Here is our second extended mock of the year. This year’s draft has one potential franchise talent (Anthony Davis) and a number of possible future stars.
| 1. |  | Anthony Davis 6-10 220 PF Kentucky Fr. | No team in the league is more devoid of talent than Charlotte, and Davis would bring them a potential centerpiece in the paint. With the improvement he has shown offensively, he has left little doubt about who the top prospect in this year’s draft is. Davis impacts the game on both ends with his length and energy. He oozes potential with his long, wiry, underdeveloped body combined with his speed and athleticism. His shot shows excellent form and his post skills are showing improvement. He still needs to bulk up, but he plays tough regardless. Davis has an almost unfair combination of length and guard reflexes and intensity. He should become a defensive enforcer at the NBA level and his offensive game has been improving with every game. NBA Comparison: Kevin Garnett | |
| 2. |  |  | Harrison Barnes 6-8 220 SF UNC So. | With good size and a high, clean release on his jumper, Barnes should excel at the next level in catch and shoot situations. As a slasher, Barnes shows good body control and a soft touch when shooting on the move in the paint. His lack of FT attempts per game show his reluctance to use his strength to attack the basket. He needs to become a little more selfish and embrace the role of being a superstar. But his high basketball IQ and strong character make him a GM’s wet dream, and a potential cornerstone at the small forward position for all of his suitors. NBA Comparison: Luol Deng |
| 3. |  |  | Thomas Robinson 6-8 240 SF/PF Kansas Jr. | Robinson impressed scouts with his added face the basket skills. His huge wingspan helps to make up for his lack of height. The junior has played with great energy all season. Showing the ability to consistently knock down mid-range jumpshots, as well as get to the rim off the dribble has elevated his stock to a likely top 5 pick. He’s got the consistent motor and fire that is lacking from fellow Big 12 forward prospect Perry Jones. NBA Comparison: Patrick Patterson |
| 4. |  |  | Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6-7 216 SF Kentucky Fr. | A strong 6’7 forward with substantial length (7-foot wingspan) and athleticism, Gilchrist projects as a shutdown defender at the 3 position. He may not be your most adept shot-creator, but nobody plays with a higher motor. With strong character and a team-first mentality, NBA coaches will love what this kid brings to the table. Gilchrist projects as a new and improved version of Gerald Wallace and is firmly in the mix with 3 other players (Barnes, T-Rob, and Drummond) in the 2-5 range. NBA Comparison: Gerald Wallace |
| 5. |  |  | Andre Drummond 6-10 270 PF/C CT HSSr. | Drummond is a great kid, but really struggled with consistency and focus after arriving on campus at UConn late. After Davis, Drummond has the most upside of any player in this draft class, and by a wide margin, but the fact that he did not improve much under one of college basketball’s top talent developers (Calhoun) is viewed as a red flag. Drummond’s motor runs hot and cold leaving many wondering whether he will live up to his vast potential. Said one scout about Drummond after their tourney loss to Iowa State in which he scored just 2 points. "He reminds me of Oden, and not in a good way." He very easily could still end up the second overall pick, but teams will be sweating bullets with the thought of drafting a player with such a laid back demeanor. The organization that Drummond lands with will likely play a large part in his future success or lack thereof. NBA Comparison: Amar’e Stoudemire |
| 6. |  |  | Jeremy Lamb 6-5 185 SG UConn So. | Lamb has really refined his pull-up game off the dribble, a weapon that often propels players to the next level. He needs get tougher both mentally and physically as he avoids contact and can be thrown off his game by bigger stronger opponents that get physical with him. It’s possible a team will fall in love with his length and potential and scoop him up in the top 5, but his lack of assertiveness and personality makes him a better #2 option. NBA Comparison: Reggie Miller |
| 7. |  |  | Arnett Moultrie 6-10 225 PF/C Miss St. Jr. | One of the most athletic bigs in the country, Moultrie is a force on the glass and scores in a variety of ways. He can even step out and bury college three pointers. With great length and agility, Moultrie is an intriguing option for teams looking for size and athleticism. Despite Mississippi State’s struggles, missing the NCAA tourney, Moultrie’s stock remains high as the consensus among NBA scouts is that he’s a likely lottery pick. NBA Comparison: Jermaine O’Neil |
