This topic contains 74 replies, has 19 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar jwall1 10 years, 2 months ago.

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  • #53396
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    highflyer0
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     I think we all have a prospect that we think is going to be great even though most people disagree.  In turn, we all have a prospect that we think is going to be a bust, despite the fact that many people seem to love them.  The negs are a scary reality that we all must face lol, so I’ll start off my naming my two controversial opinions and I hope you guys join in as well.  

    In terms of my sleeper pick, I’m going with Julius Randle.  Obviously that doesn’t sound like much of a reach considering the fact that he’s projected to be an early lottery pick, but let me continue.  I don’t understand why Wiggins and Parker get so much more love from scouts and posters.  Julius is only 19 and already has an amazing body that I think could improve even more with time and become Karl Malone esque.  I don’t really understand the argument about how he will have trouble matching up with long, athletic defenders in the post at the next level.  Honestly, the big men in the NBA right now are not what they used to be.  Kevin Love and Lamarcus Aldridge are the best power forwards in the game and they are not exactly intimidating precenses on the defensive end.  Zach Randolph has no problem scoring in the post, and he has far less athletic ability than Randle.  Malone was the exact same height as Randle and is one of the greatest players in the history of the game.  People are taking for granted the amount of skill and power that Julius possesses at such a young age.  They talk so much about how Wiggins will improve into a star over time, but seem to assume that Randle will stay the same.  If he improves his already impressive ball handling ability, chisels out his immense frame, and consistently knocks down his midrange shots (which seems likely considering his shot is not all that bad as a freshman), he could end up being the best player from this draft.  And to all of those who are concerned about his lack of height, I would just like to point out that Kevin Love stands only 6’7 3/4 without shoes.   

    Now, here is my bust prediction.  I really don’t see the hype that surrounds Randle’s teammate Willy Cauley-Stein.  I’m glad that this sight doesn’t have him rated too highly, but I feel like some team will reach for him on draft night and be extremely dissapointed.  He plays sound defense but that’s about it.  His offensive game is underwhelming at best and he seems like a good athlete but nothing outstanding.  I think, in such a loaded draft, there is no need to take a chance on a raw, unproven big man.  I see him as a career back up unless his offensive game develops rapidly.   

     

     

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  • #862229
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    Grandmama
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    Love topics like this, made one a few years ago.

     

    http://nbadraft.net/forum/prospect-youre-higherlower-others

     

    I know this guy is beloved by many on this site, but I’m not as high on Marcus Smart as many others are.  There are a few reasons.  

     

     First, he’s basically a tweener.  He isn’t a pure PG, he just doesn’t have that skillset.  As a SG he’s undersized, and he’s also not a great shooter.

     

    Athleticism is average at best.  Doesn’t finish above the rim, and may struggle in the league converting near the bucket.

     

    He has poor shot selection.  He jacks up way too many contested shots and often makes poor decisions on what shots to take.

     

    His size, poor decisions, and lack of athleticism leads me to question his upside.  I love the kid’s mental toughness and bulldog nature, but how far can that take him?  I really don’t like the James Harden comparison for him at all, I don’t see it.  Right now I think he’s a lot more like Tyreke Evans.  Hopefully he proves me wrong because I’d like to see him successful, but I don’t see the upside that many others see in a potential top 5 pick.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    • #862301
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      jwall1
      Participant

       I disagree. I have watched Smart alot and I really think he does have the skills to be a pg if a team wants to put him there. He does have to improve his shot selection, but the intangibles he brings are tremendous. His leadership and attitude on the court are just unteachable. Also, defensively the kid is great. He reminds me alot of Harden but doesn’t have quite the jumper yet but will be miles better defensively. His athleticism is not elite per se but good enough (comparable to Harden IMO)./

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    • #862407
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      jwall1
      Participant

       I disagree. I have watched Smart alot and I really think he does have the skills to be a pg if a team wants to put him there. He does have to improve his shot selection, but the intangibles he brings are tremendous. His leadership and attitude on the court are just unteachable. Also, defensively the kid is great. He reminds me alot of Harden but doesn’t have quite the jumper yet but will be miles better defensively. His athleticism is not elite per se but good enough (comparable to Harden IMO)./

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    • #862518
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      Hale
      Participant

       Agree with everything you said. This is exactly how I feel about Smart.

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    • #862412
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      Hale
      Participant

       Agree with everything you said. This is exactly how I feel about Smart.

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  • #862334
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    Grandmama
    Participant

    Love topics like this, made one a few years ago.

     

    http://nbadraft.net/forum/prospect-youre-higherlower-others

     

    I know this guy is beloved by many on this site, but I’m not as high on Marcus Smart as many others are.  There are a few reasons.  

     

     First, he’s basically a tweener.  He isn’t a pure PG, he just doesn’t have that skillset.  As a SG he’s undersized, and he’s also not a great shooter.

     

    Athleticism is average at best.  Doesn’t finish above the rim, and may struggle in the league converting near the bucket.

     

    He has poor shot selection.  He jacks up way too many contested shots and often makes poor decisions on what shots to take.

     

    His size, poor decisions, and lack of athleticism leads me to question his upside.  I love the kid’s mental toughness and bulldog nature, but how far can that take him?  I really don’t like the James Harden comparison for him at all, I don’t see it.  Right now I think he’s a lot more like Tyreke Evans.  Hopefully he proves me wrong because I’d like to see him successful, but I don’t see the upside that many others see in a potential top 5 pick.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #862235
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    highflyer0
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     I’m a big fan of Marcus Smart, but I completely agree with you about the James Harden comparison.  I don’t think it makes sense at all.  If I were to compare him to someone, I’d probably say he’s similar to a shorter yet more athletic Lance Stephenson.  That may seem like an obscure comparison to some people, but they are both big, strong guards with great ball handling ability who love to penetrate, yet have questionable shooting strokes.  I  

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  • #862340
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    highflyer0
    Participant

     I’m a big fan of Marcus Smart, but I completely agree with you about the James Harden comparison.  I don’t think it makes sense at all.  If I were to compare him to someone, I’d probably say he’s similar to a shorter yet more athletic Lance Stephenson.  That may seem like an obscure comparison to some people, but they are both big, strong guards with great ball handling ability who love to penetrate, yet have questionable shooting strokes.  I  

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  • #862237
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    Tongue-Out-Like-23
    Participant

    I’m going to say Andrew Wiggins.

    Hear me out, this guy is going to be a terrific ball-player but some people have been overrating him for a couple of years now.  No, he’s not the next LeBron and to be honest, I don’t even think he’s the next Paul George. 

    I don’t think he really "wants it".  There are times when he’s too complacent instead of completely taking over a game.  He’s clearly the best player on the floor whenever the Jayhawks play anybody, but he seems to play more as a role-player.  

    Of course, it could just be that he’s saving his best for the NBA, but who knows?

    I don’t see Scottie Pippen or Paul George in him, I see Andre Iguodala.  Which isn’t bad, Iguodala is a gold-medal winner and an All-Star.  He’s just not a superstar and franchise savior.

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    • #862247
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      B-ball fan
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       I don’t know.  If he truly is the next Andre Iguodala, he should be a lock top-2 pick, which is where he is expected to go anyways.  And Wiggins is a much better player than Iggy was in college.

      I don’t get the argument that Wiggins is passive.  His effort level on the court seems much more consistent than Jabari Parker, at least.  He certainly is scoring plenty and is pretty aggressive on defense.  I guess he doesn’t take a lot of bad shots, but I think that is a good thing.  I wonder how many people would call him passive if it wasn’t for the LeBron comparisons.

