[laarethekingsParticipant]

It’s the law of Avg. Not all of the big 7 kids will become all stars or superstars. So out of Parker, Wiggings, Embild, Smart, Exum, Randle and Vonleh which one will be a bust ( Not a All Star )  and explane why as well. His game? The team he ends up on? Etc…

 

For me three players scare me…

1. Joel Emblid- Couldn’t make it a whole season without getting hurt and only playing 23 mins a game so what happens when he’s playing with guys as big and stronger. He’s a freak but this site is saying he might be the next Duncan or The Dream it’s a little much. Not saying he won’t be a good player but a guy that gets you two plus rings is a little much right now.

2. Marcus Smart- The thing people love about him could come back to hurt him. Him being super competitive. He let it get the best of him this season many times. Doesn’t like losing ( Which is Great ) but if he ends up on the Kings could become more of a problem. Also needs to fix the jumpper and stop turning the ball over. And if a can’t do those two, I don’t know how you keep a PG that turns it over and if you move him to the 2 he becomes a undersized SG that can’t shoot.

3. Dante Exum- This kid scares me the most. For starters is he a 1 or a 2? Only 185 at 6’6 which makes him thin. Needs to work on the outside shot. And only played in high school which I really don’t like. Even going one and done in the NCAA’s shows a little light on how far along they are. Remember when Bazz Muhammad was the best player in the world and then showed up at college? Or this year Wiggings was Bron and Parker was Melo?

 

Not saying these guys will be out of the league in 4 years. Just saying these 3 guys bring the most red flags for me if I’m drafting them to be the face of my team.

 

 

 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I never been sold on Marcus Smarts being PG, and after watching him this season solidified it for me.

The thing that keeps being brought up to justified that he is going to be PG. He is a competitor that plays D, winners attitude and a coaches dream. However, becaue of that it’s suppose to automatically makes up for his lack of handle, lack of vision and bad jumper.  

This reminds a little of Michael Kidd Gilchrist. Because he was a compettitor that hated losing and a coaches dream he was bound to be a great player. When he lacked the necessary skills. I know it’s still early in his carreer, but his worst case was Gerald Wallace. I’m not sure if he’ll be good as Crash.

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

I never been sold on Marcus Smarts being PG, and after watching him this season solidified it for me.

The thing that keeps being brought up to justified that he is going to be PG. He is a competitor that plays D, winners attitude and a coaches dream. However, becaue of that it’s suppose to automatically makes up for his lack of handle, lack of vision and bad jumper.  

This reminds a little of Michael Kidd Gilchrist. Because he was a compettitor that hated losing and a coaches dream he was bound to be a great player. When he lacked the necessary skills. I know it’s still early in his carreer, but his worst case was Gerald Wallace. I’m not sure if he’ll be good as Crash.

[Rip255]

This is a bold statement, but I predict Dante Exum to be the best point guard of this generation and a once-in-a-decade talent. (His agents not going to let him work out for any team that wants him to play SG). 

Neg me for optimism, but there’s 5 positions on the court so law of averages suggests once every 2 years a player like this will come along at their position. 

I think Exum is that guy at PG. Chris Paul was 9 years ago, Steve Nash was 18 years ago….

Why can’t he be the best? Someone has to be….

[Rip255]

This is a bold statement, but I predict Dante Exum to be the best point guard of this generation and a once-in-a-decade talent. (His agents not going to let him work out for any team that wants him to play SG). 

Neg me for optimism, but there’s 5 positions on the court so law of averages suggests once every 2 years a player like this will come along at their position. 

I think Exum is that guy at PG. Chris Paul was 9 years ago, Steve Nash was 18 years ago….

Why can’t he be the best? Someone has to be….

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

This is one of those threads everyone will get negged.

Because it’s a disussion of the top prospects. I think it’s the users that don’t write anything or rarely do that neg because this is a controversial topic not a praising of the top prospects. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

This is one of those threads everyone will get negged.

Because it’s a disussion of the top prospects. I think it’s the users that don’t write anything or rarely do that neg because this is a controversial topic not a praising of the top prospects. 

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 Kevin Durant came in the league under 200 lbs at 6 freaking 10.

 

Weight isnt that big of a hinderance for backcourt players.

 

I also remember a guard out of North Carolina who came in 185 at 6’6" also.

 

 

 

 

[strobox88Participant]

MJ 🙂

10char

 

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

Thanks, bud

[strobox88Participant]

 No problem, sir! Anytime!

