[JNixonParticipant]

10: Jordan Hamilton, 6’8 228, SG/SF, Texas, Soph.

Hamilton’s a player who came to Texas as a highly regarded HS player and it’s easy to see why when you watched him early at Texas. He has a smoothness about him and his talent is very evident. Some teams question his basketball IQ and just how unselfish he is, and those are legit questions. Hamilton is physically gifted. He possesses prototypical size and has decent length for either perimeter position. Has the build of a perimeter player in the prime out their career despite not turning 21 until around the time the season starts. For an idea of who he looks like in his build, Stephen Jackson is probably the perfect comparison. Athletically, Hamilton isn’t explosive, but he shows great smoothness and looks very fluid in his movements. His quickness, leaping ability, and speed are all just solid but not great.

Hamilton is possibly the best pure scorer from the perimeter in the draft. Can operate with or without the ball and is very comfortable dictating his own pace. As a shooter, Hamilton is very good. Possesses a very compact shot, and shows a quick release and a soft touch. Takes him as little time to get his shot off as any prospect in this draft. Able to shoot spotting up, off screens or off the dribble. Not one to miss often when he’s open. Definitely has NBA range. Settles for the jump shot too much a bit though, and takes about 2 or 3 bad shots every night just about. Slashing to the rim, Hamilton isn’t that good. Doesn’t have the explosiveness to beat guys cleanly off the dribble when matched up with athletic and long defenders, and usually pulls up/settles for floaters or jumpers. Has the ability to make shots with a defender draped on him and has the raw ability to simply “make” shots, which bails him out at times, but he’ll have a tougher time with that in the NBA against better athletes and physical presences on D. Shot a lower 2-point FG % (48%) than someone with his physical tools should, due to his lack of explosiveness to finish over athletic bigs and also because of the type of shots he was forced to shoot. Hamilton’s most interesting aspect of his game is the fact that he posts up and scores quite a bit. No other prospect in this draft from the perimeter can make that claim. For him to be a college Soph., with a post game it clearly adds intrigue to his scoring arsenal. He shows a jump hook, turnaround jumper, and an up-and-under that he hits off the glass very softly when he gets his man in the air and does a good job of shielding from weakside by using a high arc or the rim/net. His post game will be very useful with his size against SG’s. He will hunt shots, but he did show more unselfishness this past season. He’s not a bad passer, but he honestly still won’t pass much. Is OK in transition. Will compete some on the offensive glass, often following his own shots.

Hamilton isn’t a very focused defender. He actually regressed from his Fr. season IMO, were he was still probably just OK. He’s not very quick laterally, which in combination with his upright stance and tendency to reach, makes him pretty easy to beat off the dribble. Can get beat by guys who aren’t even that swift footed. Doesn’t fight through screens, close out with urgency, or hustle to recover when he’s beat very often. Willing rebounder.

Hamilton’s game is very nice offensively and he has promising skills as a scorer in the NBA. He’s got too many tools to not contribute points to a team. He’s not all that smart in his shot selection and he doesn’t defend much, which will put him the doghouse a bit with coaches, but he seems to be smarter than I thought hearing him speak, and he seems to understand that he has to improve the decisions he makes and play more unselfish though. Hamilton might not be an immediate high level scorer, but sooner or later he will be a 17-20 ppg scorer in the NBA. But his stats will be empty until he takes the smart shots necessary to be a winning 17-20 ppg scorer.

9: Marcus Morris, 6’9 230, PF/SF, Kansas, Jr.

Just like his twin brother Markieff, I’ve seen Marcus Morris grow up from a fairly raw, sometimes timid PF to the All-American he was this past season for KU. KU Assistant Danny Manning’s outstanding teaching to post players combined with Morris’ willingness to learn helped Morris develop extremely fast, and is a reason he will be one of the absolute safest draft picks in this draft. Physically, Morris has average size at 6’9 230, and below average length for a PF with a 6’11 wingspan. He does have a strong build though. Morris is a solid athlete, with nice coordination and very good speed and quickness that will allow him to play some SF. His leaping ability and explosiveness are also good.

