2013 Draft Thread

[superb1]

looking at some of the prospects from the 13 draft class, I'm thinking that whomever or position we don't get this year, we can get next year. at sg/sf you got Shabazz, at pf you got Noel, Cody Zeller, and Mcadoo at sf. not with at alot of the other names yet. If Por and Det wins and their picks comes to us, we probably trade up too.

[NiceKrispy]

I like Cody Zeller a lot. Mcadoo is more of a PF in the NBA though.

[Kemba2Hendo]

Zeller > T-Rob

Think long term Cho!

[dnbman]

Zeller > T-Rob

Think long term Cho!

Don't think long term when we might be passing up a great PF for a guy that we never have the opportunity to draft.

Make the best of the draft now.

[SWedd523]

Zeller > T-Rob

Think long term Cho!

And Shabazz > Beal

should we not draft him either?!

[Plowright]

I think Zeller's measurements will limit his stock next year. His brothers were fairly disappointing this year

[CharlotteHornets]

I think Zeller's measurements will limit his stock next year. His brothers were fairly disappointing this year

The nickname for going around for Cody Zeller is T-Rex b/c his wingspan is only 6'8. I think Shabazz may emerge as a sure fire superstar. It will be fun to see Noel against elite college competition and see how much James McAdoo improves. However, I think the dark horse is Alex Polythress - I got to see him play in HS and he is special and apparently has an incredible work ethic.

[Frosty06306]

Shabazz or Nerlens please.

[Kemba2Hendo]

And Shabazz > Beal

should we not draft him either?!

I was expecting that!:biggrin:

[ALong13]

I'm not going to get to worked up over the top picks for next year drafts just yet, it looks to be deep in big men next year, but you never know how things will turn out a year later, I mean this was a mock from last year http://bleacherreport.com/articles/751119-2012-nba-mock-draft-can-harrison-barnes-reclaim-no-1-draft-position/page/2

Had this been the case it would have went
1. Harrison Barnes UNC (went #7)
2. James McAdoo UNC (didn't even come out)
3. Anthony Davis (was selected #1)
4. Perry Jones III (went #28 )
5. Quincy Miller (went #38 )
6. Jeremy Lamb (went #12)
7. Jared Sullinger (went #21)
8. Marquis Teague (went #29)
9. Bradley Beal (went #3)
10. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (went #2)

So obviously all it takes is one injury, a disappoint season, someone staying in school to change things dramatically. I bet right now Cody Zeller isn't a top 3 pick next year while many have him going #1. I'll wait to college season to start doing mocks, looking at it the top 10 looks good, but those top ten could all be second rounders and undrafted players next year...

[polarcat]

It is a looooooong way away from Draft Day 2013, but I would think our board would be Shabazz, McAdoo and Polythress. CharlotteHornets, I agree about Polythress from what I remember from the McD's AA game. He really jumped out at me as Shabazz did to everyone. Going with the dark horse theme, I'll put CJ Leslie out there. If he can add 15 pounds or so of muscle, he can be a fluid athletic PF that could be a menace in the NBA. A bigger question going into the draft is what is our view of Biyombo moving forward..... C or PF?

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I think we should draft Rudy Gobert, 7"9 winspan, great athleticsm and touch + he's French which is codename for awesome.

[CamoAmmo35]

Nerlens Noel

[BrotherDave]

Going with the dark horse theme, I'll put CJ Leslie out there. If he can add 15 pounds or so of muscle, he can be a fluid athletic PF that could be a menace in the NBA. A bigger question going into the draft is what is our view of Biyombo moving forward..... C or PF?
As a diehard State fan, I don't see Leslie being worth more than a mid 1st rounder at best. He'll be considered "old" by draft standards and his lateral quickness and handle aren't good enough for the 3 and he'll need to add muscle as you say and develop a better post game to play the 4.

I think we should draft Rudy Gobert, 7"9 winspan, great athleticsm and touch + he's French which is codename for awesome.
He looks meh to me.

Nerlens Noel
Could be a defensive stud but his basketball IQ looks nonexistent from what I've seen (just McD and Jordan Brand games)

[GillyFan]

The nickname for going around for Cody Zeller is T-Rex b/c his wingspan is only 6'8. I think Shabazz may emerge as a sure fire superstar. It will be fun to see Noel against elite college competition and see how much James McAdoo improves. However, I think the dark horse is Alex Polythress - I got to see him play in HS and he is special and apparently has an incredible work ethic.

Absolutely. As a UK fan I can tell you that this kid is generating major buzz for how he's playing in the new summer practice sessions the NCAA has allowed beginning this year. A huge matchup problem, as he's 6'9' with long arms, a great natural body and an even better athlete than MKG. Much better shooter as well. Also exceptionally bright [made one B in high school while working part time].

He's a definite top four pick IMO.

[westbrook08]

I'd bet zellar doesn't even go in the top 5.McAdoo either.I think the top of this draft is muhammed,noel,and then 3 guys who we're not even talking about who will come in and have great seasons in college basketball.Zellar,Mcadoo,and Leslie will all be good rotation players who could spot start on a bad team in a pinch.None of those 3 will be stars.And i actually think McAdoo might very well be a bust.And i'm a carolina fan! I would take muhammed or noel in that order.And if we're outside the top 2 and another kid doesn't come out of nowhere this season and blow us away then i would definitely trade out of the draft next year.

[BrotherDave]

After watching McAdoo in those HS all star games, I've come around on him. He's a lot more talented than he was showing at UNC IMO. I think he'll be top 5.

[Dcarnys]

+ he's French which is codename for awesome.

Umm. Alexis Ajinca and Boris Diaw.... Ill give you Tony Parker though

[SWedd523]

I always thought French was codename for Surrender.


go figure

[Chef]

I always thought French was codename for Surrender.


go figure

surrender? have you seen their military prowess?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGf-sS4js5Y&feature=player_embedded

[GoBobs]

I don't know if Gobert can play but his Measurements are sick. 10 ft standing reach omg! I say we look at him if he has a good motor.

[polarcat]

IIRC, the knock on Gobert is his attitude/motor. I could be mixing him up with some other Euro prospect, so don't take it as the gospel. His measurements are sick though.

[teej]

A huge matchup problem, as he's 6'9' with long arms, a great natural body and an even better athlete than MKG. Much better shooter as well. Also exceptionally bright [made one B in high school while working part time].


He's 6'7.5, haha. 6'8 in shoes. But a 3.4 GPA isn't bad at all.

He has good genetics, too.

[CharlotteNBATeamFan]

I realize we have what is supposed to be our point guard for now and the foreseeable future in Kemba Walker but if he struggles this season do we look at drafting another point guard to compete for the top spot?

I am not privy to a lot of the freshmen of this years college class but I was reading about an anomaly at the pg position from UCLA named Kyle Anderson. The kid is 6 "9" and he seems to be highly rated for more than just his unusual size. If he looks really good and we are really bad again do we pick him should he be available to us at least in the first round? I have a feeling this kid will shine on a really good team. I know nothing but it is just my gut feeling. Sometimes that feeling proves to be right, most of the time not so much. I will just wait and see. I have not written Kemba off and him playing bad is not a prediction but a hypothetical scenario.

[SWedd523]

I don't know if this'll make sense but Anderson is more of a Point Forward than a Point Guard. He has great handles, passing, and vision, but he is nowhere near athletic enough to play either PG or SF and isn't good enough of a shooter to take advantage of the room he'll be given in the NBA. I look at him a lot like a taller Kendall Marshall. Great "pure point skill" but super one dimensional.

If last year's Finals told us anything, is that the NBA is becoming more of an "athlete's league" than a "basketball player's" league. None of LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Westbrook, Harden, or Durant have a true basketball position. But all are super athletic, have great size/length, and can play just about anywhere on the floor and still take advantage of defensive matchups with the way the rules favor offensive talent.

If I'm Cho, I stay far away from guys who aren't (at the very least) above average athletes packaged with size to go with it.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Agree with Swedd, if he packed on about 50 pounds without losing any of his athleticsm I would be all over him though. Nowadays you've either gotta be quicker than your opposition, stronger or preferably both.

[BrotherDave]

Kyle Anderson makes Kevin Love look athletic.

[CampNightmare8]

Love Kyle Anderson's game.. Dunno how his stock will be effected due to his athletic ability.

If Kemba has another season like he had last year (which I don't think he will) then I say we shop him while he still has a lil trade value

[BrotherDave]

I'd rather have Kenny Anderson. Right now.

[CampNightmare8]

I'd rather have Kenny Anderson. Right now.

Dunno bout all that

[EmmaCat]

If you had to pick between Shabazz Muhammad, Nerlens Noel, Cody Zeller, or James McAdoo - Who do you think would be the best fit for this team?

[Plowright]

Zeller for me. Nerl is to raw like biz, mcadoo a bit of a tweeter And muhammed int the best shooter.

[SWedd523]

If you had to pick between Shabazz Muhammad, Nerlens Noel, Cody Zeller, or James McAdoo - Who do you think would be the best fit for this team?
Muhammad for me. Noel seems like an overhyped, extremely poor man's AD (John Henson), Zeller apparently has T Rex arms, and McAdoo was a let down last year

[BrotherDave]

Leaning towards Muhammad right now. Noel does seem overhyped, Zeller reminds me of Chris Kaman-light, and McAdoo has to really ball out to come under consideration.

Looking forward to seeing these so-called growth spurt of Zeller's and how McAdoo responds to being "the guy" on UNC. If McAdoo can display some serious rebounding and post game with NBA 4 size, he might edge out Shabazz. Gotta an eye on Steven Adams too.

[BrotherDave]

How about potential mid-1st rounders we might get from Portland and/or Detroit? If we go with a scorer like Muhammad, we've absolutely got to get a big or vice versa with that later pick. I wouldn't hate getting CJ Leslie but I hope for someone with more NBA size.

[CampNightmare8]

I would say Muhammad but dude can't shoot like that, so if we draft him we'll have 3 players in the backcourt that can't shoot 3's. Actually it wouldn't matter to me b/c if we get Shabazz, Hendo can gtfo.

Right now I want
Muhammad>Zeller>Noel

Hopefully Mcadoo proves me wrong this season.

[SWedd523]

Dave, Adams is my sleeper pick. Seems like nobody is talking about him but from the very little I've seen, he looks like a guy with some serious promise. Gobert is another guy who has phenomenal size but some surprising athleticism to go with it.

[CampNightmare8]

Can't stop watching Shabazz highlight tapes haha. The draft is my 2nd favorite day behind Christmas, anyone else love the draft? Get's me so excited to see who will be coming on board next season.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Seeing as Adams has been thrown out there what about Tzarcewski (Pardon the Spelling) he's a true 7ft'er big and strong and he runs the court alright. I would not mind going down the twin tower route and pairing him with Mullens and/or Biz depending on who pans out.

[SWedd523]

Hard to tell with Tarc. I used to follow his game a little bit when UNC was recruiting him but haven't paid much attention lately. He doesn't seem to be very high on draft boards so maybe he's considered a multiyear prospect

[CampNightmare8]

Yeah these guys you are all mentioning are talented, but i'm pretty sure we as a team are DONE with taking risk in the draft.