[strobox88Participant]

 No problem, sir! Anytime!

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

Thanks, bud

[strobox88Participant]

MJ 🙂

10char

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I agree for the most part. Weight is not a big deal for perimeter players in the NBA and is becoming less of an issue as teams go smaller and look to put in more skilled and smaller players instead of the slow bigs. It also helps with the defensive rules.

As for Durant, he probably isn’t a great example of this ONLY because everything about him outside of his weight is so rare and impressive from a physical and skill point. People talk about how rare Dirk is, well give Dirk athleticism, probably longer arms and a better handle and you get something along the lines of Durant.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I agree for the most part. Weight is not a big deal for perimeter players in the NBA and is becoming less of an issue as teams go smaller and look to put in more skilled and smaller players instead of the slow bigs. It also helps with the defensive rules.

As for Durant, he probably isn’t a great example of this ONLY because everything about him outside of his weight is so rare and impressive from a physical and skill point. People talk about how rare Dirk is, well give Dirk athleticism, probably longer arms and a better handle and you get something along the lines of Durant.

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 Kevin Durant came in the league under 200 lbs at 6 freaking 10.

 

Weight isnt that big of a hinderance for backcourt players.

 

I also remember a guard out of North Carolina who came in 185 at 6’6" also.

 

 

 

 

[jaysmith1987Participant]

If im picking one player of that list to be a bust it has to be Exum.  While the articles on him are good no one has ever seen him play.  Not only that he is playing at an Australian high school level.  While I hope he ends up a good player he is the person who will be most affected by what team hes picked by and how he is developed.

[ChrispyParticipant]

 but I’ve seen him play in person on 2 occassions and have seen full-game tape as well. I’m sold.

[ChrispyParticipant]

 but I’ve seen him play in person on 2 occassions and have seen full-game tape as well. I’m sold.

[jaysmith1987Participant]

If im picking one player of that list to be a bust it has to be Exum.  While the articles on him are good no one has ever seen him play.  Not only that he is playing at an Australian high school level.  While I hope he ends up a good player he is the person who will be most affected by what team hes picked by and how he is developed.

[morestealsthanscoresParticipant]

The three I’m most unsure of? Exum, Embiid, and Randle.

Exum- because they’re keeping him under such wraps, absolutely nothing is guaranteed.

Embiid- because history tells me over-hyped big men, especially ones with injury history, have massive bust potential.

Randle- because I just don’t think his game suits the NBA that well. His best case is Zach Randolph- but if he doesn’t excel rebounding at the next level, his defense might be suspect and right now, he doesn’t have the shooting range to make defenses play honest.

 

 

 

 

[morestealsthanscoresParticipant]

The three I’m most unsure of? Exum, Embiid, and Randle.

Exum- because they’re keeping him under such wraps, absolutely nothing is guaranteed.

Embiid- because history tells me over-hyped big men, especially ones with injury history, have massive bust potential.

Randle- because I just don’t think his game suits the NBA that well. His best case is Zach Randolph- but if he doesn’t excel rebounding at the next level, his defense might be suspect and right now, he doesn’t have the shooting range to make defenses play honest.

 

 

 

 

[strobox88Participant]

Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid are the highest high risk-high reward players in the draft, I think, which is why you gotta take a chance on any of those two if you are picking top 3 for what could be.  Wiggins’ lack of aggressiveness is alarming despite his elite athleticism.  I don’t think you can teach him to be more agressive, he’s just has to want it more.  And with Embiid, there’s the injuries that everyone knows about.  Though Embiid’s injuries aren’t severe, 25-30 games in college is nothing compared to an 82 NBA season.

Looking at the 7 though, if I had to choose one that is getting picked on potential that has a chance to not develop the way we would like it would have to be Noah Vonleh.  I remember people were hyping this guy as the next Durant when he was in high school.  It looks like he might be taking the Jimmy Butler route though (PF in college to NBA SF).  With that said, he’s somewhat of a tweener that can play SF in the NBA if he improves on his shot.

 

 

[Skeating12345Participant]

I have never heard of Vonleh as being the next Durant…

[strobox88Participant]

Google is your friend.

[strobox88Participant]

Google is your friend.

