Pre-Draft Player Workout Articles

[Proudiddy]

Didn't know if I should make a new thread for each player as it could eventually get confusing to put them all in here as we go, but making a thread for each one felt like spamming lol, so here it is:

Kenneth Faried:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/03/2346267/tweener-faried-knows-odds-against.html

DeMontez Stitt:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/03/2346274/stitt-auditions-for-hometown-bobcats.html

As a SN, I don't understand why Bonnell isn't doing any regular blog updates on these like he used to... We don't really have any other source to keep up with the workouts.

EDIT: Here is the most comprehensive coverage, on our official site: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/2011_predraft_workouts_day1.html

Yesterday we worked out:

*Markieff Morris
*Kenneth Faried
*Demontez Stitt
*Lamarshall Corbett
*Gary Flowers
*Alex Stepheson

[Proudiddy]

Also, Kemba Walker and Tristan Thompson among players we'll be working out today according to Cranston.

[dav7z]

Morris was the best of the bunch , but at a position we stacked at . Salis said he had a compleate game.
Faried and his size didn't help his stock . A 6'6 P/F 6/7 in his kicks don't help . With no shot hes in for a free fall two the 2nd round. THOUGHTS
Salis didn't seem thriled about any one else.

[ND22]

Interesting that Silas said he would prefer Faried at the 3. I watched him play UNCW this past season and he worked the post almost the whole time. Granted, we were vastly undersized thus working the post is what he should have been doing, but no one can ignore he is a PF playing in a SF's body. Now this could go one of two ways, either Faried is a better rebounding version of Dejaun Blair (+2 ACLs), or he is converted to a SF where his development could take a while.

But dav7z, he is not slipping to the 2nd round, he is too good a rebounder.

[dav7z]

Interesting that Silas said he would prefer Faried at the 3. I watched him play UNCW this past season and he worked the post almost the whole time. Granted, we were vastly undersized thus working the post is what he should have been doing, but no one can ignore he is a PF playing in a SF's body. Now this could go one of two ways, either Faried is a better rebounding version of Dejaun Blair (+2 ACLs), or he is converted to a SF where his development could take a while.

But dav7z, he is not slipping to the 2nd round, he is too good a rebounder.
If he had any jump shot at all i would agree . Its a chance he could he could be a Blair. But at 6'6 some kind of jumper would help his stock. Hes not worth a first round risk for us with all the p/fs we have.

[spectre]

Also, Kemba Walker and Tristan Thompson among players we'll be working out today according to Cranston.

Kemba's 1st workout. Interesting?

[ND22]

#Bobcats coach Paul Silas pretty definitive in that they'll only consider Kemba Walker if he falls to 9. "We wouldn't move up."

http://twitter.com/#!/mikecranston1/status/76670732985315328

Clears that up. If we move up, its to pick Irving, Williams, or Kanter.

[Proudiddy]

Wow, PS is talking some sh*t, lol...




mikecranston1 Mike Cranston
Kemba Walker says he's confident Jim Calhoun will stay at UConn. "He just loves the game too much"
12 minutes ago
Mike Cranston
mikecranston1 Mike Cranston
#Bobcats coach Paul Silas biggest concerns with Kemba Walker is his size and defense. Also that he's so similar in build to DJ Augustin.
16 minutes ago
Mike Cranston
mikecranston1 Mike Cranston
#Bobcats coach Paul Silas pretty definitive in that they'll only consider Kemba Walker if he falls to 9. "We wouldn't move up."


I think it's really weird that PS is being that open about his thoughts on these guys. Combine these comments with his comments on Faried, and I'm somewhat shocked. I thought Silas would really like Faried and he basically ruled him out and threw him under the bus, lol. Then, he basically says Kemba doesn't play D and that he prefers DJ over him... WOW.

Truth be told, if we had a chance to trade DJ and get Kemba without giving up much else, I would do it because I think Kemba is a better scorer overall inside and out. I love DJ, but I just think PS is being close-minded.

Then again, he said we weren't trading anyone at the deadline, and we see what happened... I don't think it's really up to him.

[spectre]

Wow, PS is talking some sh*t, lol...




I think it's really weird that PS is being that open about his thoughts on these guys. Combine these comments with his comments on Faried, and I'm somewhat shocked. I thought Silas would really like Faried and he basically ruled him out and threw him under the bus, lol. Then, he basically says Kemba doesn't play D and that he prefers DJ over him... WOW.

