Comments
- I don’t think O.J. Mayo will be picked ahead of Michael Beasley, but I think that the Heat will trade down with the Wolves because they want Mayo anyway, so I put them on the teams I think they will finish with.
- The Grizzlies are the key to how to rest of the lottery will fall. Right now I have them going with Anthony Randolph because he is the type of player that will really impress in the individual workouts and he plays a position vacated by Pau Gasol. Randolph is an extremely fluid athlete for his size, but will need to bulk up to avoid getting pushed around down low.
- Word is Eric Gordon is healed from the injury that derailed the second half of his season. He is built like a house and can really shoot the ball and get to the line. I think his stock will rise as he works out and Knicks grab him at #6 after Mayo doesn’t drop to them.
- I’ve read that Kevin Love could go as high as #3 to the Wolves, but I think that would be a bit of a reach for him. If Brand opts out of his contract, or the Clippers know they won’t sign him next season, Love would be the perfect pick. He was dominant in the toughest conference in the league, hit big shots in the Tournament and has already dropped 15 pounds since the end the NCAA season.
- I have Joe Alexander going higher than most mock drafts. I also think he will be a workout wonder and Milwaukee really needs a SF. Alexander is a freak athlete (shown here headbutting the rim) and is a quick learner (started learning to play the post THIS season and was absolutely dominant by the end of the year). He can shoot, he has size and is a real sleeper in this draft.
- I think the Bobcats will go against their past drafting techniques and take the upside of DeAndre Jordan over the safer pick of Brook Lopez.
- I think that Lopez and Danilo Gallinari will drop because Lopez just flat out isn’t that good (as I mentioned in my first mock draft) and I think GMs are shying away from foreign players just a tad.
- Donte Green to the Suns is just wishful thinking at this point. I think they will take my man Brandon Rush and break my heart.
- I think the Spurs will stop taking foreign players to develop overseas and actually draft someone who can help them next year in Ty Lawson.
- Mario Chalmers would be awesome on the Hornets. I’ve loved that kid since H.S. and once teams see him play more, he could rise higher in the draft. Excellent defender and a lot more than one big shot.
- J.J. Hickson is another player who is raw but has tons of upside.
- Joey Dorsey being the next Ben Wallace for the Pistons? Is that too easy?
46 comments ↓
PETE: If Rush is gone, do you agree that Chalmers is our best option? Even if we do sign Miller to an extension we are going to need a replacement PG in the near future. This would give him a couple years to learn and develop. If not Chalmers, then who? Budinger for a shooter?
Bski - I love Mario Chalmers just as Pete does, but I don’t know if the Sixers will be prioritizing that need high enough for them to grab Chalmers that early. I think he would look at best available, shooter, inside scorer then PG. And I don’t think Chalmers would be the best available. But it also will depend on his workouts. I think if he can show an NBA stroke from three and his point guard decision making skills his stock will rise to the point the Sixer should seriously consider him, since he will give us that point guard who is an outside threat.
I agree with everything except I am not sure if Detroit would take Dorsey since they already have Maxiell who I think are similar players. It will depend on what Dumars plans to do with McDyess and Ratliff who are both fA.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they looked to solidify their back up shooting guard needs since Hunter will be a FA and Afflalo hasn’t really played or done much thus far. Wayne Ellington maybe to tutor under Rip Hamilton?
Interesting board Pete. I really like your pick of Joe Alexander to the Bucks, and Darrell Arthur to the Kings at 12.
And the Ty Lawson to Spurs is a great call too…just the kind of savvy pick Buford would make, have a nice talent to develop under Tony Paker/Stoudamire to bring up as another PG option. Courtney Lee is another guy they’ll probably take a look at, great slashing wing…I think the best pick for them though might be Jamont Gordon. This is a total do-it-all stud from Miss St, real complete, mature NBA package.
Also totally agree that Eric Gordon is being completely slept on…this guy is a total 20 ppg stud in the making, I love the fact he’s a true 2 guard. He can shoot the lights out, and is a great slasher. Rare combo of strengths.
I can’t see Mayo going 3rd to the T-Wolves (commenting on what most draft boards have, not yours). This guy, while a phenomenal talent, would be just a horrible fit for an already trigger happy and ill-fitting backcourt (Telfair, Foye, Jaric, McCants). Plus, given the headaches Stephon Marbury gave the TWolves in the 90’s, I can’t see McHale taking another spotlight guard that comes with some baggage. Apparently he “loves Love”…but that’s way too high for him. I see Anthony Randolph moving up and being picked here, or Brook Lopez…Randolph is a total versatile freak, defensive stud, great feel for the game. Great 1-2 punch to go with Al Jefferson. I’d also take Gordon here in a heartbeat over Mayo.