[Skeating12345Participant]

I have never heard of Vonleh as being the next Durant…

[strobox88Participant]

Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid are the highest high risk-high reward players in the draft, I think, which is why you gotta take a chance on any of those two if you are picking top 3 for what could be.  Wiggins’ lack of aggressiveness is alarming despite his elite athleticism.  I don’t think you can teach him to be more agressive, he’s just has to want it more.  And with Embiid, there’s the injuries that everyone knows about.  Though Embiid’s injuries aren’t severe, 25-30 games in college is nothing compared to an 82 NBA season.

Looking at the 7 though, if I had to choose one that is getting picked on potential that has a chance to not develop the way we would like it would have to be Noah Vonleh.  I remember people were hyping this guy as the next Durant when he was in high school.  It looks like he might be taking the Jimmy Butler route though (PF in college to NBA SF).  With that said, he’s somewhat of a tweener that can play SF in the NBA if he improves on his shot.

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If Randle turns into the next Zach Randolph, he will not be a bust.  He showed me a lot in his last game. 

If Randle turns into a Z Bo type player he could be the best guy out of this draft.

I don’t think Julius Randle has the most upside of these guys, but he might have less bust potential because he can rebound and score. 

Jabari Parker didn’t do it for me in the Mercer game.  He just looked like a high volume scorer who might not be the pure shooter some think he is.  Not sure he makes others around him better either.

The odds of Wiggins and Embiid being the next Jordan and Hakeem are fairly low too.

I think Marcus Smart could be the ROY next year if he ends up on the right team.  If not, I think he could struggle. 

I think I might trade the top pick if I had it this year.  The sweet spot in this draft looks like 3-5.

If Randle can help Kentucky get by Louisville, and then make a run to the Final Four then I think Julius Randle has to be in the discussion for a top 3 pick again.

Philly would do pretty well if they could have a MCW, Wroten, Cleanthony Early, Julius Randle, and Nerlens Noel lineup next season. 

Best case scenario for Andrew Wiggins is he gets drafted by the Lakers, and Kobe tutors him.  I like the idea of Wiggins learning from Kobe and Steve Nash.  Then if they go out and get Carmelo or Kevin Love one day, Wiggins could be an ideal 2nd option.  … if Wiggins goes to a really bad team and is expected to be a franchise savior right away, it could get ugly.

Jabari Parker would be better off as a number 2 or 3 pick — without all that pressure of being the number 1 pick.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If Randle turns into the next Zach Randolph, he will not be a bust.  He showed me a lot in his last game. 

If Randle turns into a Z Bo type player he could be the best guy out of this draft.

I don’t think Julius Randle has the most upside of these guys, but he might have less bust potential because he can rebound and score. 

Jabari Parker didn’t do it for me in the Mercer game.  He just looked like a high volume scorer who might not be the pure shooter some think he is.  Not sure he makes others around him better either.

The odds of Wiggins and Embiid being the next Jordan and Hakeem are fairly low too.

I think Marcus Smart could be the ROY next year if he ends up on the right team.  If not, I think he could struggle. 

I think I might trade the top pick if I had it this year.  The sweet spot in this draft looks like 3-5.

If Randle can help Kentucky get by Louisville, and then make a run to the Final Four then I think Julius Randle has to be in the discussion for a top 3 pick again.

Philly would do pretty well if they could have a MCW, Wroten, Cleanthony Early, Julius Randle, and Nerlens Noel lineup next season. 

Best case scenario for Andrew Wiggins is he gets drafted by the Lakers, and Kobe tutors him.  I like the idea of Wiggins learning from Kobe and Steve Nash.  Then if they go out and get Carmelo or Kevin Love one day, Wiggins could be an ideal 2nd option.  … if Wiggins goes to a really bad team and is expected to be a franchise savior right away, it could get ugly.

Jabari Parker would be better off as a number 2 or 3 pick — without all that pressure of being the number 1 pick.

[Andrew1984Participant]

Vonleh could turn out to be Earl Clark. That’s not what you want in the top seven.

[Andrew1984Participant]

Vonleh could turn out to be Earl Clark. That’s not what you want in the top seven.

[HomerKangParticipant]

 According to this site’s latest board, it’ll be Kyle Anderson for me.  I mean, top 5, seriously ?

[HomerKangParticipant]

 According to this site’s latest board, it’ll be Kyle Anderson for me.  I mean, top 5, seriously ?

[HaleParticipant]

I don’t think Vonleh will be an All Star. I wouldn’t be shocked if Exum, Randle or Embiid weren’t either. However, Marcus Smart will be the biggest bust of those 7. He’s an inefficient combo guard who can’t shoot but pretends he can. He’ll be a great defender at the next level no question but I have major doubts about his offensive game.