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      • #862257
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        Tongue-Out-Like-23
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        Here’s why people think he’s passive.

        He has a ton of talent, skill, size, and athleticism and yet he only takes 11 shots per game.  Last night’s game was a true indicator that he’s passive on offense.  Wiggins took 2 shots in the final few minutes while Iowa St. was making their comeback while clearly being the best player in the entire state that night.  You can’t take 2 shots while the other team is coming back when you’re supposed to be the best player.

        Not only that but his season high in shots is 16.  We see someone like Parker and he averages 14 shots a game.

        I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Wiggins on offense and until we do, I’m not so sure he’s a potential superstar.

        Now, Wiggins is not a much better player than Iggy was in college, atleast not during Iggy’s sophomore season.  In terms of efficiency, they’re pretty equal.  Iguodala did rebound and assist better than Wiggins though.

        Again, it’s still early in the season and he could definitely prove me wrong, especially if he shows some aggressiveness during the tourney, all doubt would be gone if he does.

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        • #862271
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          B-ball fan
          Participant

           Parker averages 14.1 shots per game, Wiggins averages 11.5.  A siginificant difference, but one mainly due to Parker’s increased comfort in the half court at first, as well Kansas’s post centric offense.

          Maybe much better was an exagerration comparing Wiggins to Iggy in college if you look at Iggy’s sophomore year, although Wiggins is scoring significantly more without less efficiency.  And Wiggins’ scoring is trending upwards. But that is a little unfair.  If Wiggins came back to Kansas for next season, I think it is safe to say he would put up significantly better scoring numbers than Iggy did as a sophomore.  And Iggy’s freshman year was nothing like the year Wiggins is having.

          Plus, the Iggy comparison is a pretty favorable one for Wiggins.  If he becomes as good a player as Iggy is, he will be likely a justified high selection.

          And Wiggins has been more aggressive in the bigger and more competitive games.  Cherry picking one anecdote where he didn’t even do that little is silly.  He has raised his game in many of the big moments of competitive games (vs. Duke, Florida, Colorado).  If anything, too much of his scoring has been skewed towards the big moments and not enough evenly throughout the game.  And that argument of passiveness in clutch situations can be applied to any prospect.  How has Jabari Parker done when Duke was in tough games?

          Wiggins still needs to develop his half court scoring game, but he has many NBA-ready skills.  He should be ready to step in and fill a role for an NBA team right away and has ability that is uncommon to find among wing prospects.  The number of college wings who produce at Wiggins level at his age with his potential is zero in the vast majority of college seasons.  Many top NBA wings played PF in college or were not expected to become stars.  Wiggins is rare in how productive he has been for 6’7" wing who actually plays the wing in college.

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        • #862376
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          B-ball fan
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           Parker averages 14.1 shots per game, Wiggins averages 11.5.  A siginificant difference, but one mainly due to Parker’s increased comfort in the half court at first, as well Kansas’s post centric offense.

          Maybe much better was an exagerration comparing Wiggins to Iggy in college if you look at Iggy’s sophomore year, although Wiggins is scoring significantly more without less efficiency.  And Wiggins’ scoring is trending upwards. But that is a little unfair.  If Wiggins came back to Kansas for next season, I think it is safe to say he would put up significantly better scoring numbers than Iggy did as a sophomore.  And Iggy’s freshman year was nothing like the year Wiggins is having.

          Plus, the Iggy comparison is a pretty favorable one for Wiggins.  If he becomes as good a player as Iggy is, he will be likely a justified high selection.

          And Wiggins has been more aggressive in the bigger and more competitive games.  Cherry picking one anecdote where he didn’t even do that little is silly.  He has raised his game in many of the big moments of competitive games (vs. Duke, Florida, Colorado).  If anything, too much of his scoring has been skewed towards the big moments and not enough evenly throughout the game.  And that argument of passiveness in clutch situations can be applied to any prospect.  How has Jabari Parker done when Duke was in tough games?

          Wiggins still needs to develop his half court scoring game, but he has many NBA-ready skills.  He should be ready to step in and fill a role for an NBA team right away and has ability that is uncommon to find among wing prospects.  The number of college wings who produce at Wiggins level at his age with his potential is zero in the vast majority of college seasons.  Many top NBA wings played PF in college or were not expected to become stars.  Wiggins is rare in how productive he has been for 6’7" wing who actually plays the wing in college.

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        • #862522
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          machu46
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          Regarding the "Wiggins doesn’t really want it" rhetoric, I think it’s worth noting that he’s becoming significantly more aggressive as the season has gone on.  In my opinion, his motor is fine.  He works his butt off defensively, is active on the glass, and is pushing himself to become a bigger and bigger part of Kansas’ offense.  I don’t think his work ethic is anything to worry about.

           

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        • #862416
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          machu46
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          Regarding the "Wiggins doesn’t really want it" rhetoric, I think it’s worth noting that he’s becoming significantly more aggressive as the season has gone on.  In my opinion, his motor is fine.  He works his butt off defensively, is active on the glass, and is pushing himself to become a bigger and bigger part of Kansas’ offense.  I don’t think his work ethic is anything to worry about.

           

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      • #862362
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        Tongue-Out-Like-23
        Participant

        Here’s why people think he’s passive.

        He has a ton of talent, skill, size, and athleticism and yet he only takes 11 shots per game.  Last night’s game was a true indicator that he’s passive on offense.  Wiggins took 2 shots in the final few minutes while Iowa St. was making their comeback while clearly being the best player in the entire state that night.  You can’t take 2 shots while the other team is coming back when you’re supposed to be the best player.

        Not only that but his season high in shots is 16.  We see someone like Parker and he averages 14 shots a game.

        I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Wiggins on offense and until we do, I’m not so sure he’s a potential superstar.

        Now, Wiggins is not a much better player than Iggy was in college, atleast not during Iggy’s sophomore season.  In terms of efficiency, they’re pretty equal.  Iguodala did rebound and assist better than Wiggins though.

        Again, it’s still early in the season and he could definitely prove me wrong, especially if he shows some aggressiveness during the tourney, all doubt would be gone if he does.

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    • #862352
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      B-ball fan
      Participant

       I don’t know.  If he truly is the next Andre Iguodala, he should be a lock top-2 pick, which is where he is expected to go anyways.  And Wiggins is a much better player than Iggy was in college.

      I don’t get the argument that Wiggins is passive.  His effort level on the court seems much more consistent than Jabari Parker, at least.  He certainly is scoring plenty and is pretty aggressive on defense.  I guess he doesn’t take a lot of bad shots, but I think that is a good thing.  I wonder how many people would call him passive if it wasn’t for the LeBron comparisons.

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    • #862303
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      jwall1
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      I agree, his attitude is a complete buzzkill. He just does not seem to want it like the other top prospects..

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    • #862409
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      jwall1
      Participant

      I agree, his attitude is a complete buzzkill. He just does not seem to want it like the other top prospects..

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  • #862342
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    Tongue-Out-Like-23
    Participant

    I’m going to say Andrew Wiggins.

    Hear me out, this guy is going to be a terrific ball-player but some people have been overrating him for a couple of years now.  No, he’s not the next LeBron and to be honest, I don’t even think he’s the next Paul George. 

    I don’t think he really "wants it".  There are times when he’s too complacent instead of completely taking over a game.  He’s clearly the best player on the floor whenever the Jayhawks play anybody, but he seems to play more as a role-player.  

    Of course, it could just be that he’s saving his best for the NBA, but who knows?

    I don’t see Scottie Pippen or Paul George in him, I see Andre Iguodala.  Which isn’t bad, Iguodala is a gold-medal winner and an All-Star.  He’s just not a superstar and franchise savior.

