[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Good battle of rookie guards tonight with a ton of potential. My question is if you had to choose one of them for the next 5 years who would you rather have and why?

Personally, I think I would go with clarkson. I know lavine was drafted higher and has athletic gifts that few people in the world can match. However, I think clarkson just has a better understanding of the game and how to use his speed to his advantage. He’s shown signs of ability to run an offense in the future while I think lavine may top out as a sixth man instant offense guy. Plus I just really like Clarksons competitiveness.

No idea who will actually have the better career but I think its an interesting debate.

 

 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Lavine

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Lavine

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 It’s tough to say which says something in it’s own right that we could have this conversation with someone drafted in the upper 40’s vs a lottery pick.

With that being said Lavine has other worldly physical tools.  If he ever maximizes his skills I don’t think it’s close.  But there is no telling he will do that.

Another thing to consider is are you asking as general players or specific positions.  I don’t think Lavine will ever be able to make the switch to PG.  He’s a scorer and doesn’t really have great or good vision.  But his physical tools tell me he could be a nice scorer some day.

Lavine is also a few years younger so by the time he is Clarksons age things could change.

I think it’s obvious Clarkson is the better player right now, but I believe Lavine is two? years younger than him and that should be factored in.

It’s basically super high potential vs a nice surprise.  Right now I think it’s apparent that Clarkson is better.

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 It’s tough to say which says something in it’s own right that we could have this conversation with someone drafted in the upper 40’s vs a lottery pick.

With that being said Lavine has other worldly physical tools.  If he ever maximizes his skills I don’t think it’s close.  But there is no telling he will do that.

Another thing to consider is are you asking as general players or specific positions.  I don’t think Lavine will ever be able to make the switch to PG.  He’s a scorer and doesn’t really have great or good vision.  But his physical tools tell me he could be a nice scorer some day.

Lavine is also a few years younger so by the time he is Clarksons age things could change.

I think it’s obvious Clarkson is the better player right now, but I believe Lavine is two? years younger than him and that should be factored in.

It’s basically super high potential vs a nice surprise.  Right now I think it’s apparent that Clarkson is better.

 

 

 

 

 

[hbomb3300Participant]

I’m going with LaVine…  especially if I’m a rebuilding team like the Lakers or Wolves.  I think he is just scratching the surface of his abilities.  He has the ability to do complex shots with deep range, explosive, and pretty good finisher.  With time I think he will add strength, confidence, and improve as a passer.  Passing is going to be the key if he wants to be able to play some point guard. 

[hbomb3300Participant]

I’m going with LaVine…  especially if I’m a rebuilding team like the Lakers or Wolves.  I think he is just scratching the surface of his abilities.  He has the ability to do complex shots with deep range, explosive, and pretty good finisher.  With time I think he will add strength, confidence, and improve as a passer.  Passing is going to be the key if he wants to be able to play some point guard. 

[llperez]

 both have tremndous upside. Im just glad the lakers bought a second round pick to get a guy as good as clarkson, he is certainly not just a product of being on a bad team, he has been the lakers best player for over a month now. Havent seen enough of lavine in the nba to fairly comment on who i would take. 

[llperez]

 both have tremndous upside. Im just glad the lakers bought a second round pick to get a guy as good as clarkson, he is certainly not just a product of being on a bad team, he has been the lakers best player for over a month now. Havent seen enough of lavine in the nba to fairly comment on who i would take. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I’d go with LaVine, and not just because he has way more potential. He just turned 20 last month, while Clarkson is already 22 going on 23 in June. It’s funny how last year people ragged on MCW for being an older rookie, yet this year everyone seems to give Clarkson the pass and praise his composure. I think he’s a good player, but at this point in his career his ceiling is very limited by the fact that he’s 2-3 years older than most rookies. 