[HaleParticipant]

I don’t think Vonleh will be an All Star. I wouldn’t be shocked if Exum, Randle or Embiid weren’t either. However, Marcus Smart will be the biggest bust of those 7. He’s an inefficient combo guard who can’t shoot but pretends he can. He’ll be a great defender at the next level no question but I have major doubts about his offensive game.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I think it will depend on where these guys end up.  On the wrong team, any of these guys can be a bust. 

I think whoever the Lakers get will be less likely to be a bust since they have a stable organization who I think is starting to realize that they need to get their $*it together, then they have a coach that young guys should like playing for.  Then you can learn from some of the all-time greats in Kobe and Steve Nash.

The Lakers are also a team that can make a run at somebody like Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Love. 

Lots of pressure in the big markets, but if they like you they like you. 

If the Lakers can get a top pick and end up with Andrew Wiggins and then make a deal for Kevin Love?

Nash, Kobe, Wiggins, and Kevin Love is a heck of a core (if old), and an ideal situation for Andrew Wiggins. 

Boston could really help guys out too.  A great organization with a star point guard in Rajon Rondo and a great young basketball mind in Brad Stevens for a coach. 

Milwaukee is kind of a mess.  Then you have the Greek Freak as their current possible "savior" but he might be playing the same position as Jabari or Wiggins.  Their best bet might be to draft at 5, take Marcus Smart, and use him as the lead guard of the future with Brandon Knight as a combo guard who can also fit in with their backcourt.  Greek Freak, John Henson, and Larry Sanders plus that Illasova guy are a decent front court that they can add to in the 2015 draft.  DJ Stephens just signed a 10 day contract and I think he could be a keeper.  I love that guy, and he should bring some excitement to Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee would obviously like to get a franchise/centerpiece center which they could do in 2015, but a good lead guard like Marcus Smart should help.  A future core of Smart, Knight, Nate Wolters, Illasova, Greek Freak, Middleton, Henson, DJ Stephens, and Larry Sanders are a decent core. 

Philly has two picks.  If they get the top pick I think you take Wiggins as a running mate for MCW.  Those two with Wroten have a TON of potential.  Then Nerlens is their center of the future.  With their second pick they should look at a big like Montrezl Harrell or Jarnell Stokes (if they come out).  … if the Sixers don’t move up, then what about Julius Randle as their power forward of the future, then CleAnthony Early as their small forward of the future.  Then trade Thad Young for a veteran leader, a young piece, and a draft pick.  MCW, Wroten, Early, Randle, and Noel sounds like a good starting five to me.  They would need some top level role players, a stretch four, some shooters on the wing, and at least one defensive energy guy, but they core is there.  … DeAndre Kane could be the defensive energy guy off the bench and a guy that gives them yet another ball handler.  Nik Stauskas or Luke Hancock could give them a shooter off the bench with one of their second round picks. 

For Orlando, I think Embiid would be the best guy for them.  He and Vucevic would be a good twin towers lineup.  If you can get two great bigs, then you have to do it.  They can get a point guard next year to pair with ‘dipo.  Although, Wiggins, Parker, and Randle would be good fits.  Maybe even Marcus Smart. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I think it will depend on where these guys end up.  On the wrong team, any of these guys can be a bust. 

I think whoever the Lakers get will be less likely to be a bust since they have a stable organization who I think is starting to realize that they need to get their $*it together, then they have a coach that young guys should like playing for.  Then you can learn from some of the all-time greats in Kobe and Steve Nash.

The Lakers are also a team that can make a run at somebody like Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Love. 

Lots of pressure in the big markets, but if they like you they like you. 

If the Lakers can get a top pick and end up with Andrew Wiggins and then make a deal for Kevin Love?

Nash, Kobe, Wiggins, and Kevin Love is a heck of a core (if old), and an ideal situation for Andrew Wiggins. 

Boston could really help guys out too.  A great organization with a star point guard in Rajon Rondo and a great young basketball mind in Brad Stevens for a coach. 

