[EspressoprodigyParticipant]

After all season having ranked Okafor #1, and recently brainstorming, i have finally came to the conclusion that Rusell is the best prospect in the class at the moment. Big similarities to Curry in his game, the way he can pull up off the dribble with a defender and make shots look effortless with his blazing release. The way he handles the ball through defense at his height and is able to shoot at the rim by using the glass and his body to easily create space, all while always finding open teamates and making it look like hes not even trying.  His stats are unreal, he takes over games with his playmaking or simply ‘catch and shoot’ you to death, what he did at Ohio this year was greatness.

 Finally convinced that my eyes tell me that Okafor might struggle in the NBA, he does remind me of Sullinger (Jr year) and given I think he is the most dominant Fr. Scorer I have seen the last 6 years, even Kat’s stock has already surpassed his.

Top 5

1- D’angelo Rusell

2- Kat

3- Okafor

4- Mudiay

5- Stanley Johnson

…Dropoff…

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

I disagree that there is a dropoff. Winslow has as higher ceiling as any in this class, and I could see Porzingis having a couple seasons in the high teens of scoring. Hezonja has all the makings of a great 2 guard, length, athleticism and a developing outside stroke. There is also an abundance of quality Senior talent this year with guys like Kaminsky, Jerian Grant and Delon Wright looking like quality players at the next level, even if they aren’t necessarily going to be All-Stars. I think this draft is pretty deep on guys that will be role players at the next level, guys like Rondae Hollis Jefferson, Ron Baker, Perry Ellis, Travis Trice. Theres a lot of quality guys that will be available in the second round.

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

I disagree that there is a dropoff. Winslow has as higher ceiling as any in this class, and I could see Porzingis having a couple seasons in the high teens of scoring. Hezonja has all the makings of a great 2 guard, length, athleticism and a developing outside stroke. There is also an abundance of quality Senior talent this year with guys like Kaminsky, Jerian Grant and Delon Wright looking like quality players at the next level, even if they aren’t necessarily going to be All-Stars. I think this draft is pretty deep on guys that will be role players at the next level, guys like Rondae Hollis Jefferson, Ron Baker, Perry Ellis, Travis Trice. Theres a lot of quality guys that will be available in the second round.

[omphalosParticipant]

 The difference is that Curry spent time in college honing those skills to an elite level.

I feel like the danger with Russell is that if his skills aren’t ready to stand up to NBA scrutiny then he could struggle.

Coaches aren’t going to let a guy whose biggest strength is his skillset just struggle on the court without athleticism to get him by until his skill catches up.

When your reputation is built on skills instead of potential its harder to stick.

Examples are Nik Stauskas – was written off very quickly when he struggled early – now showing that might have been a mistake.

Kyrie is a guy who was ready right off the bat, but you have to ask yourself if Russell is on that level or could do with more seasoning.

Kinda similar to big men needing to develop their post moves before the NBA because coaches won’t feed the block unless it is effective.

I’m not sure if Russell is ready I guess, didn’t show me anything to stand out from other NBA players.

[omphalosParticipant]

 The difference is that Curry spent time in college honing those skills to an elite level.

I feel like the danger with Russell is that if his skills aren’t ready to stand up to NBA scrutiny then he could struggle.

Coaches aren’t going to let a guy whose biggest strength is his skillset just struggle on the court without athleticism to get him by until his skill catches up.

When your reputation is built on skills instead of potential its harder to stick.

Examples are Nik Stauskas – was written off very quickly when he struggled early – now showing that might have been a mistake.

Kyrie is a guy who was ready right off the bat, but you have to ask yourself if Russell is on that level or could do with more seasoning.

Kinda similar to big men needing to develop their post moves before the NBA because coaches won’t feed the block unless it is effective.

I’m not sure if Russell is ready I guess, didn’t show me anything to stand out from other NBA players.

[hbomb3300Participant]

I don’t understand this idea that players need to stay in college to develop.  Players in college have strict limits on practice time and resources, have to deal with classes, and playing with less talented teamates.  In the NBA, there are no limits on practice time plus more individual attention, plenty of free time, and high level competition and teammates.  Rarely do players not make it in the league because they just entered to early…  you either have it or you don’t.  If a team thinks any 1st rounder has ANY potential he will be sent to the d league until they completely give up on him.

[hbomb3300Participant]

I don’t understand this idea that players need to stay in college to develop.  Players in college have strict limits on practice time and resources, have to deal with classes, and playing with less talented teamates.  In the NBA, there are no limits on practice time plus more individual attention, plenty of free time, and high level competition and teammates.  Rarely do players not make it in the league because they just entered to early…  you either have it or you don’t.  If a team thinks any 1st rounder has ANY potential he will be sent to the d league until they completely give up on him.