Also can’t see D Love going to the Clipps. Get what you mean about Brand opting out…but I can’t see them drafting a PF when they still have the 3rd - 4th best PF in the L that will probably come back. This team is desperate for backcourt help…Gordon should be automatic for them if still there…and I would strongly consider taking Augustine here as well, unless Shaun Livingston has made great recovery and we don’t know.
If the Cleveland Cavaliers choose anyone other then Brandon Rush (if available) or CDR, it would be just silly. Pete I like the idea of Kosta being groomed for later while Big Z ages, but this team is desperate for any type of scoring and shooting threat right now. CDR is a great three year veteran, can shoot the long ball, play D and get to the rim. If Morris Almond was in this year’s draft, he’d be perfect for them.
Can’t see how Seattle takes Billy Walker at 24…they already have a logjam with Durant and Jeff Green at the wing positions, along with Damien Wilkins (one of the most underrated players in the NBA) and will address their guard need with their lottery pick. They kinda have to take a PF or C here…JJ Hickson, Richard Hendrix, Joey Dorsey would be great options.
Charlotte…I don’t think they are in a position to take a big man project. If D’Jordan develops…and that’s a huge if…he’ll be like J’Oneal, making an impact 4-5 years down the road. Charlotte has a great core in place set to go now…I think David Love will be here by this pick, they should nab him. Anthony Randolph or Brook Lopez should be automatics too…anyone that can move Okafor back to the PF position and provide Nazr some inside help.
Bski…I’m assuming you mean “if we have a 2nd round pick” or acquired a later 1st round pick. NO WAY IN HELL should we take Mario Chalmers at 16. We already have Sweet Lou and Carney as our combo guard/swingmen off the bench…why get another one? If we get a late 1st round / 2nd round:
1. Richard Hendrix. I can’t say it enough, this guy is an absolute gem waiting to happen. He’s Millsap with offense.
2. Backup PG:
Brian Roberts
Jamar Butler
Two of the most polished seniors in college basketball…Roberts a savvy 2 guard that would make a nice transition to a backup one…poised, great IQ, hustles, clutch shooter. Jamar…great scoring PG, total clutch and can score in bursts from shot or drives, and a great assist guy too, makes others around him better.
Dannie…Wayne Ellington, like Chase Budinger and Ty Lawson…desperately need to go back to college. But if Wayne did mistakenly stay in the pool, no better team to go to then Detroit, that’s a great call.
Dave T -
Good comments. Though I’m fairly certain you mean “Kevin Love,” not “David Love.” Unless the golfer has seriously stepped us his bball game.
I disagree on Charlotte. I think Randolph is just as much of a project as Jordan and Jordan would enable Okafor to stay at the 4 long term. Love would be a good pick if he is there and would make sense for a Larry Brown team. And now that I think about it, there is no way Brown drafts a project - seeing as he just flat out doesn’t play young players. So I’ll probably alter this pick (maybe they reach for a PG - they may not be sold on Felton)
You are right on Seattle, I forgot about Wilkins. Maybe they will draft another crappy foreign big man. Do Saer Sene, Johan Petro or Robert Swift have a brother?
I could see CDR to Cleveland. I’ll be interested to see exactly how athletic he looks in workouts. He struck me as more of a crafty scorer in college and that doesn’t always translate to the pros (see Morrison, Adam).
BSKI - I think 16 would be a little too high for Chalmers, and Dannie is right that we need a shooter.
I am 100% with Pete regarding CDR I don’t think he is an NBA shooter and wasn’t all that quick or athletic off the bounce. He can probably finish at the rim but I really question whether he can even get to the rim in the NBA.
Brian Roberts is apparently showing really well in pre-draft camp but he is still playing against college players. At 6-2 he is a tweener.
I am a UNC fan so it would please me a lot for all three UNC players to head back to school and win that national title. Lawson will stay in the draft for sure if he shoots the ball well in his workouts because that is really his only question mark (besides height). Ellington needs to go back because he is turning the ball over and not scoring all that well down in Orlando. Danny Green needs to go back to school and work on his offensive game some more and I can see him in the league next year because of his versatility and defense.
I will say this about Mario Chalmers (again who I love) if Rajon Rondo can be the starting point guard for a Finals contender in Boston I think Chalmers can be a good NBA point guard as well.
