Cleanthony Early is a Top 5 talent..

This topic contains 36 replies, has 15 voices, and was last updated by imAboutDatAction 12 years, 2 months ago.

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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:43pm #55045

druchris
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I’ve kept an eye on Cleanthony Early throughout the season and I think he still has a nice amount of untapped potential even as a Senior at Wichita State. He has proven capabilities as a leader, and has shown all around growth to his game this year.
16 ppg 6rpg 1apg 1spg 1bpg 49%fg 38%3pt 84%ft
Three things really stand out with him imo, his defense awareness, shooting stroke, and his smooth athleticism. I think we maybe looking at this years "Paul George" or "Stephen Curry", in the sense of a small school player who has definite NBA caliber ability but is ultimately drafted lower because of where they played.
If you saw his game againt Kentucky and his dunk in that game, you’d be blind not to see him run the floor like a guard and throw it down on Will Cauley Stein.
I think his game is very reminiscent of Luol Deng, and I see that as his potential ceiling with the ability to maybe even surpass Deng because of his overall smoother stride and athleticism.
Looking at all the prospects this year, I really believe Early is going to the guy that will make 1 GM look like a genius. I currently have him going Top 5 in my 2014 Mock and think after Wiggins, Embiid, Parker, and Exum, Cleanthony Early is the next available elite talent.
I also like Smart, Randle and Gordon, but for some reason I just see Early working harder and ultimately being at a advantage being able to combine power forward size, with a shooting guard’s quickness and shooting ability. I think with an improved handle, the skys the limit for this guy. Either way this years draft is shaping up to be one of favorites as far as depth goes.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:52pm #892730

Rip255
I disagree but I like any bold prediction if it comes from an informed source.
Nonetheless, you’re about to get negged like crazy, but remember this post because if this bold prediction comes true, you’ll able to dish out a lot of "I-told-you-so’s".
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:52pm #892841

Rip255
I disagree but I like any bold prediction if it comes from an informed source.
Nonetheless, you’re about to get negged like crazy, but remember this post because if this bold prediction comes true, you’ll able to dish out a lot of "I-told-you-so’s".
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:52pm #892732

frogman
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No he’s not. He is more than four years older than Noah Vonleh and Aaron Gordon so imagine what Early is today and what those two will be in four years time with all that NBA coaching. He may end up being the better player and the young guys don’t develop but talent wise he’s outside the top 10 in this draft.
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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:13am #892971
  
  TheArtistPaysthePrice
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  their rookie deals in four years. So they will have to be paid a lot more than Early would make now by time they reach their potential. I would still take Vonleh and Gordon over Early unless I was a team like Cleveland that needs to win now and have less potential long term.
  Look at the difference in Tim Hardaway Jr vs Sergi Karasev or Tony Snell. He was older and more polished but that helps a team trying to make the playoffs more.
  
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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:13am #892861
  
  TheArtistPaysthePrice
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  their rookie deals in four years. So they will have to be paid a lot more than Early would make now by time they reach their potential. I would still take Vonleh and Gordon over Early unless I was a team like Cleveland that needs to win now and have less potential long term.
  Look at the difference in Tim Hardaway Jr vs Sergi Karasev or Tony Snell. He was older and more polished but that helps a team trying to make the playoffs more.
  
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:52pm #892843

frogman
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No he’s not. He is more than four years older than Noah Vonleh and Aaron Gordon so imagine what Early is today and what those two will be in four years time with all that NBA coaching. He may end up being the better player and the young guys don’t develop but talent wise he’s outside the top 10 in this draft.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:54pm #892736

Sewok15
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Top 10 I will buy but Top 5…not in this draft.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:54pm #892847