[Talent]

I think you let the season play out. A lot of players look godly in high school and never amount to much. I think a lot of people are jumping to gun saying so and so is a once in a lifetime talent. Even LeBron had questions about his game coming out of high school when he was only 30 ;p

[CampNightmare8]

I think you let the season play out. A lot of players look godly in high school and never amount to much. I think a lot of people are jumping to gun saying so and so is a once in a lifetime talent. Even LeBron had questions about his game coming out of high school when he was only 30 ;p

What do u mean 30? Lol

[SWedd523]

I still for the life of me cannot figure out why so many people are so high on Noel.

He's nowhere near as good as Davis is or was coming out of high school so the comparisons make no sense other than they're tall skinny dudes who played for Kentucky

[CampNightmare8]

I still for the life of me cannot figure out why so many people are so high on Noel.

He's nowhere near as good as Davis is or was coming out of high school so the comparisons make no sense other than they're tall skinny dudes who played for Kentucky

For some reason I'm still thinking he might have a good year. Dude is more athletic than AD honestly.

[SWedd523]

For some reason I'm still thinking he might have a good year. Dude is more athletic than AD honestly.
There is no way. He might be a better leaper, but end-to-end, agility, quickness, and just overall athleticism AD is elite, even in the NBA. He's also much more intelligent, polished, and skilled.


Noel might still show to be a good or great prospect, but the hype just isn't there for me right now. He's living off the "UK effect"

[DashGlobal]

Screw Noel. We need a post scorer.

Zeller / Shabaz or bust

[CampNightmare8]

Screw Noel. We need a post scorer.

Zeller / Shabaz or bust

Lmao I'm skeptical about Noel, sometimes I feel as if he can be a good player but I dunno. Don't really wanna take risk in drafting anymore. Zeller is a stud tho..

[OfficialBobcatsHD]

Zeller...Shabazz can't shoot

But why are we just focusing on the so-called top 3?

My list of reasonable picks for shooting guards would be...

For SG
A) Rodney Purvis - next d-wade
B) BJ Young
C) CJ McCollum
D) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
E) Allen Crabbe
F) Rodney McGruder
E) C.J. Wilcox

Shabazz is athletic but I'm not impressed to be honest...same for noel

[SWedd523]

Pretty sure you're forgetting somebody.


http://leaderslegends.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/timjr.jpg

[Chef]

keep our eyes on alex len from md. if we are outside of the zeller/bazz picks, he may be the guy to get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IknKniuYCic#!

[CampNightmare8]

Dunno why everyone is bashing Noel..I'd rather have Nerlens than Bismack tbh. Bismack looks like he doesn't know how to play basketball when I watch him play..He doesn't have that natural game, he looks so raw as a player its sad.

[Pepperz]

keep our eyes on alex len from md. if we are outside of the zeller/bazz picks, he may be the guy to get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IknKniuYCic#!

Wow, Alex Len just caught my attention with that Video you gave us. lol.

As the season goes on, I think this guy is going to move up the draft more and more. Hes going to be a top 3 if he plays like that all year long. Good thing there is going to be alot of big men in this years draft.

[SWedd523]

The guy many of you anoint as the next Wade isn't looking too hot tonight. Burke has been working him these past few minutes. He hasn't been quite the volume scorer this season either. And is he really 6'2? DNW.

[CampNightmare8]

keep our eyes on alex len from md. if we are outside of the zeller/bazz picks, he may be the guy to get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IknKniuYCic#!

Wow nice video, i'm loving this kid from what i've seen. He's got a jumper too? I don't watch Maryland that much so I don't no much about him, who would you compare him to league wise?

[CampNightmare8]

The guy many of you anoint as the next Wade isn't looking too hot tonight. Burke has been working him these past few minutes. He hasn't been quite the volume scorer this season either. And is he really 6'2? DNW.

Yuck 6'2 sg? No thanks, we've already got enough small players for there position.

[Chef]

i think right now by top 2 choices are poythress and len. and million spots behind them is james macadoo. i will be so upset if we draft him.

[CampNightmare8]

i think right now by top 2 choices are poythress and len. and million spots behind them is james macadoo. i will be so upset if we draft him.

Not really feeling Macadoo either..Len's stock is rising like crazy. Not too interested in Poythress, dude plays really similar to MKG.

[CampNightmare8]

Anybody like Isaiah Austin? He seems to be in our range..Well tbh nobody knows our range the way we've been playing lately. Heard that Austin has a attitude problem thought, not really into knuckle heads..

[Chef]

Anybody like Isaiah Austin? He seems to be in our range..Well tbh nobody knows our range the way we've been playing lately. Heard that Austin has a attitude problem thought, not really into knuckle heads..

his size is nice but word is he gets pushed around in college. chad ford described him as a super long sf. not good for the pro level, because he isn't a sf.

take every opinion i have with a grain of salt. i don't watch college basketball, save for a few draft prospects if there are zero nba games on.

[Bama]

Shabazz, or Noel is who I'm hoping for. It's early, but we could get up in that range. We will surely be in the Lottery, and we've never received a number one pick so this could be our year. Shabazz is a scoring machine, and we need that.. These prospects aren't looking amazing yet because of how early it is, Anthony Davis wasn't really recognized as much until March Madness so I expect the same thing.

[SWedd523]

Haven't heard much about his attitude but he's a scrawny guy who likes to space the floor. He doesn't have the size to bang in the post so he gets shoved around a lot for rebounds. Great shooter for a big man though and has some offensive skill.

If he puts on some weight then he could be intriguing but I doubt know if he has the frame to do it. He reminds me a lot of....... Bryon Mullens. Not impressed by him at this point

[SWedd523]

Shabazz, or Noel is who I'm hoping for. It's early, but we could get up in that range. We will surely be in the Lottery, and we've never received a number one pick so this could be our year. Shabazz is a scoring machine, and we need that.. These prospects aren't looking amazing yet because of how early it is, Anthony Davis wasn't really recognized as much until March Madness so I expect the same thing.
Shabazz hasn't done anything to lose his spot as a top 2 pick, but Noel is moving down mine (and others') draft boards because he isn't living up to the billing. He's a solid defender/rebounder and a great shot blocker, but that's just about all I'm seeing from him. He's solidly behind Goodwin and Poythress as far as prospects go on that team. I've seen him a couple of times so far and I'm watching him right now and while he does have 5 blocks, he's yet to touch the ball on the offensive side of the floor. Haven't seen him call for it, haven't seen him move. His role is basically to get out of the way and catch a lob or two every now and then. Actually just saw him attempting his first offensive move off an inbounds play and..... charge.

Not saying he sucks, just don't see much benefit to drafting him when we have a bigger version in Bismack.


As for Davis? DX had him as their #1 pick for over a year before the draft.

[Chef]

Shabazz hasn't done anything to lose his spot as a top 2 pick, but Noel is moving down mine (and others') draft boards because he isn't living up to the billing. He's a solid defender/rebounder and a great shot blocker, but that's just about all I'm seeing from him. He's solidly behind Goodwin and Poythress as far as prospects go on that team. I've seen him a couple of times so far and I'm watching him right now and while he does have 5 blocks, he's yet to touch the ball on the offensive side of the floor. Haven't seen him call for it, haven't seen him move. His role is basically to get out of the way and catch a lob or two every now and then. Actually just saw him attempting his first offensive move off an inbounds play and..... charge.

Not saying he sucks, just don't see much benefit to drafting him when we have a bigger version in Bismack.


As for Davis? DX had him as their #1 pick for over a year before the draft.

so i am hearing that goodwin (westbrook-ish) and otto porter could be great draft choices. what are those that watch, takes on them?

[SWedd523]

I have goodwin in my personal top 5. He's a fantastic athlete who has been playing a lot of point for UK because Harrow (the NC State transfer) is.... not that good. Hard to tell if he's a good shooter or not but he's great in a slashing role and has above average ball handing for a wing. Also, he's got good size (6'5ish) and long arms (6'10ish) with a good frame so he doesn't have really any physical issues that could present themselves.

Porter is a weird prospect. He got some hype last year but he's very much an unfinished product. Prototypical size for a SF and has a nice all-around skillset. He's not super bouncy but, like MKG, has great body control and coordination. Not a very good shooter or an overwhelming scorer, but is a great connect-the-dots guy, again like MKG

[SWedd523]

Today has been awesome for me. So many games to watch as I had nothing to do today other than type up some papers and go running.


Kansas vs Colordado
As I already said, McLemore looks like a top 3 pick. He finished the game with 24/5/2/2 and was all over the place. This is a guy who could be a special player between Kemba and MKG. I couldn't find a weakness in his game at all, theree is just so many things he excels at.


NC State vs Cleveland St
CJ Leslie looked good and has continued his solid play all year long. Finished with 19/8 and was clearly more athletic than his peers but I'm just not seeing a place for him on our team. I can't tell if he's a wing or a big and it doesn't look like he can either. His perimeter skills aren't there enough for me to play him as a big SF but he's not big enough to play as a true post. Good player, but not on my radar.

Rodney Purvis (the guy many seemed to be hyping before the season) had another meh game. 11/4 but shot 3/8 from the floor and didn't really stand out to me.

TJ Warren continues to look good. I was disappointed when he picked State over UNC and for good reason. Probably won't enter the draft this year unless he really blows up but remember his name for next year.


Michigan vs Arkansas
Once again, Burke/Hardaway/Robinson just had their way with the opposition. Still a huge fan of Hardaway and wish he got more pub. Robinson looked to assert himself more tonight (took 11 shots, making 7) and produced (17 and 6). Still didn't display an advanced offensive game but he's certainly productive.


Duke vs Temple
Mason Plumlee continues to be a double double machine. 16/14 tonight despite not shooting well but he's still hovering around 20/11 for the season. Haven't ever been a fan of his, but he's displayed just about everything you look for in a big man... yes, even some post moves.

Seth Curry had a big day, 23/3 (shot 5-9 from deep). Probably not on our radar but he could be an intriguing 2nd rounder if we pick one up.

Right now
UCLA vs Texas is on ESPN so if you wanted to watch Shabazz and the UNC retreads then you don't wanna miss it

Can't find OK State vs Missouri St but Nash and Smart look like they're continuing to play well.

AND North Carolina is coming up at 7:30, so pull that one up on the TV while you watch the Cats from the first row

[CampNightmare8]

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2013/ lol draftexpress has us drafting Plumlee..Good player but NO THANKS!

[iowabobcat]

Would really like to see the Bobcats get Anthony Bennett in the 1st round. Right now he is having the best season of any freshman and could give us a scoring presence down low that is much needed. As of right now if we could get Bennett in the first round and either Trevor Mbakwe or Brandon Paul in 2nd round I would be really happy with the draft. Paul is a pretty good 3 pointer. The only issue with Bennett though is that he is 6'8 maybe a little smaller.