Here’s why, his basketball IQ is through the roof (I think better than Rondo). He does not turn the ball over (less erratic than Rondo). He is a rock defensively at the point. He is extremely efficient on offense because he doesn’t take bad shots (51% shooter last season). He has shown the ability to improve his game in all areas over time (FG%, 3pt%, Assist, points have all gone up from freshman to senior and his turnovers have gone down each season to below 2per game). I also think he has much more potential as shooter than Rondo does, who I never think will be any good shooting the 3. If he can get in behind Miller I think he will likely develop his PG skills and no longer be consider a combo guard. If thats not enough Draft Express has him as the 6th best PG in the draft and the top 5 will be selected before our 16th pick. I think it is a matter of how he shoots the ball from the NBA 3pt range, dude shot 46% in college! Can that translate is the question?
Over all i like your draft there are just a few selections i dont understand.
MIA/MIN: i realize you think they would swap picks but i dont see the sence in that because they would only move one position.
MEM: the Grizz have been rumored to package mike miller and kyle lowry to get a primier scorer. if they cant get that deal done i could see them taking gordon. if they do get that deal done i still couldnt see them taking a project in Randolph. in my opinion lopez is the obvious pick because he is a more complete player and is the most NBA ready Center in the draft. he may not have the potential to be a Dwight Howard oe a Shaquill O’Niel but he will be a solid pro to complement Gay and Conley.
GSW: not only do i think Lopez will go mich higher, i dont see how GS would draft him. he does not fit there system. he cant run the floor with there players and he is only a post player, which is not what they are looking for in a center. a much better selection would be donte green, who could play PF in there system. JaVale McGee could also be the selection if they would be willing to develope him.
PHX: although SF is a position of need i dont see PHX taking Green. he is a black hole. if you give him the ball he would rather force a shot then pass the ball. they already have a player like tht in stoudemire. i could see them taking brandon rush. they need a guy who can play right away and give them solid production off the bench.
DEN: i dont see DEN taking a SG that is only average on defense. a better pick would be mario chalmers. he is a great defensive player who aint that bad on offense either. he is also a position of need.
SEA#2/SA/NO: on each of these picks you have them taking players at positions they are loaded at. SEA has needs at PF and C which they could adress at this point. SA needs a dynamic scorer and they could get this in Bill Walker or Nicholas Batum. they are also at a position of need. NO needs a SG or a SF more than they need a PG. Peja is great but he is more of a shooter than anything els. they need someone who can compliment him to come off the bench.
other than that great draft.
Dave T: I am talking about taking Chalmers with our #16.
PETE: The golfer is DAVIS Love III.
DANNIE: Thanks for backing me up with info in two areas defending Chalmers at #16. 1) I saw the same thing on Draft Express and 2) about having him learn under Miller. I just didn’t elaborate on this in my post.
Rush would be a nice addition to the 76ers, but would this mean a trade of Carney?
I think Robin Lopez and Roy Hibbert will be 2 late surprises in this draft class. Lopez seems to be the type that “wants it” and will turn into a better pro than collegian. I would be happy with him as backup at the 4/5.
Hibbert is another player who will be overlooked. The guy did not have much of an opportunity to show his skills in Georgetown’s “Princeton Style” offense. Hibbert has slimmed down over the past 2 years and is quite mobile at 7-2. His passing skills are top notch and he appears to be a hard-worker type. I would be happy with him backing up the 4/5 as well.
Draft night should be interesting as a 6er fan. Elton Brand? Rumors of a trade for Miller? Sign and trade for Iguodala?
I just don’t like Hibbert. If Utah takes him I’m guessing they’re looking for the second coming of Mark Eaton
bski, Hibbert moves fairly well for a 6-2 guy. Comparing him to Eaton is inaccurate. Hibbert also has good hands around the hoop with touch.
LLOYD: You may be right. I just wouldn’t want to take a chance on him. When I look at him I can’t help seeing Eric Montross as a pro (I think Montross was a better college player than Hibbert) and that’s not good. Dannie, sorry about bashing a UNC guy.
All good bski.
Lloyd - besides the fact that I think Roy Hibbert is soft and was overrated in college is that although he is a strong passer and moves “fairly” well (I actually think he is pretty slow and robotic in the post) he wouldn’t fit with the Sixers running style of play. Whereas we see Sammy who is great at running the floor. If we ran a passing/cutting style of offense like the triangle and had a low post scorer, Hibbert would fit wonderfully since his height would aid him in playing the high-low game. And his passing would be utilized more when looking to hit cutters.
Further do we really want such a passive big? While I agree the Georgetown offense limited Hibbert’s total touches and his wing players weren’t the best at post entry either, his lack of assertiveness when he caught the ball worries me. Also as a leader on the team and pre-season all-American I thought he didn’t aggressively demand the rock either which contributed greatly to his limited touches. What’s worse I think he is a terrible rebounder for his size and strength.