| 8. |  |  | Bradley Beal 6-4 207 SG Florida Fr. | More than just a spot-up threat, Beal can change directions, pull back and shoot off the dribble. As a ball-handler, he sees the open space whether it’s splitting a double team or spinning away from his defender. He’s also an excellent passer for a 2-guard. While he’s extremely advanced for a freshman, he has hit some speed bumps this season. At times, he struggles to create shots against big , athletic guards and his shooting numbers have been inconsistent. But he’s still seen as a likely lottery pick if he chooses to enter this year’s draft. NBA Comparison: Eric Gordon |
| 9. |  |  | Meyers Leonard 7-1 245 C Illinois So. | Despite Illinois’ collapse, Leonard remains a highly sought after prospect. He’s a fluid bigman with great size and ability to add strength. He’s still a work in progress and would benefit from another year of development in college, but his upside is enough where he will get looks in the late lottery based on his upside. His jump in production from his FR to SO years was notable. Said to be leaning towards entering the draft to keep his brother from making another tour of duty overseas. NBA Comparison: Robin Lopez |
| 10. |  |  | Jared Sullinger 6-9 286 PF Ohio St. So. | Sullinger possesses arguably the most refined post game in college hoops, sporting advanced footwork and a great feel for his defender’s positioning with his back to the basket. His weaknesses are clear, starting with his limited speed and athleticism at the power forward position. He has also had a rough sophomore year battling the injury bug. Regardless, his effectiveness down low both as a scorer and rebounder make him an attractive prospect for teams in the mid to late lotto looking to beef up their front line. Sullinger’s weight remains a concern for teams. NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer |
| 11. | |  | Austin Rivers 6-4 203 PG/SG Duke Fr. | Rivers was considered a potential top overall pick a year ago. But he’s not a true point guard and is undersized at the 2. He has a tendency to become too focused on isolating (tunnel vision) and scoring as opposed to taking what the defense gives him and facilitating for others. Regardless, he will excel in pick and roll situations and is tremendous at splitting double teams with his yo-yo handle. NBA Comparison OJ Mayo |
| 12. | |  | Damian Lillard 6-2 190 PG Weber St. Jr. | Lillard has jumped to the forefront of a weak point guard class. He’s a solid athlete with the size and speed to become a starter in the league. Right now he’s a better scorer than distributor, but shows a good feel for the game and makes solid decisions. Lillard will have a chance to grab a late lottery pick if he gets a clean bill of health from team doctors. NBA Comparison: Mo Williams |
| 13. |  |  | Kendall Marshall 6-4 180 PG North Carolina So. | Marshall is possibly the best passer college basketball has seen since Jason Kidd. His ability to find teammates and create shots for them is special. He also has a tremendous feel for the game and has the type of natural point guard instincts that just can’t be learned. Still, his shortcomings athletically, defensively and with his shooting make him less than a sure thing. He’s considered a potential late lottery selection to mid first rounder. NBA Comparison: Mark Jackson |
| 14. |  |  | Perry Jones 6-11 235 SF/PF Baylor So. | Jones has top five talent, but based on his intensity level and lack of consistency, it’s more likely he will end up in the late lotto range (or later) on draft night. His sophomore statistics look eerily similar to his freshman numbers. Jones has jaw dropping physical attributes, but seems to have a hard time flipping the switch from his nice guy off court persona. His disappearance in the NCAA tourney has him back in many scout’s doghouse. NBA Comparison: Tim Thomas |
| 15. |  |  | Moe Harkless 6-8 205 SF St. John’s Fr. | Harkless is a raw forward but had a tremendous freshman season. His length and fluidity remind some of Rudy Gay, and while Moe can’t shoot it like the former Husky, his upside is considerable. He has a 7-2 wingspan and runs the floor like a gazelle. If he can tighten up his jumper and handle and develop better ISO skills, he could become a handful. "Hey Moe" has late lottery potential just based on his upside. NBA Comparison: James Posey |