I also like the fact that LaVine is a better shooter. Clarkson isn’t even shooting 30% on the year, while LaVine has been pretty consistent all year shooting 33%, and has improved month by month for the most part. With his insane athleticism, I don’t think many people are going to be able to trouble LaVine’s shot, and with his silky smooth form I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shoot 40% from downtown a couple times in his career. If the month of March is any indication of how well he can shoot, than I’m sold. He shot 43% on 3.4 attempts a game, and this was also the time that Rubio was hurt and he started to play with the starters more. 

I also like LaVines ability to play multiple positions and switch on the pick and roll. He’s a long 6’5 with great athleticism, and when his body fills out, I think he will be a decent defender of the 1-3 positions. He has a long was to go in this reguards, but I’ve seen young guys like Gerald Green turn it around. 

Overall I just think LaVine is the better prospect

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 It’s probably because when you’re picking 46th, you don’t really consider age.  MCW was a lottery pick, thus more scrutiny and nitpicking and his age was the easiest target for awhile.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 It’s probably because when you’re picking 46th, you don’t really consider age.  MCW was a lottery pick, thus more scrutiny and nitpicking and his age was the easiest target for awhile.

[llperez]

 clarkson is shooting .299% from three coming into this game yet you point out how he isnt even shooting 30% (kinda nitpicking by 1/1000th of percentage point) but have no problem in the very same sentence saying lavine is shooting 33% from three when he is shooting .326. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I was blatantly looking at their shooting splits, and since the ASB Clarkson has only shot 29% from downtown, and since he started to actually play in January, he has only shot once above 30% for the month. So I don’t really think I’m nitpicking, just didn’t explain my logic as much as I probably should have. Clarkson has had one outlier month since he started getting minutes, and the rest is bad. That one month makes you see 30% but I see 29%. 

Jan- .154%

Feb- .37%

Mar- .267%

April- .278%

Not that LaVine’s splits are much better, but we’ve had a larger sample size with him than Clarkson. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I was blatantly looking at their shooting splits, and since the ASB Clarkson has only shot 29% from downtown, and since he started to actually play in January, he has only shot once above 30% for the month. So I don’t really think I’m nitpicking, just didn’t explain my logic as much as I probably should have. Clarkson has had one outlier month since he started getting minutes, and the rest is bad. That one month makes you see 30% but I see 29%. 

Jan- .154%

Feb- .37%

Mar- .267%

April- .278%

Not that LaVine’s splits are much better, but we’ve had a larger sample size with him than Clarkson. 

[llperez]

 clarkson is shooting .299% from three coming into this game yet you point out how he isnt even shooting 30% (kinda nitpicking by 1/1000th of percentage point) but have no problem in the very same sentence saying lavine is shooting 33% from three when he is shooting .326. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I’d go with LaVine, and not just because he has way more potential. He just turned 20 last month, while Clarkson is already 22 going on 23 in June. It’s funny how last year people ragged on MCW for being an older rookie, yet this year everyone seems to give Clarkson the pass and praise his composure. I think he’s a good player, but at this point in his career his ceiling is very limited by the fact that he’s 2-3 years older than most rookies. 

I also like the fact that LaVine is a better shooter. Clarkson isn’t even shooting 30% on the year, while LaVine has been pretty consistent all year shooting 33%, and has improved month by month for the most part. With his insane athleticism, I don’t think many people are going to be able to trouble LaVine’s shot, and with his silky smooth form I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shoot 40% from downtown a couple times in his career. If the month of March is any indication of how well he can shoot, than I’m sold. He shot 43% on 3.4 attempts a game, and this was also the time that Rubio was hurt and he started to play with the starters more. 

I also like LaVines ability to play multiple positions and switch on the pick and roll. He’s a long 6’5 with great athleticism, and when his body fills out, I think he will be a decent defender of the 1-3 positions. He has a long was to go in this reguards, but I’ve seen young guys like Gerald Green turn it around. 

Overall I just think LaVine is the better prospect

[omphalosParticipant]

Gotta be Lavine.

