Our Draft Targets

[SWedd523]

Okay guys, as most of you know, I'm a college basketball nut. I follow teams from Centenary to North Carolina and all of them between. This thread will be for us to discuss the guys in our target range.


Looking at our depth Chart, we have good young talent at the PG, SG, and PF slots. That makes our targets in the draft at the SF and C positions. Fortunately, there are a ton of likable wings available in the draft who can provide some of what we miss in Crash. There are, however, very few big men targets.

We'll use this thread to talk about them. As it gets closer to the draft, we'll break them out into individual threads to get a more specific look at each player. So, as you watch college ball (and you definitely should if you enjoy REAL basketball), then do your best to check these guys out so you have a better understanding of the players we'll be looking at.



Targets in the 8-12 (Bobcats pick) range in no order:

SF


Terrence Jones--6'8" 245, Freshman from Kentucky
Harrison Barnes--6'8" 210, Freshman from North Carolina
Jan Vesely--6'11" 240, 20 years old from Czech Republic
Jordan Hamilton--6'7" 220, Sophomore from Texas
Kawhi Leonard--6'7" 225, Sophomore from San Diego St.

C


Jonas Valanciunas--6'11" 240, 18 years old from Lithuania
Enes Kanter--6'10" 250, 18 years old from Switzerland/Kentucky
Donatas Motiejunas--7'0" 215, 20 years old from Lithuania



Targets for the Hornets pick vary widely because they can be in the 13-14 range, or 18-22. If the pick falls into the lottery, we'll be targeting two of the players listed above. Otherwise, the following "next tier" players will be the target.


SF


Tyler Honeycutt--6'8" 190, Sophomore from UCLA
Marcus Morris--6'9" 235, Junior from Kansas
Chris Singleton--6'9" 225, Junior from Florida St.


C


JaJuan Johnson--6'10" 225, Senior from Purdue
Lucas Nogueira--7'0" 225, 18 years old from Brazil
Keith Benson--6'11" 230, Senior from Oakland

[teej]

SF


Terrence Jones--6'8" 245, Freshman from Kentucky
Harrison Barnes--6'8" 210, Freshman from North Carolina
Jan Vesely--6'11" 240, 20 years old from Czech Republic
Jordan Hamilton--6'7" 220, Sophomore from Texas
Kawhi Leonard--6'7" 225, Sophomore from San Diego St.
Tyler Honeycutt--6'8" 190, Sophomore from UCLA
Marcus Morris--6'9" 235, Junior from Kansas
Chris Singleton--6'9" 225, Junior from Florida St.

C


Jonas Valanciunas--6'11" 240, 18 years old from Lithuania
Enes Kanter--6'10" 250, 18 years old from Switzerland/Kentucky
Donatas Motiejunas--7'0" 215, 20 years old from Lithuania
JaJuan Johnson--6'10" 225, Senior from Purdue
Lucas Nogueira--7'0" 225, 18 years old from Brazil
Keith Benson--6'11" 230, Senior from Oakland

Terrence and Harrison haven't really been that impressive, but if they fall out of the 8-10 range and are still around at the second pick, you have to take them. I like Hamilton, and while they're more of a 3/4 than a swingman, Marcus Morris and Vesely are good too. I like what I've seen in college from Singleton but I'm not convinced he'll be that great in the pros. I dunno why, though. And I don't know much about Honeycutt or Leonard, other than I don't like their names :facepalm:

I love Donatas, but he wouldn't fit with Tyrus. That frontcourt would be TINY. I like Jonas and Enes, although Enes not playing at UK concerns me just for lack of tape. Not a fan of JaJuan, but Benson might fit. Don't know anything about the Brazilian.

[Marvel]

and you definitely should if you enjoy REAL basketball
What do you mean "REAL" basketball. I hear that a lot. Some guys say "real defense" is played in college....lolwut.

Anyway, I don't think Barnes is ready for the NBA. The only Euro prospect i would take in the top 10 would be Enes Kanter. I think he can develop into the Chris Kaman mould. He intrigues me, NBA body(WIDE, excellent hands, tough, rugged player, strong rebounder(really gets after it), finishes well in and around the basket. In saying that, i'd take a long hard look at him in workouts.

Other targets in the 8-12 range:

Honeycutt, Hamilton, Leonard, Jones, Marcus Morris, Kanter, Derrick Williams



Hornets pick:

Benson, JaJuan.

[Pepperz]

If we get these two players in this draft, I will be satisfied with our picks completely.

Harrison Barnes - I have a feeling that this guy is going to be a star in the NBA one day. He's a smart and talented kid that will get better and better with each passing day.

Lucas Nogueira - This kid has alot of upside to his game. He will need to bulk up a bit but with the right training (Oak Tree) he can turn into something special as well.

[frontpager]

Harrison isnt impressive? He hits clutch shots continuously and ever since he has gained confidence he has become one of best players in nation. Anyway we can save that for later when draft gets closer after the tourney. Terrence Jones has a game similar to wallace, even in his form in the way he shoots haha.
Jordan Hamilton is a player who can definetly light up the offensive end of the court, but needs to improve defensively. Enes Kanter would be a good look but I would like to wait until workouts because I haven't seen highlights since his HS years.
Jajuan Johnson is a good college player but I am not sure if it will transfer over because of how light he is.
Kyle Singler could help fill a void if somehow the pick ends up being in 20-25 range. He is defense first who plays the 3 and can defend well.
Alec Burks.. I really like this dudes game. His game is made for the NBA. He is 6'6, will take you in post if your small, will drain a three and next time down blow by you with his quickness. He might go in 15-20 but definetly is capable of becoming a star.

[Chef]

What do you mean "REAL" basketball. I hear that a lot. Some guys say "real defense" is played in college....lolwut.

.

most of the players in college basketball are self-check on jumpers. low scoring because of terrible offense and undercutting half charges do not equal defense.

[polarcat]

I like Alec Burks a lot, but I don't think he nor Hendo can play the 3. With a pick as high as we're going to have, I hope we can get a true athletic shooting SF. I think Barnes is the real deal and I CAN'T stand UNC. He is a little raw, but the tools are there and I think his ceiling is a potential All-Star highlight player. Tyler Honeycutt and Jordan Hamilton are also the other two that I like a lot and think they would fit here nicely. I don't know enough of the Euros, but I know this draft is very Euro-heavy over the past few years. Jan Vessley intrigues me a little from what I've read, but not enough video and I hate to go on what a couple of draft sites say as if it's the truth. I think we are going to be one of the "it" teams in this year's draft with 2 first round picks, and with Diaw & Jackson as potential trade bait. Good thing about this draft is that a player you get at 12 could be as good of a player (talent-wise) at 6 since this is a deep draft of very good players, but not an elite draft.

[adam187]

Jordan Hamilton, I want some scoring on this team.

[ohara831]

If we were able to get Kanter with one pick and either Hamilton or Leonard with the other 1st rounder, that would be a very very very good draft. That is my wish list for where we likely are picking. But I fear Kanter will not make it to where we pick unless we really start to drop back. And if NO continues their freefall, it is quite likely Hamilton or Leonard will be available at the #14-#16 range.

[docend24]

I like Alec Burks a lot, but I don't think he nor Hendo can play the 3. With a pick as high as we're going to have, I hope we can get a true athletic shooting SF. I think Barnes is the real deal and I CAN'T stand UNC. He is a little raw, but the tools are there and I think his ceiling is a potential All-Star highlight player. Tyler Honeycutt and Jordan Hamilton are also the other two that I like a lot and think they would fit here nicely. I don't know enough of the Euros, but I know this draft is very Euro-heavy over the past few years. Jan Vessley intrigues me a little from what I've read, but not enough video and I hate to go on what a couple of draft sites say as if it's the truth. I think we are going to be one of the "it" teams in this year's draft with 2 first round picks, and with Diaw & Jackson as potential trade bait. Good thing about this draft is that a player you get at 12 could be as good of a player (talent-wise) at 6 since this is a deep draft of very good players, but not an elite draft.
Just look around. Even on BCP

[G Wuh Wuh Wuh Wallace]

If we get these two players in this draft, I will be satisfied with our picks completely.

Harrison Barnes - I have a feeling that this guy is going to be a star in the NBA one day. He's a smart and talented kid that will get better and better with each passing day.

Lucas Nogueira - This kid has alot of upside to his game. He will need to bulk up a bit but with the right training (Oak Tree) he can turn into something special as well.

Agree Completely.

[The Prodigy]

Im going to list the guys I like in the upcoming draft:


Bobcats 1st rounder: (6-12)
1. Perry Jones
2. Harrison Barnes
3. Terrence Jones
4. Alec Burks
5. Kawhi Leonard (Gerald Wallce v2)

Hornets 1st rounder: (16-24)
1. JaJuan Johnson
2. Jordan Hamilton
3. Trey Thompkins

Bobcats 2nd Rounder: (36-42)
1. Jordan Williams
2. LaceDarius Dunn
3. Jeremy Tyler


The ranges I put dont really matter, this is more of just a list of players I like in the draft. Also, there is plenty of time left for stock to raise or drop. I wish there were more big men in this draft, but there really arent any I like too much. I am really not a fan of foreign players at all, mainly because I think they are so hit or miss, and they are usually much less athletic than players that play in the NCAA. Especially when it comes to big men. Off the top of my head I cant think of too many good centers in the NBA who played overseas. Then again, maybe im wrong. It might just be that I dont know much about guys like Kanter and Matejunias, but I am just not a fan of guys that remind me of Ajinca.

LaceDarius is a guy I really like, I just dont know if he fits on the team. I think he is a prototypical 6th man type who will come off the bench and score in bunches and really help a team out as a last-piece type of player. I dont know that he can be the main guy, which is what we would need.

I also dont know about the position flexibility of guys like Perry Jones and Terrence Jones. Can they play SF for us? Because one of the last things we need is another SF/PF tweener. We need someone that can play a pure SF. From what I understand, Barnes and Leonard are those guys.

Speaking of Leonard, I have read some articles and reports on him and it appears that he is the exact same type of player that Gerald was. Again, im not sure that is a player that we would want, only because im not sure that he will ever develop into an absolute superstar like Barnes appears to be able too. However, if we dont get Barnes, that sure isnt a bad consolation prize.

Just have a few questions to ask some of the more knowledgeable NCAA fans out there:
1. Are any of those players that I listed able to play Center? Not as a short term fill in, but as a bonafide starting center?
2. Also, are any of the foreign big men able to play as a tough/physical Center?

Thanks

[TattoodCats4life]

What do you think we do if the balls fall our way and we get a top 3 pick? Do we trade down for more picks, is there someone good enough who could help us immediately? (I dont start watching college ball until mid march sorry).

[G-Force]

We draft Derrick William. He's going to be a star.

[Chef]

depends on what jordan's plan is. if he wants to gun for d12 and cp3 in 2012 (cp3 maybe, but d12 wants an LA or NY market) i wouldn't be surprised if we traded the 1, 2, 3 pick with diop and or carroll for an expiring and lesser pick or future #1. i could also see one of the other picks being combined with tyrus for more picks and an expiring contract too. that would leave 0 money on the books for 2012 with options to hendo, dj, dj white for cheap role players.

[Fred Williamson]

We draft Derrick William. He's going to be a star.

I can't figure it out, is this guy a SF or a PF?

he looks more like a PF to me but he's too undersized IMO.

[G-Force]

He does play a lot of PF for Arizona just due to the matchup at the College level, but he's a better fit as a SF in the NBA. He has the quickness, handles, and jumper for it. They compare him to Michael Beasley. Beasley is definitely more efficient at the 3.