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  • #862239
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    B-ball fan
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     Sleeper Pick: Rodney Hood – I know this site has him #8, but I think he could actually go even higher or at least deserve to.  Right now, I think he is a better prospect than LaVine.  And I would be ready to give him the nod over Randle and possibly Exum as well.  He isn’t flashy, but he is a deadly efficient jump shooter with a very crafty off-the-dribble game who excels in transition.  He has a very balanced offensive game and is one of the more NBA ready players in this draft class.

    Hood’s offensive numbers this season are even better than Jabari Parker’s (edge in fg%, 3fg%, FT%, Assists per game, TO per game) and he has been an even more consistent offensive producer, performing his best in Duke’s most competitive offensive games.  I don’t mean to imply that Hood is as good a prospect as Parker, but his offensive production is very impressive.  He may be the best shooter in this year’s draft. 

    Perhaps his age would seem to limit his upside, but I think Hood is a low floor pick who could average 20 ppg in his prime for the right team.  Maybe not superstar numbers, but I doubt he will disappoint the team that drafts him.

    Bust Pick: Julius Randle – He is often called an NBA-ready prospect, but I think the transition to the NBA will be tough for him.  His movement and activity level on defense is poor and he doesn’t have the instincts or physical tools to compensate.  He is likely to be a liability on that end, at least early in his career, and you can’t really hide big men who struggle on defense without great difficulty.  

    And while I love Randle’s aggressiveness on offense, he needs to diversify his game.  He has very defined tendencies in the post that NBA teams can scout for.  He relies on making a lot of high degree of difficulty finishes around the rim, which will become even more challenging in the NBA.  He exposes the ball a lot, leading to TOs and blocked shots, and, while he has decent court vision, he needs to improve as a passer out of the post to maximize his effectiveness.  His lack of height/length also doesn’t help him as a finisher around the rim.  I worry that he could be exposed to a certain extent against teams with good shot blocking.

    Randle has a unique combination of strength, touch and skill to excel with time as a post player in the NBA, but he is absolutely dependent on his post game and offensive rebounding for effectiveness.  If one of those suffers, he doesn’t have much value, as he doesn’t move well off-the-ball, is only average in transition, and is a poor screener.

    Randle should be able to put up a lot of points and rebounds early in his career, but he has to really improve his weaknesses to become efficient enough and good enough at what doesn’t show up on the stat sheet to truly be deserving of a top-5 pick.  His floor, in my opinion, is lower than that of Parker, Wiggins, Embiid, and Smart, and he doesn’t have the ceiling of those other freshman.

     

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  • #862344
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    B-ball fan
    Participant

     Sleeper Pick: Rodney Hood – I know this site has him #8, but I think he could actually go even higher or at least deserve to.  Right now, I think he is a better prospect than LaVine.  And I would be ready to give him the nod over Randle and possibly Exum as well.  He isn’t flashy, but he is a deadly efficient jump shooter with a very crafty off-the-dribble game who excels in transition.  He has a very balanced offensive game and is one of the more NBA ready players in this draft class.

    Hood’s offensive numbers this season are even better than Jabari Parker’s (edge in fg%, 3fg%, FT%, Assists per game, TO per game) and he has been an even more consistent offensive producer, performing his best in Duke’s most competitive offensive games.  I don’t mean to imply that Hood is as good a prospect as Parker, but his offensive production is very impressive.  He may be the best shooter in this year’s draft. 

    Perhaps his age would seem to limit his upside, but I think Hood is a low floor pick who could average 20 ppg in his prime for the right team.  Maybe not superstar numbers, but I doubt he will disappoint the team that drafts him.

    Bust Pick: Julius Randle – He is often called an NBA-ready prospect, but I think the transition to the NBA will be tough for him.  His movement and activity level on defense is poor and he doesn’t have the instincts or physical tools to compensate.  He is likely to be a liability on that end, at least early in his career, and you can’t really hide big men who struggle on defense without great difficulty.  

    And while I love Randle’s aggressiveness on offense, he needs to diversify his game.  He has very defined tendencies in the post that NBA teams can scout for.  He relies on making a lot of high degree of difficulty finishes around the rim, which will become even more challenging in the NBA.  He exposes the ball a lot, leading to TOs and blocked shots, and, while he has decent court vision, he needs to improve as a passer out of the post to maximize his effectiveness.  His lack of height/length also doesn’t help him as a finisher around the rim.  I worry that he could be exposed to a certain extent against teams with good shot blocking.

    Randle has a unique combination of strength, touch and skill to excel with time as a post player in the NBA, but he is absolutely dependent on his post game and offensive rebounding for effectiveness.  If one of those suffers, he doesn’t have much value, as he doesn’t move well off-the-ball, is only average in transition, and is a poor screener.

    Randle should be able to put up a lot of points and rebounds early in his career, but he has to really improve his weaknesses to become efficient enough and good enough at what doesn’t show up on the stat sheet to truly be deserving of a top-5 pick.  His floor, in my opinion, is lower than that of Parker, Wiggins, Embiid, and Smart, and he doesn’t have the ceiling of those other freshman.

     

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  • #862241
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    highflyer0
    Participant

     I agree with your analysis of Wiggins.  Like I’ve said in previous posts, I think people really underestimate work ethic.  I’m not saying that Wiggins doesn’t have a strong work ethic, but if the intense passion isn’t there, you just can’t reach your potential.  This is what separates a guy like Paul George from a guy like a Rudy Gay.  They have very similar physical attributes.  In fact, Gay probably came into the league with more offensive talent, but the unique passion and fire doesn’t exist.  I’m sure Rudy works hard in the offseason, just as most players do, but there is a difference between working hard at your craft and working on your craft as if it were the only thing that matters.  A truly elite player has to be a little crazy.  They have to want greatness so badly that they may seem over the top with their desire to win, but that really is the difference between an allstar and a hall of famer.  

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    • #862261
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      Tongue-Out-Like-23
      Participant

      "…there is a difference between working hard at your craft and working on your craft as if it were the only thing that matters. A truly elite player has to be a little crazy. They have to want greatness so badly that they may seem over the top with their desire to win, but that really is the difference between an allstar and a hall of famer."

      That statement made me want to go outside and play basketball for hours…

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    • #862366
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      Tongue-Out-Like-23
      Participant

      "…there is a difference between working hard at your craft and working on your craft as if it were the only thing that matters. A truly elite player has to be a little crazy. They have to want greatness so badly that they may seem over the top with their desire to win, but that really is the difference between an allstar and a hall of famer."

      That statement made me want to go outside and play basketball for hours…

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  • #862346
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    highflyer0
    Participant

     I agree with your analysis of Wiggins.  Like I’ve said in previous posts, I think people really underestimate work ethic.  I’m not saying that Wiggins doesn’t have a strong work ethic, but if the intense passion isn’t there, you just can’t reach your potential.  This is what separates a guy like Paul George from a guy like a Rudy Gay.  They have very similar physical attributes.  In fact, Gay probably came into the league with more offensive talent, but the unique passion and fire doesn’t exist.  I’m sure Rudy works hard in the offseason, just as most players do, but there is a difference between working hard at your craft and working on your craft as if it were the only thing that matters.  A truly elite player has to be a little crazy.  They have to want greatness so badly that they may seem over the top with their desire to win, but that really is the difference between an allstar and a hall of famer.  

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  • #862249
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    Lafferty Daniel
    Participant

    I’m probably higher on Vasilje Micic than others.  A true pass first point guard from Serbia, Micic has the size and court vision to become a solid starter in the NBA.  He’s only 19 years old, but he has a mature bball IQ and excellent passing ability.  