[Chef]

i am reading that ben mclemore could be exactly what we need in a sg to go between kemba and mkg. what say those that know things?

chef's new top three:
len, mclemore, archie goodwin

[SWedd523]

i am reading that ben mclemore could be exactly what we need in a sg to go between kemba and mkg. what say those that know things?

chef's new top three:
len, mclemore, archie goodwin
I say you need to read some of the posts I've put up recently

[Plowright]

I like te sound of plunkee. He has legit size, rebounds the ball well and has a more efficient offence than any of our bigs do. But I see a few are down on him, just wanting to know what people think of him who have seen him play.

[Chef]

I say you need to read some of the posts I've put up recently

i saw the blurb from two posts ago, any more detail you could offer? who does he remind you of? how would he and kemba (most important) work together as starters? is he ball dominant, a motion type guy or something in between?

[Chef]

I like te sound of plunkee. He has legit size, rebounds the ball well and has a more efficient offence than any of our bigs do. But I see a few are down on him, just wanting to know what people think of him who have seen him play.

i have seen him live at summer pro-am's and on tv in season for the past 3 years. he largely disappears when the competition gets better. he busts out 20/15's against the little sister's of the poor than settles into a 8/6 guy for the season. this is the first season he has kept it up this long. he is uber athletic but his offense isn't great.

my comp: a more athletic version of chris humphries.

[SWedd523]

I like te sound of plunkee. He has legit size, rebounds the ball well and has a more efficient offence than any of our bigs do. But I see a few are down on him, just wanting to know what people think of him who have seen him play.
I've been watching Plunkee (lol) for his entire career at Duke and have probably seen 50 or so of his games so far. He's really improved from his Freshman year where he was just a great athlete to a guy capable (and so far proving it) of being a 20/10 player on the college level. I can't say I'm a fan though because there's just something about him that I don't like. Maybe it's the Duke taint, but I don't have faith that he can be the dependable 20+ post scorer we need.


i saw the blurb from two posts ago, any more detail you could offer? who does he remind you of? how would he and kemba (most important) work together as starters? is he ball dominant, a motion type guy or something in between?
I've see a couple of sites call him a young Ray Allen with his athleticism and sweet jumper. I personally wouldn't go that far because I hesitate comparing guys to all-time greats but I've seen enough to know he can be a really special player someday. He plays similarly to Brad Beal but I'll say he's been a bit more... noticeable*. Probably slightly taller/longer than Beal and seems to be a little better in-game leaper as well. I think if he can continue to play at this level when he gets into conference play and March Madness (remember that's when Beal really stepped up) then I won't hesitate saying he's a better prospect. And you should know I was almost as high on Beal as I was on Lamb last year



*Beal is the type of guy who sort of blends into a team and does his work without being a look-at-me guy. Doesn't do a ton of spectacular things but after the game you look at the box score and you see he had 15/5/5 and played great defense.

[Chef]

I've been watching Plunkee (lol) for his entire career at Duke and have probably seen 50 or so of his games so far. He's really improved from his Freshman year where he was just a great athlete to a guy capable (and so far proving it) of being a 20/10 player on the college level. I can't say I'm a fan though because there's just something about him that I don't like. Maybe it's the Duke taint, but I don't have faith that he can be the dependable 20+ post scorer we need.


I've see a couple of sites call him a young Ray Allen with his athleticism and sweet jumper. I personally wouldn't go that far because I hesitate comparing guys to all-time greats but I've seen enough to know he can be a really special player someday. He plays similarly to Brad Beal but I'll say he's been a bit more... noticeable*. Probably slightly taller/longer than Beal and seems to be a little better in-game leaper as well. I think if he can continue to play at this level when he gets into conference play and March Madness (remember that's when Beal really stepped up) then I won't hesitate saying he's a better prospect. And you should know I was almost as high on Beal as I was on Lamb last year



*Beal is the type of guy who sort of blends into a team and does his work without being a look-at-me guy. Doesn't do a ton of spectacular things but after the game you look at the box score and you see he had 15/5/5 and played great defense.

my main concern is that the cats need a guy who does stand out and at the end of the game you say he had 25/4/7.

but, having a guy that you described is not a bad problem at all.

[SWedd523]

Well he does comparatively stand out more than Beal so there isn't a worry there.


I haven't seen a guy in a long time I know can be an elite scorer because 25+ ppg is becoming a rarity these days. If Kemba continues to hover around the 20 mark then we really don't need an elite scorer for fear of reducing Kemba's effectiveness. McLemore has the potential to light the scoreboard up though and I could see him being a lead scorer if need be.

To that, I believe he'd be a pretty good match for Kemba and MKG because he's shown (especially in his last game) to have a nice floor game for a wing. He's not the secondary PG type of guy but he made a number of plays both on and off the ball. We know Kemba is ball dominant, so having a guy that can hit from set pieces while also allowing Kemba to not have to go 150% all night would be nice

[Chef]

Well he does comparatively stand out more than Beal so there isn't a worry there.


I haven't seen a guy in a long time I know can be an elite scorer because 25+ ppg is becoming a rarity these days. If Kemba continues to hover around the 20 mark then we really don't need an elite scorer for fear of reducing Kemba's effectiveness. McLemore has the potential to light the scoreboard up though and I could see him being a lead scorer if need be.

To that, I believe he'd be a pretty good match for Kemba and MKG because he's shown (especially in his last game) to have a nice floor game for a wing. He's not the secondary PG type of guy but he made a number of plays both on and off the ball. We know Kemba is ball dominant, so having a guy that can hit from set pieces while also allowing Kemba to not have to go 150% all night would be nice

then he may be my #2 behind len. but len is going to have show the same game as he did against kentucky as to be the norm not the exception.

[polarcat]

This draft is hard for me because I'm a BPA kinda guy. However, if the most dynamic player is a 2, I'm nervous. We have so much need for an elite PF with Hendo and Taylor projecting out at the 2, that it would be hard for me to take a SG. Sucks because Shabazz and McLemore are pretty nasty. I guess maybe we package Hendo and something else and get our PF via trade. Then taking a guy like McLemore would be cool. We need to get our "Durant", "Rose", "Carmelo" by next season via draft or trade.

For me right now, my top 5 for us:

Polythress
Len
Bennett
CJL
Mitchell

[SWedd523]

then he may be my #2 behind len. but len is going to have show the same game as he did against kentucky as to be the norm not the exception.
Mark me down as cautious of Len. Is he huge? Yes. Is he productive? You bet. But I just think the NBA is transitioning away from the plodders we used to see to the high activity/athleticism guys who are taking the league over these days

[Plowright]

Thing is, unless we get say top 5 I don't think we're getting a 15-20 ppg post player. He'll, even if we get the number 1 pick I'm not sure we would. But if we were going in the 5-10 range would plumlee be a bad pick for us?

[SWedd523]

Thing is, unless we get say top 5 I don't think we're getting a 15-20 ppg post player. He'll, even if we get the number 1 pick I'm not sure we would. But if we were going in the 5-10 range would plumlee be a bad pick for us?
From my earlier response to your question on Plumlee:

I don't have faith that he can be the dependable 20+ post scorer we need.

[Plowright]

Okay, but just because he is not a 20+ post scorer means we shouldn't pick him? Also, there is only 1 player in the NBA who is a 20+ post player so waiting for one of those to come along is a bit of a pipe dream don't you think?

[gamecocksmitty4]

McLemore will be a decent bench guy. He's not a starting SG on a good team. He's not a great 3 pt shooter either. He's not bad, but not great.

[CampNightmare8]

I'm still waiting on a great promising player that we can call a future superstar/all-star..

Btw, i've seen many of Plumlee's games at Duke but do we really need him? I would rather draft a lot of other players than him.

As of this point, I only want us to keep growing and drafting good. We need to get a stud out of this draft.

[CampNightmare8]

Very good breakdown video's on all the top prospects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMikeSchmitz/videos?flow=grid&view=0

[Plowright]

It's fine saying we need a stud out this draft but let's be realistic. First of all how's my studs are there going to be in the draft and what's the likelihood were in a position to draft them?

[CampNightmare8]

It's fine saying we need a stud out this draft but let's be realistic. First of all how's my studs are there going to be in the draft and what's the likelihood were in a position to draft them?

Good question, but for some reason I think we'll draft a better player than MKG (No disrespect to MKG, he's my favorite player on the team). All we need is one more promising player and we'll be just like we were at the beginning of the season. Aka a team that's promising and is also doing okay.

[Chef]

It's fine saying we need a stud out this draft but let's be realistic. First of all how's my studs are there going to be in the draft and what's the likelihood were in a position to draft them?

studs? not sure at all how many (if any). likelihood we are in position: extremely high. we will be a top 5 lottery ball team.

[Plowright]

I agree chef, it's just people are saying we need a star from this draft, or swedd said need a 20+ post player... Yes these are all things we need but were not going to find that in this draft I'm afraid, even with the number 1 pick.

So back to my original question, if we were drafting 5-10 would Plumlee (pf, athletic, rebounder, scorer) be a good pick for us?

[SWedd523]

Wait a second, I said we need a 20 ppg post scorer this draft? I must have missed that

[Plowright]

Well your talking about needing a 20+ post scorer... In the 2013 draft thread so yes?

[polarcat]

TBH, I feel like Cho has the assets in hand (or will come draft night with whatever he pulls off with trading Diop, Gordon, Sessions and possibly Hendo) to move up if needed. We have a few picks in this draft as well to use as ammo. Even if we're slotted in the 6-10 range, if there's a stud player that fits our team, I think Cho has set us up to be able to move around however we'd like..... finding a partner is a whole 'nether story.

EDIT: For the record, I'm only down with trading Diop and Gordon. I think Sessions' skill and age make him a valuable 6th man for a young team that needs a clutch vet down the stretch. I also feel like Henderson does not need to be moved because he has proven to be a starting SG in this league. Whether or not he can mesh with Kemba and MKG is yet to fully be seen, but I'm not ready to dump him yet. Too much quality there to move him.

[SWedd523]

Well your talking about needing a 20+ post scorer... In the 2013 draft thread so yes?
No.

We need a post player we can depend on to get 20 points, but that doesn't have to be done in this draft. We have next year, trades, or free agency. We do have other needs that need to be addressed


Plumlee, again, doesn't add anything of value to the team because he's yet another big without a dependable post game when we need....... a post player capable of scoring 20

[gamecocksmitty4]

Just curious...and honest question Swedd....
Do you think McAdoo would be a good pick? I know my thoughts on him, I'm just curious to know yours.

[SWedd523]

Why not share your thoughts on him?


I'm personally no fan of McAdoo. He has a great body, but doesn't use it the way he should. He acts like he's afraid of the paint with the way he takes 18 foot baseline jumpers over and over and over. I remember him coming to UNC and there was talk of "Is he trying to be a wing or a post?" and it doesn't look like he's quite figured it out. It also looks like he lacks the leadership/fire to be the leader that team desperately needs which makes me wary of taking him with a lottery pick because I'm looking for a potential IT guy and not a nice role player.