[uabasketballParticipant]

Not trying to specifically knock you because this is an easy thought to have but you’re only scratching the surface. There really could be about 10,000 words written on this topic but I’ll try to keep it short. Why do you think there are so many "busts"? Once players make it and get a taste of those paychecks whether its from their respective team, endorsement deals, etc. they don’t spend their unlimited amount of "practice" time on basketball. In college you are limited for team practices but not individual practice. Pretty much 90% of your day is scheduled and you (most of the time) live with 1 or multiple teammates which keeps you a hell of a lot more focused than hanging outside of any structure coupled with a lot of newfound money. Also you fail to acknowledge team chemistry. Great or even good true team chemistry from the players to coaches is tough to come by. This can have a hugely underestimated effect on a young player. I’ve already made this longer than I intended so I’ll stop before I respond to your comment, "rarely do players not make it in the league because they just entered too early…." because that’s just wrong. Take a look at some past drafts and hopefully you can figure that one out.

[hbomb3300Participant]

So you’re saying with more time in college these players will develop more dicipline and a stronger work eithic?  I would argue that if a player can’t take his game and career seriously at 19 he won’t at 21.  Also, a college campus has plenty of trouble/distractions to get into compared with everyday life…  in fact I’d say even more.  To say that teammates, classes, and schedules keep most on the straight and narrow is ridiculous.  I still say that players that failed in the league just because of coming out too early are VERY rare.  There are a lot of busts because the transition from college to NBA is extremely difficult, talent wise, and most players can’t adjust or compete.  Plenty of college seniors who are model students, have supreme work ethic, and college stars fail in the NBA… usually comes down to you either having it or you don’t.   

[hbomb3300Participant]

So you’re saying with more time in college these players will develop more dicipline and a stronger work eithic?  I would argue that if a player can’t take his game and career seriously at 19 he won’t at 21.  Also, a college campus has plenty of trouble/distractions to get into compared with everyday life…  in fact I’d say even more.  To say that teammates, classes, and schedules keep most on the straight and narrow is ridiculous.  I still say that players that failed in the league just because of coming out too early are VERY rare.  There are a lot of busts because the transition from college to NBA is extremely difficult, talent wise, and most players can’t adjust or compete.  Plenty of college seniors who are model students, have supreme work ethic, and college stars fail in the NBA… usually comes down to you either having it or you don’t.   

[uabasketballParticipant]

Not trying to specifically knock you because this is an easy thought to have but you’re only scratching the surface. There really could be about 10,000 words written on this topic but I’ll try to keep it short. Why do you think there are so many "busts"? Once players make it and get a taste of those paychecks whether its from their respective team, endorsement deals, etc. they don’t spend their unlimited amount of "practice" time on basketball. In college you are limited for team practices but not individual practice. Pretty much 90% of your day is scheduled and you (most of the time) live with 1 or multiple teammates which keeps you a hell of a lot more focused than hanging outside of any structure coupled with a lot of newfound money. Also you fail to acknowledge team chemistry. Great or even good true team chemistry from the players to coaches is tough to come by. This can have a hugely underestimated effect on a young player. I’ve already made this longer than I intended so I’ll stop before I respond to your comment, "rarely do players not make it in the league because they just entered too early…." because that’s just wrong. Take a look at some past drafts and hopefully you can figure that one out.

[johnecoParticipant]

Check out the best college rookie seasons stats I could think of for guards from recent times:
James Harden 34m 17.8p 53%/41%/75% 5.3r 3.2a
Stephen Curry 31m 21.5p 46%/41%/86% 4.6r 2.8a
Chris Paul 34m 14.8p 50%/47%/84% 3.3r 5.9a
Dwyane Wade 29m 17.8p 49%/35%/69% 6.6r 3.4a
John Wall 35m 16.6p 46%/33%/75% 4.3r 6.5a
Tyreke Evans 29m 17.1p 45%/27%/71% 5.4r 3.9a
O.J. Mayo 37m 20.7p 44%/41%/80% 4.5r 3.3a
Derrick Rose 29m 14.9p 49%/34%/71% 4.5r 4.7a

Russell’s season is right there:
D’Ang Russell 34m 19.3p 45%/41%/76% 5.7r 5.0a

He’s in the top 3 in pts/reb/ast.
Did I forget anyone? westbrook and Klay Thompson don’t even rank.

My bet is that Russell will also test out as more athletic than people think.

[johnecoParticipant]

Check out the best college rookie seasons stats I could think of for guards from recent times:
James Harden 34m 17.8p 53%/41%/75% 5.3r 3.2a
Stephen Curry 31m 21.5p 46%/41%/86% 4.6r 2.8a
Chris Paul 34m 14.8p 50%/47%/84% 3.3r 5.9a
Dwyane Wade 29m 17.8p 49%/35%/69% 6.6r 3.4a
John Wall 35m 16.6p 46%/33%/75% 4.3r 6.5a
Tyreke Evans 29m 17.1p 45%/27%/71% 5.4r 3.9a
O.J. Mayo 37m 20.7p 44%/41%/80% 4.5r 3.3a
Derrick Rose 29m 14.9p 49%/34%/71% 4.5r 4.7a

Russell’s season is right there:
D’Ang Russell 34m 19.3p 45%/41%/76% 5.7r 5.0a

He’s in the top 3 in pts/reb/ast.
Did I forget anyone? westbrook and Klay Thompson don’t even rank.