| 16. |  |  | John Henson 6-10 220 PF UNC Jr. | Showing a lot of improvement between his sophomore and junior seasons, many scouts consider Henson a legit lottery candidate. His length and energy makes him a disruptive presence on the defensive end of the floor, and a solid rebounder despite lacking great strength. If he can bulk up, it will help his ability to play inside at the next level considerably. Despite all the positives, it’s difficult to know whether he can become more then an energy player that brings rebounding and defense. NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert |
| 17. |  |  | Tyler Zeller 6-11 240 C North Carolina Sr. | Zeller has a nice package of size and skills and runs the floor exceptionally well for a 7-footer. While he lacks ideal strength and appears to be a little injury prone, he has a good feel for the game and gets strong reviews from NBA scouts. Zeller is considered a potential lottery pick with the skill level to crack an NBA rotation before long. NBA Comparison: PJ Brown |
| 18. |  |  | Terrence Jones 6-9 241 SF/PF Kentucky So. | Jones has top 10 talent but struggles with consistency and focus. He has had a few "meltdown" games, Indiana for instance, that have left scouts scratching their heads. Jones seems to play with a chip on his shoulder and a scowl on his face. He has the versatility to play either forward position and is an aggressive rebounder, but the drawback is that he isn’t a natural fit at either position. While lacking great shooting mechanics, he is an effective scorer attacking the basket as well as from the perimeter. NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams |
| 19. |  |  | Terrence Ross 6-6 190 SG Washington So. | Ross is dangerous from outside, where he sports a clean release and sweet rhythm in catch and shoot opportunities. A smooth wing with NBA athleticism, Ross does an excellent job at stretching the floor by recognizing and occupying open space. He moves well without the ball and shows deceptive quickness with it, allowing him to get to the rim despite a shaky handle. Though Ross has been overshadowed by teammates at times, he’s the most NBA ready player on a talented Husky team. NBA Comparison: Eddie Jones |
| 20. |  |  | Dion Waiters 6-4 210 SG Syracuse So. | The Philly native is one of the draft’s enigmas. Some love his strength, aggressiveness and ability to create offense off the dribble, while others see a player lacking a true position. Waiters is a little undersized at 6’4 and lacks point guard skills, but is able to overpower opponents with his sheer strength. He’s very good in the open floor with tremendous finishing ability and is an intriguing go-to scorer. NBA Comparison: Deshawn Stevenson |
| 21. | |  | Jeffery Taylor 6-6 220 SF Vanderbilt Jr. | Taylor grew up in Sweden as the son of a pro player. His feel for the game has been a work in progress but he has really turned the corner in his senior season. Jeff raised his stock considerably with more consistent play, particularly down the stretch. He developed his ability to create and established more consistency shooting. He’s got NBA athleticism with above average explosiveness and shows a willingness to be coached and improve his game. NBA Comparison: Wilson Chandler |
| 22. |  |  | Royce White 6-8 260 SF/PF Iowa St. So. | White’s stock is on the rise after his extraordinary showing against both UConn and Kentucky in the tourney. He’s a beast with immense strength and leaping ability. He shows a good feel for the game and has excellent handles for a 3, and the speed to get by opponents off the dribble. The one big concern is his anxiety disorder. If team psychologists give the green light, he could skyrocket up team’s boards as he’s one of the most NBA ready players on the college level. NBA Comparison: Anthony Mason |
| 23. |  |  | Tony Mitchell 6-8 235 SF North Texas Fr. | After transferring from Missouri and sitting out last season, Mitchell impressed scouts with his tremendous physicality and skill level. Mitchell has a great basketball physique with broad shoulders and a enormous wingspan. Though just 6’8, his explosiveness and strength allows him to rebound with bigger forwards. Mitchell’s skill level is intriguing as he has good touch on his outside shot and legitimate vision and passing ability. Having played at North Texas isn’t doing him any favors but he’s considered a potential first rounder, regardless. /> NBA Comparison: Kenyon Martin |