Sewok15
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Top 10 I will buy but Top 5…not in this draft.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:55pm #892738

joecheck88
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Nothing wrong with that. It’s bold but I stick to your guns. I’m not sure I could take Early top 5 though. Think maybe after 8 he’d be in play. The less potential for 4 year players is ridiculous though. Parsons played 4 years and I think is now seen as being a player with a lot of potential. All I look for is has he gotten better every year. Parsons did and Early has too. Just like Payne. Got better every year and I think that will continue. With these 4 year guys you can get immediate help plus there is plenty of potential especially in the case of Early and Payne,
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:55pm #892848

joecheck88
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Nothing wrong with that. It’s bold but I stick to your guns. I’m not sure I could take Early top 5 though. Think maybe after 8 he’d be in play. The less potential for 4 year players is ridiculous though. Parsons played 4 years and I think is now seen as being a player with a lot of potential. All I look for is has he gotten better every year. Parsons did and Early has too. Just like Payne. Got better every year and I think that will continue. With these 4 year guys you can get immediate help plus there is plenty of potential especially in the case of Early and Payne,
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:57pm #892742

AdamJCalleja
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Very bold prediction, but I also saw that Kentucky Game and to say he impressed me would be an understatement. I remember some guy made a threat talking about how Bradley Beal would be a flat out bust in the NBA……lol. So only time will tell.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 6:57pm #892852

AdamJCalleja
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Very bold prediction, but I also saw that Kentucky Game and to say he impressed me would be an understatement. I remember some guy made a threat talking about how Bradley Beal would be a flat out bust in the NBA……lol. So only time will tell.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 8:53pm #892756

Mr. HookShot
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Most believe (including myself) Early can play as a 3 in the NBA, projecting him as a big wing player with a 6’8 frame and nice handles. He has all the tools, from jump shot to athleticism (he showed it all during this NCAA tournament), and most importantly plays hard, intelligent and is a proven winner. The only thing he needs to improve is 1-on-1 defense (vs. wing players), but considering his athleticism and his feel for the game he should be able to morph into an (above) average defender.
I see him having an immediate impact in the NBA, especially when he can play in a complementary role to some veteran players. As far as his destination goes, I like him in Chicago (#19), Atlanta (#15) or even as high as Minnesota (#13). I especially like him in Chicago, where he fits in nicely at the 3, and Thibs will learn him to defend better like he does.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 8:53pm #892866

Mr. HookShot
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Most believe (including myself) Early can play as a 3 in the NBA, projecting him as a big wing player with a 6’8 frame and nice handles. He has all the tools, from jump shot to athleticism (he showed it all during this NCAA tournament), and most importantly plays hard, intelligent and is a proven winner. The only thing he needs to improve is 1-on-1 defense (vs. wing players), but considering his athleticism and his feel for the game he should be able to morph into an (above) average defender.
I see him having an immediate impact in the NBA, especially when he can play in a complementary role to some veteran players. As far as his destination goes, I like him in Chicago (#19), Atlanta (#15) or even as high as Minnesota (#13). I especially like him in Chicago, where he fits in nicely at the 3, and Thibs will learn him to defend better like he does.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 9:11pm #892766

ndq1125
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Early will go to memphis at 22 that is the best destination for him to maximize his talents as well as develop his defense. Once we move Prince Early can come in and be the starter from day one and develop with a veteran team.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 9:11pm #892876

ndq1125
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Early will go to memphis at 22 that is the best destination for him to maximize his talents as well as develop his defense. Once we move Prince Early can come in and be the starter from day one and develop with a veteran team.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 9:52pm #892776

jwall1
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I disagree. Guys you have going behind Early like Smart, Randle, Vonleh, Young IMO have higher ceilings (more talented, younger) than Early. He is a good player, but he played in a weak confererence and lacks the size/athletic ability of a Paul George, and Stephen Curry flat out dominated at Davidson. Im not seeing star potential, just my opinion.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 9:52pm #892887

jwall1
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I disagree. Guys you have going behind Early like Smart, Randle, Vonleh, Young IMO have higher ceilings (more talented, younger) than Early. He is a good player, but he played in a weak confererence and lacks the size/athletic ability of a Paul George, and Stephen Curry flat out dominated at Davidson. Im not seeing star potential, just my opinion.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 10:53pm #892788