Without making any sort of informal list I can say he's not very high on my big board

[gamecocksmitty4]

I was just curious because you always seem to be very low on Duke players (granted there haven't been many great NBA prospects out of Duke lately, other than Irving) and very high on UNC players.

As far as McAdoo goes, I have only watched a few games and have been FAR from impressed. He is a physical specimen, that's for sure. He's not bad on defense but not great either. On offense, he seems to be in the Dwight/Griffin mold with a slightly better shot. He's a dunk-or-nothing type of guy. He also seems to make some very stupid mistakes and has a terrible attitude afterwords. Makes me wonder if he has mental issues because I see a little Tyrus Thomas in him after he travels, makes a bad pass, bounces it off his knee, etc.

[CampNightmare8]

I think McAdoo's 6'9.. He'll be an okay NBA player from what i've seen, I just don't think he's the right fit for us b/c we have a lot of short players for their position.

[Aircat]

Without making any sort of informal list I can say he's not very high on my big board

After checking some draft boards online, I wanna share my list on the top 25 picks. Just to give an overview about potential picks...

1. Noel C
2. Muhammad SG
3. Zeller C
4. McAdoo PF
5. Len C
6. Austin C
7. Goodwin SG
8. Gobert C
9. Mitchell PF
10. Adams C
11. Poythress SF
12. Plumlee PF
13. Saric F
14. Nash SF
15. Porter SF
16. Coldwell-Pope SG
17. McLemore SG
18. Bennett PF
19. McCollum SG
20. A.Thomas SF
21. Carter-Williams PG/SG
22. Smart PG
23. B.J. Young PG/SG
24. Franklin SG
25. Brown PG

So, all in all, the top 10 picks are very PF/C heavy....

When looking at the 10/11 season, the worst 7 teams had between 17 and 30 wins...so, with all likeliness, the Cats will either draft a PF/C or Muhammad...

edit. I added some to come to 25. These 25 names keep on popping up on mock drafts... surely not in this particular order, but they keep being mentioned. so, yeah...

[CampNightmare8]

Noel or Len > Zeller.

Zeller looks so overrated to me.

[gamecocksmitty4]

I honestly would not be upset if we didn't get either the Portland or Detroit pick this year and traded our pick this year. As much as I love adding new toys to the collection and watching them, there's not a single player in this draft that I really like. Add another piece through trade or FA, but not this draft. Use our pick to get another pick next year.

[polarcat]

Polythress or bust for me. He's an NBA 4, but can play either position. I know it's early, but I would be ecstatic if he was on our squad next year.

[CampNightmare8]

Polythress or bust for me. He's an NBA 4, but can play either position. I know it's early, but I would be ecstatic if he was on our squad next year.

Too similar to MKG.

[SWedd523]

I was just curious because you always seem to be very low on Duke players (granted there haven't been many great NBA prospects out of Duke lately, other than Irving) and very high on UNC players.

i haven't really been high on UNC players ina long time, and the Ellington love is a joke with a few other posters.


the only tar heel I've liked in the draft in recent years is Marshall. Duke has been petty weak recently too

[Toocool]

Seems to be a huge plethora of big men in the 2013 mocks for Draft Express.
Dudes who actually watch/follow College ball, assuming we don't get Shabazz, which big man would you pick?

[gamecocksmitty4]

Alex Len from Maryland. He just needs to bulk up or he will have a tough time staying healthy.

[Plowright]

Chad Ford says he thinks all top 20 picks could be lottery picks this year, however he also says you don't want to have a top 3 pick this year. So in any case, it might not be a bad year to have say Portland's or Detorits pick if it is in the late teens/ twenty's

Also, someone tell me about Kyle Anderson... Someone said on Chad Ford's draft chat that he thinks he would go undrafted if he declared this year. Chad Ford's response is he doesnt have a clue as he is really hard to read. Anyone shed some light on this?

[gamecocksmitty4]

Kyle Anderson is a tall, slow PG. He's tall enough to be a forward, but not very big and his game is nothing like a big. He is a good passer, but not a strong shooter and much too slow to be a PG.

[Aircat]

... it might not be a bad year to have say Portland's or Detorits pick if it is in the late teens/ twenty's

just for clarification...:
2013 first round draft pick from Portland
Portland's own 2013 1st round pick to Charlotte (top 12 protected in the 2013 draft, top 12 protected in 2014, top 12 protected in 2015, and unprotected in the 2016 Draft). [Charlotte - Portland, 2/24/2011]
2013 first round draft pick from Detroit
Detroit's own 2013 1st round pick to Charlotte (Top-14 Protected in 2013 Draft, top-8 protected in 2014, top-1 protected in 2015 and Unprotected in the 2016 Draft). [Charlotte-Detroit, 06/26/2012]


I dont see neither POR nor DET giving up their picks this season... maybe POR, but thats a big maybe...

[SWedd523]

Seems to be a huge plethora of big men in the 2013 mocks for Draft Express.
Dudes who actually watch/follow College ball, assuming we don't get Shabazz, which big man would you pick?
None of the big men are screaming "Draft me!"

1. Zeller seems to be the most talented, but while he's putting up some pretty good numbers he's not standing out like expected.

2. Noel is probably the best athlete, but in the times I've seen him he hasn't done anything at all to impress me and show that he adds anything Bismack doesn't already give us

3. Len is the new guy on the block. Bigger and just as skilled as Zeller, but I'm all sorts of scared of big plodding big men in the new NBA

Then you have Gobert, the massive foreigner that nobody has seen play but apparently has all of the measurements you want.


I'd pick Zeller if his arms don't measure out to be t-rex length, or Len if he proves to be more agile and continues his production as the year goes on

[SWedd523]

Kyle Anderson is a really tall but really slow and unathletic PG who plays as a SF to somewhat hide his deficiencies. He has great vision and is a hard guy to defend because he's so tall, but he's a weakk defender and way to slow to be a legitimate NBA guard/wing. Shaun Livingston post-injury-esque.

No room for him on our team

[CampNightmare8]

Kyle Anderson? Yuck, no thanks. Hopefully he changes my opinion later in the season

[Plowright]

No I was just curious about him, not that we should take him. Just seemed like a unique prospect

[CampNightmare8]

I take back what I said about Poythress, I'm loving his game so far.

[Zoolander]

Only saw Shabazz Muhammad play once. UCLA played Texas the other week. I wasn't impressed. To me it looks like the kid has already checked out. He was playing like a guy who knows he's only there for one year and can't wait to get this season over with. I hope I'm wrong.

[CampNightmare8]

I'll come to my conclusion of who I really like for us in the draft once the Tourney starts. We'll see who can show up then, hopefully Nerlens

[CampNightmare8]

Word is that Jabari Parker is most likely signing to Duke or Michigan St..

He decides on Thursday.

Blue Devil Nation!

[gamecocksmitty4]

I wish Otto Porter was bigger. That guy has some game but I'm not sure he'll be able to put on enough weight to play PF in the NBA.

[Pepperz]

Here are the people that interest me and Ill be watching these guys a bit closer then everybody else in college. That doesnt mean that I wont be adding people to the list but currently these guys are my main focus.

Hot
Nerlens Noel
Alex Len
Alex Poythress
Archie Goodwin
Ben McLemore
Cody Zeller

High
Otto Porter
Isaiah Austin
Tony Mitchell
James Michael McAdoo
Shabazz Muhammad

[SWedd523]

Need to pick somebody on that Michigan team so you can catch their games. I've been a huge fan of Hardaway Jr for a while, Trey Burke is the best PG in the country, and Glenn Robinson III is going to be great. They also have Mitch McGary

[Plowright]

Had anyone else seen Doug McDermott play? Every time I watch him he impresses me, he won't go high due to his limited athletic ability and offensive polish, but I think his skills will translate to the NBA and could be a great pick up in the second round.

[SWedd523]

Not a fan of McDermott.

Fun fact though, he was a teammate of Harrison Barnes in high school

[Pepperz]

What are peoples opinion on Michael Carter-Williams out of Syracuse? Hes a 6'6'' PG.

[Plowright]

I love him, poor mans Russell Westbrook. He's even been improving his shooting recently. Shot 61% on his catch on shoots in the last 21 attempts where as before he was at 34% or something. Potential is high, can do lots of good things, will defo be a lottery pick if he keeps it up and could easily go top 10

[SWedd523]

Wow he's nowhere near the same realm of athleticism as Westbrook.

[DashGlobal]

if we keep sucking this bad hopefully it will net us either

1) Zeller
2) McLemore
3) Shabazz

[Pepperz]

He reminds me more of a big mans curry.

[SWedd523]

He reminds me more of a big mans curry.

http://foreverdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/eddy.curry-shirtless.jpeg

Damn, doesn't get much bigger than that!

[Pepperz]

I meant to say hes a bigger curry and im not talking about mr. ed. more like the pg/sg out of GS is who i meant.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

I really like ben mclemore from kansas i think he would be a nice fit

[ohara831]

Have to say that I am becoming a huge fan of McLemore to the Bobcats. And it makes trading Hendo more appealing now. I think McLemore has the potential to be the star SG we have been hunting.

[DashGlobal]

getting a legit starting scoring C is a bigger need than SG. But if we miss out on Zeller McLemore would be the next best option.

[ohara831]

I like Shabazz, but like McLemore better. Reading ESPN, nbadraft.net and others, they say Shabazz is like MKG. Great young talent, can get to the rim, but jumper needs help. McLemore on the other hand is compared to Ray Allen. Terrific jumper with 3 pt range. And the Cats have needed a SG like Ray Allen and we dont have one. Hendo getting better, but he will never be a Ray Allen like threat from the arch. We already have the original MKG at SF, so we dont need his clone at SG. We can however use a clone of Ray Allen at the SG. Dont get me wrong. I like Shabazz and wont cry if we get him. But I think McLemore is the better fit and will be the better pure SG we need.

[iowabobcat]

I like Shabazz, but like McLemore better. Reading ESPN, nbadraft.net and others, they say Shabazz is like MKG. Great young talent, can get to the rim, but jumper needs help. McLemore on the other hand is compared to Ray Allen. Terrific jumper with 3 pt range. And the Cats have needed a SG like Ray Allen and we dont have one. Hendo getting better, but he will never be a Ray Allen like threat from the arch. We already have the original MKG at SF, so we dont need his clone at SG. We can however use a clone of Ray Allen at the SG. Dont get me wrong. I like Shabazz and wont cry if we get him. But I think McLemore is the better fit and will be the better pure SG we need.

I wouldn't say shooting wise MKG and Shabazz are similar at all. Shabazz can flat score from anywhere on the floor. After tonight's game is averaging 19.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and .9 APG. He's shooting 50% from the floor and 48% from 3. He has also scored atleast 20 points in each of his last 4 games. Right now he would be my choice for the Bobcats to draft. If they could draft him and get Portland's pick or trade either Henderson or Sessions for a 1st they could get a big man with the second 1st. If Isaiah Austin stays where he is projected right now in the middle of the 1st and the Bobcats could get him and Shabazz earlier in the draft it would be a phenomenal draft in my opinon.