Milwaukee is kind of a mess.  Then you have the Greek Freak as their current possible "savior" but he might be playing the same position as Jabari or Wiggins.  Their best bet might be to draft at 5, take Marcus Smart, and use him as the lead guard of the future with Brandon Knight as a combo guard who can also fit in with their backcourt.  Greek Freak, John Henson, and Larry Sanders plus that Illasova guy are a decent front court that they can add to in the 2015 draft.  DJ Stephens just signed a 10 day contract and I think he could be a keeper.  I love that guy, and he should bring some excitement to Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee would obviously like to get a franchise/centerpiece center which they could do in 2015, but a good lead guard like Marcus Smart should help.  A future core of Smart, Knight, Nate Wolters, Illasova, Greek Freak, Middleton, Henson, DJ Stephens, and Larry Sanders are a decent core. 

Philly has two picks.  If they get the top pick I think you take Wiggins as a running mate for MCW.  Those two with Wroten have a TON of potential.  Then Nerlens is their center of the future.  With their second pick they should look at a big like Montrezl Harrell or Jarnell Stokes (if they come out).  … if the Sixers don’t move up, then what about Julius Randle as their power forward of the future, then CleAnthony Early as their small forward of the future.  Then trade Thad Young for a veteran leader, a young piece, and a draft pick.  MCW, Wroten, Early, Randle, and Noel sounds like a good starting five to me.  They would need some top level role players, a stretch four, some shooters on the wing, and at least one defensive energy guy, but they core is there.  … DeAndre Kane could be the defensive energy guy off the bench and a guy that gives them yet another ball handler.  Nik Stauskas or Luke Hancock could give them a shooter off the bench with one of their second round picks. 

For Orlando, I think Embiid would be the best guy for them.  He and Vucevic would be a good twin towers lineup.  If you can get two great bigs, then you have to do it.  They can get a point guard next year to pair with ‘dipo.  Although, Wiggins, Parker, and Randle would be good fits.  Maybe even Marcus Smart. 

[SpaceghostParticipant]

History Should be telling NBA execs not to Draft Joel Embid high.  For as much as there is potential there is already signs of physical break down.  ODEN, Sam Bowie, Hasheem Thabeet, even Yao Ming. Drafting a big this High is a helleva risk  and if they pick wrong it can set back a franchise for years.

 

EXUM = BUST  who in the hell has he played against. You telling me the competetion down under is enough to draft him that high.lol  Someone on this Site mentioned EXUM in the same sentence as PENNY Hardaway..cmon people dont do that…I have watched the NBA Summit game several times EXUM is a good player but he could not even dominate on the college level..HIGH RISK No REWARD!!

 

  

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Drafting Yao was a mistake. What are you talking about? He was great for so many years. It’s not like he got injured right away like Oden or Bowie… smh

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Drafting Yao was a mistake. What are you talking about? He was great for so many years. It’s not like he got injured right away like Oden or Bowie… smh

[SpaceghostParticipant]

History Should be telling NBA execs not to Draft Joel Embid high.  For as much as there is potential there is already signs of physical break down.  ODEN, Sam Bowie, Hasheem Thabeet, even Yao Ming. Drafting a big this High is a helleva risk  and if they pick wrong it can set back a franchise for years.

 

EXUM = BUST  who in the hell has he played against. You telling me the competetion down under is enough to draft him that high.lol  Someone on this Site mentioned EXUM in the same sentence as PENNY Hardaway..cmon people dont do that…I have watched the NBA Summit game several times EXUM is a good player but he could not even dominate on the college level..HIGH RISK No REWARD!!

 

  

[NeggedFolyfe]

im a fan of marcus smart I said he wasn’t a pg before and ppl disagreed he would have went number 1 last year if he would have stayed  I don’t think being competitive will hurt him ONE INCIDENT now hes a bad apple?

parker woud live up to being the first pick most freshmen aren’t nba ready their first year one and dones included.

 

The only ppl I worry about is Vonleh,embid and exum

I have slight concerns for randle but its not him being a bust its him living up to expectation he reminds me of an atheletic zbo but his offense isn’t quite refined  he could be a  a nice player but if he doesn’t develop a low post or face up offense he will just be a good pf. Im a big fan of his also I just see so much more to him and I hope he gets there why settle to be good when you can be great.

But vonleh hasn’t shown me much, embid has ??????????? and by my standard  exum hasn’t proven ANYTHING I saw a stat line he had overseas VERY INFLATED  is he the next penny or "young mj" or is he just a gun? you can be a great player and still be a gun.Kobe , and Iverson gunned a lot of games  and their great but it seems exum is an unproven gun who is worried about getting a check more then his greatness he isn’t going against the top players overseas or in America  , didn’t want to play college ball because his stock is high what do we know about this guy besides he had a great fiba  game against the usa  and put up big numbers against foreign players his age.  I am intrigued by what I hear I like the numbers I see but  come on  WE HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF EVERY PROSPECT THIS YEAR PARKER AND WIGGINS INCLUDED  most haven’t seen this guy player a game in 2014 and hes projected to go in the lotto. I like the size the skill set I hear about but I need to something . 