he_gets_buckets
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I dont think him being drafted low has the biggest impact on his being drafted lower, I think his lack of handle and tweener status are what is hurting his stock right now. If he goes into workouts and shows that he has good enough perimeter skills to operate in the NBA as a 3 then he will go lottery. I’m still not convinced he can guard NBA 3’s, certainly not like Luol does, so I’m on the fence with this guy.
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Posted on: Wed, 04/23/2014 - 10:53pm #892899

he_gets_buckets
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I dont think him being drafted low has the biggest impact on his being drafted lower, I think his lack of handle and tweener status are what is hurting his stock right now. If he goes into workouts and shows that he has good enough perimeter skills to operate in the NBA as a 3 then he will go lottery. I’m still not convinced he can guard NBA 3’s, certainly not like Luol does, so I’m on the fence with this guy.
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 3:37am #892815

HobbyOG
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Lottery but not top 5, I would take him over McDermott and Kyle Anderson.
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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:58am #892986
  
  hbomb3300
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  Defenitly agree on that… not sure why those two are ranked so high everywhere. I don’t see how McDermott will defend anyone in the NBA…
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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:58am #892875
  
  hbomb3300
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  Defenitly agree on that… not sure why those two are ranked so high everywhere. I don’t see how McDermott will defend anyone in the NBA…
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 3:37am #892925

HobbyOG
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Lottery but not top 5, I would take him over McDermott and Kyle Anderson.
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:57am #892984

Memphis Madness
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I LOVE the guy at 22 for Memphis too. He can contribute right away. He can hit the 3, the long jumpers, and finish on the break for dunks. He would be a good fourth option for us behind Conley, Z Bo, and Gasol. Then down the road, he can be a core guy on a new Big Three along with Mike Conley.
I don’t see him going that low though. If he does, good for us.
In my All Rookie Team projections I had him as my sleeper pick right after my 2 all rookie teams (including Nerlens Noel).
DeAndre Daniels is another guy I like at 22, as well. He is long, athletic, can shoot the 3, and dunk. He averaged a good number of blocks too. He can be a new age version of Robert Horry. He also reminds me a bit of another UConn Huskie (at least from a skill set point of view) of Cliff Robinson.
Early is more of a well-rounded scorer and a fourth option kind of guy, with Daniels being a solid 5 or 6th option on offense.
Both guys are good, with Daniels’ ceiling possibly being higher.
The thing I like about DeAndre Daniels is that his skill set as a LONG small forward or a guy with good size for a stretch four in small ball lineups will translate to the NBA — especially the NBA playoffs.
If my team had a pick in that 7-15 range and I was looking for wings, I would DEFINITELY bring Early and Daniels in for a workout.
At some point, you need a guy you can throw at LeBron, Durant, Carmelo, Paul George, Rudy Gay, and those guys. I am tempted to go with DeAndre Daniels over Doug McDermott for some reason. lol
And, back to Early, he had that highlight dunk this year in the tourney and one last year (I think in the Final Four). He can throw it down on the break as well as Andrew Wiggins or anyone else. He might not be as good of a two-foot "show dunker" as Wiggins, but he is solid. Early might even be better at filling the lanes.
Against Kentucky, Cleanthony Early was the guy we thought Andrew Wiggins was going to be.
DeAndre Daniels also did the things that we wanted Andrew Wiggins to do: dunk, block shots, run the floor, rebound, make athletic plays, shoot the 3, and drive. Oh, and win.
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 6:57am #892872