    Here’s a video from the U19 World Championships.

    youtu.be/n9lhU8nQ2Hw

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #862354
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    Lafferty Daniel
    Participant

    I’m probably higher on Vasilje Micic than others.  A true pass first point guard from Serbia, Micic has the size and court vision to become a solid starter in the NBA.  He’s only 19 years old, but he has a mature bball IQ and excellent passing ability.  

    Here’s a video from the U19 World Championships.

    youtu.be/n9lhU8nQ2Hw

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #862255
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    Ghost01
    Participant

     My biggest takeaway – No future top 3-4 NBA players are in this class.

    I just don’t see the no question it factor guy.

    I like Parker and Embiid the most, for polar opposite reasons…

    Parker will be a very solid NBA player, probably an All Star. He has the tools to be a 25+ PPG scorer. Not sure if he’s ever the go to guy on a championship team.

    Embiid will probably be a solid big, good rim protector, and could develop into one of the best bigs in the league. I don’t think he’s Hakeem. I don’t think he will ever have that dominance, but I think he will be very good.

    Wiggins I just see a 2nd tier guy. Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, that not really an all star but effective range. He just doesn’t have good enough ball skills, and he drifts all the time. I can’t take that in the top 2 of this draft. Its too risky. 

     

     

     

     

     

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    • #862299
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      phila9012
      Participant

       I think we could see 4 or 5 top 20 players in this class, maybe 1 top 10 and no top 5. There isn’t an anthony davis, but there are a few really talented players and this is a deeper draft at the top than the previous ones.

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    • #862405
      AvatarAvatar
      phila9012
      Participant

       I think we could see 4 or 5 top 20 players in this class, maybe 1 top 10 and no top 5. There isn’t an anthony davis, but there are a few really talented players and this is a deeper draft at the top than the previous ones.

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  • #862360
    AvatarAvatar
    Ghost01
    Participant

     My biggest takeaway – No future top 3-4 NBA players are in this class.

    I just don’t see the no question it factor guy.

    I like Parker and Embiid the most, for polar opposite reasons…

    Parker will be a very solid NBA player, probably an All Star. He has the tools to be a 25+ PPG scorer. Not sure if he’s ever the go to guy on a championship team.

    Embiid will probably be a solid big, good rim protector, and could develop into one of the best bigs in the league. I don’t think he’s Hakeem. I don’t think he will ever have that dominance, but I think he will be very good.

    Wiggins I just see a 2nd tier guy. Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, that not really an all star but effective range. He just doesn’t have good enough ball skills, and he drifts all the time. I can’t take that in the top 2 of this draft. Its too risky. 

     

     

     

     

     

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  • #862275
    AvatarAvatar
    Skeating12345
    Participant

     Though he is pretty high on the Mocks, I love Zach Lavine’s game. He has freakish athletic ability. He is rumored to have around a 48" vertical. He also has elite speed, quickness, and balance. Though he was going through somewhat of a cold streak before they played Arizona State, he is a knockdown shooter with a super quick release and great elevation. He also has great handles and a nasty stepback jumper. Though he needs to gain a little weight, he has great length and lateral quickness, which could make him a lockdown defender. I think he will be a future All-Star in the NBA.

    I am not as high on Smart as most people are. He is a great competitor and a great leader, but he has many holes in his game. He is not a very good jumpshooter, and also does not have great shot selection. He has great strength, but lacks lateral quickness and vertical explosiveness. I think he can be a very good player down the road, but as of now I am just not as high as a lot of people are on him.

     

     

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  • #862380
    AvatarAvatar
    Skeating12345
    Participant

     Though he is pretty high on the Mocks, I love Zach Lavine’s game. He has freakish athletic ability. He is rumored to have around a 48" vertical. He also has elite speed, quickness, and balance. Though he was going through somewhat of a cold streak before they played Arizona State, he is a knockdown shooter with a super quick release and great elevation. He also has great handles and a nasty stepback jumper. Though he needs to gain a little weight, he has great length and lateral quickness, which could make him a lockdown defender. I think he will be a future All-Star in the NBA.

    I am not as high on Smart as most people are. He is a great competitor and a great leader, but he has many holes in his game. He is not a very good jumpshooter, and also does not have great shot selection. He has great strength, but lacks lateral quickness and vertical explosiveness. I think he can be a very good player down the road, but as of now I am just not as high as a lot of people are on him.

     

     

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  • #862277
    AvatarAvatar
    joecheck88
    Participant

     Seems like most here have something to nitpick on Wiggins but that’s my guy. When your best argument is I just don’t think he wants it you know you’re nitpicking. I think Wiggins and George are very similar. Wiggins doesn’t hoist bad shot after bad shot. He will get down and play defense much like George. He seems like a role player some say. It looks like Kansas makes an effort to post Embiid and Ellis. If that is what Wiggins is asked to do then I applaud him. His FT % has gone up and his aggressiveness has gone up. He’s just not asked to ISO all game like some. I don’t like comparing guys to HOFers but man I think Wiggins can be like a Dominique Wilkins. Good scorer, rebounder and defender. Maybe you don’t want that at the #1 pick but I’m taking him 1 every day. 

    I don’t really have a guy I’m down on ATM. I will say I think Embiid if very far away from contributing to a NBA defense.  And that by the time he starts reaching his massive potential he will be ending his rookie contract. He’ll be a bad pick for a coach. Use a top 5 pick on him and may not get much until year 3 or 4. 

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    • #862285
      AvatarAvatar
      Ghost01
      Participant

       I’m not nitpicking on Wiggins and not once mentioned how much he wanted it.

      The guy doesn’t exert himself for 40 minutes. I am not saying it is a question of effort.

      I don’t really see the Paul George comparisons except for their physical and athletic build. Paul George is a knockdown 3 point shooter, guards LBJ and Melo, and is all over the place every possession.

      For all the Wiggins defense talk, he isn’t exactly locking up NBA superstars. Other than Rod Hood, I can’t think of one future NBA player he’s guarded this year. 

      I haven’t seen it with the guy. I don’t care what his stats are, he just doesn’t look good. He gets dunks and layups and scores on a lot of easy hoops. 

      Again – not nitpicking, not saying "Oh hes good at everything but I don’t like him because of his hair". I’m looking at his skills and am far from blown away.

       

       

       

       

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      • #862293
        AvatarAvatar
        joecheck88
        Participant

         I didn’t have you in mind when I made that comment. Lol. You posted how he drifts and doesn’t have ball skills. I agree he drifts and could do more to score off the ball. Doesn’t move well without the ball and I don’t know if that is because they are posting up Ellis and Embiid a bunch and he doesn’t want to clutter but he could make sharper cuts and such. I think he will develop things like ball handling enough to be proficient. Just think he is being hated on for having a smaller role than everyone in the top 4 discussion. He is still getting 16 & 6 as a freshman against one of the toughest schedules in the country. Kansas doesn’t exactly have shooters out there either spreading the floor. Tharpe is good but in the games I’ve seen he has missed easy buckets for everyone to shoot. He passes my eyes test by a lot. He’s just my guy. Think he is an NBA guy through and through. He’s going to be very efficient at the next level. I’ve got no doubts about it. 

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      • #862399
        AvatarAvatar
        joecheck88
        Participant

         I didn’t have you in mind when I made that comment. Lol. You posted how he drifts and doesn’t have ball skills. I agree he drifts and could do more to score off the ball. Doesn’t move well without the ball and I don’t know if that is because they are posting up Ellis and Embiid a bunch and he doesn’t want to clutter but he could make sharper cuts and such. I think he will develop things like ball handling enough to be proficient. Just think he is being hated on for having a smaller role than everyone in the top 4 discussion. He is still getting 16 & 6 as a freshman against one of the toughest schedules in the country. Kansas doesn’t exactly have shooters out there either spreading the floor. Tharpe is good but in the games I’ve seen he has missed easy buckets for everyone to shoot. He passes my eyes test by a lot. He’s just my guy. Think he is an NBA guy through and through. He’s going to be very efficient at the next level. I’ve got no doubts about it. 