 NEGGED FO LYFE

[NeggedFolyfe]

im a fan of marcus smart I said he wasn’t a pg before and ppl disagreed he would have went number 1 last year if he would have stayed  I don’t think being competitive will hurt him ONE INCIDENT now hes a bad apple?

parker woud live up to being the first pick most freshmen aren’t nba ready their first year one and dones included.

 

The only ppl I worry about is Vonleh,embid and exum

I have slight concerns for randle but its not him being a bust its him living up to expectation he reminds me of an atheletic zbo but his offense isn’t quite refined  he could be a  a nice player but if he doesn’t develop a low post or face up offense he will just be a good pf. Im a big fan of his also I just see so much more to him and I hope he gets there why settle to be good when you can be great.

But vonleh hasn’t shown me much, embid has ??????????? and by my standard  exum hasn’t proven ANYTHING I saw a stat line he had overseas VERY INFLATED  is he the next penny or "young mj" or is he just a gun? you can be a great player and still be a gun.Kobe , and Iverson gunned a lot of games  and their great but it seems exum is an unproven gun who is worried about getting a check more then his greatness he isn’t going against the top players overseas or in America  , didn’t want to play college ball because his stock is high what do we know about this guy besides he had a great fiba  game against the usa  and put up big numbers against foreign players his age.  I am intrigued by what I hear I like the numbers I see but  come on  WE HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF EVERY PROSPECT THIS YEAR PARKER AND WIGGINS INCLUDED  most haven’t seen this guy player a game in 2014 and hes projected to go in the lotto. I like the size the skill set I hear about but I need to something . 

 NEGGED FO LYFE

[juves4783Participant]

embiid is the easy choice. hasn’t played a lot of high level basketball. has injury concerns. beat up on smaller, less athletic defenders. won’t have it that easy in the nba.

exum is a close second. hasn’t played high level competition. is a combo guard and if he settles at sg, won’t provide as much height advantages as at pg.

vonleh is third. wasn’t aggressive on the offensive end. didn’t show any great post offense. could be the next tyrus thomas. i think he’ll end up being closer to jj hickson.

[juves4783Participant]

embiid is the easy choice. hasn’t played a lot of high level basketball. has injury concerns. beat up on smaller, less athletic defenders. won’t have it that easy in the nba.

exum is a close second. hasn’t played high level competition. is a combo guard and if he settles at sg, won’t provide as much height advantages as at pg.

vonleh is third. wasn’t aggressive on the offensive end. didn’t show any great post offense. could be the next tyrus thomas. i think he’ll end up being closer to jj hickson.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Could be that NONE of these guys live up to the hype of an all-time great top pick like LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, Hakeem, or maybe even David Robinson. 

Compare these guys to other really, really solid top picks but not first ballot HOFers:

Joel Embiid to Ralph Sampson

Jabari Parker to Glenn Robinson

Julius Randle to Chris Webber (less athletic)

Andrew Wiggins to James Worthy (great athlete, can slash, score, finish on the break)

Marcus Smart to John Wall (with less speed and athleticism)

Noah Vonleh to Joe Smith

That’s still a really good, deep draft.

 

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

lol what a stupid Marcus smart comparison. he’s nothing like John wall. Wall’s speed and athletcism is what makes him, so you cant take those two things away and than compare him to sombody else lol.

Wall is a true PG. Smart is not. Wall makes his teammates better and is 10x the passer Smart will ever be.

horrendous comparison.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

lol what a stupid Marcus smart comparison. he’s nothing like John wall. Wall’s speed and athletcism is what makes him, so you cant take those two things away and than compare him to sombody else lol.

Wall is a true PG. Smart is not. Wall makes his teammates better and is 10x the passer Smart will ever be.

horrendous comparison.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Could be that NONE of these guys live up to the hype of an all-time great top pick like LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, Hakeem, or maybe even David Robinson. 