| 24. | bgcolor="#ffffff"> size-full wp-image-86607 25 25 http://nbadraft.net/files/players/andrew-nicholson-hd.jpeg nicholson /> #333333 http://www.nbadraft.net/files/players/john-wall-hd.jpeg />[Player: Andrew Nicholson 6-9 240 PF St. Bonaventure Sr. | He’s a bright kid, and high character guy who despite looking robotic running the floor has good athleticism and a developing skill set. The Canadian’s huge hands and long arms make him a load on the block for opposing bigmen. Nicholson struggled to play to his abilities for much of his senior year. He came on at the end and with strong workouts should solidify a place in the late first round. NBA Comparison: Leon Powe | ||
| 25. |  |  | Doron Lamb 6-4 195 PG/SG Kentucky So. | Doron Lamb’s overall skill set is not fully utilized playing on such a loaded team. Lamb has been arguably UK’s most consistent performer this season. Every time the team needs a big basket, it seems that Lamb answers the call. He’s a clutch performer, has underrated PG ability (he played the position in high school) and is an excellent teammate. Finding a niche at the next level should be his primary focus, with "lights out shooting combo-guard" a realistic role to think about. NBA Comparison: Cuttino Mobley |
| 26. | |  | Tony Wroten 6-5 205 PG/SG Washington Fr. | Coach Romar is reluctant to give underclassmen large responsibilities, which makes his decision to hand Wroten the keys to the offense all the more impressive. He’s a flashy player with tremendous passing and ball handling abilities who can create for others. But, he still has some major holes to his game. While he scores at a good rate and really puts pressure on the defense attacking the basket, he needs to become a more consistent outside shooter and cut down on his turnovers. He would be best served with a second year in school, but some scouts feel he’s Washington’s top prospect right now. He is being projected as a first rounder based on his upside. NBA Comparison: Iman Shumpert |
| 27. |  |  | Mason Plumlee 6-10 235 PF/C Duke Jr. | In informal settings, Plumlee appears to be a lottery pick type of prospect. Unfortunately his skills don’t seem to translate well to organized ball. Plumlee is an above average athlete who likes to face up and use the dribble to get to the basket. He has yet to polish any post moves and scores mainly around the basket using his athleticism. He shows solid toughness but his lack of skill development makes him a likely late first to early second round pick. NBA Comparison: Josh McRoberts |
| 28. |  |  | Draymond Green 6-6 230 SF/PF Michigan St. Sr. | Green came into Michigan State without any perceived NBA potential, but has steadily grown on NBA scouts. He lacks ideal size and athleticism but is one of those "strong willed" players that finds a way to overcome his athletic shortcomings. His basketball IQ and feel for the game are off the charts. He’s a little ball dominant, and there are questions whether he really has the speed to play the 3, but as a high intangibles guy, there’s a good chance a team in the late first round rolls the dice on this savvy senior. NBA Comparison: Jared Dudley |
| 29. |  |  | John Jenkins 6-4 185 SG Vanderbilt Jr. | Jenkins is the top shooter on the college level. He has expanded his all around game with improved ball handling. He’s an undersized 2, but his versatility and elite outside shooting should give him a role in the NBA. Lacking ideal athleticism, Jenkins isn’t getting a ton of buzz from NBA scouts and could ultimately be forced to return for his senior year, but what team couldn’t use a deadly shooting specialist? NBA Comparison: JJ Redick |
| 30. |  |  | Marquis Teague 6-2 180 PG Kentucky Fr. | While Teague has really struggled this season and seen his stock take a nose dive, there’s no questioning his talent. He gets by defenders and to the rim nearly at will at the college level. He’s a work in progress in terms of PG skills and would be rolling the dice by entering the draft. But a national title would surely enhance his chances of landing in the first round. NBA Comparison: Jeff Teague |
*This mock can also be seen on HoopsHype.com, an excellent source for daily NBA/hoops news.
lol
Jeremy is a personality away from being a #1 option.
jeremy lamb
I know but he also could easily be nick young, because this was supposed to be his year, and he couldn’t lead uconn anywhere. I think that unless his attitude changes he is a nick young copy (a guy who can score a lot but doesnt have a winning mentality)
Zeller is way too high in my
Zeller is way too high in my opinion, and I’d take Ross before Marshall if team need is irrelevant.