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      • #862501
        AvatarAvatar
        FearTheStache
        Participant

         You should understand that Paul George is a knock-down 3 point shooter now, not then. You can’t just compare the current Andrew Wiggins to the current Paul George it’s unfair. George has 4 years of NBA experience under his belt, whereas Wiggins is in his first year of college. I get if you don’t see all-time greats in this class. I don’t agree, but I can understand it. However, to say that any of these prospects aren’t even close to the top stars of today is just a bunch of BS. Paul George was not the Paul George we know now when he was Wiggins’ age or even in the draft, neither was Lebron, or Kobe, or Kevin Love, or Westbrook, or James Harden, or nearly anyone. We should be grading them on their potential, not their current stats, because their current stats will not nearly be the same in 4 or 5 years. Also, if you look at PG’s stats in college and Wiggins’ stats in college, they are eerily similar. Although Wiggins is slightly lesser, he is producing these numbers on a much more talented team, with a 7 footer and other big men to snatch away his rebounds, and other high recruits to take other shots. Paul George did everything on that Fresno State team because the talent was simply so poor, as a result, hegot better stats, and probably touched the ball on every possession. All in all, I can get if you don’t like a player, but don’t say they will be awful forever, because the best players of today have taken years and years to grow into that title. They were not perrennial all stars overnight, at least most of them.

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      • #862394
        AvatarAvatar
        FearTheStache
        Participant

         You should understand that Paul George is a knock-down 3 point shooter now, not then. You can’t just compare the current Andrew Wiggins to the current Paul George it’s unfair. George has 4 years of NBA experience under his belt, whereas Wiggins is in his first year of college. I get if you don’t see all-time greats in this class. I don’t agree, but I can understand it. However, to say that any of these prospects aren’t even close to the top stars of today is just a bunch of BS. Paul George was not the Paul George we know now when he was Wiggins’ age or even in the draft, neither was Lebron, or Kobe, or Kevin Love, or Westbrook, or James Harden, or nearly anyone. We should be grading them on their potential, not their current stats, because their current stats will not nearly be the same in 4 or 5 years. Also, if you look at PG’s stats in college and Wiggins’ stats in college, they are eerily similar. Although Wiggins is slightly lesser, he is producing these numbers on a much more talented team, with a 7 footer and other big men to snatch away his rebounds, and other high recruits to take other shots. Paul George did everything on that Fresno State team because the talent was simply so poor, as a result, hegot better stats, and probably touched the ball on every possession. All in all, I can get if you don’t like a player, but don’t say they will be awful forever, because the best players of today have taken years and years to grow into that title. They were not perrennial all stars overnight, at least most of them.

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        • #862535
          AvatarAvatar
          Ghost01
          Participant

           No no no. Here is my problem with the Paul George comparisons.

          Paul George was the 10th pick in a mediocre draft, and turned into a top 5 player. There hasn’t been another player to do that in the last DECADE. So the fact his game improved so drastically at the NBA level doesn’t make it fair to assume since Andrew Wiggins is a better college freshmen than George was, that it makes Wiggins have a higher ceiling than George. The argument comparing guys at a certain age can always be made, but guarantees absolutely nothing going forward. Whether you like Parker, Embiid, or Wiggins, any of them would have to drastically improve to become those top 5 in the league type players. If you watched Kevin Durant’s freshmen year, or Rose in the 2008 tourney, it was obvious those guys were going to be stars. 

          And to even further prove the George point, outside him, here’s your last 10 number 10 picks, and the best player drafted 10th or later in each draft: (and obviously the first couple are hard to judge as of now)

          2013: 10th: CJ McCullum, Best: Giannis

          2012: 10th: Austin Rivers, Best: Sullinger/Harkless/Draymond Green

          2011: 10th: Jimmer, Best: K Thompson/K Leonard

          2009: 10th: Brandon Jennings, Best: Holiday/Lawson

          2008: 10th: Brook Lopez, Best: Lopez/Hibbert

          2007: 10th: Hawes, Best: Marc Gasol

          2006: 10th: Mouhamed Sene, Best: Rondo

          2005: 10th: Andrew Bynum, Best: Granger/ David Lee

          2004: Luke Jackson, Best: Jameer Nelson

          2003: Jarvis Hayes, Best: David West

          So in 11 years, Paul George was the only player drafted 10th or later and became a star. Obviously his case is special, and his improvement has been phenomenal. Expecting anyone to improve the way he has is foolish. 

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

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          • #862549
            AvatarAvatar
            Hale
            Participant

             How is that relevant at all? Wiggins isn’t going to be picked 10th, it’d be a shock if he fell past 3, so why are you taking anything away from past players drafted #10 overall? If anything you should be comparing him to top 3 picks. Wiggins is better than George was at the same stage (easily) and has similar traits especially at the same stage prospect wise. Will he blow up like PG? Maybe, but whether he does or not has nothing to do with guys selected #10 overall. 

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            • #862721
              AvatarAvatar
              Ghost01
              Participant

               It never ceizes to amaze me when the point goes right over someone’s head…

              It has nothing to do what so ever with where Wiggins will be picked. At all.

              It shows for where Paul George was, in the eyes of the NBA, coming out of college, and where he is now, is one of the most drastic improvements we have seen in the NBA. It is super rare for someone who is considered around the 10th pick to end up being a top player in the league.

              What this shows is that although Wiggins will undoubtably improve, the improvements George has made are rare. Therefore, to use any comparison of the two of them right now is foolish. Michael Beaseley was further along his freshman year of college than Michael Jordan was. Its non-sensical to look at it from that angle, especially when you are referring to a guy who has gone from role player, to starter, to all star, to super star in his first 4 years in the league after being picked outside the top 5. That just doesn’t happen. So acting like Wiggins has some liklihood to be as good as George because of where he is now doesn’t neccessarily matter. PG’s improvement curve came once he was already in the NBA.

               

               

               

               

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            • #862614
              AvatarAvatar
              Ghost01
              Participant

               It never ceizes to amaze me when the point goes right over someone’s head…

              It has nothing to do what so ever with where Wiggins will be picked. At all.

              It shows for where Paul George was, in the eyes of the NBA, coming out of college, and where he is now, is one of the most drastic improvements we have seen in the NBA. It is super rare for someone who is considered around the 10th pick to end up being a top player in the league.

              What this shows is that although Wiggins will undoubtably improve, the improvements George has made are rare. Therefore, to use any comparison of the two of them right now is foolish. Michael Beaseley was further along his freshman year of college than Michael Jordan was. Its non-sensical to look at it from that angle, especially when you are referring to a guy who has gone from role player, to starter, to all star, to super star in his first 4 years in the league after being picked outside the top 5. That just doesn’t happen. So acting like Wiggins has some liklihood to be as good as George because of where he is now doesn’t neccessarily matter. PG’s improvement curve came once he was already in the NBA.