My bet is that Russell will also test out as more athletic than people think.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 His feel for the game is tremendous but I don’t think he’ll ever be on Curry’s level as a shooter. He’s also much bigger than curry. I think ginobilli is a better comparison. I do agree that his upside is higher than probably anyone with the exception of towns. 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 His feel for the game is tremendous but I don’t think he’ll ever be on Curry’s level as a shooter. He’s also much bigger than curry. I think ginobilli is a better comparison. I do agree that his upside is higher than probably anyone with the exception of towns. 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

If not better, but he has a lot of work to do to get on Curry’s level.  Curry’s release is much quicker than Russell’s and, while not as quick as it is now coming out of Davidson, was still quicker than Russell’s when he entered the league.  And Curry is such a phenomenally skilled player that it is always a longshot that a player could truly live up to a comparison to him.  Russell may end up playing similar to Curry, but being as efficient as Curry could be another story.

It is worth noting that Russell notably struggled vs. tough competition this season.  He had a lot of awful shooting games against good major conference teams.  3-19 vs. Arizona, 4-17 vs. North Carolina, 6-20 vs. Louisville, 4-16 vs. Iowa, 3-15 vs. Indiana, 4-13 vs. Michigan State.  Russell put up a lot of stinkers vs. good teams, while he absolutely feasted on bad ones. 

I have a feeling Russell will take a while to become an efficient scorer in the NBA.  He is going to have to get better at drawing fouls and finishing at the rim.  He takes so many long pull-up jumpers that he will really have to be an elite shooter to shoot good percentages and, while he definitely is on his way to becoming an elite shooter, the jump in competition should hurt his efficiency, perhaps more than most players, since he doesn’t create tons of easy shots.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

If not better, but he has a lot of work to do to get on Curry’s level.  Curry’s release is much quicker than Russell’s and, while not as quick as it is now coming out of Davidson, was still quicker than Russell’s when he entered the league.  And Curry is such a phenomenally skilled player that it is always a longshot that a player could truly live up to a comparison to him.  Russell may end up playing similar to Curry, but being as efficient as Curry could be another story.

It is worth noting that Russell notably struggled vs. tough competition this season.  He had a lot of awful shooting games against good major conference teams.  3-19 vs. Arizona, 4-17 vs. North Carolina, 6-20 vs. Louisville, 4-16 vs. Iowa, 3-15 vs. Indiana, 4-13 vs. Michigan State.  Russell put up a lot of stinkers vs. good teams, while he absolutely feasted on bad ones. 

I have a feeling Russell will take a while to become an efficient scorer in the NBA.  He is going to have to get better at drawing fouls and finishing at the rim.  He takes so many long pull-up jumpers that he will really have to be an elite shooter to shoot good percentages and, while he definitely is on his way to becoming an elite shooter, the jump in competition should hurt his efficiency, perhaps more than most players, since he doesn’t create tons of easy shots.

[juves4783Participant]

nobody will ever be like curry.  the guy is so smooth and nobody comes close to his jumper.  

i really think russell compares favorably to goran dragic.  both are big guards that like to slow the game down.  

i still think okafor and kat are the top 2 guys with mudiay as the 3rd.  i think when the combine and workouts start, mudiay is going to be back in the running for top 2.

 

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

nobody will ever be like curry.  the guy is so smooth and nobody comes close to his jumper.  

i really think russell compares favorably to goran dragic.  both are big guards that like to slow the game down.  

i still think okafor and kat are the top 2 guys with mudiay as the 3rd.  i think when the combine and workouts start, mudiay is going to be back in the running for top 2.

 

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 I’ve been following Steph’s career closely since his freshman year at Davidson because his dad was one of my favorite players when I was a kid. I’ve also seen quite a bit of D’Angelo Russell. They just are absolutely nothing alike. 

If Curry could be compared to anyone, it would have to be Steve Nash or Mark Price (but better), and D’Angelo Russell reminds me more of guys like Kenny Anderson and Mark Jackson with a little Chris Mullin mixed in.

I’m not saying Russell won’t have a great career, I just don’t think that he is at all comparable in style to Steph Curry. 

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 I’ve been following Steph’s career closely since his freshman year at Davidson because his dad was one of my favorite players when I was a kid. I’ve also seen quite a bit of D’Angelo Russell. They just are absolutely nothing alike. 

If Curry could be compared to anyone, it would have to be Steve Nash or Mark Price (but better), and D’Angelo Russell reminds me more of guys like Kenny Anderson and Mark Jackson with a little Chris Mullin mixed in.

I’m not saying Russell won’t have a great career, I just don’t think that he is at all comparable in style to Steph Curry. 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

Mark Jackson with a little Chris mullin mixed in? Idk about that one.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

Mark Jackson with a little Chris mullin mixed in? Idk about that one.

[Author]

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