Zeller is going to be a Nenad Krstic who runs the floor better, finesse 5 who brings nothing defensively and can’t bang inside. Any team taking him over Ross, Wroten, Fab Melo, Terrence Jones is going to regret it.
Oh, also how can Drummond
Oh, also how can Drummond remind someone of Oden "not in a good way"? Oden never underperformed when he could actually make it to the court, and Drummond has never had a problem with health except for getting his nose broken to start the season. You’d think if you weren’t talking about injuries a comparison to Oden would be a good thing.
i believe its something to do
i believe its something to do with the fact that if you look at both Oden and Drummond and see their physical gifts as well as their current skill set, you would be expecting them to be dominating at the college level at the least. Oden although had that decent lone year at college, would have expected to be the main man ala Olajawon or Shaq. but it was mike conley who shined brightest in that team exceeding expectations of him that year.
with drummond, you kinda get left with the feeling that he was good, but couldnt he have been more? and it is simply because he has the tools to be so.
^^^^ I think he means being a
^^^^ I think he means being a bust that the team will regret drafting b4 other players even though for completely different reasons than Oden
I think this dude forgot that
I think this dude forgot that Fab declared. ZERO chance he falls to 2nd round lol. Also Waiters has been best player in country last month if any of you have been paying attention. That is all.
Potential, Potential,
Potential, Potential, Potential…that all you hear about drafts. Because of that I am 100% convince that some GM is regardless going to take a chance on Drummond ahead of Robinson making Robinson too high on this mock.
@khaled; I get what he’s
@khaled; I get what he’s trying to say, but the only bad thing about Oden is his fragility, so unless Drummond has injury concerns this guy knows about he can’t logically be reminiscent of Oden in a negative way.
Kwame Brown is the obvious comparison if you’re talking about a player just straight up busting.
Jazz?
The Jazz have Kanter, Favors, Milsap, Jefferson, Carroll, Evans…why would they waste a lottery pick on yet another big? They can’t figure out what to do with the ones they already have!
also…
Left out the fact the Bulls have Rose, Watson, Lucas III and then you have them grabbing a 4th PG? A bit more thought next time please. I didn’t even read most of ’em…
@tbest23 this is just based
@tbest23 this is just based on Power rankings. Aran will do a teams needs Mack after the lottery is picked.
This is perhaps the most
This is perhaps the most ridiculous Mock Draft I’ve seen. Not only are a lot of players extremely over valued, a lot of guys are undervalued, as well. Not to even mention the lack of "team needs".. Although usually past the top 7-8 picks, teams usually delve into Best Player Available.. they definitely don’t take a big man when they have 5 already vying for major playing time.
Best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) examples..
No way Meyers Leonard goes in the top 10. Especially to UTAH? No chance.
And Wroten will not drop to 26.. far too many backcourt needs for teams in the top 18 for him to drop past #20..
And Rivers will not go that high, either.
Of course.. these are all my opinions.. but I feel pretty strongly about them.
what a deep and interesting
what a deep and interesting draft.
I can’t remember a draft with so many super-talented questionmarks, juxaposed with late rising overachievers.
And I also cannot believe Portland stole Gerald Wallace from the bobcats, then flipped him for what could be the #4 pick in a loaded draft. how ironic will it be if they get MKG? What a brilliant job. This team could be a contender within 2-3 years.
@benny15 … come on. Oden
@benny15 … come on. Oden was absolutely dominant in college.
I was confused by that comparison too. It always seemed like Oden was working hard and trying to dominate, but was just held back by the injuries.
draft
Tyler Zeller is actualy a top ten guy now. Size is valued…and he has a high basketball IQ> he’s not Kristic. He’s a whole lot better than that. And a whole lot tougher and stronger. Beal is top three. The kid is elite. Leonard is maybe too high. Jae Crowder goes in the first I bet. Ezeli too…again, size = value. Ezeli’s game has developed. Jones is a bust, drummond probably too, and who knows about Barnes. over hyped I would say. KKG is at least number two, and maybe better than AD. Davis gets by because of genetics and athleticisim. He might learn to box out someday…but he doesnt know it now. Henson is Tyrus thomas. IF that. Austin Rivers not elite material. Lillard is the real deal though. Comapring him to mo williams is wrong, he;s got a lot more upside. Moultrie is way too high. The kid is very soft….average shot….doesnt rebound or play much defense. Id take Plumlee over him and I dont even like Plumlee much.
