2013 lottery big men

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I really like Isaiah Austin and would really love for us to get him with the Portland pick if we do get it. Tonight he had 17 points and 21 boards (12 offensive) against Oklahoma. On the season he's averaging 14.5 PPG and 8.8 RPG. With some added weight i think he can be a really good big man and he can shoot a little 3.

I've seen Austin nail some smooth-as-silk Sam Perkin-esque 3 pointers. But my question is, with all of that length, why doesn't he block a ton of shots? Worrisome.

There's just not remotely complete big man in this draft!

[kitch0202]

There's just not one remotely complete big man in this draft!

[CampNightmare8]

There never is a complete player coming out of a draft.

[iowabobcat]

I've seen Austin nail some smooth-as-silk Sam Perkin-esque 3 pointers. But my question is, with all of that length, why doesn't he block a ton of shots? Worrisome.

There's just not remotely complete big man in this draft!

With Biz though we don't need him to be a big shot blocker. He still needs to get stronger and maybe his blocking will improve a little. I don't really like the idea of us drafting Noel because with Biz and Noel while we would be very good defensively down low, our offensive game in the post would be almost non-existent for at least 2-3 years. Both players might not ever develop an above-average post game. If Anthony Bennett was 2 inches taller I think he would be a must get for us and he still should be considered. I love his game but am concerned about his size. Kelly Olynyk is another interesting prospect he has a good offensive game but I'm not sure how well he will transition to the NBA. Gonzaga players haven't really been very good NBA players lately and he could definitely be the exception. At 7 ft he doesn't even average a block a game and I don't think he will be that good of a rebounder in the NBA. Unless Zeller plays phenomenal down the stretch and in the tournament I'm not really interested in him.

If I had to choose right now who I want us to get in the draft, assuming we get Portland's pick it would be McLemore and Austin, and if Austin isn't available then Olynyk.

[SWedd523]

There never is a complete player coming out of a draft.

[kitch0202]

There never is a complete player coming out of a draft.

Aside from SWedd523's exception, you're right ... that's why Veteren_Picksetter used the word remotely:

There's just not remotely complete big man in this draft!

[gamecocksmitty4]

Honest question, what is the big difference between Anthony Bennett and DeShaun Thomas? Bennett is slightly more athletic and 15 lbs heavier. But they're both 6'7" stretch 4s. As far as shooting goes, Bennett shoots 3 3's a game at 37.7% whereas Thomas shoots over twice as many at 41.3%. I don't think either are going to ever be great at rebounding or playing defense.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

There never is a complete player coming out of a draft.

"Never" is a strong word. I'm old enough to remember Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Patrick Ewing entering the league and being fantastic from the get-go.

They were very beyond "remotely complete". But I guess in the days of "one-and-done" it is a crap shoot with these players.

Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, and Blake Griffin were pretty much expected to be excellent from the get-go. There's nothing like them in 2013.

[SWedd523]

When I watch them play I see Thomas as a three playing out of position because he's in college and able to (less overall size of competition) When I watch Bennett I see a stretch 4 with some 3 skills.


Maybe that sounds like semantics so I'll say it another way: I think Bennett is capable of playing the 4 in the NBA while Thomas is more suited to the wing

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Honest question, what is the big difference between Anthony Bennett and DeShaun Thomas? Bennett is slightly more athletic and 15 lbs heavier. But they're both 6'7" stretch 4s. As far as shooting goes, Bennett shoots 3 3's a game at 37.7% whereas Thomas shoots over twice as many at 41.3%. I don't think either are going to ever be great at rebounding or playing defense.

Don't know enough about Thomas. But Bennett is built like LJ and has excellent rebounding potential. Also, he's known to show some nice driving skills. I'll try to look into Thomas.