               

               

               

               

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              • #862725
                AvatarAvatar
                Hale
                Participant

                If you’re going to act like I made the dumbest post in the world you could at least spell "cease" correctly. Not to mention you are really downplaying the fact that Wiggins is ahead fo George at the same stage and bringing up some stupid Michael Beasley vs. Michael Jordan comparison that couldn’t be any less relevant. No one is denying that PG has had one of the biggest improvements ever, but Wiggins is already 3 or 4 years ahead of where George was and doesn’t need to have some rare change in abilities. Wiggins is at the very least on par with where George was as a rookie, and probably actually the level he was at in his second year while he’s halfway through his freshman season. Yes, George improved a huge amount from his 2nd to his 4th year. But like I said Wiggins won’t have to improve nearly as much as George did to get there. I also have never said Wiggins will match George, I didn’t compare them. They have similar traits and Wiggins foundation at the same stage is better. My post was to say that nothing you said regarding #10 overall picks was relevant except reiterating the fact that George improved a ton, which no one ever disagreed with.

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              • #862618
                AvatarAvatar
                Hale
                Participant

                If you’re going to act like I made the dumbest post in the world you could at least spell "cease" correctly. Not to mention you are really downplaying the fact that Wiggins is ahead fo George at the same stage and bringing up some stupid Michael Beasley vs. Michael Jordan comparison that couldn’t be any less relevant. No one is denying that PG has had one of the biggest improvements ever, but Wiggins is already 3 or 4 years ahead of where George was and doesn’t need to have some rare change in abilities. Wiggins is at the very least on par with where George was as a rookie, and probably actually the level he was at in his second year while he’s halfway through his freshman season. Yes, George improved a huge amount from his 2nd to his 4th year. But like I said Wiggins won’t have to improve nearly as much as George did to get there. I also have never said Wiggins will match George, I didn’t compare them. They have similar traits and Wiggins foundation at the same stage is better. My post was to say that nothing you said regarding #10 overall picks was relevant except reiterating the fact that George improved a ton, which no one ever disagreed with.

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                • #862841
                  AvatarAvatar
                  Ghost01
                  Participant

                   And I never said that my comment about getting picked 10th or later had anything to do with Wiggins, just showed how rare what PG has done is. 

                  The bottomline is this. When defining Andrew Wiggins current skills and potential, I am looking at him. I’m not looking at Paul George. For all your talk of "relevance", Paul George is completely irrelevant to Andrew Wiggins. Just because Paul George is awesome at basketball means nothing. Comparing skills, common traits, and so forth is fine. But there is a huge difference between that and comparing the overall talent of players, because so many things go into that, that can range from mental strength and workout habits. Yes Wiggins can develop a similar skill set to George based on what we have seen. That doesn’t mean he will be as good as him. 

                   

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                • #862945
                  AvatarAvatar
                  Ghost01
                  Participant

                   And I never said that my comment about getting picked 10th or later had anything to do with Wiggins, just showed how rare what PG has done is. 

                  The bottomline is this. When defining Andrew Wiggins current skills and potential, I am looking at him. I’m not looking at Paul George. For all your talk of "relevance", Paul George is completely irrelevant to Andrew Wiggins. Just because Paul George is awesome at basketball means nothing. Comparing skills, common traits, and so forth is fine. But there is a huge difference between that and comparing the overall talent of players, because so many things go into that, that can range from mental strength and workout habits. Yes Wiggins can develop a similar skill set to George based on what we have seen. That doesn’t mean he will be as good as him. 

                   

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          • #862655
            AvatarAvatar
            Hale
            Participant

             How is that relevant at all? Wiggins isn’t going to be picked 10th, it’d be a shock if he fell past 3, so why are you taking anything away from past players drafted #10 overall? If anything you should be comparing him to top 3 picks. Wiggins is better than George was at the same stage (easily) and has similar traits especially at the same stage prospect wise. Will he blow up like PG? Maybe, but whether he does or not has nothing to do with guys selected #10 overall. 

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          • #862580
            AvatarAvatar
            joecheck88
            Participant

            I’m just saying that Wiggins is similar to George in that he doesn’t really force the issue too much. In the new mock he is compared to Rudy Gay. A guy that can get 20-30 shots up on a given night shooting badly. Wiggins doesn’t do that much like you don’t see PG with shooting numbers like Gay. I’m not going to say Wiggins will be better than PG but I think his potential can take him to that level or maybe better. Too me Wiggins plays like PG and moves like Durant. Obviously he lacks the ball handling and shooting of them both right now but I think there is a good chance he becomes a very good shooter and his ball handling will get better. He has the chance to be at or close to a KD or PG level.  I think he will definitely be very close to them both. That’s just me. We could argue all day about it but it’s really just opinions. I don’t think it’s a guarantee Wiggins is a MVP candidate throughout his career but I like his chances. All I’m saying. 

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          • #862686
            AvatarAvatar
            joecheck88
            Participant

            I’m just saying that Wiggins is similar to George in that he doesn’t really force the issue too much. In the new mock he is compared to Rudy Gay. A guy that can get 20-30 shots up on a given night shooting badly. Wiggins doesn’t do that much like you don’t see PG with shooting numbers like Gay. I’m not going to say Wiggins will be better than PG but I think his potential can take him to that level or maybe better. Too me Wiggins plays like PG and moves like Durant. Obviously he lacks the ball handling and shooting of them both right now but I think there is a good chance he becomes a very good shooter and his ball handling will get better. He has the chance to be at or close to a KD or PG level.  I think he will definitely be very close to them both. That’s just me. We could argue all day about it but it’s really just opinions. I don’t think it’s a guarantee Wiggins is a MVP candidate throughout his career but I like his chances. All I’m saying. 

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          • #863057
            AvatarAvatar
            jwall1
            Participant

             I stopped reading after "Paul George was the 10th pick in a mediocre draft." Im sorry but a draft with George, Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, Favors, Monroe, Turner and Hayward is in no way weak…….

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          • #862953
            AvatarAvatar
            jwall1
            Participant

             I stopped reading after "Paul George was the 10th pick in a mediocre draft." Im sorry but a draft with George, Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, Favors, Monroe, Turner and Hayward is in no way weak…….

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        • #862640
          AvatarAvatar
          Ghost01
          Participant

           No no no. Here is my problem with the Paul George comparisons.

          Paul George was the 10th pick in a mediocre draft, and turned into a top 5 player. There hasn’t been another player to do that in the last DECADE. So the fact his game improved so drastically at the NBA level doesn’t make it fair to assume since Andrew Wiggins is a better college freshmen than George was, that it makes Wiggins have a higher ceiling than George. The argument comparing guys at a certain age can always be made, but guarantees absolutely nothing going forward. Whether you like Parker, Embiid, or Wiggins, any of them would have to drastically improve to become those top 5 in the league type players. If you watched Kevin Durant’s freshmen year, or Rose in the 2008 tourney, it was obvious those guys were going to be stars. 

          And to even further prove the George point, outside him, here’s your last 10 number 10 picks, and the best player drafted 10th or later in each draft: (and obviously the first couple are hard to judge as of now)

          2013: 10th: CJ McCullum, Best: Giannis

          2012: 10th: Austin Rivers, Best: Sullinger/Harkless/Draymond Green

          2011: 10th: Jimmer, Best: K Thompson/K Leonard

          2009: 10th: Brandon Jennings, Best: Holiday/Lawson

          2008: 10th: Brook Lopez, Best: Lopez/Hibbert

          2007: 10th: Hawes, Best: Marc Gasol

          2006: 10th: Mouhamed Sene, Best: Rondo

          2005: 10th: Andrew Bynum, Best: Granger/ David Lee

          2004: Luke Jackson, Best: Jameer Nelson

          2003: Jarvis Hayes, Best: David West

          So in 11 years, Paul George was the only player drafted 10th or later and became a star. Obviously his case is special, and his improvement has been phenomenal. Expecting anyone to improve the way he has is foolish. 