Marcus Morris is a certified Swiss army knife offensively. He shows the ability to post, score without the ball, shoot, create off the bounce, and he’s a good passer. Posting up, he’s not as skilled as a Trey Thompkins or Enes Kanter, but he’s certainly effective. Shows a solid turnaround jumper, but also likes to use his great 1st step and aggressiveness to beat PF’s off the bounce to create high % looks. Shows the ability to score with both hands. Operates as a mismatch, and will lower his shoulder or turn to face up depending on the matchup he has. That will work well since he will be guarded by SF’s and PF’s. Operates nearly as efficiently from 15 feet as he does from 5. Good ball-handler for his size. Good passer out of the post, and is especially good passing in high-low offense. Morris is a strong spot-up jump shooter. Doesn’t have consistent NBA range just yet (it will likely come sooner or later), but he’s great with his feet set from as far out as 22 feet. Shows a fluid and quick release, with good touch. Shows some flashes of being able to make pull-up jump shots. Doesn’t shy away from contact, and will contribute on the offensive glass and on scrap plays. High motor and aggressiveness make him likely to contribute immediately to a team very early on. Doesn’t make many mistakes and won’t force the issue offensively much at all. Shows beautiful body control and has the ultimate level of versatility. He’s not outstanding anywhere, but he is good at just about every aspect offensively and he doesn’t force action or make mistakes.

Morris doesn’t have the length or size to be a standout defender, but he’s a solid guy nonetheless. His energy and physical nature make it extremely hard to overpower or dominate him. Will mix it up down low. Not a threat from the weakside of the D and doesn’t pose a threat as a shot-blocker. Contests everything. Will stick his nose in and take charges. A mediocre player on the defensive glass without the physical tools to rebound out of his immediate area.

As one of the safest players to select in this draft, Marcus Morris’ versatility on offense, his experience at high levels of college basketball, willingness to compete on D, and his clear improvements as a player every year, Morris will very likely be able to see the floor early for a team. He’s going to have a long career and be a very good role player for whoever picks him.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

Not going to argue with you on your comparison, because it’s a good one, but I see Kirk Snyder minus the attitude problems which I’m sure you or whoever else may bring up.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I also believe Hamilton will go a lot higher then many project him…….I will not be surprised to see him go in the 7-10 range. I would love him as a NBA 2 with his size & skill set, but someone will find a wy to plug him & keep him at the 3.

[JNixonParticipant]

Hamilton is a much better shooter than Kirk Snyder has ever been. Also Snyder was more reliant of his athleticism.

[providencefriars1Participant]

I am probably the highest or one of the highest people on Jordan Hamilton and I totally agree that he is a potential 18ppg scorer. Besides Kanter and Williams I think he has the best chance of becoming an All-Star out of this draft class. The sky is the limit as long he doesnt go crazy with his shot selection. I really thought you would have Alec Burks and Jimmer today but I guess that is for tommorow. Nice Work.

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

I completely agree. Although I must admit, and this is unrelated to your analysis, Morris has been ticking me off recently by insisting that he’s a SF. Derrick Williams (who’s also trying to hammer into every GM’s brain that he’s a SF despite always playing PF and looking like a PF) is more believable as a 3 because of his explosiveness…I don’t see that in Morris. He may be able to slide to the 3 on occasion, but he’s a 4. 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Yeah, i like Hamilton alot..Nobody ever talks about his post game..But he has to play smart and learn to take better shot selections…Maybe once he gets to the pros he’ll put the ball on the floor and drive more instead chucking up horrible shots….And also learn to play with his teammates…If he can play smarter,play more aggressive and take better shots,he’ll be 1 of the few all stars from this class….

I compare him to Jason Richardson …

Alot of people are discounting Marcus Morris abilities,he’s going to have a long career..But he’ll never be a star..But he’ll be a solid rotation player….

[JNixonParticipant]

Morris isn’t a SF and neither is Williams. Both of them are PF’s who can play on the perimeter some. Morris is similar to Williams as a prospect, but probably not quite as good a scorer. Morris is a more feisty defender though.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Klay Thompson > Jordan Hamilton

Tobias Harris > Marcus Morris

My rankings would vary a little bit from yours.  