[gamecocksmitty4]

I'm not sold on Muhammad. And for one thing, I'm slightly concerned about his weight.

[BrotherDave]

Zeller sucks. I'd take Noel all day over him.

I like Shabazz most overall so far.

[CampNightmare8]

Zeller sucks. I'd take Noel all day over him.

I like Shabazz most overall so far.

Thank god someone said this. I dunno Zeller doesn't look too appealing to me, & he has t-Rex arms too...

[Wi11iWii]

With the way the game is changing from the days of dominant bigs to dominant guard play I believe you go with a player like Shabazz Muhammed. I saw someone post that he is similar to MKG but that is a terrible comparison. By comparison he is more like a very raw James Harden. The only similarity he has with MKG is his ability to drive to the lane and his strength. MKG is superior on defense to Shabazz although that goes without saying that Shabazz is good on defense, MKG is just great. He is also a good shooter from distance and an all around scorer. Getting a guy like him relieves pressure off of Kemba Walker to score so he can truly develop as a point guard and it relieves pressure off of MKG to score as well so he can actually play his game and not have to worry about trying so hard to help carry the team on the offensive end which allows him to develop his offensive game fully. Because you really want MKG aggressive on D and running the break. And right now the Bobcats lead the league in shot clock violations so they clearly need someone else other than Kemba to put the ball in the basket. Besides bigs normally take 3-4 years to blossom in the NBA. Besides as we saw with OKC and Miami you can do extremely well without a dominant big. But the best big available would be Alex Len of Maryland, not Cody Zeller.

[CampNightmare8]

With the way the game is changing from the days of dominant bigs to dominant guard play I believe you go with a player like Shabazz Muhammed. I saw someone post that he is similar to MKG but that is a terrible comparison. By comparison he is more like a very raw James Harden. The only similarity he has with MKG is his ability to drive to the lane and his strength. MKG is superior on defense to Shabazz although Shabazz is actually a good shooter from distance and an all around scorer. Getting a guy like him relieves pressure off of Kemba Walker to score so he can truly develop as a point guard and it relieves pressure off of MKG to score as well so he can actually play his game and not have to worry about trying so hard to help carry the team on the offensive end which allows him to develop his offensive game fully. Because you really want MKG aggressive on D and running the break. As we saw with OKC you can do extremely well without a dominant big. But the best big available would be Alex Len of Maryland, not Cody Zeller.

It really is a bad comparison I see Shabazz kinda looking like more of a D Wade than a MKG..

[StakJak]

With the way the game is changing from the days of dominant bigs to dominant guard play I believe you go with a player like Shabazz Muhammed. I saw someone post that he is similar to MKG but that is a terrible comparison. By comparison he is more like a very raw James Harden. The only similarity he has with MKG is his ability to drive to the lane and his strength. MKG is superior on defense to Shabazz although that goes without saying that Shabazz is good on defense, MKG is just great. He is also a good shooter from distance and an all around scorer. Getting a guy like him relieves pressure off of Kemba Walker to score so he can truly develop as a point guard and it relieves pressure off of MKG to score as well so he can actually play his game and not have to worry about trying so hard to help carry the team on the offensive end which allows him to develop his offensive game fully. Because you really want MKG aggressive on D and running the break. And right now the Bobcats lead the league in shot clock violations so they clearly need someone else other than Kemba to put the ball in the basket. Besides bigs normally take 3-4 years to blossom in the NBA. Besides as we saw with OKC and Miami you can do extremely well without a dominant big. But the best big available would be Alex Len of Maryland, not Cody Zeller.

We need a quality big. If Shabazz is a home-run prospect, by all means..let's go for it...but if we're looking at a rookie OJ Mayo vs a rookie Brook Lopez...gotta go with the Brook (both have similar career PERs). We need some offense from our front-court with some physicality and rebounding to boot. Pacers, Gizzles, Timberwolves...all small market teams who built contenders with an tough, physical, rebounding, and scoring front-courts and no superstars like Durant. The Heat are the lone small-ball champions (after 9 years of the new rules) which I don't consider a legit sample...they have LeBron and their shit rebounding is going to catch up to them before this season's end.

I also have a disposition towards old-school, blue collar teams like the three small market teams I listed. They took a path that they have proven is successful in a super-star's absence; I believe Charlotte's biggest Hornet/Bobcat followers appreciate the tough/scrappy mentality the most...let's not follow this pussy small-ball fad...who knows if we'll end up with the offensive ammunition to pull it off.

I say this respectfully, I believe your approach is a choice, not a necessity. I don't coach basketball, but if I had indesputable proof we could win both ways...and our front-office, out of preference, wanted small-ball, I would stop watching.

[CampNightmare8]

Yep I would rather draft a big, our guard play is okay but we've got like the worst front court in the league. Seeing as this is a weak draft anyway the best prospects are mostly bigs.

[gamecocksmitty4]

Cho has always said that he will draft BPA and trade for need. I would love a Kemba/McLemore/MKG combo and maybe we can get a couple bigs through FA/trade. Not to mention the other picks we have.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

The more I see of this kid...Wow. Looks like someone with an NBA offensive game who can put up points.

Larry Johnson/Jason Maxiell body

Excellent perimeter face up skills on offense, including long range shot. (Better than LJ ever had at that age)

Offensive efficiency: 19 points on 12 shots a game.

Goes hard to the basket, with some thunderous highlight dunks.

Solid rebounder, though you'd like a little more on the college level from someone with his physique.

Low post game is still developing?? Since he can move his feet on the perimeter(offensively), he should have no trouble learning footwork in the post.

Concerns:

At 6'7", might be a 'tweener, primarily on the defensive end.

We don't know his reach yet. I'm guessing around 8'10".......

Is said to have a 7'1" wingspan, which is encouraging.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

possible lineup next year:

Kemba
Taylor or Henderson
MKG
Bennett
Biyombo

That's a small frontline heightwise, but there is a lot of muscle and wingspan in that bunch....

Bennett provides the perimeter skills that MKG lacks. And defensively they might be a little interchangeable....

[Plowright]

Someone has just watched the draft express video and scouting report uploaded today and fallen in love: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Anthony-Bennett-4056

If not, that's just a weird co-incidence

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Someone has just watched the draft express video and scouting report uploaded today and fallen in love: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Anthony-Bennett-4056

If not, that's just a weird co-incidence

(Laughing) I did watch part of that earlier today. Had no idea it was brand new.

He first caught my eye with that 3 pointer at the end of the Hoop Summit last April. I was like, "Who is this broad-shouldered specimen draining a fade-away 3??"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ENpJomvmQ

[kitch0202]

So we're talking about a PF who according to the linked Draft Express report has: lack of defensive effort; poor defence in the post and lack of a back-to-the-basket game as his principal knocks?

To miss-paraphrase ... 'you lost me at lack of defensive effort.'

That's a no from me ... assuming that Draft Express are correct as I don't know enough about the player to offer my own opinion.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

So we're talking about a PF who according to the linked Draft Express report has: lack of defensive effort; poor defence in the post and lack of a back-to-the-basket game as his principal knocks?

To miss-paraphrase ... 'you lost me at lack of defensive effort.'

That's a no from me ... assuming that Draft Express are correct as I don't know enough about the player to offer my own opinion.

Fair enough. But we are talking about an inside/outside scorer with the physical build to improve as a post player on both ends of the floor.

Draftexpress picks apart even the best of prospects. One thing I love about them.

Any true Anthony Bennett experts out there?? Swedd, do you have an opinion on him??

[RMT]

cause I checked the standings and right now blazers are the 8th seed which means we would get their pick.

[JGib23]

I'd rather get it in a deeper draft but, adding 2 lottery picks to our current roster will help speed up the rebuild.

[RMT]

I'd rather get it in a deeper draft but, adding 2 lottery picks to our current roster will help speed up the rebuild.

so true 2 picks would be good for us and I trust Cho to work his magic and make the most out of them.

[Black]

Shabazz with our pick, Plumlee with the Portland pick.

[CampNightmare8]

Yeah hopefully POR makes it. The more picks the better, we might draft another sleeper (Jeffrey Taylor) in this draft too.

[SWedd523]

Fair enough. But we are talking about an inside/outside scorer with the physical build to improve as a post player on both ends of the floor.

Draftexpress picks apart even the best of prospects. One thing I love about them.

Any true Anthony Bennett experts out there?? Swedd, do you have an opinion on him??
I know he's supposed to be long and all that, but I don't ever want to trot out a 6'7 PF unless he's supremely gifted.

I'd call him more of an outside/inside scorer as well. I've seen a few games (most recently against UNC) and he's just not a post player. He'd much rather float out around mid range and shoot jumpers or try and drive/dunk on people. His game is more reminiscent of a wing than a big but I think he'd be better suited with a coach forcing him to learn how to stay in the post.

He's really productive, but in the NBA where he won't have the size/girth advantage, I could see him struggling. Thomas Robinson was another small, yet long big with a similar game who is having a ton of issues right now.

[DashGlobal]

I am torn between who I'd rather have in this draft.

McLemore came out of no where while Shabaz has been a known commodity for some time now.

McLemore is more athletic and has a better jumper while Shabaz is a better pure scorer imo.

Who would yall rather have and why?

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I know he's supposed to be long and all that, but I don't ever want to trot out a 6'7 PF unless he's supremely gifted.

I'd call him more of an outside/inside scorer as well. I've seen a few games (most recently against UNC) and he's just not a post player. He'd much rather float out around mid range and shoot jumpers or try and drive/dunk on people. His game is more reminiscent of a wing than a big but I think he'd be better suited with a coach forcing him to learn how to stay in the post.

He's really productive, but in the NBA where he won't have the size/girth advantage, I could see him struggling. Thomas Robinson was another small, yet long big with a similar game who is having a ton of issues right now.

Thanks, Swedd!

I completely understand the cautious approach with a 'tweener.

We'll have to see if he has that "it" factor like successful tweeners Charles Barkley or pre-injury Larry Johnson.

[BrotherDave]

I am torn between who I'd rather have in this draft.

McLemore came out of no where while Shabaz has been a known commodity for some time now.

McLemore is more athletic and has a better jumper while Shabaz is a better pure scorer imo.

Who would yall rather have and why?
Honestly, I need to watch Ben Mac more, I've only seen like 2 Kansas games and wasn't really paying attention to him. But I like Shabazz more. Bigger guy, decent rebounder and just looks like he can score in a gazillion ways. I'm kind of wary of 6'4"-6'5" SGs unless they're painfully, obviously talented.

cause I checked the standings and right now blazers are the 8th seed which means we would get their pick.
I'll take it I guess but this is a weak draft to have multiple picks in. Last years was the draft for that. If we end up with the Blazers pick this year I'd rather use it to trade up I think to make sure we get a Shabazz/Noel/McLemore.

[kitch0202]

Shabazz with our pick, Plumlee with the Portland pick.

As things currently stand this is where I'm at too.

Shabazz has shown better range on his shot than he was universally thought to have. If he can be an NBA 40%+ 3 point shooter from the get-go then he's worth a very early 1-3 pick. As the rest of his game is strong across the board.