Lovin the discussion fellas. Absolutely lovin it.
Chalmers, Lee, and Hendrix will all be good NBA players. That is all I have to say. I would love to get any of them. We don’t have a 2nd though, so I am unsure what to expect.
Hibbert stinks. The Georgetown offense made Hibbert appear better than he is… look at how Micheal Sweetney turned out… he won’t go in the first. Book it.
An idea I see floating around is to trade 16 for 24 and 32 with Seattle. It makes sense for both parties… Sixers get 2 solid players to test out and Seattle moves up while only losing one of their 6 draft picks or whatever.
24 - Chalmers
32 - Lee
I would be a happy man.
Joe, where did you hear that because I like that idea especially if the draft goes as planned and a guy like Kevin Love doesn’t fall to 16?
Good idea Joe. I’m going to throw out a question and I want a response from everybody out there.
Should we trade down for 2 picks OR should we try to move up instead and get 1 top notch pick?
I guess your response will depend on where you think we are. I think we’re closer to contending so I would rather see us try to move up and grab a major player. Pair that with a big time free agent pickup and I think we really start getting somewhere next year.
Brent: I think that the Wolves would trade up because they see Beasley as an unique talent and the Heat don’t. It’s only one spot, but to the Wolves, it’s a huge spot. Kind of like last year when the difference between Durant/Oden and everyone else was huge.
I could see the Grizz taking Gordon. They really need every position except PG. I think they will see a lot of Chris Bosh in Randolph though.
I just think Lopez will drop. I just don’t think he is that good. As a true 7-footer, he should have shot better than 47% from the field and averaged more than 8 rebounds a game. I think he will be a decent NBA player, but never an all-star.
As I said about PHX, I think they will take Rush, but I can’t bring myself to not let him drop to the Sixers.
Denver’s defense is so bad that no draft pick will change it. They need a shooter and Budinger can do that.
NO needs a back-up PG. I think Chalmers would be perfect.
BSKI- Is David Love a real person? He certainly sounds like someone.
LLOYD - As much as I’ve dissed Lopez, if he drops to 16, I’d certainly take him as a back-up center. I agree that Hibbert is garbage. He’s 7′2” and averaged 6.4 rebounds per game. That’s pathetic. His ceiling is Oliver Miller. And yes, draft night should be VERY interesting.
JOE - That is certainly intriguing, but we don’t have all that many spots on the team. Who do we trade? I would love to unload Willie Green and have no problem getting rid of Carney.
BSKI - I would like us to trade up. If we could get up to the Knicks pick I would love Eric Gordon (SG, scorer). If we could get up in the top-10, I actually really like Kevin Love (outlet passes to start our break, PF who can score, rebound and defend)
PETE: I’m sure David Love is somebody. I just don’t know who he is. Glad to see I’m not alone in the trade up camp. Our running total stands at: Trade Up-2, Trade Down-1. Let’s keep those votes coming. We have operators standing by. We can’t do it without all of you out there. Everyone has got to give an opinion on this. Let’s hear it.
After the Pistons’ loss, do Sheed become expendable and if he is should we go after him?
@dannie
Just to elaborate… trading down is something that I have read in blogs and other unpublished outlets and is purely speculation. No Philly beat writer would ever think something like that up… I mean, after all, it is outside the box. Phil Jasner randomly wrote an article last week about how Thad Young is untouchable… little late I would say since I think most die hard intelligent fans have known this fact for at least 4 months.
@bski
When it comes to the draft, I just hope the Sixers are listening and calling various teams… I wouldn’t want to definitively say do X or do Y. I would definitely say that the Utah pick should be available and I definitely think that picking up an early 2nd rounder would be a smart move since some solid guards would be available in Chris Loften, Courtney Lee, Mario Chalmers, and Wayne Ellington…
@Pete
I think the Sixers should simply be in “stockpiling talent” mode. They have 12 players that should be on the roster next year including the pick. Normally you carry 15, so I don’t think it is a stretch to take an unguaranteed contract player in the 2nd round.
Random thoughts:
Chris Loften played all year with cancer. I have little interest in reading all the details, as a mere fan, but assuming there are no long term effects I think that a 2nd rounder would be a steal to get a player as productive as him in college. He can flat out shoot and is a competitor.
Some Sixers salary figures have Willie Green listed as a player with “unguaranteed” years following next year.
Can anyone elaborate on this? I have been wondering about this for awhile now… if it is essentially a “team option” then I would be happy beyond words, since I absolutely HATE Willie Green.