[polarcat]

If we get in the top 3, we do whatever it takes to get Williams. Other than Kyrie Irving, I feel like Williams is the best player in this draft and closest to a franchise player. He plays the 3 and would possibly give us our first true NBA building block that could translate into a Durant type of superstar. There's a very good chance Williams goes #1 overall too, depending on what Irving shows or does between now and the draft. Okafor was the most polished in that draft year, but Howard had the most upside and "it" factor, whereas EO50, you kinda knew what you were getting. If the lottery is a fix, maybe it's time for the sun to shine on Jordan's franchise and pull a Baron Davis lucky draw like we had with the Hornets.

[Toocool]

What about Jonas Valanciunas?
My Euro friend loves basketball, and has been keeping up with him. Says he's very productive and long, not big enough though. Friend said he was a very good offensive rebounder and P&R finisher. Friend rates him quite highly, what do you guys think?

Friend also likes the look of Donatas Motiejunas but I think he'll suffer in the NBA since he's even skinnier than Valanciunas. Attitude is a question, but we have Oakley who could grill his ass and fix up that attitude.

[rsxnova]

depends on what jordan's plan is. if he wants to gun for d12 and cp3 in 2012 (cp3 maybe, but d12 wants an LA or NY market) i wouldn't be surprised if we traded the 1, 2, 3 pick with diop and or carroll for an expiring and lesser pick or future #1. i could also see one of the other picks being combined with tyrus for more picks and an expiring contract too. that would leave 0 money on the books for 2012 with options to hendo, dj, dj white for cheap role players.

You only do this if you have some kind of guarantee from CP3 otherwise it is dust chip part deux.

[Chef]

You only do this if you have some kind of guarantee from CP3 otherwise it is dust chip part deux.

not saying i agree with it, i was just answering a possible fate of a top 3 draft pick from us if FA is the rebuild plan.

[CrazyCarl139]

I'd love to get a top pick and get someone like Derrick Williams or Perry Jones (in that order). I'd also heavily consider grabbing Enes Kanter. Good big men do not come around too often. With Kanter only being 18 he can be a consistent starter (at worst) or a consistent all-star for 15+ years.

Realistically, we go after someone who can score like Jordan Hamilton. I wouldn't want to see them get Kawhi Leonard because he is a GW version 2.0. We need offense, badly.

With that NO pick, you take best available. If it's a PG, take him. If it's another SF, take him. The Bobcats need to establish a bench as is.

Don't kill me, but drafting Jimmer and asking him to come off the bench to score seems like a best case scenario for him. Having a scorer like that on the bench is a nice asset to any team.

[SWedd523]

If we had an established team, a 6th man scorer would be valuable. But as it is, we need to get some home run guys and high level starters. We shouldn't concern ourselves with a bench yet, wait until we establish that first unit.

[CrazyCarl139]

If we had an established team, a 6th man scorer would be valuable. But as it is, we need to get some home run guys and high level starters. We shouldn't concern ourselves with a bench yet, wait until we establish that first unit.

I agree 100%, but I don't think with NO's pick we'll be able to draft a starter. If we can, obviously that's the route to go.

[SWedd523]

I agree 100%, but I don't think with NO's pick we'll be able to draft a starter. If we can, obviously that's the route to go.

If they make the playoffs then that's probably the case. If we get their ~18th pick then I say we draft a high potential guy like Johnson, Benson, etc. Though we may get lucky and get their lottery pick which may very well land us a nice player.

[polarcat]

For all of the Keith Benson fans out there, espn2 is showing the Oakland v. Oral Roberts game and Benson is looking good. I don't know much about him other than his size, but he's got 14/7 at the half with 3 dimes and a blocked shot. With no good sports on tonight, I'm gonna watch the rest of the game because I've heard several people on here that like his game.

[stun704]

best case scenario IMO if we (the bobcats and the hornets fall out of the playoffs)

Draft Barnes with the first pick
Alec Burks with the 2nd pick
Keith Benson with our 2nd round pick(hes projected as a 2nd rounder) if he goes higher, Target Benson over Burks.
DJ/Livo
Hendo/Burks
Barnes/UPS(if he resigns)
TT/DJWhite
Benson

[Since the preception of this draft is that its weak, maybe we could work out trades with Diaw, and Jax, and in return possibly get Chicagos First rounder for Jax, and Indys 2nd Rounder for diaw.

[Chef]

who is the guy i saw on sportscenter in a lower conference. set the record for career rebounds. posted line for that game 15/21/7blks. it is definitely against inferior competition but he reminds me of a rodman/ben wallace type. rebounds are the stat that draft "experts" say carry over the best from college to pros.

[SWedd523]

Probably Kenneth Faried from Morehead State, fantastic player and is coming up on Duncan for career double doubles. I think he's a Tad small but will definitely be able to board in the NBA.

[Chef]

Probably Kenneth Faried from Morehead State, fantastic player and is coming up on Duncan for career double doubles. I think he's a Tad small but will definitely be able to board in the NBA.

draftexpress has him at the top of the 2nd, draft.net has him to orlando at #21. hopefully he falls a bit. i would definitely move up to get him at the top of the 2nd if possible.

[frontpager]

I have been on the Keith Benson train for a while. Dude is 6'11 and can definetly board and play defense. His offensive game has improved alot since last year. He would be perfect if we could grab him in the late teens or if he falls we should grab him in early second round. With our own top ten pick we should address the SF position with either Jordan Hamilton or Harrison Barnes, both can score at will and thats what we need more than anything. We need a scoring SF to pair with Gerald Henderson. Also in the teens drafting John Henson would be smart, he drastically improved since his freshman year and is just a guy with good attitude and high motor with great IQ. I know we can't go drafting two UNC players or the world will fall so we could possibly get Alec Burks or a Morris twin. Enes Kanter is nice though if we have a shot.

[GoBobs]

I really like some of the things I am reading about Valanciunas on draft express. The things that stand out are good motor (very important for bigs), 7-6 wingspan (according to him) which gives him the physical tools to be a great rebounder/shotblocker, and good free throw % which is usually a question mark with some rebounding/rim defending specialists.

Draft express has him listed as the #2 overall pick so he might be a trade up target for us. Doubt he will have a huge impact right away as big guys normally don't, but could pay off down the road.

[Chef]

Probably Kenneth Faried from Morehead State, fantastic player and is coming up on Duncan for career double doubles. I think he's a Tad small but will definitely be able to board in the NBA.

Pete (Kentucky)

Any chance Kenneth Faried is a lottery pick if he performs well in the tourney?
Chad Ford (1:38 PM)

Yes. Even if he doesn't. He leads the NCAA in PER. He's the best rebounder in the draft. He's got a tireless work ethic. Most of the veteran scouts I talk to love him. He's not going to be a star because his offensive game is somewhat limited. But he could be a real force on the boards in the NBA. We have him No. 18 on our Big Board right now, but his range is probably 12-20.

[captaincrunk]

I really like some of the things I am reading about Valanciunas on draft express. The things that stand out are good motor (very important for bigs), 7-6 wingspan (according to him) which gives him the physical tools to be a great rebounder/shotblocker, and good free throw % which is usually a question mark with some rebounding/rim defending specialists.

Draft express has him listed as the #2 overall pick so he might be a trade up target for us. Doubt he will have a huge impact right away as big guys normally don't, but could pay off down the road.
I'd rather have Kanter. The bigger they are, the harder the fuck your team over from behind when they bail.

[Marvel]

Faried is a legitimate glass man, i really like him, but not enough to take him in the 1st.

[JamieMcNeill]

The odds that Harrison comes out are slim. I think he would have to be locked into the top three for it to happen. He actually chose Unc because we (I'm a student) have the best accelerated three year business degree of any team who is decent at bball. The rumor is that he plans to get that degree. But who knows? Money talks.

As far as evaluation goes-
Strengths=
smooth jumper
Range out to three
Pull up game is beyond sick
Can get to the hoop
Sneaky athletic
Ability to shoot off picks would helps djs assist numbers

Weaknesses=
lacks killer instinct thus far
Settles for jump shots
Ball handling and passing make Unc
fans cringe
Defense needs work

Any questions?

[WFU4LIFE]

The odds that Harrison comes out are slim. I think he would have to be locked into the top three for it to happen. He actually chose Unc because we (I'm a student) have the best accelerated three year business degree of any team who is decent at bball. The rumor is that he plans to get that degree. But who knows? Money talks.

As far as evaluation goes-
Strengths=
smooth jumper
Range out to three
Pull up game is beyond sick
Can get to the hoop
Sneaky athletic
Ability to shoot off picks would helps djs assist numbers

Weaknesses=
lacks killer instinct thus far
Settles for jump shots
Ball handling and passing make Unc
fans cringe
Defense needs work

Any questions?
Hah, I'll believe it when I see it. I'm a Wake fan and CP3 and Aminu both said they wanted to stay and get their degrees. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Of course he's not gonna come out and say I wanna leave after one year. We'll see, I don't think he'll turn down the big $.

[polarcat]

I hope he comes out and he is within our reach when we draft. Dude fits exactly what we are looking for and arguably is one of the few in this draft with "Prime-time" player potential once he gets his feet wet. His size, athleticism, 3point play and is a true all around scorer at a position that we have a gaping hole at past next year. Throw in the UNC-Charlotte fans-MJ connection and he is our guy. I like Hamilton out at Texas too, but Barnes makes me salivate more. He seems like Rudy Gay when he came in with the ceiling, yet question marks about his transition to the NBA. We passed on Rudy..... let's not on Barnes.

[frontpager]

Greg Oden said he was going to get degree also.. he left after one year. I hope he stays because I am vivid UNC fan, however I would rather have him play for Bobcats because the city of Charlotte needs him more the UNC does. He isnt the best available player in the draft but is probably top 5 and definetly top 10. He is best available 2/3.. more likely a 3 though.

[frontpager]

Also Fareid is more like the mold of Millsap. Millsap fell to second round and Fareid should too. He is only 6'8 and has skills of a center right now not a power forward.

[GoBobs]

I had a dream last night that we traded out top pick in the upcoming draft for Curry.

Unfortunately it was Eddie Curry. I was reading the headline on the front page "Bobcats trade for Curry." I remember feeling totally pissed but somehow not all that surprised.

[CatNation]

crazy, I also had a trade dream last night for some reason. I dreamed we traded DJ and a bunch of guys that aren't real for Yao Ming. I was pretty sad

[Woodsy23]

i know hes a PG n all but Kemba Walker has been tearing it up recently, he's been very Clutch in the games i've seen aswell, whats your take on this guy? bright future in the NBA?

[teej]

bright future in the NBA?

No.

Unless he's in a Jet Terry role.

[Plowright]

i would like barnes, he would bring a certain stigma with him which i think the franchise could do with. Trade our 1st and the Portland 1st in 2013 for 4th for washingtons? They already have a young core of wall, young, rashard, blatch, mcgee. I know im clutching at straws but any chance we could trade up in some other way?

[ohara831]

One guys I have seen only 1x this season, but who I hear only good things about is Kawhi Leonard , the SF from San Diego State. Looking forward to watching him a few times this NCAA Tournament to see if he is the real deal. He will likely go anywhere from #10 - #16, so a very possible pick for Charlotte. Even though I prefer a Big, at this point in the Draft you have to take the best player on the board and this kid can play.

[Chef]

with our roster and team the way it is we take BPA with every pick.

[GoBobs]

I really like John Henson as a SF. Terrific ability to block shots and get rebounds and great 1:1 defender. A lineup of Henderson, Henson, Tyrus Thomas would give us a nasty defensive team.

[ohara831]

Here's one to make you scratch your head. Chris R. does the RGM Mocks. He just came out with one 3/15/11 and has us taking Bismack Biyombo, a PF from Baloncesto Fuenlabrada. He is 6' 7" and 248 and a huge project. Looked him up on ESPN and Chad Ford has him #66 and listed as 2nd round to undrafted. What in the heck would make RGM think we take him at #10?