I really like Plumlee too. He looks like a borderline NBA starter, no more, but he has such a well rounded game for the 4 that I'd really like to have him on our roster. He's the sort of player I can see starting for us for a year or two, then becoming a significant contributor against the opposition's bench in the longterm (assuming we get a 'star' at the 4) ... rebounding, scoring & generally stuffing the stat sheet.

[kitch0202]

Fair enough. But we are talking about an inside/outside scorer with the physical build to improve as a post player on both ends of the floor.

Draftexpress picks apart even the best of prospects. One thing I love about them.

Any true Anthony Bennett experts out there?? Swedd, do you have an opinion on him??

You are right in that he clearly has his strengths. If he showed the same sort of power, determination and interest level on Defence that he does on Offence (going purely off highlight clips etc.) then I'd be much more of a fan. And with his build he HAS to have a back-to-the-basket game to be productive in the NBA.

MKG has shown that simply wanting it more than the opposition allows you to produce in the NBA. For me prospect evaluation begins with their overall effort level and desire to win. We beat the Bulls because we wanted it more than them ... simple as that.

(*Off topic but it's one of the principal things that makes me nervous of any Cousins trade.)

[Veteran_Picksetter]

And with his build he HAS to have a back-to-the-basket game to be productive in the NBA.



Liked your post, but I have a different philosophy on this one point.

Developing a low post game would make sense for him, BUT I still think he could score on opposing bigs simply as a face up 4-man.

I'm not worried about his offense so much. My concern: At 6'7", will be he be a serious defensive liability?...Especially considering the points you made about his effort.

I think it's easier to add a post up game if you've already demonstrated that you can dribble/drive like Bennett. The footwork should come easily if he wants it.

A guy who drives past bigs and posts up normal-sized wings.....That's how I see Bennett.

[Plowright]

He just seems like a slightly more athletic Paul Millsap to me? Never watched him play, but from that DX vid

[SWedd523]

Similar build to Millsap but he isn't near the type of dominant rebounder Millsap was/is

[gamecocksmitty4]

Not many people are talking about this, but...let's say that we get the #1 overall pick this year...what do we (Cho) do? I understand most people would want to trade down/for another player, but what does Cho do? And if he uses the pick, who does he use it on?

[Veteran_Picksetter]

He just seems like a slightly more athletic Paul Millsap to me? Never watched him play, but from that DX vid

His lack of dominant rebounding (as mentioned by Swedd) is disconcerting.

One major difference: Bennett has already attempted around 36 3-pointers in 12 games. Millsap attempted something like 10 3-pointers in three entire seasons of college ball, back when the line was closer. (Going by per-game averages. Didn't find their totals)

Does Millsap have Bennett's perimeter offensive skills??

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Not many people are talking about this, but...let's say that we get the #1 overall pick this year...what do we (Cho) do? I understand most people would want to trade down/for another player, but what does Cho do? And if he uses the pick, who does he use it on?

It's fun to speculate, but I guess we'll just have to see who emerges as the season moves forward. If Shabazz Mohammed is clearly the best player available, take him. I don't care how many wings are already on the roster at that point.

[DashGlobal]

I dont think we would be able to trade down. Unless Zeller improves a bit and measures out better than expected its gonna be all about Shabazz. I see him as the next Paul Pierce.

[CampNightmare8]

I dont think we would be able to trade down. Unless Zeller improves a bit and measures out better than expected its gonna be all about Shabazz. I see him as the next Paul Pierce.

Lol he shows no promise as being a sharpshooter thought. In any shape or form

[SWedd523]

Not many people are talking about this, but...let's say that we get the #1 overall pick this year...what do we (Cho) do? I understand most people would want to trade down/for another player, but what does Cho do? And if he uses the pick, who does he use it on?

It'd likely take much more than teams would be willing to offer for me to trade down

[kitch0202]

Not many people are talking about this, but...let's say that we get the #1 overall pick this year...what do we (Cho) do? I understand most people would want to trade down/for another player, but what does Cho do? And if he uses the pick, who does he use it on?

Boring answer, but we take the best player available.

It helps that it looks like being a SG or Big and we all know we need both (in terms of genuine NBA starters).

There's plenty of time for one of these young guys to separate themselves' from the pack. FWIW I'm leaning towards SG, specifically Shabazz.

[CampNightmare8]

I just realized we actually could get the 1st pick this year. At this point if we have the 1st pick I want Shabazz. If we don't have that pick and he's already drafted go with Noel or Len

[CampNightmare8]

Isaiah Austin posted a pic of the bobcats on Instagram when we were getting blown out by OKC. DON'T DRAFT HIM! Haha jk, but do you guys think players wouldn't want to get drafted by us?

[polarcat]

Double-Double for Shabazz last night against Stanford (23/10).

http://www.dallasdancemusic.com/photos/data/500/dowant.jpg

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Last year I was enamored with PJ3 and this year I think Isaiah Austin is the BPA if we wanna go for a front-court player. Zeller is crafty and knows how to score on smaller opponents but i don't see him transitioning into the NBA. Lens a safer pick for me but I'm wary of the fact he's suddenly become dominant need to see more. Does anyone know much about Tony Bennets ball handling? If he's a really good ball-handler I wouldn't mind picking him up as a tweener. Don't like Noel don't get the hype.

In terms of guards/wings I wouldn't mind MCW forming a ball-handling tandem with Kemba, but I suppose it's gotta be Shabazz when it comes down to it.

[SWedd523]

We already have Isaiah Austin on our team. His name is Byron Mullens

[DashGlobal]

bazz or ben or bust for this draft.

[polarcat]

Isiah Austin with a latter lottery pick via one of the draft picks owed to us....maybe. At best he can be Channing Frye 2.0. We've already been down this road. See Ajinca, Alex; Mullens, Byron.

[BrotherDave]

Not many people are talking about this, but...let's say that we get the #1 overall pick this year...what do we (Cho) do? I understand most people would want to trade down/for another player, but what does Cho do? And if he uses the pick, who does he use it on?
What kitch said:

Boring answer, but we take the best player available.

It helps that it looks like being a SG or Big and we all know we need both (in terms of genuine NBA starters).

There's plenty of time for one of these young guys to separate themselves' from the pack. FWIW I'm leaning towards SG, specifically Shabazz.
1. Mohammad
2a. Noel
2b. McLemore
with 3 on being a murky mix of potential players with red flags such as Len (weight), Poythress (height), Bennett (height), Zeller (length, talent), Mitchell (height), McAdoo (game)...


Concerning Austin: it isn't a stretch to compare him to Mullens actually. Considering we got Mully for a 2nd rd pick and already developed him for a couple of years already, I'd rather stick with him.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I'll be the first to tell you that highlights from a good game don't tell the whole story about a player.

But, man, Anthony Bennett gives us something to ponder here. Keep in mind he's going up against 6'10" guys on those California post ups.

And these videos don't even show his long range shooting ability.

Could the NBA be due another "special" 'tweener?? One difference for Bennett is that he can face up and drive. He's not limited to being an interior 6'7" guy.

California game. Watch at the 3:52 mark if nothing else.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5w2T6yqPRk

UNC game. Check out the play from the 0:33 mark especially.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4Ye1o6A68

[CampNightmare8]

Man I keep changing my answer a lot, but every time I see this kid Shabazz play he never disappoints me. Looks like the best player in this draft, he seems like he will be a clear cut good NBA player. Looks like the best player we can take. This kid gets compared to MKG I see no comparison towards both of them. Shabazz reminds me more of a Harden or D Wade type player. If we get the 1st pick I want this kid. Don't want to take any chances on those other prospects, which haven't caught my mind on much yet except Muhammad. If a team like Washington gets the 1st pick and we get 2nd pick, we'll be in a good position because i'm pretty sure they will be drafting a big man in that situation b/c they already have J Wall & Beal.

[Plowright]

http://basketball.realgm.com/article/225467/No_Bad_Drafts_Just_Bad_Drafters

Interesting article for people to read here

[kitch0202]

http://basketball.realgm.com/article/225467/No_Bad_Drafts_Just_Bad_Drafters

Interesting article for people to read here

Thanks for posting that Plowright.

At the moment is doesn't appear as though there's a Big out there that's worthy of a top 3 pick in terms of value to me, but these guys are very young and could add an element or two to their game before the season is out.

I think that so much of the time it's about opportunity and fit ... as such the synergy of thought in terms of the direction of the franchise, positional requirements etc. between the management & coaching staff is so very important. Cho & Dunlap being on the same page is absolutely vital to our future. Lillard is a case in point, where talent met opportunity and the results are impressive.

[ohara831]

McLemore tore it up last night. 33 points and went 6/6 from 3 pt and 7/7 on his FT. Against a pretty good Iowa State team. I think we are in good position to land either Shabazz or McLemore with our lottery pick. Could go Noel or Len, but I think the two SG's are more of a sure bet than either big man. Not fond of the big man from Indiana at all.

When I started to peek at the picks who might be available with the Portland pick in the range of #15 - #18, I saw Austin from Baylor. Thought if we go SG with our pick early, Big is a good pick with the Portland pick. Then I read the comparison from nbadraft.net and saw they compared him to Ajinca. Dear God, please dont let us make another Ajinca pick in the late teens.

[Chef]

McLemore tore it up last night. 33 points and went 6/6 from 3 pt and 7/7 on his FT. Against a pretty good Iowa State team. I think we are in good position to land either Shabazz or McLemore with our lottery pick. Could go Noel or Len, but I think the two SG's are more of a sure bet than either big man. Not fond of the big man from Indiana at all.

When I started to peek at the picks who might be available with the Portland pick in the range of #15 - #18, I saw Austin from Baylor. Thought if we go SG with our pick early, Big is a good pick with the Portland pick. Then I read the comparison from nbadraft.net and saw they compared him to Ajinca. Dear God, please dont let us make another Ajinca pick in the late teens.

mclemore, bazz, noel, anthony bennett are 4 good ones. i am sure there are a few others, so we should be ok with our pick, where ever it shakes out.

[murphman]

I'm starting to pull hard for Portland to lose more. The way they are playing right now, our pick from them could drop into the low 20's. #13-#16 is where I want that pick to be with this somewhat weak draft talent. Plus we can not discount Cho's talent of pulling off a trade involving that pick like he did in the '11 draft and the higher the pick the more it is worth in trade value.

[kitch0202]

Currently I don't see a Big I really like in the top 5, value wise, so either of the top two SGs would be good. If McLemore can continue to score highly whilst also being efficient, then he might move ahead of Shabazz.

If we're talking about Portland's pick then the player I like in that range (though he may go late lottery) is Plumlee. He's not a great prospect, but I like his all round game and think he'd be an decent starter or very good bench Big for us moving forward.

[CampNightmare8]

I really hope we get the 1st pick.

[Plowright]

I'm starting to pull hard for Portland to lose more. The way they are playing right now, our pick from them could drop into the low 20's. #13-#16 is where I want that pick to be with this somewhat weak draft talent. Plus we can not discount Cho's talent of pulling off a trade involving that pick like he did in the '11 draft and the higher the pick the more it is worth in trade value.