The following link is a statistical based look at the draft prospects. It is extremely intriguing to me. If interested…
Prediction Time:
Pat Riley turns Michael Beasley into either:
a) Elton Brand- obviously a blow to the 6ers off-season; Riley has been after Brand in the past, or;
b) Andre Iguodala- would you? A 3rd team would need to be involved to help with contracts and players (Haslem to 3rd team).
Iguodala would play the 3 in Miami with Marion at the 4.
6ers would have Young @ the 3, Beasley @ the 4.
Gentlemen,
I am new to this board and I am wondering if there are any “insiders” on here. For example, the Realgm board has sixerfan1976 and the philly.com board has Dean1 and both claim to have insider info. Is there anyone on here like that?
Cheers!
Lloyd - Key word is “claim.” If they are on a board or forum I doubt they have legit inside information that can’t be found on Hoopshype etc.
I would never try to mislead you guys by claiming I have inside information. If I ever do I will give some clue as to the source in order to maintain credibility of the blog. This isn’t the tabloids.
Lloyd - I would actually prefer to have Haslem on the Sixers. So to entertain this idea how about Andre Iguodala, our 16th pick and the Utah future first rounder we got in the Korver trade to Miami for Haslem and the 2nd pick. Then involve a third team to take Reggie Evans and give Miami a player with a contract in that $4M to $6M range.
That would make our team look like this before going after free agents:
Miller
Green
Young
Beasley (with a great quality reserve in Haslem)
Dalembert
I would then look to get a shooting guard through free agency (Gilbert Arenas or Ron Artest). Or try to pry Mike Miller from Memphis.
Make sense, would that work? Just havin some fun.
Joe - Willie Green is signed through ‘10-’11. I am 99.9% certain of that.
JOE: Thanks for the link to the statistical analysis of the draft prospects. Very interesting. Quite the Bill James approach.
LLOYD: I have no “inside information”. In fact, I have very little regular information. I just call it like I see it.
YES, I would do Iguodala for Beasley. I think it would be easier to make up for what Iguodala gives us with a solid SG and an improved Thad at the 3 than it would be to find a 4 like Beasley. I think he has Garnett-like potential and he’d be a perfect fit here. Exactly what we need.
DANNIE: We were typing away at the same time. As you can see, we agree. Your more detailed idea sounds fantastic to me. See what you can do to make it happen.
no inside info coming from this blog, but Dannie and I read pretty much all the sites that claim to have inside info, so if it sounds like inside info, we got it from somewhere else.
I’d do Iggy for Beas. But you have to remember that Beas is just 19 and trading our leading scorer for a 19-year old could delay the teams’ growth. And if you delay it 2 years, who knows what kind of condition Miller will be in.
Joe - If you dislike Willie Green, you will fit in well on this blog.
I’ll be updating my mock draft next Wednesday.
To update my post on Willie’s unguaranteed contract state. The last 2 years are partially unguaranteed. If Philly beat writers weren’t complete idiots, there would an archive somewhere about this. John Smallwood and Jasner sucking… what else is new?
The unguaranteed contract would be contingent on nothing or something… like his post operative knee… I think it was probably written in in case he ever blew out his knee again, but that is mere speculation.
This could be huge… if it isn’t contingent on anything… Sixers would have the same cap space following next season as right now if they parted ways with Willie and Miller and the cap space would hold up for one more year…
@Pete
I don’t think willie is worthy of being in the nba though. That is where I differ with most of his haters.
PETE: I’d take the chance on delaying our growth because I think it’s a small one(small chance of a small delay). Too much upside to not make a move like this. Like I said before, I think we can make up for Iguodala’s absence with a combination of a solid SG and an improved Thad at the 3. A deal like Dannie put out there would be fantastic. We would fill the void Iguodala would leave behind and come out ahead with Beasley at the 4.
JOE: Keep working on how to move Willie Green. Let me know where he’s going and I’ll drive him there myself.
Been reading everything about the draft lately. The top 15 guys showed up for the first time down in Orlando for combine type workouts (no game play). They are saying Beasley has been and are confident he will be a threat from NBA 3pt range and every team besides the top 2 should be very very worried right now from what he showed in his workouts. But they are concerned about him goofy off a bit when he wasn’t involved in workouts (sounds like the second coming of Rasheed Wallace to me?!?).
Also, NBA execs are really impressed with O.J. Mayo (by the way Pete’s point that Miami is seriously considering taking him is very accurate by all reports I have read). Although all the off the court stuff has been negative they think he is the most NBA ready, most polished and poised guard in the draft. I think people are making way too big a deal about Mayo’s personality and I personally would love to have him because when it is time to play ball dude plays ball at a very high level. He is a do everything guard how can be a legit point guard and shooting guard.