[frontpager]

Bismack Biyombo is not going to get drafted unless the spurs do it because they always seem to draft a low ranked international player. Henson is not a SF and will never be a small forward. He will be a power forward in the NBA. He is the same player Tyrus Thomas is but will be better when he reaches his potential. We should look at Jordan Hamilton, Harrison Barnes at the 8-10 pick that we will most likely get.. Then with our 19-21 pick look at keith benson or a 2/3 depending on what we pick with first pick. A good young player like Chris Singleton (best defender in college basketball) could play backup 3/4 also. Benson would be the best pick because he is nice young strong player who is 2nd best center in the draft but will go low because school he goes to. His ability will show when they play texas

[Plowright]

Terrance Jones! I like this kids game. I think his versatility could give him a role such as Lamar Odom. He is a good passer and ball handler, has 3 range and is pretty athletic

[SWedd523]

Terrance Jones! I like this kids game. I think his versatility could give him a role such as Lamar Odom. He is a good passer and ball handler, has 3 range and is pretty athletic
I'd have to disagree on the ball handling and 3 range parts.

He heavily favors his left hand and hates going right. He also has a very slow and unreliable form on his jumper so his 3 ball is inconsistent. He's also regressed after a really hot start

[Plowright]

think he could be costing, hoping he will show big in the tourney. I know his J is ugly, but look at GW

[ohara831]

Good performances by Walker, Jimmer and Leonard. Walker and Leonard likely options at the #10-#12 range. I think Jimmer would be solid after #14. Dont see anyone else with his upside and ability I like more from #14 and after.

[Chef]

Good performances by Walker, Jimmer and Leonard. Walker and Leonard likely options at the #10-#12 range. I think Jimmer would be solid after #14. Dont see anyone else with his upside and ability I like more from #14 and after.

faried from 14 down. we need his game on this team. we have no truly inside guys. i want no part of jimmer, not for this team. would like a sf with our pick preferably one who is offensive minded. i could be a little ok with kemba, but don't think he will be a great pro, certainly not a star.

[Plowright]

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?...y=1&id=6216943 (http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?callsign=ESPNRADIO&autoplay=1&id=6216943)

this explains why we should avoid jimmer and why Fairied is good

[WFU4LIFE]

Trust me guys we do not want any part of Jimmer. He jacks up shots, and is nowhere near athletic enough to compete in the NBA. Don't give me Steph Curry, Curry is MUCH more athletic that Jimmer. I can't stand Jimmer either, he whines to the ref more than any player I have ever seen. After watching Keith Benson today I wouldn't touch him either. I know we need a big man but he is a few years away from making any impact. Jordan Hamilton on the other hand, I would want.

[polarcat]

Derrick Williams looks like he might have move ahead for the first overall selection with today's performance. 22 & 10 and the game-saving block without the foul. Unless the lottery balls bounced our way (doubt we move up w/ a trade) no way we could've had him anyway. Would loooooove to have him though.

[teej]

Williams looked good, yeah.

Hey Swedd, watching the FSU game, who the fuck is Bernard James, and does he have any NBA potential? He looks like his game could transfer to the NBA as a defender/post scorer off the bench. Not a first round pick, but mid-2nd I could see picking him or someone similar.

[SWedd523]

Williams looked good, but how about Harrison Barnes? 24 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals! Better yet, how about John Henson (28, 11, 6) and Zeller (32, 9, 3)!!


I don't know shit from sand as far as B. James is concerned. As an ACC athlete and a Junior, that doesn't speak well for him. Chris Singleton is nice though.

[Chef]

Derrick Williams looks like he might have move ahead for the first overall selection with today's performance. 22 & 10 and the game-saving block without the foul. Unless the lottery balls bounced our way (doubt we move up w/ a trade) no way we could've had him anyway. Would loooooove to have him though.

disclaimer: i can't stand watching college hoops outside of the tournament, so i only go by what i see those weeks (which is not even a snapshot of the overall picture) and what so called "draft experts" like chad ford say so this is not an original opinion or even personally verified outside of this past arizona game.

chad ford says he isn't sure how williams is going to translate at the pro level, not sure if he will be a sf or pf. says he may be too slow and not skilled enough for sf and not big enough for pf. still likes him though, just not sure of position.

[ohara831]

There is a chance that we may pick as high as #7. Although Kanter is predicted mostly to go around #5, there is alwaysa chance other teams see other players moving up and he slips to us. That would be a great stroke of luck. As far as the NO pick, i have seen different mocks and projections all over the place. But there is a chance that Leonard or Hamilton might still be on the table around #16 or #17. If we can just get lucky enough for NO to go cold the last coule weeks and lose a couple of spots, we may find this to be a very productive draft for the Bobcats. Best case scenario would net us Kanter along with Leonard or Hamilton and we would be adding 2 very solid pieces to the team.

I pretty much figure this is our best case scenario as I dont see the BB Gods giving us ping pong ball luck and moving us into the Top 3. But if we did somehow get that lucky....

[Plowright]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1230078621/254099576_normal.jpg
DraftExpress (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress) Jonathan Givony



So Jordan Hamilton said he's coming back too? Now I know for a fact that him & Thompson are pulling people's legs. I'd bet money he's gone.

1 minute ago (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress/status/49194009763127297) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)



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DraftExpress (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress) Jonathan Givony



Surprising to see Tristan Thompson make that declaration now. All indications have pointed the opposite direction. Let's see if it holds up.

3 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress/status/49193456601542656) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)




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DraftExpress (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress) Jonathan Givony



RT @JasonKingYahoo (http://twitter.com/JasonKingYahoo): Tristan Thompson just told reporters he will return for his sophomore season instead of entering the NBA draft.

7 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/#%21/DraftExpress/status/49192463621042176) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)

Not good news, this draft is getting weaker. Do people change their minds often about declaring? Both of these players would have been people we would have looked at for sure

[WFU4LIFE]

Let's just put it this way: No players gonna say they are declaring while their team is in the NCAA tournament. This type of thing happens all the time, and most times, the player does indeed end up declaring.

[Chef]

chad ford and david thorpe tweeted brandon knight (i know his name now) is vaulting up the lottery and can be top 5 with another good game showcasing good scoring and passing.

[BlockParty]

chad ford and david thorpe tweeted brandon knight (i know his name now) is vaulting up the lottery and can be top 5 with another good game showcasing good scoring and passing.

I don't think he's tall enough to get excited and he shot 38% from the college 3pt line this season, doesn't have spectular stats in any ancillary stat (assists, steals or blocks). I'm ok with Hendo (and his defense). But..if he can get pushed into the top 5, that's great, it'll push someone down to us.

[ohara831]

I don't think he's tall enough to get excited and he shot 38% from the college 3pt line this season, doesn't have spectular stats in any ancillary stat (assists, steals or blocks). I'm ok with Hendo (and his defense). But..if he can get pushed into the top 5, that's great, it'll push someone down to us.

Please push Kanter down to us! Please!!!!

[Brad]

Kanter is one guy I think that is a can't-miss big in the upcoming draft. I was disappointed that he didn't get to play this year. Had he played, i think he'd have been the first pick overall.

Vesely and Valanciunas are interesting as well; both could be available when we pick. Not your typical Euro players. They say Valanciunas has more of an "American" game.

I wonder if the Bobcats won't try to package their two this year and move up to get someone they like. It bit them in the ass the last TWO times they didn't do that (Hibbert, Paul/Williams).

[Toocool]

Kanter or Valanciunas are my choices. I want either one of these guys, won't settle for anything less.
Why? Because we need a big, and both play the 5.

[ohara831]

Interesting change in Chad Ford's Draft machine mock. Has us taking Brandon Knight now rather than Kemba Walker at #10.

[SWedd523]

Neither one is worth a pick that high.

[teej]

Neither one is worth a pick that high.

Agreed, especially for us, but Knight will be gone by then anyways.

[Chef]

the funny thing was in both podcasts i heard chad ford talking draft, they spent time talking about how players values get distorted by good and bad tournament performances and how most scouts say they hate the tournament because it is the only time gm's and coaches watch college players and make judgements based on that. then he goes and vaults brandon knight 10 spots on his lotto machine after 1 exceptionally good game.

[teej]

the funny thing was in both podcasts i heard chad ford talking draft, they spent time talking about how players values get distorted by good and bad tournament performances and how most scouts say they hate the tournament because it is the only time gm's and coaches watch college players and make judgements based on that. then he goes and vaults brandon knight 10 spots on his lotto machine after 1 exceptionally good game.

Ford said on Simmon's pod that he bases the big board on what teams are thinking, not his opinion.

[ohara831]

Tell you what. Barnes is quickly working his way into the Top 3 area if he keeps this up. He has been playing sharp the 2nd half of the season and on. Very impressive.

[GoBobs]

I want Valanciunas and Henson bad. If we could swing both those guys somehow we would have the best D in the league for years to come.

Valanciunas
T Thomas
Henson
Hendo

Gives us a great help defender/shot blocker at every position but pg. Then we can suck one more year and get a PG, or get one in free agency.

[teej]

Henson isn't a SF. If you get him, you're getting Ty Thomas v.2.

[GoBobs]

Henson isn't a SF. If you get him, you're getting Ty Thomas v.2.

At 200 pds he looks a lot more like a SF then a PF to me. Same goes for Ty Thomas. SF/PF is pretty interchangeable in today's nba it doesn't really matter. I just like the big wing span and all the blocks and rebounds. He moves pretty well for a guy his size too though. Tons of upside.

[Plowright]

What about tobias Harris with our NO pick? He is one of the the youngest player in the tourney. He played tow games, in both he did very well. He is a SF and one of the best things is he hasnt had to force it. He shot 9-9 in his first game and 6-11 in his second. While grabbing rebounds and blocks. Apparantly he has unbelievable work ethic like Durant. Not saying he plays the same way but tobias apparantly is the perfect pro

[CatNation]

Henson is Tyrus without the jumpshot, and even scrawnier. He's even a complete idiot like Tyrus. He will frustrate some teams fans for years. they are basically the same thing. Tyrus has a lot more talent though.

[WFU4LIFE]

If we draft Henson then I am done with this team. Henson if Brandon Wright v.2, only worse. A scrawny 3/4 type with no jump shot, and a 50% free throw shot. Jesus christ I feel sorry for whatever team drafts him.

[ohara831]

Honestly, I see only Barnes declaring out of the Big 3 Freshmen for UNC. I think their PG and Henson will come back. They were not consistent enough to be considered NBA ready, IMO. But Barnes should go because he is ready for the NBA.

[SWedd523]

Honestly, I see only Barnes declaring out of the Big 3 Freshmen for UNC. I think their PG and Henson will come back. They were not consistent enough to be considered NBA ready, IMO. But Barnes should go because he is ready for the NBA.
Just a small clarification, Henson is a Sophomore.

I do agree with you though that Kendall Marshall absolutely will stay and John Henson SHOULD stay.

[rsxnova]

Just a small clarification, Henson is a Sophomore.

I do agree with you though that Kendall Marshall absolutely will stay and John Henson SHOULD stay.

Barnes is looking at staying right now too.

I hope Knights stock dosent rise and we get him with the NO pick.

[SWedd523]

Barnes is looking at staying right now too.

I hope Knights stock dosent rise and we get him with the NO pick.
Don't read anything into his comments. Every year, prospects say they're staying in school during the tourney only to declare for the draft a month later

[rsxnova]

There is a thread on realgm about Sac trading down for Jimmer. We were brought up as trading both our picks for theirs or Reke. I would take either one.