[apb540Participant]

Comparing Hamilton to J-Rich?  J-Rich was sooo explosive when he was younger while that is arguably Hamilton’s biggest weakness aside from defense.  Agreed on Morris though. 

[MagikKnickParticipant]

 Woah, Gator..

Harris/Morris is debatable

But I dont see how Hamilton/KThompson can be on the same level, let alone Klay being better. Please Elaborate..
 

[HaleParticipant]

 I don’t agree but it was nice seeing gheels post again.

[JNixonParticipant]

Klay Thompson can’t score efficiently against Pac-10 competition, and he’s one-dimensional. How will that fare against NBA teams. If you can’t score efficiently in a fairly mediocre league like the Pac-10, how will you fare against NBA caliber competition? Hamilton struggled in only a few games in the Big 12 this past year, and possesses much better skills as a scorer. If you’re looking for a one-dimensional scorer, Hamilton has much more value. Plus he’s got the size to play SF and he’s a solid rebounder.

Harris has no position. Morris produced and is a better physical presence than Harris. Harris can’t function as a SF as well as Morris, and he’s not as good a PF either. Morris is a versatile guy who will be able to produce immediately as a role player, Harris is a tweener who will not make a big impact early. He’s not a great post player, or a very good face-up player yet.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

I was really happy to see Hamilton at 10- then you let me down with morris… lol

I definitely agree Hamilton is at least top 10, if not higher. I think the best comparison is joe johnson. They’re both just so smooth shooting off the dribble.  

While I don’t like where you have morris, i agree that he’s one of the safest picks… but I don’t think #9 as a draft prospect is accurate. His ceiling is already in plain sight….

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

I hope so badly that a team agrees with Gatorheels, and likes klay thompson over hamilton and hamilton falls to the Wolves…

[JNixonParticipant]

Marcus Morris’ upside isn’t all that close to being reached. Not looking at the way he’s improved every year at KU. I’m sure he’ll improve again the NBA. He’s not ever going to be a great defender, but he will be feisty and offensively he’s a big mismatch who will improve his shooting range and get better off the dribble. I think he’s the 9th best overall prospect in this class.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

I like Morris more than most seem to and think he becomes a minor, David West-like star.  He just seems to hard to cover and is smart enough to find his spots.  He’ll need a good pick and roll partner, but should end up more consistently effective than he’s being given credit for.

[HaleParticipant]

 Wow, xbadgerhustler and gatorheels post in one day. This is good sh1t.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

I agree it’s important to look at a player’s history of improving from year to year… I think of Russell Westbrook as the perfect example of that… When someone proves that they can improve from year to year, it’s an indicator they have the mental make-up and discipline to continue improving from year-to-year.

I think the biggest difference between someone like Russell and Marcus is that Russell had a lot of MAJOR holes in his game (still does, for the record) while, like you said, Marcus has a very solid game overall… what else do you add to a swiss army knife? The key is, he’s a swiss army knife, not a machete.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

yupyup… yea, now i am outta school and have a real job so i can’t f*** around as much anymore. lol

[JNixonParticipant]

"Marcus has a very solid game overall… what else do you add to a swiss army knife? The key is, he’s a swiss army knife, not a machete."

Better range to his jump shot and continuing to improve his off the dribble game facing up. He’s pretty good everywhere offensively, not a true standout anywhere, but he has the potential to keep getting better as a player. I think he’ll improve as he has every year. Him having a well-rounded game doesn’t mean he can’t improve a good bit.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

you just proved my point… yes he can improve… but he already has all his tools (hence the swiss army knife metaphor). So he’s just sharpening the blades, if you will… It’s not like a guy like Russell, where he literally couldn’t shoot an NBA 3 pointer coming out of college. He couldn’t even barely hit a mid-range jumper, which he has added to his game… I feel like Marcus already has the full arsenal, he’s just taking what he already has an making it better.