Just to add my 2cents on moving up I like (in order) Beasley, Mayo, Bayless, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook. As for Kevin Love for me it depends 1. on how tall he really is 2. how athletic or lack there of he is. I am not worried about his skills at all. But he dominated in college because he was stronger than everyone else and used that to get optimum post position. I don’t think that part of his game will translate to the NBA as much as his very polished skills will. Also, if he isn’t a “tall” 6′9 I think he will have a problem getting his shot off against bigger NBA PFs if his athleticism is lacking. This showed some in college as he got his shot blocked a lot against taller guys. Like Pete said he has trimmed down and if that equates to more quickness and jumping ability I would take him.
i dont understand why everyone is so low on Bill Walker. does anyone remember that he was once a top 10 talent. i think after the rookie workouts teams will see he has fully recovered from that knee injury and he will shoot up to a lottery projection. this is an elxplosive player who would have been talked about alot more if i weren’t for his Kansas St. counterpart.
Speaking of Kansas St., if O.J. Mayo didn’t go to USC that would’ve been his school. could you imagine how good they would’ve been.
Brent - I don’t know if it is people are low on him but just think other players are better right now. Walker is much more suited to play SF in the NBA but at only 6′6 that is unlikely. His 3pt shooting, shot off the dribble and overall handle isn’t all that great considering he would be a shooting guard in the league. So that essentially leaves you with another super athletic, strong wing player with a shaky jumper. He is certainly a first round athlete but his game isn’t developed enough for a guard to be a first round pick in my opinion. Teams have shown to take chances on raw big men who are projects but not perimeter players were they expect the skills to be there already.
Brent, I see what you’re saying, but agree with Dannie. It’s hard to ignore the fact that Billy Walker was once the #1 ranked recruit in the country, and that we’ve only really seen the “true” Bill Walker for about two months last season, when he was finally recovered from his ACL injury. Dude is a freakish athlete, a high flyer, ridiculous quickness, great handle, and has a monster first step that can blow by anyone to get to the rim.
That said…I see him, and Paul Harris of Syracuse to be in the same boat. Both these guys are 6′6, played mainly PF in high school, were ranked between #1-3 recruits on most people’s lists…and then they had to switch to the SF, and sometimes SG role for their respective college teams. This really highlighted their flaws: namely, the guys can’t shoot the rock, and don’t exactly have the greatest decision making ability.
Paul Harris compensated for this guy probably turning into the best rebounder for a guy his size in the country, and a beast of a hustle/defender, while Bill Walker is still finding his niche. In his defense, Bill Walker has said numerous times his injury helped his game out in the end because it forced him to rely on his athleticism less, and really start understanding the game’s subtlety more and “playing smart” instead of a high flyer type game. This improvement has definitely shown in the limited time we’ve seen him…but I think we’ve only just seen his potential come out in flashes.
I really think that, more then anyone else in the draft, Bill Walker and Ty Lawson need to come back for another year of school. While right now they’d both be picked in the early - mid 20s probably…I just don’t get how they don’t see how many question marks each of them have. They need an injury free season in college to really prove what they are capable of. I’m sure they’d both be in the top 7-8 next year if they returned to school.
My order of who I’d want the Sixers to picks if we could move into the 5-10 range (I’m assuming Rose, Beasley, Mayo and Brook Lopez will be gone in the top 4-5):
1. Eric Gordon
2. Anthony Randolph
3. DJ Augustine
4. Kevin Love (even if he does only measure 6′8)
Guys I specifically don’t want playing for the Sixers if we got into the 5-10 range:
-Jerryd Bayless
-Donte Greene
-Russell Westbrook
-De’Andre Jordan
-Danilo Gallinari
Busts of the draft:
-Javale MacGee
-All foreigners ages 18-20, or any foreigner that scores under 15 ppg on their Premier or EuroLeague team.
Most underrated late 1st/2nd round players in draft:
-Jamont Gordon
-Richard Hendrix
-Brian Roberts
-Jamar Butler
-JJ Hickson
-DJ White
-Reggie Williams
Guys that REALLY need another year of college ball, that should be lottery or mid 1st round picks next year:
-Billy Walker
-Ty Lawson
-Chase Budinger
-Kosta Koufos
-Wayne Ellington
-De’Andre Jordan
-Donte Greene
-Davon Jefferson
-JJ Hickson
-Ryan Anderson
Dave T - why no Jerryd Bayless?
Just to inform you guys… the measurements from Orlando are out…
They are not complete… yet.
