[EspressoParticipant]

 People keep bringing up "how they knew" Porzingis would be good. Bringing it up in a Andre Drummond thread as if Porzingis dropped because people werent high on him.

Porzingis went #4, realize that Kat and Okafor ahead of him is not wrong. Rusell on the other hand not so much… regardless, he was picked by LA because they thought they could attract Aldridge.

The fact that you thought Porzingis would be good is not shocking, mostly everyone did. I for one don’t remember him getting much hate on this board, specially relatively to someone like Andre Drummond. Matter fact, he was thought of as a lock top 5

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 in other words, who can blame the Lakers for drafting DRussell.

Now this revisionist says Porzingis was a lock as a top 5 pick.

Most people thought he was a center, who was years away from being an impact player becuse he was 230.

An arena full of Knicks fans booed him, and nobody was giving the Knicks an "A" grade for their draft

http://www.youtube.com/watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 in other words, who can blame the Lakers for drafting DRussell.

Now this revisionist says Porzingis was a lock as a top 5 pick.

Most people thought he was a center, who was years away from being an impact player becuse he was 230.

An arena full of Knicks fans booed him, and nobody was giving the Knicks an "A" grade for their draft

http://www.youtube.com/watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

 

 

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 Knicks fans boo everything.

[ChewyParticipant]

 Knicks fans boo everything.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

It’s a New York thing.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

It’s a New York thing.

[T Rex]

Sports Illustrated draft grade for the Porzingis pick: "The New York Knicks have selected forward Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia with No. 4 pick in 2015 NBA draft. Porzingis initially declared for the 2014 NBA draft before removing his name from consideration as the draft neared. He declared for this year’s draft on April 16, immediately returning to the lottery pick conversation. The 19-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1 block for Baloncesto Sevilla of Spain’s Liga ACB. An aura of mystique surrounded the international prospect, but the hype was backed up in a recent Las Vegas workout that impressed scouts. "First of all, I think a lot of guys are worried that Europeans might not have the heart and the passion about the game—but that’s the first thing that I have," Porzingis told SI on June 8. "I love the game, I’m a student of the game, it’s important if you want to have a long, successful career in the NBA. As far as my skills, I’m a really tall guy who can shoot, who can stretch the floor, who can drive, who has a face-up post game. I would say my shot is one of my best skills." Mannix’s Analysis: First, Kristaps Porzingis can play. He’s an incredibly skilled, perimeter-oriented big man who can stretch the floor and make the mid-range jump shot. He’s at least two years away from doing anything at an NBA level, but if developed right he could be a franchise player. But there are legitimate concerns in Porzingis’s camp about how he will handle the pressure of New York, and he won’t help a team desperately trying to maximize the last few years of Carmelo Anthony’s contract. If the Knicks are patient, they could have a star. If not, they could ruin a promising prospect." Grade: C+ http://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/25/kristaps-porzingis-2015-nba-draft-new-york-knicks

[T Rex]

Sports Illustrated draft grade for the Porzingis pick: "The New York Knicks have selected forward Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia with No. 4 pick in 2015 NBA draft. Porzingis initially declared for the 2014 NBA draft before removing his name from consideration as the draft neared. He declared for this year’s draft on April 16, immediately returning to the lottery pick conversation. The 19-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1 block for Baloncesto Sevilla of Spain’s Liga ACB. An aura of mystique surrounded the international prospect, but the hype was backed up in a recent Las Vegas workout that impressed scouts. "First of all, I think a lot of guys are worried that Europeans might not have the heart and the passion about the game—but that’s the first thing that I have," Porzingis told SI on June 8. "I love the game, I’m a student of the game, it’s important if you want to have a long, successful career in the NBA. As far as my skills, I’m a really tall guy who can shoot, who can stretch the floor, who can drive, who has a face-up post game. I would say my shot is one of my best skills." Mannix’s Analysis: First, Kristaps Porzingis can play. He’s an incredibly skilled, perimeter-oriented big man who can stretch the floor and make the mid-range jump shot. He’s at least two years away from doing anything at an NBA level, but if developed right he could be a franchise player. But there are legitimate concerns in Porzingis’s camp about how he will handle the pressure of New York, and he won’t help a team desperately trying to maximize the last few years of Carmelo Anthony’s contract. If the Knicks are patient, they could have a star. If not, they could ruin a promising prospect." Grade: C+ http://www.si.com/nba/2015/06/25/kristaps-porzingis-2015-nba-draft-new-york-knicks

[King CaluchaParticipant]

There’s no such thing as "unknown player". Fans in America might not know the player, but certainly the scouting teams do. They have a lot of resources.