He’s a lot younger, so he’s still developing his feel for a game and it’s still unclear whether he’s a 1 or a 2.

But he’s got good vision, is learning to use his athleticism more and anyone who saw him drain those back to back clutch 3s with no hesitation last week would know he’s a competitive guy.

He definitely cares about more than dunking, I think he’s going to be a really special player and I’m still mourning the fact that the Celtics took Marcus Smart over him in the draft.

I like Clarkson, he’s an NBA player, pretty well-rounded, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a borderline star player at the point guard position in today’s NBA.

Too many great young guys at his position and while he’s been playing great for a rookie, he does have an edge as a more experienced player and I think he could struggle in his second season when teams start to scout him a bit more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

Gotta be Lavine.

He’s a lot younger, so he’s still developing his feel for a game and it’s still unclear whether he’s a 1 or a 2.

But he’s got good vision, is learning to use his athleticism more and anyone who saw him drain those back to back clutch 3s with no hesitation last week would know he’s a competitive guy.

He definitely cares about more than dunking, I think he’s going to be a really special player and I’m still mourning the fact that the Celtics took Marcus Smart over him in the draft.

I like Clarkson, he’s an NBA player, pretty well-rounded, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a borderline star player at the point guard position in today’s NBA.

Too many great young guys at his position and while he’s been playing great for a rookie, he does have an edge as a more experienced player and I think he could struggle in his second season when teams start to scout him a bit more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

I think the ‘Lavine the PG’ talk needs to stop, he’s a wing through and through. If he can learn to stop taking bad shots and play within a high-caliber offense he’s an All-Star candidate.

I know that’s easier said than done, but you have to give the 20 year old the benefit of the doubt that he’ll learn how to play if given the time. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

I think the ‘Lavine the PG’ talk needs to stop, he’s a wing through and through. If he can learn to stop taking bad shots and play within a high-caliber offense he’s an All-Star candidate.

I know that’s easier said than done, but you have to give the 20 year old the benefit of the doubt that he’ll learn how to play if given the time. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

Thats what people said about Westbrook.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Thats what people said about Westbrook.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I still think Westbrook would be better on the wing playing SG. Wade also played PG in the beginning of his career. I don’t get how Scott Brooks is still a head coach.

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I still think Westbrook would be better on the wing playing SG. Wade also played PG in the beginning of his career. I don’t get how Scott Brooks is still a head coach.

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 It’s almost like Lavine read this thread.

Impressive performance against the Warriors, was ridiculous in the 4th quarter with 20 or so points and 37 total.

Looked great shooting the ball and attacking the paint.

I think he can be a PG still, but he’s a combo no doubt.

[omphalosParticipant]

 It’s almost like Lavine read this thread.

Impressive performance against the Warriors, was ridiculous in the 4th quarter with 20 or so points and 37 total.

Looked great shooting the ball and attacking the paint.

I think he can be a PG still, but he’s a combo no doubt.

[RigelzParticipant]

I go with Lavine. I think he has an upper celiling, much upper, even if Jordan is a good player. But Zach may be something special. I’m a bit concerned about his playing time  next season when Rubio will be back. But he could play as shooting guard… interesting line with Ricky, Zach and Andrew….

[RigelzParticipant]

I go with Lavine. I think he has an upper celiling, much upper, even if Jordan is a good player. But Zach may be something special. I’m a bit concerned about his playing time  next season when Rubio will be back. But he could play as shooting guard… interesting line with Ricky, Zach and Andrew….

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Lavine is going to be a steal. Pretty sure Boston and LA passed him up thinking he wasn’t mature enough to be a floor general but he shows great poise for his age at times. I think he is going to be great at some point. Maybe a more athletic Jamaal Crawford.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Lavine is going to be a steal. Pretty sure Boston and LA passed him up thinking he wasn’t mature enough to be a floor general but he shows great poise for his age at times. I think he is going to be great at some point. Maybe a more athletic Jamaal Crawford.

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