Feel free to disagree, as always. I think there’s a pretty big distinction between someone improving on existing skills rather than completely adding aspects to their game.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

If you make it enough better it goes from being well-rounded to having an elite skillset.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Tobias Harris is a better athlete, higher IQ, better shooter, younger, more potential than Marcus Morris.  My money is on Harris being in the NBA longer & having the better career.  I’m not down on Morris at all, just have Harris rated higher.  I’ve seen Harris in person which always helps me evaluate a player.  I know his strengths & weaknesses well.  Just a gut feeling the kid is going to be one of the better players from this draft. Marcus Morris thinks he is a SF, I don’t think he can play many minutes at that position.  Harris thinks he is a SF & I actually agree here.  That is one difference between the two.  Harris will be able to stretch the floor better than Morris.  Harris overall has much more upside & versatility.

I just don’t like Jordan Hamilton as a prospect. I know I’m in the minority but so what.  Its my opinion.  I don’t like all the BAD shots he takes.  He is a gunner who doesn’t do much else.  He won’t even be able to score that effectively in the pros.  How is he going to help a team???  There are much better jump shooters in this draft.  His IQ doesn’t seem to be high.  I sense a bust.  Klay higher IQ, better shooter, team player.  He can have a positive impact on a team.

Don’t be surprised to see Tobias get drafted before Marcus Morris &.. Klay Thompson get drafted before Jordan Hamilton. 

 

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I would be 100% shocked to see Harris go before Morris.

[JNixonParticipant]

"Tobias Harris is a better athlete, higher IQ, better shooter, younger, more potential than Marcus Morris"

Of all those things you listed, Harris is simply younger than Marcus Morris lol. If Morris won’t be able to play SF, what makes you think Harris can? Harris struggled to make jump shots facing up and he’s not as quick as Morris or a better ball-handler. Harris struggles with his shot, doesn’t have the quick feet to play on the perimeter, and he’s not big or tall enough to consistently play PF. Morris has experience playing in one of the 3 toughest conferences in America for 3 years, can make jump shots very well, and is capable of playing on the wing or the post. Harris is a tweener in the Ryan Gomes, James Johnson mold. And he’s not even as big as eiher one of those guys are. He’s not going to be that good.

"I don’t like all the BAD shots he takes. He is a gunner who doesn’t do much else. He won’t even be able to score that effectively in the pros."

If he doesn’t do much else besides look for his own shot, and he won’t be able to score that effectively in the pros, HOW will Klay Thompson score effectively. Klay Thompson was a 40% 2-point shooter in Pac-10 play and he struggled against all the good teams he faced in college. He’s a jump shooter who never even made 40% of his 3-point shots in his last 2 years as the focal point of WSU’s offense. Hamilton has a MUCH better ability to translate his scoring to the NBA than Thompson does.

"Don’t be surprised to see Tobias get drafted before Marcus Morris &.. Klay Thompson get drafted before Jordan Hamilton."

That doesn’t mean they’re better. That just means a team picked a guy who can’t score efficiently in a mediocre Pac-10 conference over a productive Big 12 player who was efficient as a shooter and scorer in a better league. And a team picks a 18 year old Ryan Gomes with a slimmer body over a guy who consistently improved every year in college and is one of the safest picks in the draft.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

Tobias Harris is already good.  He is only 18.  I’ve seen Harris play a ton, I know what he is capable of.  I see the upside & the Work Ethic.  

I’ll put it like this if someone is to take a wide open 3 pointer in a nba game I would rather have Klay shoot it over Hamilton everytime.  Also Hamilton was surrounded by much better talent.  Washington St. was Klay Thompson… makes a difference.  

 I know it doesn’t mean they’re better just because they get drafted higher.

Overall we will just disagree on this.  Time will tell.

[JNixonParticipant]

"I’ll put it like this if someone is to take a wide open 3 pointer in a nba game I would rather have Klay shoot it over Hamilton everytime. Also Hamilton was surrounded by much better talent. Washington St. was Klay Thompson… makes a difference."

Washington State had some talent. Reggie Moore and DeAngelo Casto were prospects too. Klay Thompson is an off ball scorer, who can’t finish inside the arc or make 3-point shots at a truly elite rate when he’s scouted the closest. Just because Klay Thompson is who you want taking an open 3 doesn’t mean he’s better than Jordan Hamilton anyway lol.

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