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

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    • #862391
      AvatarAvatar
      Ghost01
      Participant

       I’m not nitpicking on Wiggins and not once mentioned how much he wanted it.

      The guy doesn’t exert himself for 40 minutes. I am not saying it is a question of effort.

      I don’t really see the Paul George comparisons except for their physical and athletic build. Paul George is a knockdown 3 point shooter, guards LBJ and Melo, and is all over the place every possession.

      For all the Wiggins defense talk, he isn’t exactly locking up NBA superstars. Other than Rod Hood, I can’t think of one future NBA player he’s guarded this year. 

      I haven’t seen it with the guy. I don’t care what his stats are, he just doesn’t look good. He gets dunks and layups and scores on a lot of easy hoops. 

      Again – not nitpicking, not saying "Oh hes good at everything but I don’t like him because of his hair". I’m looking at his skills and am far from blown away.

       

       

       

       

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  • #862382
    AvatarAvatar
    joecheck88
    Participant

     Seems like most here have something to nitpick on Wiggins but that’s my guy. When your best argument is I just don’t think he wants it you know you’re nitpicking. I think Wiggins and George are very similar. Wiggins doesn’t hoist bad shot after bad shot. He will get down and play defense much like George. He seems like a role player some say. It looks like Kansas makes an effort to post Embiid and Ellis. If that is what Wiggins is asked to do then I applaud him. His FT % has gone up and his aggressiveness has gone up. He’s just not asked to ISO all game like some. I don’t like comparing guys to HOFers but man I think Wiggins can be like a Dominique Wilkins. Good scorer, rebounder and defender. Maybe you don’t want that at the #1 pick but I’m taking him 1 every day. 

    I don’t really have a guy I’m down on ATM. I will say I think Embiid if very far away from contributing to a NBA defense.  And that by the time he starts reaching his massive potential he will be ending his rookie contract. He’ll be a bad pick for a coach. Use a top 5 pick on him and may not get much until year 3 or 4. 

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  • #862279
    AvatarAvatar
    torontoraptors10
    Participant

    Zach LaVine is a scrub. He is the next Austin Rivers. You heard it here first, screenshot my post and prove me wrong. I was right about Bennett being one of the move over rated players in the NCAA (and I did say Andrew Nicholson is better than Bennett, but as usual everyone negged me) and I will be right about LaVine. People are infatuated with his game, which will NOT translate into the NBA.

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    • #862295
      AvatarAvatar
      drk3351
      Participant

       Lol Levine has way more hops than rivers and is a better shooter and less of a ball hog.

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    • #862401
      AvatarAvatar
      drk3351
      Participant

       Lol Levine has way more hops than rivers and is a better shooter and less of a ball hog.

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    • #862485
      AvatarAvatar
      For_Never_Ever
      Participant
      1.  You are comparing two completely different players with Zach and Austin, the only thing they have in common is skin color. So this argument doesnt work.
      2. The Bennet pick everyone was questioning this pick even Bennet supporters/ fans. I think more then half the forum guys werent sold on him including myself. I do believe he’ll be a solid bench player though.
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    • #862379
      AvatarAvatar
      For_Never_Ever
      Participant
      1.  You are comparing two completely different players with Zach and Austin, the only thing they have in common is skin color. So this argument doesnt work.
      2. The Bennet pick everyone was questioning this pick even Bennet supporters/ fans. I think more then half the forum guys werent sold on him including myself. I do believe he’ll be a solid bench player though.
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  • #862384
    AvatarAvatar
    torontoraptors10
    Participant

    Zach LaVine is a scrub. He is the next Austin Rivers. You heard it here first, screenshot my post and prove me wrong. I was right about Bennett being one of the move over rated players in the NCAA (and I did say Andrew Nicholson is better than Bennett, but as usual everyone negged me) and I will be right about LaVine. People are infatuated with his game, which will NOT translate into the NBA.

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  • #862315
    AvatarAvatar
    jwall1
    Participant

    Marcus Smart & Julius Randle: Both are not getting enough hype (on here). Randle may be a little bit risky but IMO he is a clear cut powerforward (his 250 pound body compensates for his lack of heigh/wingspan) who may never be a huge presence defensively but could develop into a respectable defender. His offensive game is great and he will only improve. Also, his athleticism is above average which can compensate for his lack of size. Lastly, his motor and attitude are flat out amazing, and I would say the best in comparison to other top prospects (Smart, Wiggins, Embiid, Parker). I think people are putting too much empasis on size and wingspan when analyzing him.

    Marcus Smart is another guy who has seemingly been overlooked on here. His versatility, skill set, and attitude are top notch. He might not have the best shot/shot selection or not be an athletic fraeak but with his attitude he will definitely improve in those aspects. Even though he does not average 10 assist per game his court vision (of what I have perceived) is good. And ontop of all this, he is an elite perimeter defender. The kid is a leader, and I think when this draft is said and done he will emerge as one of the stars.

    Joel Embiid & Andrew Wiggins: I think they are a bit too hyped. Wiggins has been disappointing. Sure you could argue that he is trending upwards, but there are stretches where his oncourt demeanor is discouraging and he looks like a flat out role player. He has all the tools and upside in the world, but I would say in terms of skill (not including athleticism) he would not even break the top 10 in this draft. He is raw, but his attitude is concerning.

    Joel Embiid is another guy who IMO is getting a little too much hype. I get it, he is playing better than expected, but he is still very raw with limited skill right now. The Akeem comparisons are just outrageous, because those are basically impossible to live up to. He has been playing basketball for such a limited time, which is concerning. With his size it is easier to dominate in college but I feel when he gets to the NBA he will struggle a bit. Experience cannot be taught, and I feel his lack of experience will effect him a bit. I would say with his rapid development and size that he is easily the biggest risk-reward pick. Alot of people have him going number 1, but I just could not see a team with the number one pick passing up on Parker. 

     

    Obviously these arguments are based on the first half of the season, but there still is a long way to go. Alot can change, but based on what I have seen my top 5 would be (with position need not relevant).

    1. Parker

    2. Smart

    3. Embiid

    4. Randle

    5. Wiggins

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

     

     

     

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  • #862421
    AvatarAvatar
    jwall1
    Participant

    Marcus Smart & Julius Randle: Both are not getting enough hype (on here). Randle may be a little bit risky but IMO he is a clear cut powerforward (his 250 pound body compensates for his lack of heigh/wingspan) who may never be a huge presence defensively but could develop into a respectable defender. His offensive game is great and he will only improve. Also, his athleticism is above average which can compensate for his lack of size. Lastly, his motor and attitude are flat out amazing, and I would say the best in comparison to other top prospects (Smart, Wiggins, Embiid, Parker). I think people are putting too much empasis on size and wingspan when analyzing him.

    Marcus Smart is another guy who has seemingly been overlooked on here. His versatility, skill set, and attitude are top notch. He might not have the best shot/shot selection or not be an athletic fraeak but with his attitude he will definitely improve in those aspects. Even though he does not average 10 assist per game his court vision (of what I have perceived) is good. And ontop of all this, he is an elite perimeter defender. The kid is a leader, and I think when this draft is said and done he will emerge as one of the stars.

    Joel Embiid & Andrew Wiggins: I think they are a bit too hyped. Wiggins has been disappointing. Sure you could argue that he is trending upwards, but there are stretches where his oncourt demeanor is discouraging and he looks like a flat out role player. He has all the tools and upside in the world, but I would say in terms of skill (not including athleticism) he would not even break the top 10 in this draft. He is raw, but his attitude is concerning.