Compare these guys to other really, really solid top picks but not first ballot HOFers:

Joel Embiid to Ralph Sampson

Jabari Parker to Glenn Robinson

Julius Randle to Chris Webber (less athletic)

Andrew Wiggins to James Worthy (great athlete, can slash, score, finish on the break)

Marcus Smart to John Wall (with less speed and athleticism)

Noah Vonleh to Joe Smith

That’s still a really good, deep draft.

 

[Fun one partyParticipant]

 Noah Vonleh seems to be the player with the most risk of being a bust in the top 7.Anything is possible and he can turn out to be a star player but early indications are he needs more seasoning and he should have stayed a extra year or two before declaring for the NBA Draft IMO.All the rest of the picks seem pretty much like a good sensible pick.

[Fun one partyParticipant]

 Noah Vonleh seems to be the player with the most risk of being a bust in the top 7.Anything is possible and he can turn out to be a star player but early indications are he needs more seasoning and he should have stayed a extra year or two before declaring for the NBA Draft IMO.All the rest of the picks seem pretty much like a good sensible pick.

[WITNESS2014Participant]

Kyle Anderson if he really did go at 5. Which that wont happen. I don’t see how you could take Anderson over Gary Harris, Smart, Randle, Vonleh.

[WITNESS2014Participant]

Kyle Anderson if he really did go at 5. Which that wont happen. I don’t see how you could take Anderson over Gary Harris, Smart, Randle, Vonleh.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

I think the three out of the top 7 for me is tricky because as I think about it, is there really anybody in the top 7 that is an absolute lock to be a perennial all star?  I believe you could probably make a case or be worried about any of the top 7 being "busts" (by bust I mean not an all star, I think ALL will be contributors on good teams eventually).

But for the sake of conversation I think the three I would most likely pick if we are calling everything else even (No injury history, just skill) I would have to say are Smart, Parker, Vonleh.

Marcus Smart – Smart is obvious, what skill does he do well at the next level?  Doesn’t shoot it well, doesn’t finish well, turns the ball over.  He has a solid body for a PG, decent handles, above average athlete.  I think he will be a quality PG in the league for sure because of his intangibles, but his lack of offensive skills mean he could never put up the numbers needed to be an all star.  The one thing I do love about him is his steal rate.  He average 3.5 steals per game this year and if you know how inidicative steal rate is to NBA success then you know the odds of him being a terrible NBA player are pretty low based off past statistical comparisons.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Can’t respond to this post for some reason it won’t let me post the 2nd half of my post lol.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 The question is who has the biggest potential to be a bust, not who do I think will be a bust.  No contradiction.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 The question is who has the biggest potential to be a bust, not who do I think will be a bust.  No contradiction.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Can’t respond to this post for some reason it won’t let me post the 2nd half of my post lol.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

 lol so why do you contradict yourself then on Smart. He need some coaching to reel in his wild offense but will be a Bledsoe level defender and is big enough at 225 lbs to play SG. 

[TheLastWordParticipant]

 lol so why do you contradict yourself then on Smart. He need some coaching to reel in his wild offense but will be a Bledsoe level defender and is big enough at 225 lbs to play SG. 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 And Smart is nowhere near the athlete that Bledsoe is, he may he effective at guarding both guard positions, but there is no way he can guard PG’s as well as Bledsoe.  He’s too wide to fight over screens effectively. 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 And Smart is nowhere near the athlete that Bledsoe is, he may he effective at guarding both guard positions, but there is no way he can guard PG’s as well as Bledsoe.  He’s too wide to fight over screens effectively. 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

I think the three out of the top 7 for me is tricky because as I think about it, is there really anybody in the top 7 that is an absolute lock to be a perennial all star?  I believe you could probably make a case or be worried about any of the top 7 being "busts" (by bust I mean not an all star, I think ALL will be contributors on good teams eventually).

But for the sake of conversation I think the three I would most likely pick if we are calling everything else even (No injury history, just skill) I would have to say are Smart, Parker, Vonleh.