[teej]

There is a thread on realgm about Sac trading down for Jimmer. We were brought up as trading both our picks for theirs or Reke. I would take either one.

Why the hell would they trade Tyreke for Jimmer?

[ohara831]

Man, if we could trade #10 and #19 to get up to #4, that would give us Kanter without a problem. As much as I think we can get value at both the #10 and #19 picks, I would make that deal to get Kanter. Absolutely. No questions asked.

[adam187]

Just some thoughts from watching the tourney:

Kendall Marshall from UNC has impressive assist numbers and seems very relaxed and composed. I don't think he's supposed to come out but a very good prospect nonetheless.

Florida's Chandler Parson's has an intriguing all around game. Doubt he get's drafted, but he would be an interesting guy to bring to camp. 6'9" SF type who can pass and has handles and good b-ball IQ. Kinda like Boris Diaw from what I'm guessing, but gives a shit. I wouldn't spend a pick on him, but it could never hurt to have a guy like that around. I'd rather have him than Dom probably.

UCLA's Joshua Smith is a big boy with a soft touch.

[rsxnova]

Why the hell would they trade Tyreke for Jimmer?

Sac fans must be drunk on Marcus Thornton.

[Plowright]

They must not have seen him trying to play defense yet...

[ziggy]

As my NCAA brackets have made very apparent, my knowledge of college ball is abysmal.

With that being said I ask you guys this, Is there any low post scoring / rebounding player out there that I should be falling in love with that we may able to get in the late lottery?

[SWedd523]

This year's crop of bigs is incredibly weak. The best big man in the draft is Jared Sullinger and while he's a great player, he seems a bit small/wide. He plays a lot like David West with his style and ability to do multiple things on the offensive end--though I haven't seen him show range on a consistent basis. Besides, you wouldn't pick David West with a top 3 pick.

Then you have:

Enes Kanter--Euro and a bit too short for my taste.
Jonas Valanciunas--Euro and a bit too scrawny for my taste.
Donatas Motiejunas--Euro and a bit too scrawny for my taste.


So they aren't screaming, "PICK ME!"



Other than that you have JaJuan Johnson (my favorite big), Markieff Morris (Marcus' twin), and Mason Plumlee (the blond), but none of them "should" go any higher than 20ish.

[rsxnova]

JonasV has a 7-6 wingspan with huge hands. I would take him with our first pick.

[Toocool]

JonasV has a 7-6 wingspan with huge hands. I would take him with our first pick.

Best thing about JonasV, is that we don't have to force feed him like we did Ajinca. Dude is like 240 pounds? Decent weight, just not enough strength at this moment.

[teej]

Of the Euro's, I like Jonas the most. I've played with all of them on 2k11 (yes, I know that's meaningless) and his game seems like it fits the most. He's a low post guy with a strong competitive drive, while Donatas is a Bargnani and Enes has questions about his knees.

As far as the American bigs, Sullinger is a rebounding Boris Diaw, without the passing. He even looks like him. Johnson is wayyyyy too small, and I like the Morris bros. but they're not going to play the 5 at all. Not a fan of any Duke bigs.

[Chef]

i would use a 2nd round pick on zeller if no project centers are available. he can run the floor, use 6 fouls and has a decent enough of a post game to warrant 500k per year.

[Plowright]

B (NY)



What pick do you see Kemba Walker as in the draft?
Chad Ford (1:32 PM)




He goes somewhere between 8 and 15. Look for Charlotte. I hear Michael Jordan is a big fan.


Good god NO, i hope this is not true and someone tells MJ to leave him

[polarcat]

I really don't want Walker. He reminds of a cross between Ben Gordon and Khalid Al-Amin. It seems like this draft is chock full of tweeners with no definite NBA position. Either way, I don't personally want Walker. If we're taking a shooter at the 1/2 position, I'd rather have Alec Burks.

[teej]

If there's anything we've learned, it's that this front office is pretty tightly sealed. All the rumored stuff never happened, and almost everything that did happen, we had no idea until ex post facto.

And I find it hard to believe MJ would let Chad Ford be the lone insider amongst the media on the Bobcats. Sorry. I don't believe anything he says.

[dav7z]

I think Barnes is the only star in the bunch. Im kinda hopeong he last til we pick . Or we trade up to get him .
Either of the bros at Kanas is decent . Sulnger wouldn't be bad , Though i think all thease guys will be P/Fs
Henson i just don't know what position he fills. If only he had a nice mid range jumper.
I don't think Walker or Jimmer fit our fiest pick . Though i would pick Jimmer in the second round .
N Smith keeps impressing me along with B Kinght a possability with our 2nd first rounder.
Im not a fan of any big in the draft . Or i just havn't seen him so far.

Im all in favor of moving Birris and DJ , and Jackson for first round picks If we can move either or all three of them . Any center we use next season will have to come off the free agent market.

[The Prodigy]

Id love to draft Kemba, but thats just the Uconn fan in me. He really wouldnt improve the team all that much. PG isnt a huge issue at the moment, and if we do have some sort of plan do go after CP3, it would be a waste of a pick.

We need to draft a bonafide Center or SF. No more PF tweeners. I dont care how good some of the guys like Sullinger and Derrick Williams are, if they cant play Center, they are of no help to us. We are loaded with PFs.

I really like Barnes. I think he will be the best player to come out of this class, and would have absolutely no problem trading up to get him. Its looking more and more like we will end up with the 8th spot and it also looks like the Hornets may fall out of the playoffs. We should have the ammo(lol) to move up to get the guy we want.

As far as centers go, im really not a fan of the Euros. They all seem way to skinny. I have no interest in a center who looks like a twig. I dont know much about Kanter, so I really cant say anything about him. The one player that does interest me is Nogueira. But I dont know much about him.

[dnbman]

Barnes has shot up to #2 in NBADraft.net's most recent mock.

Meanwhile, Perry Jones has slipped to #9. If we pick at at 8 or higher and have Jones on the board, is he a no-brainer?

[SWedd523]

Haven't really ever been a fan of him, certainly never bought into the #1 overall hype. He's a good player and has an intriguing skillset, but is he a 4 or is he a 3? Does he have a good enough head on his shoulders? Why did Baylor underachieve so much if he's that good?


Too many questions about him for my taste.

[dnbman]

Haven't really ever been a fan of him, certainly never bought into the #1 overall hype. He's a good player and has an intriguing skillset, but is he a 4 or is he a 3? Does he have a good enough head on his shoulders? Why did Baylor underachieve so much if he's that good?


Too many questions about him for my taste.

I have no idea. NBADraft.net suggests that he plays a little soft and his teammates didn't look for him. Certainly don't like to hear "soft" when considering drafting a big, but if we're picking 8-10 and he's there, is he still overrated?

[Chef]

he's slipping because he isn't in the tournament. he will move back up when workouts start. questions or not he is a freakish talent. if he puts it together- watch out.

[dnbman]

he's slipping because he isn't in the tournament. he will move back up when workouts start. questions or not he is a freakish talent. if he puts it together- watch out.

So, in your opinion, we definitely take him if he falls to us that late?

[SWedd523]

I have no idea. NBADraft.net suggests that he plays a little soft and his teammates didn't look for him. Certainly don't like to hear "soft" when considering drafting a big, but if we're picking 8-10 and he's there, is he still overrated?
I think you pretty much have to go with him if he falls that far, unless he doesn't perform well in pre draft measurements/drills.

[Chef]

So, in your opinion, we definitely take him if he falls to us that late?

yeah and hope it works out. put it this way, if he falls to us at say 9 or 10 and we pass and he turns out to be a superstar our franchise basically crumbles. at 9 or 10 it is a no lose type of situation. he is either an allstar superstar, strong starter or troubled young player who has trade value. the other option is someone who is at best a strong starter.

[ALong13]

I would love to get SF Derrick Williams from Arizona. He's a great player who is relatively consistent and can start immediately. If we could get a Center for S-Jax I have to look at doing that. S-Jax is not getting younger, and I don't think he wants to be on a rebuilding team. If we could trade him for Kaman, I'd be all over that trade. I think we will be rebuiding next year and aim again for the playoffs in 2012-2013. Only reason we we're in competition this season is because the bottom of the East SUCKED.

Jan Vessley looks intriguing, but I think PF is stacked right now. Not sure if we go at PG, but I don't see us drafting a center unless Ernes Kanter falls, but two 6-10 guys at PF & C, could give us a small low court lineup

[Dcarnys]

All I know is if we could pull of getting both Barnes and Kemba Walker, Ill be one happy man.

[ALong13]

I'm not sure Kemba Walker turns into a great pro, Barnes is expected now in the top 3, with ESPN's lottery machine having him at #2. It has us picking Kemba Walker, but mentions that while listed at 6-1, he's really closer to 5-10...do we really need two small point guards?

Kawhi Leonard remind me a lot of Crash. Slasher, but a great rebounder. 16 ppg and 11 rpg last season. Can play 3 or the 4. Not a great three point shooter however at only about 29%. Could be interesting look as well. Great defender

I also like Texas's Jordan Hamilton, not as good of a defender as Leonard, but a much better 3 pt shooter at almost 39% 18.6 ppg and
7.7

2nd round, I wouldn't mind give Oakland's Keith Benson a shot, 2nd rounds usually don't land many times, so go for the player you think has the best chance to succeed, but also fit your team. Benson could be a good project player. Boy can even shoot the three. Great shot blocker too.

[GoBobs]

I am getting really scared that a lot of underclassmen aren't going to come out because of the lockout. Sullinger said tonight he is def staying in school. Barnes has mentioned staying in school, Irving has talked about staying in school.

Draft express only has two seniors in the first round to go with a handful of international players. I have a feeling this is going to be a disaster.

[ohara831]

I am getting really scared that a lot of underclassmen aren't going to come out because of the lockout. Sullinger said tonight he is def staying in school. Barnes has mentioned staying in school, Irving has talked about staying in school.

Draft express only has two seniors in the first round to go with a handful of international players. I have a feeling this is going to be a disaster.

I dont usually put much stock in the answer before a team is eliminated or the same night they are eliminated. Parents or other family will support their decision but tell them to first make sure they are not making an emotional reaction. Sit down and think the whole thing thru. When they see the money they might be losing out on and know the risk of injury and how much it can cost them, it often changes the mind. A couple of them might stay, wno knows? But I'll wait a few weeks before I really believe anyone.

[BlockParty]

I am getting really scared that a lot of underclassmen aren't going to come out because of the lockout. Sullinger said tonight he is def staying in school. Barnes has mentioned staying in school, Irving has talked about staying in school.

Draft express only has two seniors in the first round to go with a handful of international players. I have a feeling this is going to be a disaster.

Reality will hit, some of the kids involved (probably not in the group you mentioned) that felt they were 'one & done' probably haven't seen the inside of a classroom this semester. If that is the case, it's very unlikely they did very well in the 1st semester, and even with Summer School, they won't be able to get enough credits to be academically eligible next semester.

Even with the CBA uncertainty, they'll still come out. Just raises the question, is the NBDL bound by the CBA? or will alot of these early entry players flood the NBDL next season?

[Marvel]

Derrick Williams has been added to my top targets.

[ohara831]

The way things are falling right now, it looks like a good shot our 1sts could be Kemba Walker and Jordan Hamilton, which would not suck at all. I really wanted Kanter but he will clearly be gone before we pick.

[ohara831]

And if you really dont like DJ as a starter, we will very likely have our pick of either Kemba Walker or Knight as a pick. And both look pretty good.

[spectre]

I dunno...if we don't watch out we'll be picking in the 12-14 range (or even 15 if we win the battle of the losers). Isn't that a little late for Kemba? Is he worth trading that and the NOLA pick to move up?