I hope the blazers end with
I hope the blazers end with Rivers with the 11th pick. He is exactly what we need and will be the best scorer from this draft class
@ steppxxxxz Moultrie "doesn’t rebound and soft"????? Rivers not "elite material" ??? Nice 1st post rookie, hahahaha
A few comparisons
After watching a lot of these guys this year…a couple comparisons I would throw out there-
Andre Drummond I would guess has more the body/upside of DeAndre Jordan. I really don’t ever envision him being close to as good as Amar’e was in his prime. He’s way too slow to ever have that kind of versatility.
Draymond Green reminds me a lot of Ryan Gomes coming out of school. Both overachieving seniors with polished scoring and rebounding games, but undersized in the NBA and likely overmatched at their positions.
I think Patrick Patterson is a pretty harsh comparison for Thomas Robinson. I really like his post/rebounding game, and I think he reminds me of another former Jayhawk, Drew Gooden, who he just passed for the school record in double-doubles.
That’s my two cents anyways, I’ll be interested to see what NBA teams think of those guys come draft camp time
Thomas Robinson
I think a good comparison for Robinson is Milisap. They both rebound the ball well with underated offensive skills.
@steppxxxxz
How does Arnett
@steppxxxxz
How does Arnett Moultrie not rebound? He was one of the top rebounders in the nation. And how can you say MKG and Beal are for sure top 3 picks? We’re 100 days away from the draft. John Henson plays NOTHING like Tyrus Thomas. More like Larry Sanders. And you say size is valued but you say Crowder goes first round as a 6’6 PF?
I like the mock but the comparisons really suck. Draymond Green to Jared Dudley.Andrew Nicholson to Leon Powe.Jeremy Lamb to Reggie Miller. John Henson to Sam Dalembert. Those are horrible
@tbest23
This mock isnt based
@tbest23
This mock isnt based on team needs since the draft order isn’t set yet but if it was I would totally agree
@UNC ORL 327
bahaha I didn’t even notice the Andrew Nicholson-Leon Powe comparison. That just seems intentionally lazy, unless we are comparing haircuts? To be honest I wouldn’t mind taking Nicholson a bit earlier; he’s a high-% shooter with developing range on his offensive game and a pretty good shot blocker/rebounder to boot. I think he can be a serviceable if not good PF in the NBA, though I’m having trouble thinking of a good comparison, maybe Amir Johnson?
seems more like a big board..
..Than a mock draft. Whatever. I also think Fab Melo will be on here after the combine. If his agent keeps him in the gym (its not like he is goin to go to class) he is going to really impress and outshine some of the higher ranked Cs… That Drummond comment was nuts… sounds like that scout wants the kid to drop (maybe he has a horse in the race)..cant imagine him falling past 5. Why do people give moultre a pass after his team fell apart and he made the comments he made? Also Wallace can guard PFs in the pros are we sure that MKG can do that? I think we need to find a better comp or just deal with the fact that there might not be a good one out there..
@ UNC ORL
I said Moultre doesnt rebound because while his numbers might seem high, he’s not at all a natural rebounder and he got a lot of those boards against seriously bad competition….and on a not good team where he was the sole option inside. So I stand by that, he’s a very soft player and shies away from contact. Of course its a long time to the draft and of course lots happens. But as it stands NOW…which is what this is all about (duh) Id say MKG is a lock top three and same for beal. I suspect Robinson gets over drafted and barnes too. The comparisons are terrible. Cuttino Mobley? PJ Brown?? I think jeff taylor is a bit like Sefalosha, and Id say Moultre is a more timid jason thompson maybe. By the way, Tony Mitchell might really rise up the boards as he gives personal workouts — the kid has a lot of raw potential. Oh, and I think Tyrus Thomas is a perfect comparion….but there is an element of Sanders in there. Its hard to know how he will look against NBA level big men. He certainly has to get stronger. And I know this must be a steep learning curve for you, but size IS valued…that doesnt mean 6 6 forward isnt going to be selected high. Crowder has ability and he’s a small foward…where size isnt as important….(do I have to really explain this to you?). Size is valued because its rare. For fours and fives. Length matters but its obviously not the only element and nobody said it was. So do try to read and think more carefully.