    Joel Embiid is another guy who IMO is getting a little too much hype. I get it, he is playing better than expected, but he is still very raw with limited skill right now. The Akeem comparisons are just outrageous, because those are basically impossible to live up to. He has been playing basketball for such a limited time, which is concerning. With his size it is easier to dominate in college but I feel when he gets to the NBA he will struggle a bit. Experience cannot be taught, and I feel his lack of experience will effect him a bit. I would say with his rapid development and size that he is easily the biggest risk-reward pick. Alot of people have him going number 1, but I just could not see a team with the number one pick passing up on Parker. 

     

    Obviously these arguments are based on the first half of the season, but there still is a long way to go. Alot can change, but based on what I have seen my top 5 would be (with position need not relevant).

    1. Parker

    2. Smart

    3. Embiid

    4. Randle

    5. Wiggins

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

     

     

     

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  • #862329
    AvatarAvatar
    Magic Jordan
    Participant

    I don’t understand people saying there are no potential top 5 players in this draft? How could we know this?  By my count on ESPN’s player ranks (Not to say that is correct just a reference) the only two players out of the top five that were drafted with the anticipation of being there are Lebron and Durant.  I doubt Presti even predicted Westbrook and Harden would be considered top 5 players.  Chris Paul wasn’t projected to be a top 5 player.  Otherwise those guys go first in their respective drafts.  Kevin Love?  You get my point.

    I think the potential in this draft is as high as any, it could very easily have some top 5 talent in it that won’t unfold for a few years.  I think the reason people are starting to get down on this draft a bit is because everybody was so up on it.  I whole heartedly believe there will be at least one top ten player. Far from a bold prediction I know.

    I think the guy that I think will be great is Dante Exum.  Far from bold again I know, but he is a relatively unknown.  This may seem like a odd comparison and I don’t mean in a basketball sense, I mean in an athletic sense but he kind of reminds me of a taller Tony Parker.  Extremely quick, but not really lateral quick, more of a baseline to baseline quick and straight line quick…. extremely quick first step and blazing baseline to baseline speed.  I see this in the limited tape I have seen from him but it looks apparent that it will translate to any level of hoops.  Pair that with the 6’6" lengthy frame and some good PG skills and he could be a load to handle.  Another thing I like about him is his athleticism isn’t that explosive herky jerky athleticism, it’s more of the graceful athleticism and I think that translates to health and durabilitiy over the course of a season.

    I think the guy that won’t quite pan out has been getting a lot of hype lately, and that is Tyler Ennis.  I definitely don’t think he will be a bust, I think he will have a career in the league.  If he was a tad more athletic at least as athletic as Trey Burke I think he could be special, but I think it will keep him to just an average player in the pros.

     

     

     

     

      

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    • #862526
      AvatarAvatar
      machu46
      Participant

       I’m a Cuse fan, and as great as Ennis has been so far, I think he’s a career backup in the NBA for now.  Have to see how much he can improve as the year goes on, but I wouldn’t take him any higher than being a very late 1st round pick personally, and I don’t think he’ll enter the draft if he isn’t a lottery pick.

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    • #862420
      AvatarAvatar
      machu46
      Participant

       I’m a Cuse fan, and as great as Ennis has been so far, I think he’s a career backup in the NBA for now.  Have to see how much he can improve as the year goes on, but I wouldn’t take him any higher than being a very late 1st round pick personally, and I don’t think he’ll enter the draft if he isn’t a lottery pick.

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  • #862435
    AvatarAvatar
    Magic Jordan
    Participant

    I don’t understand people saying there are no potential top 5 players in this draft? How could we know this?  By my count on ESPN’s player ranks (Not to say that is correct just a reference) the only two players out of the top five that were drafted with the anticipation of being there are Lebron and Durant.  I doubt Presti even predicted Westbrook and Harden would be considered top 5 players.  Chris Paul wasn’t projected to be a top 5 player.  Otherwise those guys go first in their respective drafts.  Kevin Love?  You get my point.

    I think the potential in this draft is as high as any, it could very easily have some top 5 talent in it that won’t unfold for a few years.  I think the reason people are starting to get down on this draft a bit is because everybody was so up on it.  I whole heartedly believe there will be at least one top ten player. Far from a bold prediction I know.

    I think the guy that I think will be great is Dante Exum.  Far from bold again I know, but he is a relatively unknown.  This may seem like a odd comparison and I don’t mean in a basketball sense, I mean in an athletic sense but he kind of reminds me of a taller Tony Parker.  Extremely quick, but not really lateral quick, more of a baseline to baseline quick and straight line quick…. extremely quick first step and blazing baseline to baseline speed.  I see this in the limited tape I have seen from him but it looks apparent that it will translate to any level of hoops.  Pair that with the 6’6" lengthy frame and some good PG skills and he could be a load to handle.  Another thing I like about him is his athleticism isn’t that explosive herky jerky athleticism, it’s more of the graceful athleticism and I think that translates to health and durabilitiy over the course of a season.

    I think the guy that won’t quite pan out has been getting a lot of hype lately, and that is Tyler Ennis.  I definitely don’t think he will be a bust, I think he will have a career in the league.  If he was a tad more athletic at least as athletic as Trey Burke I think he could be special, but I think it will keep him to just an average player in the pros.

     

     

     

     

      

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  • #862337
    AvatarAvatar
    BrentSuriaga01
    Participant

    I like this dude. I don’t see him as a go-to-guy in the NBA but I think he is much better playing a jamal crawford/jr smith role. An offensive sparkplug who will be a great 6th man or 3rd tier player at his peak.

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  • #862443
    AvatarAvatar
    BrentSuriaga01
    Participant

    I like this dude. I don’t see him as a go-to-guy in the NBA but I think he is much better playing a jamal crawford/jr smith role. An offensive sparkplug who will be a great 6th man or 3rd tier player at his peak.

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  • #862477
    AvatarAvatar
    Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan
    Participant

    I’m really high on Dante Exum…big combo guard with a lighting quick first step, streaky shooter but he has room to grow in that department. He has so much defensive potential as well I really think he will be one of the 3 best players in the draft. Right now he’s more of a score first kind of guy but he can play PG at times too I’m just really high on him also still is growing into his body skys the limit for him 

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  • #862371
    AvatarAvatar
    Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan
    Participant

    I’m really high on Dante Exum…big combo guard with a lighting quick first step, streaky shooter but he has room to grow in that department. He has so much defensive potential as well I really think he will be one of the 3 best players in the draft. Right now he’s more of a score first kind of guy but he can play PG at times too I’m just really high on him also still is growing into his body skys the limit for him 

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  • #862555
    AvatarAvatar
    Hale
    Participant

    I still have Wiggins #1 on my board. I know everyone is hopping on the Embiid train and many jumped on the Parker train after he tore it up early in the year but I’d still take Andrew Wiggins #1 overall. He’s been awesome in big games, he’s lightyears ahead of most of these other prospects defensively and for a guy who is super raw he’s producing quite well. He needs to tighten his handle, and his jumper has been worse than I figured but the dude is really good and is getting better. He has a very good foundation to build upon and I still think by the end of the year he’s going to blow up a little bit more.

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  • #862660
    AvatarAvatar
    Hale
    Participant

    I still have Wiggins #1 on my board. I know everyone is hopping on the Embiid train and many jumped on the Parker train after he tore it up early in the year but I’d still take Andrew Wiggins #1 overall. He’s been awesome in big games, he’s lightyears ahead of most of these other prospects defensively and for a guy who is super raw he’s producing quite well. He needs to tighten his handle, and his jumper has been worse than I figured but the dude is really good and is getting better. He has a very good foundation to build upon and I still think by the end of the year he’s going to blow up a little bit more.

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