There are typos though just so you guys are aware…
Joe - I took a look this morning. What do you think? Nothing overly surprising or disappointing at first glance.
Chad Ford’s Mock Draft 3.0 is out. He still has us taking Speights at #16. Lots of rumors involving lots of teams looking to move up or down, but not one mention of us.
Dannie, to your Jerryd Bayless question:
He’s too combo-guardy for me. I’m a big Zona fan so I always watch a lot of their games, and even though I think he’s a ridiculous overall basketball talent, I see him more as a 6′2 - 6′3 SG or mega-score first PG then an actual playmaker. No way I’m handing over the reigns to this guy to run an NBA team yet.
I think he fits great in Seattle, where he’s kinda just tossed in a situation with a bunch of other young, multi-position uber athletes…but I’m an old school believer in pass first PG’s, and if we get Bayless we’re basically getting a 1st rate better version of Lou Williams, which I don’t think is what we need to be grooming.
Could he be an effective NBA SG? I doubt it…college produces tons of 6′2 - 6′3 combo guards that score 17-20 ppg in college, only to see that they have no position in the NBA. In the last 15 years, only 3-4 players have managed to be a 6′2 - 6′3 SG…Allen Iverson, Steve Francis (when his career was still intact), Gilbert Arenas, and Monte Ellis looks ready to pick up the mantle.
I think he might turn out to be a great NBA player, and I could see him someday being a kind of cross between Tim Hardaway and Chauncy Billups. But I think it’ll take him a good 3-4 years to turn into a really solid playmaker, and just don’t think it’s worth the gamble. I’d pick DJ Augustine over Bayless in a heartbeat, who really has the balance between passing/scoring down pat.
This podcast mentions a lot of talk has the 6ers looking to move into the top 5-6. It says they may want to take on a bad contract like Brian Cardinal in order to get the 5th.
What are everyone’s thoughts? Is anyone else hearing this?
What about a deal where we get the 5th and send Cardinal to NY for Randolph?
Dave T - I actually disagree. I think Bayless has more point guard in him than you give credit for and my reservations are much different than yours. I am more concerned with his durability (he has been hurt) and potential motivation to play tough defense (not worried about if he is capable) than his playmaking ability.
1. I’d much much rather have a 6′3 player at point guard than a 5′11 guy although I do like Augustine. It eliminates the potential to get taken advantage of by bigger pgs and actually gives us the advantage against the smaller pgs. Also when he penetrates he will be a threat to pass or score at the rim. Augustine is not scoring at the rim in the NBA so he is relegated to only a passer…
2. The whole point of us bringing in a point guard was so they can learn from Miller while he is still on the club and from Cheeks. I think Bayless was asked to be more of a scorer than passer on that zona team and if he was in a situation where he was asked to be more of a traditional point guard he would excel because you have to respect his shooting ability and first step quickness. The kid is 19 with loads of growth potential and even if it took him a year or two to really find his groove as an NBA point guard so what because Miller will be running the show anyway. This is a successor to A. Miller project with the best available point guard on the board after Mayo. Bonus - we get a NBA 3pt shooter as well.
3. The problem I have with D.J. Augustine is in something I doubt he has very much control over which is the combination of his height and lack of athleticism. There aren’t many successful sub 6′0 point guards in the game who pose very little threat to blow by their defender and that is pretty much what you are getting with Augustine. Can he run a team, sure but what else can he do? Can he get to the basket against NBA caliber defenders every night? Can he get a shot off against guys bigger than him and just as quick and quicker most nights? Can he guard anyone? Finally with Augustine I think what you see now is what you are going to get for the remainder of his career. I don’t think his potential is that high. And if my read is correct (which I am not sure it is) what you get isn’t more than a back-up PG who can “manage” a team at best.
Basically I think we just disagree on whether Bayless can be a starting point guard in the NBA. I do, and a very very good one who poses so many threats. And on Augustine who I think won’t be able to score in the NBA and his playmaking ability will rely heavily on whether he is quick, athletic and strong enough to get into the teeth of defenses in order to dish.
Dave what do you think best case scenario is for Augustine as an NBA player? Jameer Nelson?
Honestly Dannie, I’m not sure with either player, I’ve got very mixed feelings on both. Here are what I see as the strengths/weaknesses of each:
Jerryd Bayless:
-Pros: Insanely gifted athlete, never takes a night off, great slasher and can get to the rack anytime he wants, both a great overall shooter and a clutch end of game player, real quick getting up and down the court, has an absolutely LETHAL first step, a knack for finishing tough plays around the hoop, can find crazy angles to get the ball in the basket, has a nice midrange stop-and-pop game, and a pretty good shot selection for a guard of his type, can put the team on his shoulders, moves w/o the ball well, fearless player.