Truth be told, if we had a chance to trade DJ and get Kemba without giving up much else, I would do it because I think Kemba is a better scorer overall inside and out. I love DJ, but I just think PS is being close-minded.

Then again, he said we weren't trading anyone at the deadline, and we see what happened... I don't think it's really up to him.

It'll be interesting to see how much of what Silas is saying actually comes to pass.

One thing I noted earlier in comparison to DJ vs. Kemba is agility. Kemba wasn't as good as Felton, but he was 3 or 4 tenths better than DJ...around the same as Russell Westbrook. One of my biggest knocks on DJ is his lack of lateral movement, which is glaringly apparent when he's trying to guard other PGs.

[Proudiddy]

It'll be interesting to see how much of what Silas is saying actually comes to pass.

One thing I noted earlier in comparison to DJ vs. Kemba is agility. Kemba wasn't as good as Felton, but he was 3 or 4 tenths better than DJ...around the same as Russell Westbrook. One of my biggest knocks on DJ is his lack of lateral movement, which is glaringly apparent when he's trying to guard other PGs.

Yeah, that's why I don't get what Silas is saying about concerns with Kemba's size and defense. DJ is a gifted offensive player, mostly because he is extremely efficient... But, sometimes, I wonder if he's holding back in order to be that efficient, which leads to leaving points out there or not taking chances in order to be "safe."

And as you said, just in my observations alone from watching games, Kemba is EXPLOSIVE. Some of that can be timed in drills, as you pointed out, but some of it can't be and is just an in-game deal, but Kemba jumps off the screen when you watch games... Both in speed and quickness. DJ is fast and quick, but I think he's more fast than quick, as in straight-line... And I still think Kemba has him beat on that.

So to me, wouldn't you prefer to have an athletic, albeit "small," PG who can drive (which DJ seems reluctant to do) and open up the offense either from his own scoring or for others? I didn't really see any deficiencies in his defense either from watching him, and being that he was their #1 offensive guy, most guys like that don't concentrate on defense in college. I can see him developing all that as a pro, he reminds me a lot of Lawson in terms of athleticism, but is a much more natural scorer, which I think would help us in the back court... Even if we keep DJ, we need some punch off the bench whether it would be Kemba or DJ starting (if we somehow got Kemba).

And two things: I don't know why, but Kemba seems like an MJ guy to me. He's a got a grit, toughness, and never-say-die style that I think MJ loves in players, so a lot of what PS is saying may be moot, especially considering MJ is there watching the workouts himself. I've got a feeling that MJ really likes Faried as well, whereas I think PS would prefer the Morris twin. And secondly, if we got a guy like Kemba, that alone is going to increase interest in us across the board because he was so big in college, and I think MJ is taking that into account to.

[ammofan]

Any updates on the other guys we worked out today?

[Proudiddy]

Haven't seen any official updates on the actual workouts, but found the full list of players that are working out today:

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/6/3/2204295/kemba-walker-bobcats-nba-draft-2011-rumors


Walker will be in Charlotte Friday along with Texas's Tristan Thompson, Butler's Shelvin Mack, Georgia's Trey Thompkins, USC's Nikola Vucevic and Delvon Johnson of Arkansas

Impressive list...

[SWedd523]

It'll be interesting to see how much of what Silas is saying actually comes to pass.

One thing I noted earlier in comparison to DJ vs. Kemba is agility. Kemba wasn't as good as Felton, but he was 3 or 4 tenths better than DJ...around the same as Russell Westbrook. One of my biggest knocks on DJ is his lack of lateral movement, which is glaringly apparent when he's trying to guard other PGs.

I had to make this point on RGM.




Go to DX and look at the combine results. Sort by position played (PG) and draft position (Top 15).

DJ has the 6th best agility they've tested. Kemba is 17th.
DJ has the 3rd best sprint they've tested. Kemba is 13th.

Kemba does have an inch and a half on DJ in height, and an inch in standing reach, but they have identical wingspans.

You're seriously underrating DJ in terms of quickness/speed. Go back and watch him in college, he was a blur too.


Still want you to know I want no point in Kemba. Don' cha trust me?!