Marcus Smart – Smart is obvious, what skill does he do well at the next level?  Doesn’t shoot it well, doesn’t finish well, turns the ball over.  He has a solid body for a PG, decent handles, above average athlete.  I think he will be a quality PG in the league for sure because of his intangibles, but his lack of offensive skills mean he could never put up the numbers needed to be an all star.  The one thing I do love about him is his steal rate.  He average 3.5 steals per game this year and if you know how inidicative steal rate is to NBA success then you know the odds of him being a terrible NBA player are pretty low based off past statistical comparisons.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Jabari Parker, this may seem random to some people because by many he is considered the most NBA ready player of the bunch but there is just something about his game that sceams "AVERAGE", which let me clarify doesn’t mean he will be terrible, just not a consistent all star.  My reasoning is he does a lot of things good, nothing great and he does one thing absolutely terrible, well better put 50% of the things he does are terrible because his defense is sooooo bad.  Man he just doesn’t give any kind of effort on that end of the floor and that is troubling to see, not that defnese would ever stop him from going to an All star game( looking at you Melo), just saying that he is only trying on half of the court and that is a problem for me.  Good passer, good shooter, good handles, good and sneaky athlete, good rebounder and REALLY good in the mid to high post, but still, his lack of D turns me off.

Noah Vonleh, I am surprised he wasn’t in this post more, he would be number one on this list for me.  Someone said he could easily be Earl Clark and get negged but I totally agree.  he makes terrible basketball decisions but he has a pretty good skill set.  Those two usually go hand in hand and that worries me.  He has solid physical tools though his standing reach is not that good.  Shorter than Aaron Gordon even though having a wingpan a couple inches longer.  Very good rebounder and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor a little bit as well as hit the 20 footer.  He could have a long consistent career but with a top 7 pick you want someone who is knocking on the door of the all star game every year, I just don’t see how he is ever good enough to be in an All star game.  I think his ceiling is Lamar Odom with not quite as good of handles and his floor is Earl Clark.  Lamar Odom had a solid NBA career but never made a all star game, I could see the same being true for Vonleh when it’s all said and done.

I don’t think there will be a Darko in the top 7 that is for sure.  If there is one candidate it is Exum because we haven’t seen a ton of him, but what I have seen tells me there is no way he is Darko material.

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Jabari Parker, this may seem random to some people because by many he is considered the most NBA ready player of the bunch but there is just something about his game that sceams "AVERAGE", which let me clarify doesn’t mean he will be terrible, just not a consistent all star.  My reasoning is he does a lot of things good, nothing great and he does one thing absolutely terrible, well better put 50% of the things he does are terrible because his defense is sooooo bad.  Man he just doesn’t give any kind of effort on that end of the floor and that is troubling to see, not that defnese would ever stop him from going to an All star game( looking at you Melo), just saying that he is only trying on half of the court and that is a problem for me.  Good passer, good shooter, good handles, good and sneaky athlete, good rebounder and REALLY good in the mid to high post, but still, his lack of D turns me off.

Noah Vonleh, I am surprised he wasn’t in this post more, he would be number one on this list for me.  Someone said he could easily be Earl Clark and get negged but I totally agree.  he makes terrible basketball decisions but he has a pretty good skill set.  Those two usually go hand in hand and that worries me.  He has solid physical tools though his standing reach is not that good.  Shorter than Aaron Gordon even though having a wingpan a couple inches longer.  Very good rebounder and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor a little bit as well as hit the 20 footer.  He could have a long consistent career but with a top 7 pick you want someone who is knocking on the door of the all star game every year, I just don’t see how he is ever good enough to be in an All star game.  I think his ceiling is Lamar Odom with not quite as good of handles and his floor is Earl Clark.  Lamar Odom had a solid NBA career but never made a all star game, I could see the same being true for Vonleh when it’s all said and done.

I don’t think there will be a Darko in the top 7 that is for sure.  If there is one candidate it is Exum because we haven’t seen a ton of him, but what I have seen tells me there is no way he is Darko material.

 

 

[jester0773Participant]

 Let’s stop with this silly generality. There’s a difference between being aggressive and being a selfish asshole. Wiggins was plenty aggressive throughout the year. Anyone that watched Kansas games would know. It’s hard to look notably aggressive under Bill Self’s system, as he stresses team ball. He still found success under such a system and if anything, it just compliments the kid’s coachability. The only huge knock on him right now is his finishing ability and he also needs to tighten up his handles a bit, but I think he’s the most complete player this draft has to offer when you talk about offense and defense.

[jester0773Participant]

 Let’s stop with this silly generality. There’s a difference between being aggressive and being a selfish asshole. Wiggins was plenty aggressive throughout the year. Anyone that watched Kansas games would know. It’s hard to look notably aggressive under Bill Self’s system, as he stresses team ball. He still found success under such a system and if anything, it just compliments the kid’s coachability. The only huge knock on him right now is his finishing ability and he also needs to tighten up his handles a bit, but I think he’s the most complete player this draft has to offer when you talk about offense and defense.

[Author]

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