-Cons: Dominates the ball too much, makes poor passing decisions, not the greatest drive and dish guy out there, doesn’t have the “eyes in the back of his head” gene to really throw a dime when a teammates are moving well without the ball, when he goes on a scoring binge has trouble recognizing when to stop pulling the trigger, extremely turnover prone, not a great leader yet, takes it 1 on 4 too much.
DJ Augustine:
-Pros: Has easily the sickest handle out of anyone in the draft…his dribbling skills are ridiculous, extremely quick, a gifted passer, excels in both a full court running game as well being able to run an excellent half court set, kickass bball IQ, great decision making, really knows how to balance scoring and passing, excellent outside shooter, great leader, brings a lot of intangibles and savvy veteran bball IQ, great at finding the open man on a drive, great at getting teamates involved in the offense.
-Cons: Lack of height, not the most athletic cat, subpar defender, no ability to post up, lot of PG’s could outrun him, over dribbles on the perimeter too much, needs to develop a better midrange game.
-Bayless could be like…a hybrid of Chauncy Billups, Tim Hardaway, Monte Ellis…he’s got that Baron Davis swagger in him too. I could also see him falling into the Randy Foye no man’s land type deal…or a nice scoring point that ballhogs it just a bit too much and doesn’t get the team involved (see: Williams, Mo). He thrills me because he could be a successful 20 ppg 6 ast, 4 rbd type guard. Scares me because he could be a 18 pt 5 ast guard that doesn’t run a team worth a damn.
-Augustine could be like…a 2nd tier Rod Strickland or Mark Jackson type, but with a much better jumpshot, yet 2-3 less assists. I think UConn’s Marcus Williams is a similar player, except Augustine is more poised, polished, a better scorer and shot maker.
Basically Dannie I think we have a difference in philosophy with PG’s. I can’t stand scoring PG’s for the most…I hate 18 pt 6 ast guys, and I see Bayless as that. I’ll take a Stockton, Cheeks, Mark Jackson type any night over a Sam Cassell. I would never ever build around a 6′2-6′3 combo guard type, no matter how gifted. It’s so rare to find guys like a KJ or Tim Hardaway that are truly perfect mixes of passing/scoring…I tend to take a glass is half full attitude towards players transitioning from combo guard to full time playmaker. But Bayless IS one hell of a talent.
Augustine I can see getting TJ Ford numbers, although their games are completely different (14 pts, 7.5 assists, in that range).
I’m not in love with either, but will always opt for the assist guy over the scorer, even if the ceiling is lower. With big men I’m the opposite…I’d rather take the gamble on someone I’m less sure about. If we had a different roster I’d go for Bayless…but right now I think we need someone where their position is defined and they are more of a sure thing. Hence, for me: Eric Gordon. I think he’s a lock for a 22 - 23 ppg all star two guard for years to come, absolutely love the kid.
*meant: glass is half empty approach as far as SG or combo guard players effectively sliding to be great full time PG’s. I lot can make a decent, or good transition (Delonte West is a great example)…but usually you don’t want those types for the long haul. I loved AI to pieces but 10 years of a trigger happy guard was plenty for me. I want a true PG.
Did you see that Eric Gordon is only 6′3 in shoes?
Our philosophy on PG is the same. I love the Nash’s and Stockton’s of the world if you can get one. But Augustine is not anywhere close to that good or as good as Marc Jackson either. So when it is between a pure point I think will be just ok and a combo guard who has already known the ability to run the point and has significantly more potential in all areas to be an impact player I am taking best available.
I actually think Bayless has the potential to be as good if not better than Billups as a 6′3 everyday PG (Billups isn’t a high assist PG), and has the dominant offense to be like Deron Williams scoring the ball whenever he wants but with a better jumper.
Also, I am not sure where you are getting the one-sided turnover-prone from. 2.8 (Augustine) vs. 3.0 (Bayless) isn’t that big a difference for two players who both dominated the ball in college. Augustine turned the ball over with over-penetration and getting trapped and stuck by bigger players I see that happening even more in the NBA. I think Bayless will turn the ball over less because his role will be diminished and he won’t be dominating the ball as much (depending of course in what system he goes to).
Basically I think Bayless is a triple threat player who coming off a screen can pass, shoot or drive. Augustine I only see him passing and right now on the Sixers I am not all that confident in who he would be passing to.
We both want a true PG, but I want the better player in this particular case.
How about a 50 round mock MLB draft?
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