@topo
Ok, i guess this has to be laid out for you…..Moultre is soft. He’s bad that rep from the start. A tiny bit of research and watching of game film will help you here. He;s a guy who simply avoids contact. he’s atheltic….but not a banger. WATCH the game film scrub. Then you can mouth off. There are polorizing opinions about moultre. But mostly the biggest beef with him is that he isnt physical enough. Against weak competition, he’s looked great, but against bigger and stronger fours and centers, he’s tended to back away. Stats are, and you should know this, hardly the best way to evaluate talent. Moultre is not a good defender….but against smaller fours he has pulled down a lot of rebounds. I dont think he is a *good* rebounder though because he’s so often out of position. His court awareness is lousy and he gets lost all the time on rotation. —-but he has a nice touch shooting. the problem is he tends to have problems moving guys out of the paint. His post up game is ok, except he’s so often too far from the basket .– not a problem against bad teams in the NCAA but which translates to a big problem in the NBA. Maybe he can get stronger….i dont know, but as it is, he is athletic and a finesse player. I dont see him as someone who will rebound well in the NBA and certainly not defend well. But he can probably score some…..facing the basket more than posting up. ——– And Im hardly the only person to see Rivers are highly overrated. Ed Wieland has him ranked 41st in this draft. He is a guy who can score off pick and rolls, but while he is quick, he is always right handed…. and his lateral quickness is average at best. What he is — a guy who played for Duke. He never really fit into that system and might really end up better than he has looked because of that……but I sorta doubt it. He can score….but his form is dodgy….and everyone has agreed on that. In a sense he reminds me of nick young….where he is off balance a lot, but he does get it to go in. I dont, personally, think he can do that in the NBA. As an on ball defender he is average despite haveing good quickness. He doesnt contest many shots either…..but all that is correctible i think. But there are a ton of nice shooting two guards out there. Id rate Beal way ahead of Rivers in all areas — and Id rate Dion Waiters as having the pontential to be a much better pro, even as a scorer, than Rivers. darius Johnson Odem is actually a better shooter than Rivers, but two inches shorter. So, no, I dont think he has anything near elite talent. I also think he wont go top 15.
Drummond screams bust, he has
Drummond screams bust, he has a very raw offensive skill level, he resembles Oden in his movement and frame, I guarantee the Blazers pass on a big man with a lottery pick. Drummond is alot like DeAndre Jordan at this stage. A team with NBA talent like UConn should have gone alot further, which says alot about the leadership of Lamb and Drummond. A Rivers could excel with the right team that uses him in a combo situation or he could work on his game to be more of a pure point, he is still quite young but the skill level is high. He can create for himself with ease.
wrong about Rivers
he’s a pro player, he reminds me of kobe and if kobe went to college and player for coach k, he would have left early because of the sytem the nba is alot more open he will excel. if a guy lik..e ellis can get 20ppg per night so can rivers and he bigger and stronger and has a high bball IQ and no he is not a pg he is 6’4 sg do i have to list all of the legit 6’4 SG?
Rivers WILL BE IN THE LOTTERY
shhhhh…..stop hatin on the kid
DAVIS IS NOT GARNETT
no one has seen a hint of half court offense skills we assume he will develop, he has a decent set shot, not one opponent every game planned to stop davis….60-70% of his offense was put backs,oops, and then another 20% was playing the most talent college team in the last 5 years 4 guys penatrating and creating easy scoring chances….in the nba he will not have the same talent around him….did i mention not back to the basketball like Garnett had coming out of highschool