[CrazyCarl139]

Word is the Trailblazers are trying to move into the top 7 to pick up Kemba.

[BlockParty]

Word is the Trailblazers are trying to move into the top 7 to pick up Kemba.

I think that's the media creating that buzz. When asked about that this morning, their FO's response was "we are? "

[spectre]

I had to make this point on RGM.






Still want you to know I want no point in Kemba. Don' cha trust me?!

The quotes you posted didn't carry thru in my reply, but at any rate...

Agility. I did get that from DX, but maybe I'm reading it wrong? I thought the lower the better? I'm looking at the chart and using the "Agility" column:

Kemba - 10.87
DJ - 11.27
Felton - 10.5 (I know he's quick from side to side)
D. Williams - 10.83
L. Ridnour - 11.0
J. Farmar - 11.07

Of those listed...both good and bad defenders (IMO) DJ is at the bottom. Kemba ranked around Deron Williams, who I consider (but guess I could be wrong) a pretty decent defender of opposing PGs.

Where are you seeing that DJ has the 6th best agility ever tested? Even if that were so...you can't think he's great at moving from side to side defensively. He in no way passes the eye test on that score.

BTW, I'm also seeing that Walker has 4 inches more than DJ on his max vertical...which would also play a part in defense.

[spectre]

You're seriously underrating DJ in terms of quickness/speed. Go back and watch him in college, he was a blur too.

I know this is a copy from another board...but north/south I don't have a problem with him. As has been from the beginning it's east/west and reaction. He's slow at it...and I don't know why exactly. Even his biggest defender, the mod on that board, has admitted DJ is weak at it. He had a rationale (which I seem to remember thinking was credible at the time) but I don't remember what it was. I'm sure it's buried in some old thread around here somewhere.

Watching his Texas games just pisses me off. He's a totally different player then vs. now. He very seldom makes those spectacular looks/moves (for one I was VERY impressed with his poise in the paint at Texas in the few games I saw) and his confidence in himself is very worrisome. I've held out hope that he'll bust out and be what he was...but as time goes on I doubt it more and more.

This isn't an anomaly. There's been a lot of "great" college players who couldn't make it translate to the pros.

[SWedd523]

I stand corrected, I read the agility one backwards. Kemba has the better agility, DJ has the better sprint. I had 6th best by narrowing the results to lottery picked PGs, btw.


Kemba is still only a very slight (if any at all) upgrade on DJ so it's very short-sighted and bad draft management to pick Kemba. Two things about Kemba that really turn me off on him:


1. You never want your PG to have a scoring mindset. Russ and Rose are great, but they struggle when it counts because they either don't get the scorer (Durant) the ball, or can't carry enough load to win.
2. Size matters these days, especially at the PG spot. Just about every PG in the league is quick, that's a given. But look at the top 10 (in no order)


Paul
Deron
Rose
Rondo
Russ
Nash
Curry
Kidd
Billups
Parker

all of those guys, sans Paul and Rondo, are listed as 6'2 or better. The two small guys have probably the best court vision in the game and are able to set their teammates up with extreme ease. That's no coincidence.



When was the last time a small, volume shooting PG did well in the league? Damon Stoudemire? Even he averaged 7+ assists a game for the majority of his career. It just doesn't happen

[BRNC]

spectre...always difficult to pin-point why some guys (even the ones that seemingly have the talent) can't translate their talents from NCAA to NBA...I use to (as a simplistic) just chalk it up to increase in talent across the board overwhelming some guys...and with some guys it just takes time...but in the case of DJ I just doubt he's ever anything more than a solid back-up at the NBA level...and those players are needed but certainly does not help us out concerning a starter...

[Toocool]

I know this is a copy from another board...but north/south I don't have a problem with him. As has been from the beginning it's east/west and reaction. He's slow at it...and I don't know why exactly. Even his biggest defender, the mod on that board, has admitted DJ is weak at it. He had a rationale (which I seem to remember thinking was credible at the time) but I don't remember what it was. I'm sure it's buried in some old thread around here somewhere.

Watching his Texas games just pisses me off. He's a totally different player then vs. now. He very seldom makes those spectacular looks/moves (for one I was VERY impressed with his poise in the paint at Texas in the few games I saw) and his confidence in himself is very worrisome. I've held out hope that he'll bust out and be what he was...but as time goes on I doubt it more and more.