If even remotely so I'd say do it. We need quality over quantity at this stage.

[ohara831]

I posted this under the CBA impact thread also. Something to consider. I think our 2012 pick Chi may get is Top 10 proctected, correct? Say we miss the Playoffs this season and pick #10 and #17/18 with NO pick. Say the 2011/2012 season is lost due to no CBA Agreement. Then I would think the 2012 draft follows the same order as this year's draft, right? So we could get #10 and #17/18 this season and then #10 again next season with a much deeper and better draft.

[spectre]

I posted this under the CBA impact thread also. Something to consider. I think our 2012 pick Chi may get is Top 10 proctected, correct? Say we miss the Playoffs this season and pick #10 and #17/18 with NO pick. Say the 2011/2012 season is lost due to no CBA Agreement. Then I would think the 2012 draft follows the same order as this year's draft, right? So we could get #10 and #17/18 this season and then #10 again next season with a much deeper and better draft.


Chicago Bulls: Receives 2012 first-round pick (lottery-protected in 2012, top-12 protected in 2013, top-10 in 2014, top-8 in 2015, unprotected in 2016) from the Charlotte Bobcats via the Tyrus Thomas trade on 2/18/10.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/DraftPickDebt.asp#ixzz1HtqtxKD9

I think it's safe to say the Bulls aren't getting that pick anytime soon.

[Chef]

And if you really dont like DJ as a starter, we will very likely have our pick of either Kemba Walker or Knight as a pick. And both look pretty good.

as far as pro future goes knight > kemba

[ohara831]

as far as pro future goes knight > kemba

I think Knight may be better defensively, which is a big plus. But Kemba has that swag that MJ likes.

[Chef]

knight is bigger, more of a pure point but still a scorer. he reminds me of derrick rose at his best he may be a poor man's rose which isn't too shabby.

[teej]

Nah, Knight is a shooter, he's more like a bigger, stronger DJ.

Kemba reminds me a TON of Jason Terry. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, since we need scoring in the worst way.

[Marvel]

Slimmed my draft selections down to, Derrick Williams and Kanter.

[dav7z]

Slimmed my draft selections down to, Derrick Williams and Kanter.

Both of those guys will be gone unless we trade up . Knight or Walker [one of the two ] should be around at ten.
Im Hearing rumors GS is looking to move Curry . Rumor has it they like Jimmer. I could see us moving our two first for Curry.

[ohara831]

It would be dumbfounding if GS traded Curry for something like a #10 and #18. But I'd jump at that trade.

[WAM9]

Both of those guys will be gone unless we trade up . Knight or Walker [one of the two ] should be around at ten.
Im Hearing rumors GS is looking to move Curry . Rumor has it they like Jimmer. I could see us moving our two first for Curry.

Turning these 2 1st rounders into Curry would be the best news I have maybe ever heard. I also don't think it is out of the question. Unlikely but definitely not unrealistic.

[Plowright]

I would really be interested in tobais Harris with our NO pick. he is mega young, a KD like work ethic apparantly and had a great tourney. Think he went 10-10 in one game. If anyone has seen more of him then please educate me on his + and - also he is a small forward which we could do with.

[SWedd523]

He won't be a SF

[Plowright]

Please explain

[SWedd523]

He's going to be a PF. He likes to work on the block and isn't explosively athletic enough to play/guard the NBA 3 spot. He'll be a good PF, but that's his only position

[Plowright]

Not quite sure why, but nba draft.net says we have a pick after New Orleans in the 1st round!?

http://www.nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft

I think they must think that we got Portlands pick not NO. Shouldnt a draft website know that

[SWedd523]

Nbadraft.net has always been a bit shoddy.

[Ghost Kat]

Kyrie Irving?

[ohara831]

I had really thought all this Bismack Biyombo talk was just crap and he was another Alexis Ajinca clone. But this kid has a lot of game and a lot of room to grow. Triple double at the US vs World game. He had already risen to #16 on Chad Ford's Board. I think it safe to say that he may now be on MJ's radar at #9 pick. He is only 6/9 and 245 lbs at 18 years old, but listed as a PF/Center. Cant use him as a PF with both Diaw and TT in that spot already. But I can see trying to play small ball and have him playing the Center spot. Or possibly we would trade Diaw for another late 1st round pick. Anyway, get ready to hear a lot about this kid as I think he is now in play at #9.

[Plowright]

i disagree. I think if a team like the Spurs had the 9th pick then he would be in play as they dont need anyone to contribute right away. eg tiago Splitter. However we need someone who can contribute now. i think he is in play with our NO pick but i think we can get talent that will be of starter quality now with the 9 pick

[Marvel]

I had really thought all this Bismack Biyombo talk was just crap and he was another Alexis Ajinca clone. But this kid has a lot of game and a lot of room to grow. Triple double at the US vs World game. He had already risen to #16 on Chad Ford's Board. I think it safe to say that he may now be on MJ's radar at #9 pick. He is only 6/9 and 245 lbs at 18 years old, but listed as a PF/Center. Cant use him as a PF with both Diaw and TT in that spot already. But I can see trying to play small ball and have him playing the Center spot. Or possibly we would trade Diaw for another late 1st round pick. Anyway, get ready to hear a lot about this kid as I think he is now in play at #9.

He could play at C as a starter. Think Ben Wallace....

[ohara831]

If we did end up drafting BB at #9, can you imagine having a front line of Kwame, BB and TT on the floor at the same time? Very athletic and defense oriented, but not so sure about where the offense comes from.

[amour217]

Sometimes I think we get our picks AT Target

[Plowright]

can someone tell me why draftin Vesley doesn't make sense? The more i think about it the more i like it

[ohara831]

can someone tell me why draftin Vesley doesn't make sense? The more i think about it the more i like it

I dont have any problem with it at all. Problem is that he will be gone before we pick.

[ohara831]

Unreal that BB is now up to #11 on Chad Ford's Board at ESPN. 2 weeks ago he was a late 2nd rounder. By the end of the week, he will be the #1 pick in the Draft. Good thing is that if he gets taken before #9, then he pushes someone to us that we otherwise would have missed.

Also good news that Sullinger is being advised to declare for the Draft and not hire an agent to preserve his eligibility. But this way, he can get feedback on where he would be drafted. Hopefully he comes out and that just keeps pushing the better players down to our reach. And the way the Draft is stacking up for next year, odds are he goes higher this year than in next year's draft, so if might very well be more financially sound for him to come out. At least, I hope he does.

[SWedd523]

I like Vesely on the offensive end of the floor. He's always had the slashing ability and seems to have added a semi reliable outside jumper to his game, though I haven't seen enough of him to tell if he has that all important iso-ability.


The thing I DON'T like about him is that he's a shaky, less than stellar defense.

[Plowright]

draft express has us taking him at 9

[polarcat]

Well, Perry Jones is yet another top-10 player to return to college for another year. The more I think about it, the more I'd like us to either trade the #9 overall for a proven player (i.e - what we did with Brandon Wright), or package picks/players to move into the top 3 (select Williams or Barnes). Watching us last night, I see a few good starters, very solid bench/role players, but no dominating player. With only 3 real "guarantees" in this draft, I think we go hard or go home. The Euros, Kawhi Leonard's, and Kemba Walkers of the world do nothing for me. Jordan likes the limelight and he could really make his blueprint look a lot better by being aggressive this off season by securing Derek Williams or the local Harrison Barnes.

[Ghost Kat]

Right now its real hard to get excited about the draft or Bobcats. This is a super weak draft. Happy happy joy joy we get two picks in it. Maybe its me but this is feeling alot like the Fine Ham Biscuit days

[rsxnova]

I just hope we dont come home with Bismack Biyombo.

[LiquidWayno]

I just hope we dont come home with Bismack Biyombo.

What a wicked name though! Then again, if that's all that matters, we'd take Jimmer Fridette in a heartbeat.."...and it's not even close" (note: use Mark Jackson voice).

[Plowright]

why wouldnt you want bismark?

[Plowright]

"We need a tough rebounder - that person we can count on getting us 10-15 and anchoring our defense"

thats what MJ said in http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/04/14/2221583/committed-to-team-you-bet-cheap.html

Does that sound like kenneth Faired? Or Kawhi Leonard

[The Prodigy]

My current Draft Board:

1. Harrison Barnes (Trade up)
2. Kemba Walker
3. Bismack Biyombo
4. Terrence Jones
5. Kahwi Leonard

[ohara831]

BB can give us defense and rebounding off the bench. But his offensive game is a couple years away from being productive at all. Puts me in mind of being an awful lot like Diop, only he has the potential to develope a good offensive game where Diop does not. Think I might be more interested in the Euro bigs before BB, but my mind could be changed if I had a good bit of time to see him rather than just read snippets about him from short articles.

[Plowright]

Puts me in mind of being an awful lot like Diop,

haha i thought this exact thing. he went 2-8 from the line at the game the other week. Surely he is better than diop, he must be...

[polarcat]

Following Prodigy's post, my hopes with the 9th pick if we don't trade the pick to acquire an established player:

1. Swinging for the fences and trading up for Derrick Willams or Harrison Barnes
2. Terrence Jones
3. Kawhi Leonard
4. Jan Vessely
5. Brandon Knight

[SWedd523]

Guys, we're putting together a comprehensive big board for the draft. I'm rounding up all members who are interested in participating. If you want in and want the guidelines, then send me a PM and I'll get you fixed up on a first come first serve basis!

[WAM9]

On the couple of posts who are talking about trading up and swinging for the fences, why no mention of Kyrie Irving? I actually think he is the #1 prospect in the entire draft. I would personally rate him above Williams and Barnes alike.

[SWedd523]

I think Kyrie missing the majority of the season helps his stock more than it hurts it

[Plowright]

Yer i know what you mean. Glen Davis got his game picked apart by scouts, the same could have happened to Irving

[SWedd523]

How sexy is Ellie Goulding to you brits?

[WAM9]

I agree with the Kyrie stock being down because of his injury but someone like Williams is high because of his tournament performance. For me, I would rather have a guy whose stock is down because of an injury (especially a non-career type injury) rather than a guy who is riding high on the NCAA wave.

At the end of the day, Williams and Irving are completely different players who play completely different positions. It will depend on team need. At this point though, I would bet that Kyrie has a better long term NBA career. Only time will tell and we would be extremely lucky to get either of them.

[SWedd523]

I was actually trying to say his stock is UP because of the injury

[Plowright]

errrmmm yer shes pretty hoy. Prefer Liv Boree tho! Proffesional poker player, rock chick who plays the guitar and is loaded!

http://www.livboeree.com/

check out that gallery! haha

anyway why u wondering about ellie goulding? She's a v good singer

[SWedd523]

She's pretty good, but I'd still go after Goulding.


I went to London a few years back and really enjoyed the city and girls. Ever since then, I've kind of been a UK homer. English accents (on girls) are sexy, Top Gear is the best show on TV, etc. etc. I watched one of her YouTube videos when she covered a Rihanna song and have been in her fan club ever since.

[Toocool]

Clearly we need to trade up. I would definately get either Barnes or Kanter if they were available. If both were...I would say Barnes since Cpt. Jack is getting on in the years and Kwame is producing at a nice level with help from The Oakley.

[Plowright]

thats if kwame is still here after the offseason

[Chef]

Clearly we need to trade up. I would definately get either Barnes or Kanter if they were available. If both were...I would say Barnes since Cpt. Jack is getting on in the years and Kwame is producing at a nice level with help from The Oakley.

if we were thinking about trying to stack assets to trade for howard in 2012, kanter would be the pick.