Now, people who follow international basketball knew Porzingis had several NBA skills: 3pt shot, lateral quickness, shot blocking skills and passing ability. In the end, it wasn’t like there were a bunch of scrubs taken before him. The 1st poster is right… nobody was hating on Porzingis. There were some concerns about his weight and I remember some people saying Winslow should have been taken in the top 5, but that’s it.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

There’s no such thing as "unknown player". Fans in America might not know the player, but certainly the scouting teams do. They have a lot of resources.

Now, people who follow international basketball knew Porzingis had several NBA skills: 3pt shot, lateral quickness, shot blocking skills and passing ability. In the end, it wasn’t like there were a bunch of scrubs taken before him. The 1st poster is right… nobody was hating on Porzingis. There were some concerns about his weight and I remember some people saying Winslow should have been taken in the top 5, but that’s it.

[T Rex]

 Correct, only one scrub taken before him. And another guy who is a one way player.

[T Rex]

 Correct, only one scrub taken before him. And another guy who is a one way player.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I don’t think I ever had him higher than 4 on my board.  So, if everyone REALLY, REALLY liked Porzingas, then where are the guys who had him in the top 2?

I think Philly really liked him.

Porzingas is doing well so far, and the Knicks are outperforming a bit.  Okafor has good stats in Philly but the Sixers are STRUGGLING.  Supposedly they are 1 game away from breaking the consecutive loss streak if you go back to last season, too.

MAYBE Philly would have been better off with Porzingas.  He and Noel would give them LOTS of EVERYTHING at the 4 and 5 spots.  

Porzingas is a floor spacer and is longer than Okafor.  Not sure who the better athlete is but Porzingas can out athlete other 7 footers.

Then you have perhaps an ULTRA ‘UUUUGE LINEUP possibility with Porzingas as a super big small forward with range, Noel at the 4 defending the BEST forward on the other team, then Joel Embiid at center — ANOTHER athlete, and he can shoot fairly well, too.  Or, use Saric in one of those forward spots.

Then they use their 2016 picks exclusively on perimeter guys.  Also, less need of a floor spacing forward or a versatile forward like Ben Simmons.  So, they would be ok in that 3-7 range.  

If they redid the draft, I think Karl Anthony-Towns still goes number 1.  Either Okafor or Porzingas at 2.  Then Oak or Porzingas to Philly at 3.  Mudiay 4.  Russell at 5.  

Porzingas is an IDEAL pick (even if he doesn’t pan out as a super star), since he is 7’3 and very long, athletic, and a guy who can score and shoot.  

KAT is also a good big man for today’s game, just not as long/tall as Porzingas, and I think he might have less upside.  Although Town’s average case scenario might be a bit higher.  Then again, if KAT is the perfect fit for Minny then Minny made the right pick.  

The number 2 pick has historically been a land mine.  So, D’Angelo Russell fans have to be on high alert.

People always talk about how the Grizzlies messed up taking Hasheem Thabeet at 2 over Steph or Harden.  Yeah, we messed up.  I ALSO think the Thunder messed up at 3.  We SAW the KD, Russ, Harden teams and they got beat by the Heat.  Looks like they should have gone with Steph Curry at 3.  Russ plays point, but he is more of a scoring guard.  Then Steph is built like a point guard with unreal range.  Think about THAT backcourt or Westbrook and Curry.  Unreal.  Also, you have a good blend of temperaments.  Russ is all-out and high strung, while Curry seems more laid back, although they are BOTH winners.

Then Kevin Durant completes the IDEAL Big Three.  Great size, length at the 3 with enough of that to be a small ball 4.  You could even rest one of those Big Three and still have two really, really awesome weapons in the game.

Serge Ibaka then gives you a really good fourth option.  Basically a power forward who can also play some center.  

What does this mean?  It means that, yeah, the Grizzlies messed up.  BUT we already had two small guards in Conley and OJ Mayo.  So, I can see us thinking that Steph was small (even though I know one Grizzlies assistant coach at the time who LOVED Steph Curry).  My guy was Tyreke Evans.  I thought Tyreke, Conley, and OJ Mayo would have been a GREAT three guard rotation.  Then you could even play Tyreke at the 3 and move Rudy Gay to the 4.  Oh well.

BUT, the Thunder might have cost themselves a dynasty by not drafting Steph Curry.  

So, in this case, the team who MIGHT have messed up the most was Philly even though I think Okafor was definitely a top 3 guy in the draft.  Just that Noel and Porzingas would ABSOLUTELY have a TON of upside if everything panned out.  

Golden State won that earlier draft.  The Knicks won this one.  And, NOT based on who got picked at 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I don’t think I ever had him higher than 4 on my board.  So, if everyone REALLY, REALLY liked Porzingas, then where are the guys who had him in the top 2?

I think Philly really liked him.

Porzingas is doing well so far, and the Knicks are outperforming a bit.  Okafor has good stats in Philly but the Sixers are STRUGGLING.  Supposedly they are 1 game away from breaking the consecutive loss streak if you go back to last season, too.

