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

in my ideal recipe for a team, the Bigs have to have length. Repeating your note of the obvious important fact, Leonard is also the better athlete. Unless he's truly thought to be a mess between the ears I go with the punk with upside over the coordinated short armed stiff

STOMP

They talked about this at the Combine -- Standing reach is much more important to post players than wingspan. Zeller has a decent wingspan but his standing reach for a 7'1" guy is shockingly short.

 

[Sinobas]

Speaking of Joel, I wonder if he'll come back next year or decide to retire. I really loved him back when he was a rebounding, shot blocking machine, but he's been on the decline the last few years. If we resign Hickson, sign Freeland and draft another big, where there be room for Joel?

 

[HailBlazers]

Speaking of the 11th pick, MAN I'm glad we have two. Thanks G WALL.

Speaking of Joel, I wonder if he'll come back next year or decide to retire. If we resign Hickson, sign Freeland and draft another big, will there be room for Joel?

Oh yea there will be, right next to Leonard every step of the way.