[Toocool]

thats if kwame is still here after the offseason

Kwame has been the laughing stock of this league for over a decade. This year he's finally been able to prove himself, and to show that he can score and produce at this level after being crapped on his entire career. This year has changed him, puffed up his confidence and shown that he can play. I would much rather take the smaller money for improvement and to show the NBA that you can play instead of taking a slightly bigger paycheck.

Logically speaking anyway, I would think that Kwame would come back, especially as we have Oakley to lure him back.

[dnbman]

I would much rather take the smaller money for improvement and to show the NBA that you can play instead of taking a slightly bigger paycheck.

Logically speaking anyway, I would think that Kwame would come back, especially as we have Oakley to lure him back.

Maybe. However, he's 30 next year, and this could be his last contract. If a contract with a new team nets him a few million dollars more money, I'm not sure he can pass that up.

[Plowright]

Also if you were Miami u would go after him. It's a no brained and h would have a chance of s championship

[ohara831]

I would hope that Kwame would show MJ some loyalty by signing for something reasonable which we can afford. Afterall, MJ gave him this shot and he did well for us. That said, it likely will be his last contract and you cannot hold it against him if he goes with the most money to try and find financial security. So I think I would prefer Kanter if he is on the Board still at #9, which would be a long shot. But if we somehow landed a Top 3 pick, I take whomever is left between Irving, Williams and Barnes (assuming he does come out).

[teej]

Kwame will get at least one more contract. He's basically the same age as Mek, yet no one says Mek is old.

[dnbman]

Kwame will get at least one more contract. He's basically the same age as Mek, yet no one says Mek is old.

Okafor's also a much better player. Kwame was almost out of the league this year. If somebody offers him, say, 4-5 years at $4-5M, I think he'd take it with quickness.

[heelsnum1]

I'd love to get this year's Kwame back, but whose to say he plays as inspired under the comfort of a nice new contract?

[polarcat]

And another one bites the dust. Grrrr..... I really wanted Barnes too.

http://aboverim.blogspot.com/

Great year to be a Euro in this draft. Looks like Kanter and the 7' Lithuanian are moving up.

[ohara831]

I appreciate wanting to get your diploma, but I think this is a mistake on his part. Top 3 pick, you just have to go. Work on the diploma in the off season taking classes. But you can only hurt your stock by having an injury or something staying. Cannot improve his stock staying. But I wish him the best of luck.

[Plowright]

NOOOOOO, this is good in some ways. We never really had the chance to get Barnes this year unless we traded. Maybe next year he will be in our range, i cannot wait for next years draft

[Dcarnys]

Hopefully we can get him next year, I honestly think Barnes is the real deal.

[SWedd523]

2012 National Champions

[Chef]

2012 National Champions

it looks that way but be careful roy also had the paul pierce stud kansas team which didn't make it out of the sweet 16.

[Dcarnys]

2012 National Champions
Gotta think their the favorites going into next year. Roy Williams team's have done good living up to expectations (Minus the Paul Peirce year).

[ziggy]

Kyrie Irving. Where does he fall on this scale of big time PG prospects who were in the last several drafts?

1- CP3
2- Derrick Rose
3- Deron Williams
4- John Wall
5- Ricky Rubio

[BlockParty]

From Chad Ford's "In" the top 10 ranked players (after Harrison Barnes decided to stay) for 2011 and 2012's drafts:



North Carolina's Harrison Barnes (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19461) followed the lead of Jared Sullinger (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19544), Perry Jones (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19543) and UNC teammates John Henson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19381) and Tyler Zeller (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19474) when he announced on Monday that he was skipping the 2011 NBA draft and returning to school.


Barnes' decision may be a great one for college basketball fans, but it leaves an unprecedented hole at the top of the draft for NBA teams.



Barnes is currently ranked No. 3 on our 2011 Big Board and in several of our Mock Draft scenarios was the No. 1 pick. Sullinger was ranked No. 4. Jones was No. 5. All three players were considered potential All-Stars at the NBA level.


That leaves just two players right now -- Duke's Kyrie Irving (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19542) and Arizona's Derrick Williams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19490) -- as the prizes of this year's draft. After that, it's a big, big drop-off.



Our current Top 10 for 2011 looks like this.

1. Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
2. Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
3. Enes Kanter (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19524), F/C, Turkey
4. Jonas Valanciunas (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19523), F/C, Lithuania
5. Kemba Walker (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19270), PG, UConn
6. Brandon Knight (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19546), G, Kentucky
7. Jan Vesely (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19415), F, Czech Republic
8. Bismack Biyombo (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19642), C, Congo
9. Terrence Jones (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19555), F, Kentucky
10. Kawhi Leonard (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19534), F, San Diego State



"We've been pessimistic about this draft before those guys dropped out," one Eastern Conference GM said. "Without them, this may be the weakest draft since 2000. Guys will be going in the lottery that would normally be late first-round picks."


It is a problem. Kanter hasn't played ball in a year after the NCAA ruled him ineligible. He's got talent, but how much will losing a year affect his ability to contribute? Valanciunas has serious talent, but also has serious contract issues that could prohibit him from coming to the NBA soon. Vesely is an athletic forward but averaged just 10.4 points per game this year.


Walker is obviously a big name, but his lack of size hurts him a bit. Knight still hasn't declared for the draft but if he does, scouts still aren't 100 percent sure he's a real point guard. Biyombo has the body and game of Ben Wallace, but he's a pretty big question mark. Jones struggled the second half of the season. Leonard still lacks a true position.


I could go on.



On the domestic side, things should look brighter from here on in. Several other top underclassmen including Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones and Alec Burks (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19510) are still undecided. However, sources suggest all three are leaning strongly toward declaring.


Players have until April 24 to declare for the draft.



The 2012 NBA draft, however, is looking much, much better. With players like Barnes, Sullinger and Jones added to a stellar freshman class that will likely include Anthony Davis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19650), Michael Gilchrist (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19651), Austin Rivers (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19653), Quincy Miller (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19652), Bradley Beal (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19658) and James McAdoo (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19654) -- there should be plenty of talent. Here's a quick look at our projected top 10 for 2012:



1. Anthony Davis, F/C, Kentucky
2. Harrison Barnes, G/F, North Carolina
3. Perry Jones, F, Baylor
4. Michael Gilchrist, F, Kentucky
5. Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
6. Austin Rivers, G, Duke
7. Quincy Miller, F, Baylor
8. Bradley Beal, G, Florida
9. John Henson, F, North Carolina
10. James McAdoo, F, North Carolina

[Chef]

Kyrie Irving. Where does he fall on this scale of big time PG prospects who were in the last several drafts?

1- CP3
2- Derrick Rose
3- Deron Williams
4- John Wall
5- Ricky Rubio

nowhere near the first 4. probably above rubio.

[Marvel]

nowhere near the first 4. probably above rubio.

Premature. 4th equal with Wall.

[SWedd523]

Premature. 4th equal with Wall.

He's definitely on par with Wall.

[Chef]

He's definitely on par with Wall.

college wise yes, but i don't see kyrie doing what wall did this year in the league. wall had a great year that was overshadowed by blakes incredible year

[SWedd523]

That could certainly be true, but I'd say coming out of school, his talent level is on par with Rose, Reke, and Wall. It's probable that he won't turn into the MVP like Rose or do great things like Reke/Wall have in their rookie years, but he has that potential.

[teej]

He also won't come close to letting the Cavs set the record for road losses...

[The Prodigy]

What is the trade value of our potential draft picks if we were to trade them for picks next year? Would it be smart to trade one of our picks for a pick next year?

[SWedd523]

Next year's draft is looking crazy deep, I don't think any team would be willing to trade a lottery pick next year for one this year.

[Chef]

of course this is totally dependent on the lottery results, (assuming we stay at 9 or 10) i would definitely trade down out of the lottery to any team willing to take on any of our bad contracts. here is what i would accept

1. trade down to 11-15 to anyone willing to take tyrus off our hands
2. trade down to 20-22 to anyone willing to take diop off our hands or give our two picks and diop for one 11-15 range pick
3. jax and our pick to move up to get kanter (4-5th pick)

[WAM9]

of course this is totally dependent on the lottery results, (assuming we stay at 9 or 10) i would definitely trade down out of the lottery to any team willing to take on any of our bad contracts. here is what i would accept

1. trade down to 11-15 to anyone willing to take tyrus off our hands
2. trade down to 20-22 to anyone willing to take diop off our hands or give our two picks and Diop for one 11-15 range pick
3. jax and our pick to move up to get kanter (4-5th pick)

Chef, I agree with your 2nd point for sure. It would a complete steal to trade our 2 picks and Diop for an 11-15 pick.

Although I am no Jack hater at all, I also agree with #3 that that would be best for our team going forward.

I completely disagree though with #1. There is no way I would move down the draft to "get rid of" Tyrus. At the very least, we need to play him to either develop him going forward or to increase his trade value. The deal you are suggesting would be the definition of trading something at it's lowest value.

[Chef]

Chef, I agree with your 2nd point for sure. It would a complete steal to trade our 2 picks and Diop for an 11-15 pick.

Although I am no Jack hater at all, I also agree with #3 that that would be best for our team going forward.

I completely disagree though with #1. There is no way I would move down the draft to "get rid of" Tyrus. At the very least, we need to play him to either develop him going forward or to increase his trade value. The deal you are suggesting would be the definition of trading something at it's lowest value.

i just feel we are going to massively regret signing tyrus to the 5 year deal when he only moderately improves and we are paying him david west money.

if you want to split the difference, i would certainly do tyrus and our pick for clevelands #8 (as it stands now) and tpe

[dnbman]

What is the trade value of our potential draft picks if we were to trade them for picks next year? Would it be smart to trade one of our picks for a pick next year?

I don't think we can, at least not the 9th pick. I don't think you can trade back to back first round picks, but that might be in the same deal.

[SWedd523]

I don't think we can, at least not the 9th pick. I don't think you can trade back to back first round picks, but that might be in the same deal.
You're not allowed to trade picks in consecutive drafts. Not knowing exactly when that Tyrus pick will be given up makes trading our other picks difficult. But, as we have two first rounders this year, we can trade one of them.

[dnbman]

You're not allowed to trade picks in consecutive drafts. Not knowing exactly when that Tyrus pick will be given up makes trading our other picks difficult. But, as we have two first rounders this year, we can trade one of them.

We didn't have a first last year, right? So that means we have to keep one from this year, I believe.

Ah!

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/6630/the-lakers-will-pick-somebody-and-a-technicality

You have to pick every other year, but you can trade the pick immediately, even on draft night. Interesting.

And one more edit for the last part....

Still doesn't matter what we did last year, as the rule only applies to trading future picks.

So, yes, unequivocally, we could trade this year's picks.

[JamieMcNeill]

i just feel we are going to massively regret signing tyrus to the 5 year deal when he only moderately improves and we are paying him david west money.

if you want to split the difference, i would certainly do tyrus and our pick for clevelands #8 (as it stands now) and tpe

Tyrus needs to be given time, I would not be willing to take someone with his potential ,who we JUST signed to a big contract, and dump him for picks in a weak draft

[SWedd523]

We didn't have a first last year, right? So that means we have to keep one from this year, I believe.

Ah!

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/6630/the-lakers-will-pick-somebody-and-a-technicality

You have to pick every other year, but you can trade the pick immediately, even on draft night. Interesting.

And one more edit for the last part....

Still doesn't matter what we did last year, as the rule only applies to trading future picks.

So, yes, unequivocally, we could trade this year's picks.

Yeah the literature behind the rules is a bit wonky. We always could trade either the 9 or 19 but not both.

Like you said though, as soon as draft night comes around we can ship then both out without making any violation.