MAYBE Philly would have been better off with Porzingas.  He and Noel would give them LOTS of EVERYTHING at the 4 and 5 spots.  

Porzingas is a floor spacer and is longer than Okafor.  Not sure who the better athlete is but Porzingas can out athlete other 7 footers.

Then you have perhaps an ULTRA ‘UUUUGE LINEUP possibility with Porzingas as a super big small forward with range, Noel at the 4 defending the BEST forward on the other team, then Joel Embiid at center — ANOTHER athlete, and he can shoot fairly well, too.  Or, use Saric in one of those forward spots.

Then they use their 2016 picks exclusively on perimeter guys.  Also, less need of a floor spacing forward or a versatile forward like Ben Simmons.  So, they would be ok in that 3-7 range.  

If they redid the draft, I think Karl Anthony-Towns still goes number 1.  Either Okafor or Porzingas at 2.  Then Oak or Porzingas to Philly at 3.  Mudiay 4.  Russell at 5.  

Porzingas is an IDEAL pick (even if he doesn’t pan out as a super star), since he is 7’3 and very long, athletic, and a guy who can score and shoot.  

KAT is also a good big man for today’s game, just not as long/tall as Porzingas, and I think he might have less upside.  Although Town’s average case scenario might be a bit higher.  Then again, if KAT is the perfect fit for Minny then Minny made the right pick.  

The number 2 pick has historically been a land mine.  So, D’Angelo Russell fans have to be on high alert.

People always talk about how the Grizzlies messed up taking Hasheem Thabeet at 2 over Steph or Harden.  Yeah, we messed up.  I ALSO think the Thunder messed up at 3.  We SAW the KD, Russ, Harden teams and they got beat by the Heat.  Looks like they should have gone with Steph Curry at 3.  Russ plays point, but he is more of a scoring guard.  Then Steph is built like a point guard with unreal range.  Think about THAT backcourt or Westbrook and Curry.  Unreal.  Also, you have a good blend of temperaments.  Russ is all-out and high strung, while Curry seems more laid back, although they are BOTH winners.

Then Kevin Durant completes the IDEAL Big Three.  Great size, length at the 3 with enough of that to be a small ball 4.  You could even rest one of those Big Three and still have two really, really awesome weapons in the game.

Serge Ibaka then gives you a really good fourth option.  Basically a power forward who can also play some center.  

What does this mean?  It means that, yeah, the Grizzlies messed up.  BUT we already had two small guards in Conley and OJ Mayo.  So, I can see us thinking that Steph was small (even though I know one Grizzlies assistant coach at the time who LOVED Steph Curry).  My guy was Tyreke Evans.  I thought Tyreke, Conley, and OJ Mayo would have been a GREAT three guard rotation.  Then you could even play Tyreke at the 3 and move Rudy Gay to the 4.  Oh well.

BUT, the Thunder might have cost themselves a dynasty by not drafting Steph Curry.  

So, in this case, the team who MIGHT have messed up the most was Philly even though I think Okafor was definitely a top 3 guy in the draft.  Just that Noel and Porzingas would ABSOLUTELY have a TON of upside if everything panned out.  

Golden State won that earlier draft.  The Knicks won this one.  And, NOT based on who got picked at 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Porzingis had the total package. 

One issue was he was still playing games while the NBA Combine and pre-draft workouts were going on. 

He didn’t arrive for his Vegas workout until like June 15th or something, and only worked out for the Lakers once. 

Sometimes teams just make up their minds before they should, or let a dumb coach like Scott influence the decision too much. 

I don’t even know if Porzingis got to workout for the Wolves or not.

I recall Memphis made a promise to Martin to draft him at 25, like months before the draft or something stupid. RJ Hunter would have been a great fit there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Porzingis had the total package. 

One issue was he was still playing games while the NBA Combine and pre-draft workouts were going on. 

He didn’t arrive for his Vegas workout until like June 15th or something, and only worked out for the Lakers once. 

Sometimes teams just make up their minds before they should, or let a dumb coach like Scott influence the decision too much. 

I don’t even know if Porzingis got to workout for the Wolves or not.

I recall Memphis made a promise to Martin to draft him at 25, like months before the draft or something stupid. RJ Hunter would have been a great fit there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Flip Sanders after Porzingis workout: "If I really had guts I’d take that kid (Porzingis), but the question is do I have the guts".

bleacherreport.com/articles/2499798-bucher-buzz-are-the-wolves-considering-kristaps-porzingis-with-the-1-pick

 

[T Rex]

 Flip Sanders after Porzingis workout: "If I really had guts I’d take that kid (Porzingis), but the question is do I have the guts".

bleacherreport.com/articles/2499798-bucher-buzz-are-the-wolves-considering-kristaps-porzingis-with-the-1-pick

 

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