Memphis Madness
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I LOVE the guy at 22 for Memphis too. He can contribute right away. He can hit the 3, the long jumpers, and finish on the break for dunks. He would be a good fourth option for us behind Conley, Z Bo, and Gasol. Then down the road, he can be a core guy on a new Big Three along with Mike Conley.
I don’t see him going that low though. If he does, good for us.
In my All Rookie Team projections I had him as my sleeper pick right after my 2 all rookie teams (including Nerlens Noel).
DeAndre Daniels is another guy I like at 22, as well. He is long, athletic, can shoot the 3, and dunk. He averaged a good number of blocks too. He can be a new age version of Robert Horry. He also reminds me a bit of another UConn Huskie (at least from a skill set point of view) of Cliff Robinson.
Early is more of a well-rounded scorer and a fourth option kind of guy, with Daniels being a solid 5 or 6th option on offense.
Both guys are good, with Daniels’ ceiling possibly being higher.
The thing I like about DeAndre Daniels is that his skill set as a LONG small forward or a guy with good size for a stretch four in small ball lineups will translate to the NBA — especially the NBA playoffs.
If my team had a pick in that 7-15 range and I was looking for wings, I would DEFINITELY bring Early and Daniels in for a workout.
At some point, you need a guy you can throw at LeBron, Durant, Carmelo, Paul George, Rudy Gay, and those guys. I am tempted to go with DeAndre Daniels over Doug McDermott for some reason. lol
And, back to Early, he had that highlight dunk this year in the tourney and one last year (I think in the Final Four). He can throw it down on the break as well as Andrew Wiggins or anyone else. He might not be as good of a two-foot "show dunker" as Wiggins, but he is solid. Early might even be better at filling the lanes.
Against Kentucky, Cleanthony Early was the guy we thought Andrew Wiggins was going to be.
DeAndre Daniels also did the things that we wanted Andrew Wiggins to do: dunk, block shots, run the floor, rebound, make athletic plays, shoot the 3, and drive. Oh, and win.
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:10am #892940

imAboutDatAction
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that kid is overrated. people have totally over reatced after his big game against UK.
he’s already around 22-23 years old. the kid is such a bad defender and doesnt pass the ball. not even a great shooter, just a decent one.
at best he’s a role player at the next level.

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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:24am #892948
  
  Lotto Stud
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  Age is just a number man, it does not really indicate the measure of production on the court. Not sure if you are aware that Jamaal Tinsley was 23 as well when drafted in the First Round, and dished out 23 assist in a game as a rookie.
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  - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:35am #892950
    
    imAboutDatAction
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    im not saying the age is the end all be all. its just another factor to weigh in. John Hollinger has proven the older you are coming out as a prospect, the closer you are to your ceiling and can potentially be a detriment.
    the kid is already close to his ceiling. he wasnt exactly dominate his last season in college. he doesnt project to be a star player. i doubt he’ll be a starter for a good team at the next level. he’s getting severely overrated.
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    - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:57am #892952
      
      Lotto Stud
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      Again Tinsley 23 when drafted, 36 now and still active. There were guys younger than him who played the same position coming into the league at the same time that are not around now.
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      - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 11:16am #892956
        
        imAboutDatAction
        Participant
        why the fck you keep brining up Tinsley?
        im letting you know that age is a factor to weigh in when discussing a prospect. im not here just saying just because he’s 23 years old he will flat out bust.
        
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      - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 11:16am #893067
        
        imAboutDatAction
        Participant
        why the fck you keep brining up Tinsley?
        im letting you know that age is a factor to weigh in when discussing a prospect. im not here just saying just because he’s 23 years old he will flat out bust.
        
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    - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:57am #893063
      
      Lotto Stud
      Participant
      Again Tinsley 23 when drafted, 36 now and still active. There were guys younger than him who played the same position coming into the league at the same time that are not around now.
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  - Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:35am #893061
    
    imAboutDatAction
    Participant
    im not saying the age is the end all be all. its just another factor to weigh in. John Hollinger has proven the older you are coming out as a prospect, the closer you are to your ceiling and can potentially be a detriment.
    the kid is already close to his ceiling. he wasnt exactly dominate his last season in college. he doesnt project to be a star player. i doubt he’ll be a starter for a good team at the next level. he’s getting severely overrated.
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- Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:24am #893059
  
  Lotto Stud
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  Age is just a number man, it does not really indicate the measure of production on the court. Not sure if you are aware that Jamaal Tinsley was 23 as well when drafted in the First Round, and dished out 23 assist in a game as a rookie.
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Posted on: Thu, 04/24/2014 - 10:10am #893052

imAboutDatAction
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that kid is overrated. people have totally over reatced after his big game against UK.
he’s already around 22-23 years old. the kid is such a bad defender and doesnt pass the ball. not even a great shooter, just a decent one.
at best he’s a role player at the next level.

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