If it below 12 then we don't get it until 2014... I think thats right anyway, so depending on how patient you are, I would rather get the 13th/14th pick this year as I see that Portland team improving their record over the next few years

[ohara831]

Given that we are likely looking at the Portland pick this season, if they lose a little more and the pick is in the lower teens, then the best I think we can hope for would be either Shabazz or McLemore with our lottery pick, and then hope Mason Plumlee fell out of the lottery to get to us with our 2nd pick of the 1st round. Would think those two would both contribute next season. The SG a lot, and Plumlee much more than we may think.

[BrotherDave]

I'd rather have Steven Adams with the Portland pick than Plumlee. But if Adams doesn't start playing better he might not even declare. That's how much I don't like Plumlee. What you see is what you get (except slightly worse b/c the NBA is much better than the ACC).

[CampNightmare8]

Mclemore got in some trouble: http://m.kusports.com/news/2011/dec/13/ku-basketball-player-ben-mclemore-arrested-after-f/

[Keetch]

My goodness if they charged me for every mixed drink I drank or stick I smoked while in Lawrence I'd still be in the pen.

But we mostly did our damage at private parties, not clubs. Drinking underage at a retail establishment is likely somewhere up the dumb scale. Not showing up in court - dumber. But that's all it is - dumb; not dangerous.

It's not like he stole a laptop or anything.

[Keetch]

I'm a huge fan of Steven Adams. Really nice guy; fun at parties.

[CampNightmare8]

My goodness if they charged me for every mixed drink I drank or stick I smoked while in Lawrence I'd still be in the pen.

But we mostly did our damage at private parties, not clubs. Drinking underage at a retail establishment is likely somewhere up the dumb scale. Not showing up in court - dumber. But that's all it is - dumb; not dangerous.

It's not like he stole a laptop or anything. yeah like Aj price

[DashGlobal]

if mclemore keeps playing like this its gonna be hard to pick between him and bazz. his jumpshot is money.

[SWedd523]

yeah like Aj price

Or that $cam Newton character!

[SWedd523]

if mclemore keeps playing like this its gonna be hard to pick between him and bazz. his jumpshot is money.
I am a sucker for a sweet jump shot.

[Chef]

interesting opinion:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225570/Scouts_Advice_Bobcats_To_Trade_2013_Draft_Pick

the same was said of kyrie ervin's draft, until the clips unloaded what would have been the first pick, then the critics came out. i would say the idea has some merit. of course the contrary is that, if it is such a weak draft and this is a majority opinion, what is the worth of the pick in a trade?

[CampNightmare8]

Hey has anyone seen mclemore in a interview? Is he a knucklehead?

[CampNightmare8]

interesting opinion:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225570/Scouts_Advice_Bobcats_To_Trade_2013_Draft_Pick

the same was said of kyrie ervin's draft, until the clips unloaded what would have been the first pick, then the critics came out. i would say the idea has some merit. of course the contrary is that, if it is such a weak draft and this is a majority opinion, what is the worth of the pick in a trade?

Depends.. If we don't get 1-3 then I would trade it. If we trade the pick I want another young player and a pick.

[CampNightmare8]

interesting opinion:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225570/Scouts_Advice_Bobcats_To_Trade_2013_Draft_Pick

the same was said of kyrie ervin's draft, until the clips unloaded what would have been the first pick, then the critics came out. i would say the idea has some merit. of course the contrary is that, if it is such a weak draft and this is a majority opinion, what is the worth of the pick in a trade?

This is also very true. I remember when kyrie got drafted people were like "this is the most unhyped first pick ever"

[Bogg]

interesting opinion:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225570/Scouts_Advice_Bobcats_To_Trade_2013_Draft_Pick

the same was said of kyrie ervin's draft, until the clips unloaded what would have been the first pick, then the critics came out. i would say the idea has some merit. of course the contrary is that, if it is such a weak draft and this is a majority opinion, what is the worth of the pick in a trade?

It's kind of meaningless advice absent a trade market. It's who you can draft vs. who you can trade for, not who you can draft vs. who you can draft in a great draft class.

[CampNightmare8]

How does Shabazz not average an assist playing 29 mpg? Damn. Hopefully he gets that up.. I still want us to draft him thought.

[Plowright]

The past two weeks we've broken down the potential draft prospects for the two worst teams in the NBA -- the Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Hornets.

Neither team looks like it will be stuck in that position for long. With John Wall back and rookie Bradley Beal finding his stroke, the Wizards have won three of their past four. The Hornets, with a healthy Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis, have won six of seven.

That leaves the Charlotte Bobcats in serious danger of being the worst team in the league this year. After getting off to a shockingly good 7-5 start, the Bobcats are just 2-24 since Nov. 24 and a number of recent losses have just been ugly.

Unlike the Wizards and Hornets, the Bobcats aren't fighting significant injuries to their stars -- they just don't have any stars.

Top 30 Big Board


Get the latest information and updates on the Top 30 NBA draft prospects on Chad Ford's Big Board. Also, don't miss his weekly discussion with fellow draft expert Jay Bilas.

That explains why they rank 28th in the league in offensive efficiency and 29th in defensive efficiency. They aren't getting it done on either side of the ball. The team ranks 29th in rebounding rate, 29th in effective field goal percentage and is last in the league in assist ratio.

In other words, they're really, really bad.

Rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the team's most talented player. He was one of my favorite players in the draft last year, but his game doesn't necessarily scream "go-to-guy" -- at least not on the offensive end.

Sophomore point guard Kemba Walker is also showing improvement this season and others like Ramon Sessions, Gerald Henderson and believe it or not -- Ben Gordon -- have been solid as well.

With the exception of the small forward and point guard positions, the Bobcats could use upgrades everywhere. Bismack Biyombo is still struggling to grasp the game. The team is devoid of a quality power forward, and while Henderson has been awesome from 3-point range at the shooting guard position, the team could still use an upgrade.

Here's a look at their best options if the get the No. 1 pick.

Good fits: Ben McLemore, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett

McLemore might be hard for the Bobcats to pass up if they get the No. 1 pick. While Henderson has been solid, McLemore is the type of player that could add some real scoring punch in the backcourt. He's an elite athlete, a terrific shooter, gets to the basket and can defend multiple positions.

Len will also be intriguing. The two guys they have anchoring the middle right now -- Biyombo and Brendan Haywood -- aren't getting it done. Byron Mullens (who actually spends most of his time at the 4) has been solid, but he's not an elite rebounder or shot blocker. Len is still a work in progress, but his size and overall skill around the basket just give the Bobcats a player they don't have.

Bennett should also get a long look here. The power forward spot might be the weakest for the Bobcats right now. Mullens, who's playing out of position, has been solid. Tyrus Thomas and Hakim Warrick just aren't cutting it. Bennett is a bit undersized for the position, but he's long, super athletic and can really score from anywhere on the floor. He also has a NBA-ready game and should be able to come and be an upgrade from day one.

Questionable fits: Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller

Noel has the chance to be a special defensive player. But unless the Bobcats are ready to give up on Biyombo, I'm not sure they can afford to have two offensively challenged big men on the court together.

Muhammad would be great, but he plays the same position as Kidd-Gilchrist, and I just don't think that's the position the Bobcats will try to fill.

Zeller is skilled and runs the floor well, but given their current personnel, I'm not sure he's a significant upgrade.

Best fit: I've heard the Bobcats are big Bennett fans. While I currently haven't had a team tell me he's atop its draft board, I could see the Bobcats being a team that leans in that direction. He's a good fit for their needs and can be an immediate impact player. Maybe he can resurrect the legacy of Larry Johnson (who is actually a pretty good comp for Bennett) not only in Vegas, but in Charlotte, too.

[BrotherDave]

Len will also be intriguing. The two guys they have anchoring the middle right now -- Biyombo and Brendan Haywood -- aren't getting it done. Byron Mullens (who actually spends most of his time at the 4) has been solid, but he's not an elite rebounder or shot blocker. Len is still a work in progress, but his size and overall skill around the basket just give the Bobcats a player they don't have.

Questionable fits: Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller

Muhammad would be great, but he plays the same position as Kidd-Gilchrist, and I just don't think that's the position the Bobcats will try to fill.


Thanks for the article but I'm not surprised this is from Ford, he is an idiot a lot. First, color me not surprised that Ford likes a slow, European white 7' guy *Darko, cough, cough* All Len needs to do is grow a beard and add -avic to his last name and he'll be Ford's surefire no. 1 pick. Why would Len's size (7'1", 225) and overall skill around the basket give the Bobcats a player they don't have when Zeller's arguably better size (7', 240) and definitively better overall skill around the basket wouldn't? You can fly a dirigible though the hole in that logic.

Secondly, Muhammad is NOT a bad fit for Charlotte. He can easily play the 2 in the NBA, especially alongside someone like MKG who can cover Muhammad's man on defense if the other team's 2 is a better scorer. Shabazz can score from all over the court, Gillie can defend like a mofo, it's arguably the best fit.

Bennett is definitely in the convo though.

[Plowright]

I wouldn't say Chad Ford is an idiot, were all arm chair fans at the end of the day this is what he does for a living. Also you arn't the ESPN Draft expert without knowing something so you can't really be making comments like that. I would choose to take some things he says on board, but then question some that's the best way of making a your own well rounded opinion

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

To me it's down to Anthony Bennett, Ben Mclemore or Shabazz Muhammad....i just don't think any of this years big man are anything special

[ohara831]

To me it's down to Anthony Bennett, Ben Mclemore or Shabazz Muhammad....i just don't think any of this years big man are anything special

Right now, those would be my top 3. Noel would be #4 on my list.

[BrotherDave]

Right now, those would be my top 3. Noel would be #4 on my list.
I'm right there with you. Noel and Zeller kind of float around there and I wouldn't object to drafting either b/c I think they'd both make good trade bait, especially Noel.

[DashGlobal]

why the hell would yall want a tweener in Bennett?!?!? fug no. He is not a SF and he is too small with a more perimeter game for PF position.

[Chef]

why the hell would yall want a tweener in Bennett?!?!? fug no. He is not a SF and he is too small with a more perimeter game for PF position.

i share your concern, but when was the last time someone was pretty universally compared to LJ?

[BrotherDave]

why the hell would yall want a tweener in Bennett?!?!? fug no. He is not a SF and he is too small with a more perimeter game for PF position.

Talent and BPA over fit.

[DashGlobal]

Talent and BPA over fit.

Fit? Bennett doesnt fit anywhere. He isnt a SF and he isnt a PF. Fug undersized tweeners.

[SWedd523]

Does that huddle "fug" stuff get on anybody else's nerves?

[DashGlobal]

Does that huddle "fug" stuff get on anybody else's nerves?

poor thing

[polarcat]

I'd be okay with Bennett being here if we can ship Biyombo out in a package to land DMC or snag Al Jefferson. Bennett being 6'8" is okay for my PF if he is beside a 6'11" Cousins. When it's all said and done on draft night, Bennett is going top 3. He's putting up 19/9 right now and the LJ comparisons are not too far off. However, with Biyombo on our squad, we would have a midget front court. For me, it's Shabazz, McClemore, Bennett.... not that my opinion really matters come draft night....haha.