This isn't an anomaly. There's been a lot of "great" college players who couldn't make it translate to the pros.

First off is that the NBA is harder than college. Most mistakes you make in College that don't hinder you, you'll get punished in the NBA. Some stuff DJ could do (i.e get into the lane at will) he cant do anymore.

I think also is a mental aspect. LB really screwed DJ over, made him over think how he played basketball. As well as that, I think in a way increased competition makes you less confident in yourself. For example, I'm a far better player in streetball than in league, simple because it's mental and I dont have the confidence to do the crap I normally do in streetball.

[CrazyCarl139]

Allen Iverson

Not saying Kemba is as good as Iverson, but even if he puts up half the stats that Iverson did, he'd be worth taking at #9.

[Plowright]

Bobcats Charlotte Bobcats
Mustapha Farrakhan, Andrew Goudelock, Malcolm Lee, DeAndre Liggins, Jacob Pullen will be in for #Bobcats
@NBA draft workouts
on Saturday
6 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

I know we haven't seen tomorrows interviews (which are going up as i type) But this is Saturday. I think Goudelock is the one to watch, him and Liggins

[Proudiddy]

Kemba is still only a very slight (if any at all) upgrade on DJ so it's very short-sighted and bad draft management to pick Kemba. Two things about Kemba that really turn me off on him:


1. You never want your PG to have a scoring mindset. Russ and Rose are great, but they struggle when it counts because they either don't get the scorer (Durant) the ball, or can't carry enough load to win.
2. Size matters these days, especially at the PG spot. Just about every PG in the league is quick, that's a given. But look at the top 10 (in no order)


With all due respect, Russ and Rose didn't win a championship in college or take over games like Kemba did. He may have that intangible thing that you can't really place a value on... There's just something about him that translates to success in the pros in my mind.

[spectre]

Kemba is still only a very slight (if any at all) upgrade on DJ so it's very short-sighted and bad draft management to pick Kemba. Two things about Kemba that really turn me off on him:


1. You never want your PG to have a scoring mindset. Russ and Rose are great, but they struggle when it counts because they either don't get the scorer (Durant) the ball, or can't carry enough load to win.
2. Size matters these days, especially at the PG spot. Just about every PG in the league is quick, that's a given. But look at the top 10 (in no order)


Paul
Deron
Rose
Rondo
Russ
Nash
Curry
Kidd
Billups
Parker

all of those guys, sans Paul and Rondo, are listed as 6'2 or better. The two small guys have probably the best court vision in the game and are able to set their teammates up with extreme ease. That's no coincidence.



When was the last time a small, volume shooting PG did well in the league? Damon Stoudemire? Even he averaged 7+ assists a game for the majority of his career. It just doesn't happen

The size bothers me...I'll admit it. Thing is we're running with an even smaller version that has confidence issues. Toolcool touched on it and I understand (and don't disagree), but seriously....it's a grown man's league here. You HAVE to have a little bit of arrogance to succeed in this league.

Even if it was that Larry Brown broke DJ so badly...doesn't that say something about DJ that you can't just rationalize away? Fortitude? Under adversity we're all given the choice of folding of pushing back. Winners are those that push back.

Kemba & DJ might be similar in size and quickness, but IF Kemba has that arrogance...and it certainly looks like he does...then there's your big separation between the two. And it will make a huge difference on the court.

We're talking 9th pick here, at best trading up to say 5th if we really wanted him badly. Thankfully we couldn't throw in a future 1st, so giving up another weak asset (no Hendo) I don't see as that big a deal for a potential upgrade.

If DJ could make that leap I'm always harping about I'd be behind keeping him until something obvious came around. I think Kemba could very well be DJ with that leap.

[spectre]

Allen Iverson

Not saying Kemba is as good as Iverson, but even if he puts up half the stats that Iverson did, he'd be worth taking at #9.

Yup, and I think he'll be a better team leader than Iverson (Iverson really was a SG). Right now I'd gladly take that.

Just imagine what a dominating PG could do with all our guys who can't create their own shots.

[spectre]

http://www.nba.com/bobcats/video/2011/06/03/110603kembawalkermov-1724650

Walker's post workout interview.

[Plowright]

http://yfrog.com/gzkpzsp