[SWedd523]

Tyrus needs to be given time, I would not be willing to take someone with his potential ,who we JUST signed to a big contract, and dump him for picks in a weak draft

I'd definitely flip him and the 19th for a 2012 lottery pick. Only issue is which team and making sure it stays in the lottery.

[ALong13]

If Jan Vessly falls to number 9 then I'll take him as I think he has potential if not i want to hear

And with the ninth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select SF Jordan Hamilton from the University of Texas


as for the 19th pick, I'm not really sure, 2nd rounder though I want Center Keith Benson from Oakland. I think he could be the steal of the second round this year.

[Plowright]

http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042011aaa.html

thank goodness!!! I was worried if these guys didn't declare the draft would worsen even more

[BlockParty]

http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042011aaa.html

thank goodness!!! I was worried if these guys didn't declare the draft would worsen even more

Not sure any of those guys would be academically eligible for next semester, so this was kind of expected.

[Plowright]

anyone have any targets for our 2nd rounder? lucas nogueira and Shelvin Mack are my two hopes

[JGib23]

Not sure any of those guys would be academically eligible for next semester, so this was kind of expected.

Doesn't Brandon Knight sport a 4.0? That kid is supposedly an excellent student.

Anyway really glad that they decided to enter, if we don't move up via the ping pong gods, I think that one of Knight, Jones, Burks will be our pick.

[Toocool]

If Jan Vessly falls to number 9 then I'll take him as I think he has potential if not i want to hear

And with the ninth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select SF Jordan Hamilton from the University of Texas


as for the 19th pick, I'm not really sure, 2nd rounder though I want Center Keith Benson from Oakland. I think he could be the steal of the second round this year.

Definately want Benson at the end of the draft if we don't pick up a big. Word has been saying his play of late has shifted him into mid-range 1st round. I wouldn't be too fussed if we picked him up with the 19th pick tbh.

[WAM9]

anyone have any targets for our 2nd rounder? lucas nogueira and Shelvin Mack are my two hopes

Mack would be a great pick but I don't think he will be there. I would love for Nolan Smith or Kyle Singler to fall to us though, again, I don't expect either one to be there.

Skeen fro VCU is another guy I would look at.

[Chef]

pg from boston college if he is available

[murphman]

Just watched Alec Burks' press conference at Colorado where he confirmed he is going to the NBA. Good news for the Bobcats (indirectly) because he is projected to be the #1 pure SG in the draft and the only one worthy of a lottery pick. Several teams picking in front of us are in desperate need of a SG (Cavs, Utah & Minny). If one grabs him, it pushes another player we may be targeting down to us assuming we stay at #9.

[ohara831]

Just watched Alec Burks' press conference at Colorado where he confirmed he is going to the NBA. Good news for the Bobcats (indirectly) because he is projected to be the #1 pure SG in the draft and the only one worthy of a lottery pick. Several teams picking in front of us are in desperate need of a SG (Cavs, Utah & Minny). If one grabs him, it pushes another player we may be targeting down to us assuming we stay at #9.

Agreed. I really really want a shot at Kanter.

[Plowright]

sorry but i cant see him going past 6, can you seriously?

[dnbman]

sorry but i cant see him going past 6, can you seriously?

That could have easily been said of Brook Lopez. (And Danny Granger, and many other past picks, for that matter.)

[ALong13]

Definately want Benson at the end of the draft if we don't pick up a big. Word has been saying his play of late has shifted him into mid-range 1st round. I wouldn't be too fussed if we picked him up with the 19th pick tbh.

I really like Benson, even if he is from a small school like Oakland I think he could become very good. If Charlotte has ANY doubt that he won't be there I'd be fine drafting him at 19.

SF Jordan Hamilton Texas
C Keith Benson Oakland
BPA

[Toocool]

I really like Benson, even if he is from a small school like Oakland I think he could become very good. If Charlotte has ANY doubt that he won't be there I'd be fine drafting him at 19.

SF Jordan Hamilton Texas
C Keith Benson Oakland
BPA

I agree. If we can't get Kanter, then I would definately take Benson at pick 19. Would come into the NBA with a decent body, just needs to get stronger. When you got Oakley, he could really develop (look at what Oakley did with Kwame after all). I wouldn't say he would ever be an allstar, but he's got great length and some post moves. Add another 15-20 pounds, and he could be very solid 5.

A lot of people say 'take the best available player' at the time. I would draft for need here, since Benson is very solid already. But that's just my thinking, I like the kid. Plus he seems to be developing into a defensive beast.

2010-11 HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Named The Summit League Player and Defensive Player of the Year
▪ Named Summit League Tournament MVP after leading OU to second straight title
▪ Posted 21.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game at the league tournament
▪ Garnered All-American honors by CollegeInsider.com and Associated Press (honorable mention)
▪ Selected to the CollegeInsider.com Defensive All-American Team
▪ Led The Summit League with a school record 20 double-doubles, finishing seventh in the NCAA
▪ Led the league for the second straight season and finished second in the country with 3.8 blocks per game
▪ Broke single-season school record with 127 blocked shots

TT+Benson on the court would be very interesting.

[Plowright]

why does every mock draft have him going second round? Does that not worry you. Wouldn't you prefer byambo?

[ohara831]

#19 is too high for Benson. If we can get him with our 2nd round pick, I'd jump on it. Bismack will be gone in the Top 6 most likely. But if he is still on the Board at #9, would not shock me at all to see MJ take him. His potential and his meteoric rise will make him someone to watch next year and you know MJ will eat up all the publicity for the Cats. But I am hoping that BB will push Kanter down to Charlotte. That would be great.

[Toocool]

#19 is too high for Benson. If we can get him with our 2nd round pick, I'd jump on it. Bismack will be gone in the Top 6 most likely. But if he is still on the Board at #9, would not shock me at all to see MJ take him. His potential and his meteoric rise will make him someone to watch next year and you know MJ will eat up all the publicity for the Cats. But I am hoping that BB will push Kanter down to Charlotte. That would be great.

I would hate to get Bismack. Next Ajinca probably, far too raw to even make an impact, plus he could be like 25 for all we know. We need someone who can produce now, which would be Kanter.

And yes, #19 would be too high. I'm simply suggesting it could be an option, I know we have a second round pick but he could be gone by then. Then we would have to probably use our 2nd rounder, package cash or something for him. Either way, I want Benson, just like how much I wanted Hendo back in 08 draft :p

[teej]

If the Front Office is really high on Benson, it may be prudent to buy the Lakers, Celtics or whoever else's pick at the tail end of the first round. Since those picks are generally low value because you're guaranteeing money, if you view someone like Benson as a surefire role player, then it makes total sense to buy in.

[Plowright]

Bismark lead the spanish lead in block and ft attempts per 48 minutes. He can produce now

[polarcat]

At first, I was weary of Biyombo, but if he's there at 9, I'd take him. Reports are now out that they had doctors check his bone plates to see his age since there were so many concerns. IIRC, they have it narrowed down to 18-21 years old. Figure he will grow another inch maybe two if lucky which would put him at 6'10'' and a ridiculous wingspan. Yes, he's raw, but I don't think he's in the Diop/Ajinca camp, rather in the Nene blueprint, IMO. Could totally be wrong though..... anyway you slice it, this draft is one of the weakest as far as franchise/All-Star caliber talent.

[LiquidWayno]

I like the idea of buying a Celtics/Lakers/et al pick late in the first to get Benson. What are good sites for doing research besides DraftExpress?

[cltblkhscoach]

I'll look at nbadraft.net from time to time....

[SWedd523]

You typically stay far away from picks late in the first round. Guaranteed money for a guy who likely isn't much better than a second rounder (unguaranteed) is an iffy situation.

[jazzer89]

You typically stay far away from picks late in the first round. Guaranteed money for a guy who likely isn't much better than a second rounder (unguaranteed) is an iffy situation.

Tony Douglas, the knicks bought him from the lakers when they drafted him late. Guy is very good. thats just one example but if the guy is good and you trust your scouts go get him if the price is right

[teej]

You typically stay far away from picks late in the first round. Guaranteed money for a guy who likely isn't much better than a second rounder (unguaranteed) is an iffy situation.

That's my point as to why they're always sold. If you think Benson is going to be good, though, you spend to get him. And he's locked up longer for cheap.

[SWedd523]

Tony Douglas, the knicks bought him from the lakers when they drafted him late. Guy is very good. thats just one example but if the guy is good and you trust your scouts go get him if the price is right

I see your Toney Douglas and raise you a Sergio Rodriguez.

[SWedd523]

That's my point as to why they're always sold. If you think Benson is going to be good, though, you spend to get him. And he's locked up longer for cheap.

That's still such a reach though. In all of the mock drafts I've seen, Benson is projected from 35 to 46. Seems too risky to me.

[Plowright]

yer, there must be a reason for that. That's my point, i remember watching him in the ncaa and he got dominated

[teej]

Taking a guy projected at 35 as the 28th pick is a reach? Ok.

[Plowright]

He is rated at 46 by draft.net and 47 by mynba draft.

more importantly i feel http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213297/Lucas_Nogueira_Declares_For_Draft

This is a target which would be worth going after by swapping 2nd rounders or w/e he will only go up the draft board in later years, hes only 18!!!

[ziggy]

I spent part of the afternoon looking at video of Biyombo and Vesely. Does Biyombo remind anyone else of Gerald Wallace? Maybe just a little?

[Plowright]

ermmmm, he seems more of a post banger rather than someone who will drive the ball like Wallace. But GW's name didnt come to mind tbh

[LiquidWayno]

I'm hoping our BCP folks who are ESPN insiders will hook the rest of us up with info as draft day approaches. I honestly think we're due to win the lottery sometime, despite finishing 9th-12th a lot. Stern has to throw us a bone sometime, especially if Chris Paul & Dwight Howard are to be attracted here. Those two could pair nicely with Derrick Williams. Sometimes I dream.

[LiquidWayno]

Should Kanter or someone similar fall to us at 9, I wouldn't mind Chris Singleton from Florida State getting a look at the 19th pick. Health concerns, but he defends really well and could help a bit on the offensive end at the 3 spot. Dunno if he has declared or not.

[murphman]

He is rated at 46 by draft.net and 47 by mynba draft.

more importantly i feel http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213297/Lucas_Nogueira_Declares_For_Draft

This is a target which would be worth going after by swapping 2nd rounders or w/e he will only go up the draft board in later years, hes only 18!!!

A little more on him. Draftexpress now has him ranked 23rd and moving up. He might be gone by our 19th pick if his hype continues to grow.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuZeoe6iG9YPy._m7GM97Rq8vLYF?slug=aw-wojnarowski_brazilian_prospect_nba_draft_042311

[Plowright]

He is ranked 23 in the top 100 prospects on draft express but is actually in the 2012 mock draft not the 2011. As the article says, i think he is just getting an idea of where he might go which i would imagine is mid-late 1st round to a contender who can wait on him. http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Lucas-Nogueira-5957/mock-draft-history/

Draft express has now put him in the 2011 draft since i last put this post (reason for editing) they got him going 22

Would prob be late lottery to mid first round next year, although that draft is going to be stacked! Im just happy someone else is on the lucas train! haha

[frontpager]

Chris Singelton would be great pick for us at 19. He was best defender in nation, many analysts agree to that statement. He plays the three but can slide to 4 if needed. At #9 we should get Jordan Hamilton. Dude can flat out put ball in basket and that is exactly what we need. He needs to improve on defense but the work ethic is there. As much of an improvement he made between freshman and sophomore year you know he can be good. 6'8 215 lbs. is good size, perfect fill in for when we trade Jack.

[Plowright]

i agree, i just worry that no mock draft has us taking him. Most have him 11-17 why?