[SWedd523]

poor thing
It's probably because I just can't get over the fact that you'd trade MKG for Quincy Miller.

I mean.


http://25.media.tumblr.com/a30bcb8c0cff78bcf5f3e930dd05dbdc/tumblr_mgearsUqxq1r6aoq4o1_250.gif

[DashGlobal]

It's probably because I just can't get over the fact that you'd trade MKG for Quincy Miller.

I mean.


http://25.media.tumblr.com/a30bcb8c0cff78bcf5f3e930dd05dbdc/tumblr_mgearsUqxq1r6aoq4o1_250.gif

I dont recall saying id trade Miller for MKG.

About the only thing I said was Miller has more upside pre draft.

[CatNation]

I dont recall saying id trade Miller for MKG.

About the only thing I said was Miller has more upside pre draft.

http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?14393-Your-current-thoughts-on-MKG&p=229412#post229412

[Plowright]

Car nation 1-0 Dash Global

[SWedd523]

http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?14393-Your-current-thoughts-on-MKG&p=229412#post229412
Beat me to my cumputter

[BrotherDave]

Fit? Bennett doesnt fit anywhere. He isnt a SF and he isnt a PF. Fug undersized tweeners.

He's practically the same as Adrien, maybe a little taller. He has similarly long arms too. The difference is, Bennett can shoot from pretty much everywhere. So when you think "Adrien with range, handles and skill," that's a much nicer problem to have. Bennett beside Driftwood or maybe Mullens if keeps rebounding and playing decent defense wouldn't be too undersized.

And if doesn't work out, he'd probably have more trade value than a better fit, less talent player.

[DashGlobal]

http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/showthread.php?14393-Your-current-thoughts-on-MKG&p=229412#post229412

I wasnt being serious, as I havent even looked to see how Miller has played this year. With that said, I still wouldnt be completely opposed to it as Miller to me has more upside than MKG.

[DashGlobal]

He's practically the same as Adrien, maybe a little taller. He has similarly long arms too. The difference is, Bennett can shoot from pretty much everywhere. So when you think "Adrien with range, handles and skill," that's a much nicer problem to have. Bennett beside Driftwood or maybe Mullens if keeps rebounding and playing decent defense wouldn't be too undersized.

And if doesn't work out, he'd probably have more trade value than a better fit, less talent player.

Why would you draft a limited tweener when you can have a ideal SG? Unless we somehow wind up with the 4th pick I dont see anyway we draft Bennett.

[CampNightmare8]

I really don't see the logic in drafting Bennett, when there is a lights out scorer in this draft by the name of Shabazz Muhammad

[DashGlobal]

i dont see the logic in drafting a player in the top 5 that is not ideal for their position or cant become ideal.

ie have the size and skills for said position.

[BrotherDave]

Why would you draft a limited tweener when you can have a ideal SG? Unless we somehow wind up with the 4th pick I dont see anyway we draft Bennett.

Easy answer is there are no ideal SGs in this draft. McLemore has his flaws (passive, handles need improvement) and Muhammad might not be able to defend his shadow (slow). The bottom line is we SUCK. We can't afford to think purely in terms of PG, SG, SF, PF, and C. We need talent more than anything and if player x can put the ball in the basket better than half the league then the fact that he doesn't have optimal size means fuck all. Bennett has a lot of talent and is definitely in the conversation, he's a way better player than Thomas Robinson is right now and would arguably be our best offensive player.

[Chef]

Easy answer is there are no ideal SGs in this draft. McLemore has his flaws (passive, handles need improvement) and Muhammad might not be able to defend his shadow (slow). The bottom line is we SUCK. We can't afford to think purely in terms of PG, SG, SF, PF, and C. We need talent more than anything and if player x can put the ball in the basket better than half the league then the fact that he doesn't have optimal size means fuck all. Bennett has a lot of talent and is definitely in the conversation, he's a way better player than Thomas Robinson is right now and would arguably be our best offensive player.

i am going to go out on a limb all by myself here. i think mclemore is going to be an all-star shooting guard capable of being an alpha guy. maybe a young ray allen. i would do just about anything within reason to get him this draft.

i have seen him play a few times and it is the first time that i don't mind watching a college player play since kevin durant. not saying he is kevin durant by a long shot, but he has a pro game and is an exciting player. he is really good.

[DashGlobal]

Easy answer is there are no ideal SGs in this draft. McLemore has his flaws (passive, handles need improvement) and Muhammad might not be able to defend his shadow (slow). The bottom line is we SUCK. We can't afford to think purely in terms of PG, SG, SF, PF, and C. We need talent more than anything and if player x can put the ball in the basket better than half the league then the fact that he doesn't have optimal size means fuck all. Bennett has a lot of talent and is definitely in the conversation, he's a way better player than Thomas Robinson is right now and would arguably be our best offensive player.

He might not have PG handles but how many SG's do? His handle is more than adequate imo Good size, athletic, scorer, great shooter. Sign me up!

[BrotherDave]

McLemore doesn't have good size, he has average size. I've seen him a few times and I can't say definitively that he's an alpha guy. But I can't really disagree with anything else y'all said, lol.

I think I still prefer Muhammad just a smidge though.

[DashGlobal]

McLemore doesn't have good size, he has average size. I've seen him a few times and I can't say definitively that he's an alpha guy. But I can't really disagree with anything else y'all said, lol.

I think I still prefer Muhammad just a smidge though.

Good as in it is not a concern for people. Elite / Perfect height for a SG is 6'6

[CampNightmare8]

Mclemore is ghetto......

[Plowright]

i am going to go out on a limb all by myself here. i think mclemore is going to be an all-star shooting guard capable of being an alpha guy. maybe a young ray allen. i would do just about anything within reason to get him this draft.

A future hall if famer who leads the NBA in 3 pointers made ever... That's a lot to live up to

[Chef]

A future hall if famer who leads the NBA in 3 pointers made ever... That's a lot to live up to

i have seen shades of it this season. but, yes it is a ton to live up to and i don't expect that. i do expect him to be very good though.

[BrotherDave]

Good as in it is not a concern for people. Elite / Perfect height for a SG is 6'6

Not anymore, not with guys like Paul George and Nic Batum running around.

We're arguing semantics a bit anyway, lol.

[kitch0202]

One potential pitfall in assessing Draft guys is letting your & others' expectations of them coming out of High School affect your assessment of them.

For example Shabazz (FWIW) hasn't come close to meeting mine, I thought he was a better athlete ... I think he'll struggle to guard the athletic wings in this league. That fact alone has me souring on him. He's still a good player, just not as good as I was expecting.

Conversely Noel is much better ... he's so active on D and gets plenty of steals and rebounds to go along with all the blocks; not to mention his Assist to Turnover ratio is about 1:1. I am highly impressed with him and think he has the athleticism and ability to guard 4s & 5s in this league ... just not the strength (yet?).

My worry with McLemore is that he has the look of a complementary offensive player ... he thrives when set up so by his teammates and isn't yet that adept at creating his own shot. Now he's very, very good in catch-and-shoot situations but he needs to show more versatility in his offensive repertoire.

Plenty of people seem to have fallen for Bennett and offensively I can see why. He has such a well rounded attacking game for his age. It's his effort level on defence that bothers me. He simply doesn't put the same energy in and this has me worried. I'm sure some of it has to do with conditioning, but I'm nervous of drafting a 4 who plays like he wants to be a 3 and hasn't shown a genuine desire to defend.

There's plenty of time for these guys to develop further but from what I have seen thus far Noel, McLemore, Shabazz & Bennett have separated themselves from the pack ... in that order.

[CampNightmare8]

Not anymore, not with guys like Paul George and Nic Batum running around.

We're arguing semantics a bit anyway, lol.

Batum is a sf

[BrotherDave]

Batum is a sf

He plays there also and so does a substantial number of players 6'6'' or taller.

[gamecocksmitty4]

The more I watch college ball this year, the more I think we HAVE to pick Nerlens Noel. The guy does just about everything. Everything but score, but that will come in time.

If we could just work a trade for Jeremy Lamb and pick Noel in the draft, we would be getting pretty close.

[CampNightmare8]

Nerlens is looking like the ideal player for us. We can work with this kid.

[Potato]

Players I'm interested in right now:

Nerlens Noel: people act like he's been a disappointment when he's been extremely good actually. His numbers are eerily similar to Patrick Ewing's freshman numbers.
Shabazz Muhammad: showing signs of star potential, will be interesting to see how he finishes the season.
Ben McLemore: Like others have said, reminds me of Ray Allen but maybe a better passer.
Otto Porter: raw, but potential to be the best player out of this class

The top 3 are the ones I'm really zeroing in on right now. Something is telling me to stay away from Cody Zeller, dont like Alex Len either.

[CampNightmare8]

Only reason people are hating on Nerlens is b/c of the AD comparison.

[BrotherDave]

With Noel, even if he doesn't work out we can always get something good in return for him.

[Pepperz]

Noel interest me the most out of all the players. His potential is really high. He has a great motor. Great hands. Pairing him next to Bismack will put a fear in the paint. They will make sure that each and every basket that is made is going to be worked for. I want motherfuckers to go hard in the paint. Dont bring that soft shit.

[DashGlobal]

1st - Bazz or Ben

1st (Port) - Plumblee or Olynk or McCollum

[SWedd523]

Noel interest me the most out of all the players. His potential is really high. He has a great motor. Great hands. Pairing him next to Bismack will put a fear in the paint. They will make sure that each and every basket that is made is going to be worked for. I want motherfuckers to go hard in the paint. Dont bring that soft shit.

Only if we get to call them the Bash Brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqV_dBPc4XY

[BrotherDave]

I kind of feel like that Noel is the closest thing to a franchise player in this draft.

[superb1]

I kind of feel like that Noel is the closest thing to a franchise player in this draft.

I think that the safe bet would be Noel if we don't be a solution upfront. As far as SG, we are deep with Hendo, Gordon and Taylor. At the right price, Hendo can continue to be part of our core.

sent from the pseudo GM offices of the Charlotte Hornets

[Pepperz]

Only if we get to call them the Bash Brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqV_dBPc4XY

well call them the swat cats cuz they are going to swap people shit left and right.

[BrotherDave]

well call them the swat cats cuz they are going to swap people shit left and right.
Great call.

[SWedd523]

Maybe Kid N Play?

Or have Biz grow the flat top and call them THE ERASERS

[Plowright]

Or call them the hollow man... as they give you nothing on the inside offensively. I think Biz would have to come off the bench if we drafted Noel, we can't have that lack of scoring on the inside or our shooters will never get an open look. You can already see how desperate Dunlap is for a post player, he has tried with Biz, Warrick and Haywood. I would love to get Noel don't get me wrong, but not sure him and Biz can coexist for large minutes together