[BlockParty]

I'm hoping our BCP folks who are ESPN insiders will hook the rest of us up with info as draft day approaches. I honestly think we're due to win the lottery sometime, despite finishing 9th-12th a lot. Stern has to throw us a bone sometime, especially if Chris Paul & Dwight Howard are to be attracted here. Those two could pair nicely with Derrick Williams. Sometimes I dream.

Any article in particular?


Kyrie Irving an All-Star, not a superstar

Even before a number of other high-level players opted to skip the draft and return to school, Kyrie Irving was going to be a serious candidate for the No. 1 pick, depending, of course, on who gets it. Now he might be the guy no matter who is drafting.

The top overall pick, however, is not something that carries the same value from year to year. Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose have all proved to truly be franchise talents. John Wall absolutely is on track for a similar impact. But Andrea Bargnani, Greg Oden and Andrew Bogut, while clearly talented players, are not "MVP" caliber players (and Oden's career has never gotten off the ground as a result of injuries).

So if the team that ends up with the No. 1 pick decides to draft Irving, will it merely be getting a long-term starter, or can he be the foundation for a potential championship squad and a future MVP candidate? My guess is that he'll be in-between those levels, a star who can be the MVP of a playoff series, but not MVP of the league. Here's why:


When watching Irving on tape, I see a player who looks like Brandon Roy with better natural playmaking skills. I mean the All-Star Roy with healthy knees, not the guy who is fighting his knees most nights and can't move anywhere close to the way he used to on every possession. A healthy Roy used his strong body, great balance and crafty ball-handling to create shots for himself and others. He was a solid perimeter shooter and a devastating mid-range guy, with a true talent for finishing in the paint but away from the rim.

I see Irving being able to do similar things, and pretty quickly. He is excellent at keeping his upper body aligned when he is ready to finish at the rim after going past defenders. Even though he's young, he uses his big shoulders and good strength to bounce off bodies while still maintaining his finishing posture. Both of these skills will transfer over well to the NBA game, and it's easy to assume he'll be getting stronger in the next few years. He only turned 19 in March, a full three years younger than Roy was as a rookie.

Irving, like Roy, is adept at changing speeds and direction while attacking the paint, keeping defenders off-balance and guessing (often poorly) what he'll do next. He is an excellent ballhandler going in each direction as well. So even though he's smaller than Roy, he's got good size for a true point guard and should be a good -- possibly very good -- player at getting inside the lane and finishing. "Craft" counts in the NBA, and Irving has lots of it.

Unlike some great NBA players, like Russell Westbrook for example, Irving has been an extremely high-level performer for years. That brings an air of confidence, which is a big part of any successful player's game. Irving uses that confidence to command a team on offense, and he does so similarly on defense. It's clear he relishes that side of the ball, and over time he should be adequate on defense in the NBA, and could be very good.

The best part of Irving's game, however, is his ability to shoot the ball with range. He made 46.2 percent of his 3s this season and looks like he's been well-coached in terms of his shooting mechanics. It's a simple shot, which means there's not much that can go wrong. Compared to Rose, Westbrook, Wall, Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson and Darren Collison -- all starting guards who came into the league in the last three seasons -- only Holiday and Curry had shots that looked as good as Irving's does. Holiday made 39 percent of his 3s this season after hitting 36.5 percent as a rookie (and he shot 52.4 percent this postseason), and Curry is one of the league's premier deep shooters, so Irving is in fantastic company.

As defenses keep evolving and learning how to protect the paint, the ability to shoot the ball will carry even more value than it currently does. This is why Irving presents such a small draft risk at No. 1 overall -- there is no question he projects as a solid starting point guard, at minimum, and his shooting talent allows for him to be a difference-maker in his rookie season.

For all of these reasons, I'm convinced Irving has MVP-of-a-playoff series potential, and he might even be capable of being the best player in a Finals matchup (years from today). But he falls short of the elite crowd for a simple reason. The top MVP candidates for the season who are below 6-foot-10 all have one thing in common: They are in a very elite category as athletes. Outside of Chris Paul, every guy is super quick, explosive and fast. I don't project Irving to be at their levels at any point in his career, and as for Paul, well, it's hard to imagine having two guys with that kind of special talent in the league at the same time.

Being that kind of elite-level athlete gives those guys an advantage against almost any defender or any strategy designed to corral them, compared to everyone else. The game has changed even in the few years since Steve Nash won two MVP awards, and athleticism is more valuable than ever for guards. Irving is a very good athlete, but not a special one.

Most importantly, the team that drafts Irving should do so knowing that it has its point guard of the future wrapped up for a decade or so, a position so tough to fill for that length of time. In the 2007, 2008 and 2010 drafts, only five teams can say that they drafted the guy who will man that position for a decade (the 2009 draft will prove to be a historic draft for PGs).

And Irving won't just be a starter, but a potential All-Star who can definitely be a top-3 piece on a championship team, with the required toughness, competitiveness and integrity of a franchise player. That should be enough to make that fan base very happy. But for the fans who hope for a superstar at the No. 1 spot, they'll just have to wait for the next lottery.

[BlockParty]

And a little bit more....top 20 (according to Chad Ford)


RK PLAYER NAME AGE POS HT WT SCHOOL/COUNTRY PROJECTION
1 Kyrie Irving 19 PG 6-2 180 Duke Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 1 pick)
Apr 6 Update: Irving announced that he will declare for the 2011 NBA Draft. ...more

2 Derrick Williams 19 SF 6-8 241 Arizona Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 2 Pick)
Apr 13 Update: Williams declared for the 2011 NBA Draft today. He won't hire ...more

3 Enes Kanter 18 C 6-10 255 Turkey Toronto Raptors(No. 3 pick)
Mar 17 Update: The NCAA denied Kanter's bid to play for Kentucky this season, ...more

4 Jonas Valanciunas 18 PF 6-10 230 Lithuania Washington Wizards(No. 4 pick)
Mar 17 Update: Valanciunas is the most highly rated international player on our board. ...more

5 Kemba Walker 20 PG 6-1 172 Connecticut Sacramento Kings (No. 5 pick)
Apr 5 Update: Walker was rarely spectacular in the Final Four. He shot 11-for-34 ...more

6 Brandon Knight 18 PG 6-3 185 Kentucky Utah Jazz (No. 6 pick)
Apr 20 Update: Knight has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. Knight got off ...more

7 Jan Vesely 21 PF 6-11 240 Czech Republic Cleveland Cavaliers(No. 8 pick)
Mar 17 Update: Vesely is a terrific athlete who has played major minutes on ...more

8 Bismack Biyombo 18 PF 6-9 243 Spain Detroit Pistons(No. 7 pick)
Apr 11 Update: Many of the scouts and GMs who came to Portland, Ore., ...more

9 Terrence Jones 19 SF 6-8 244 Kentucky Charlotte Bobcats (No. 9 pick)
Apr 20 Update: Jones has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. Jones is one ...more

10 Tristan Thompson 20 PF 6-8 225 Texas Utah Jazz (Pick No. 12)
Apr 21 Update: Thompson was adamant in March that he was returning to Texas ...more

11 Alec Burks 19 SG 6-6 195 Colorado Milwaukee Bucks (No. 10 pick)
Apr 21 Update: Burks has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. Burks is one ...more

12 Kawhi Leonard 19 SF 6-7 225 San Diego State Golden State Warriors (No. 11 pick)
Apr 14 Update: Leonard has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. Leonard is one ...more

13 Jordan Hamilton 20 SF 6-7 220 Texas Houston Rockets (No. 14 pick)
Apr 22 Update: Hamilton has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. Hamilton is one ...more

14 Donatas Motiejunas 20 PF 7-0 220 Lithuania Late Lottery
April 22 Update: Motiejunas has declared for the 2011 NBA Draft. He is having ...more

15 Kenneth Faried 21 PF 6-8 225 Morehead State Mid-First Round Pick
Mar 16 Update: For the past two years, we've listed Faried in the "sleeper" ...more

16 Nikola Mirotic 20 SF 6-10 226 Serbia Mid-First Round Pick
Apr 17 Update: On talent, Mirotic is a likely late lottery to mid-first round ...more

17 Jimmer Fredette 22 PG 6-2 195 BYU Phoenix Suns (No. 13 pick)
Mar 28 Update: The legend of the Jimmer took a serious dent on Thursday ...more

18 Marcus Morris 21 PF 6-9 235 Kansas Mid-First Round Pick
Apr 7 Update: Marcus is coming off another terrific season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged ...more

19 Reggie Jackson 21 PG 6-3 208 Boston College Mid-First Round Pick
Mar 30 Update: Jackson is one of the true sleepers in this year's draft. ...more

20 Markieff Morris 21 PF 6-10 245 Kansas Mid-First Round Pick
Apr 7 Update: Markieff has lived in the shadow of his brother, Marcus, for ...more

[Marvel]

I would hate to get Bismack. Next Ajinca probably, far too raw to even make an impact, plus he could be like 25 for all we know. We need someone who can produce now, which would be Kanter.

And yes, #19 would be too high. I'm simply suggesting it could be an option, I know we have a second round pick but he could be gone by then. Then we would have to probably use our 2nd rounder, package cash or something for him. Either way, I want Benson, just like how much I wanted Hendo back in 08 draft :p

Oh boy are you going to be rudely awakened.

[Marvel]

I spent part of the afternoon looking at video of Biyombo and Vesely. Does Biyombo remind anyone else of Gerald Wallace? Maybe just a little?

Nope, more like Ben Wallace on steroids.

[ohara831]

If he keeps sliding, I would LOVE to get Montiejunas at #19. His game is very much like Bargnani, except we could get him at #19 rather than #1. A 7 footer who can shoot 3's, rebound and pass can be a huge asset. He may not be a banger, but we can certainly utilize him. Right now he is early to mid teens. Slip just a little more for us big guy!

[Plowright]

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/chris_dortch/04/29/late-lottery-stars/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

interesting read for 3 players who we all should be looking at

[ohara831]

I was reading through some of the more recent Mocks, and one had us taking The Jimmer at #19. It had comparisons, and this one compared Jimmer to Mark Price. I remember the Cavs with Mark Price. And comparing Jimmer to Price is giving him the greatest benefit of the doubt on how good he can become. If he ends up being another Mark Price, then getting him at #19 would prove to be the steal of the draft. Not too sure if he can be as good as Price. In fact, I quite doubt it. But good luck to him. And if we draft him at #19, I hope he can be "nearly" as good as Price was for the Cavs.

[dnbman]

I was reading through some of the more recent Mocks, and one had us taking The Jimmer at #19. It had comparisons, and this one compared Jimmer to Mark Price. I remember the Cavs with Mark Price. And comparing Jimmer to Price is giving him the greatest benefit of the doubt on how good he can become. If he ends up being another Mark Price, then getting him at #19 would prove to be the steal of the draft. Not too sure if he can be as good as Price. In fact, I quite doubt it. But good luck to him. And if we draft him at #19, I hope he can be "nearly" as good as Price was for the Cavs.

Mark Price was incredible. He seemed to be much more of a set-up man than Jimmer, though, eh?

[WAM9]

I would be really dissapointed with Jimmer at the #9. At the #19, I would be pretty happy with him.

[Plowright]

Just no, i want to keep far away from him. Too much hype and too many people want him to fail. Dont want him to do so with us

[ohara831]

Plowman, I am now starting to see a bit more in mocks with this Lucas Nogueira showing up. Even seen him be our #19 pick in one. Not sure if MJ will take a "project" at #19, but I reserve evaluation until the Draft Camps. If I ca see him in some 5-5 at Draft Camp on ESPNU soon and he impresses, he might very will be in the running at #19. Dont see him making it into the 2nd round tho. That is the kind of player the Spurs or Mavs take with late 1st round picks.