Official Draft Thread: Prospects Watch

[Def Swami]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzpjKCJpIao[/youtube]

[KillMonger]

With Jameer constantly injured we might need to look into scouting some Point Guards since there are some to be had with potential. Get a PG in this draft, then focus on getting Wiggins or Parker in 2014

[BaunceyChillups]

Given that most other lotto teams have long-term point guards (Kyrie, Brandon Knight, John Wall, etc) I think we'll be able to pick whoever we want at that position. Praying we don't settle for need if there's a better player available though.

[blue and white]

As a Gator fan Im really excited about Kasey hill and I truly think he will be the next big PG name, dude has such good vision and scoring ability and plays at his own pace

[KillMonger]

The NBA is becoming a guard's league these days and i would love to solidify that spot for the future. Moore and ish is not the answer at PG and Nelson is almost guaranteed to miss games every year so now might be the time to give him a young PG prospect to groom until his contract is up and is ready to go to bench. There are some good prospects in this years draft with Smart, McCullom and maybe a few others. There are some in 2014 you have one of the Harrison twins, Kasey Hill and a few others. I think how we handle what we do at the trade deadline this season will paint a better picture for what we're doing in the future

[drsd]

lawl Kendall Marshall is terrible.

All pass-first PGs are horrible for several years. That Orlando has Nelson means that Marshall could develp on the bench.

Look dear Magic-fan friends, there is not a starting-quality PG in next years draft. The Magic will need to look to trade for the PG of the future. And it will be a guy like Marshall.

[KillMonger]

Naw man you can put that Kendall Marshall business to bed no way i want that scrub on my team. I've seen a few Suns games in pre-season and a few regular season games the kid is horrible and he will be horrible in the future. Of all people Kendall Marshall, that's a good laugh dude has been worse than Austin Rivers and that's saying something. He's just not ready for this level and i don't know if he ever will be and to be quite honest he doesn't fit the mold of today's PG's he's more of an old school type of PG.

Today's PG is all speed and athleticism there rarely any good pass-first PG's in the NBA. I can name you one and that's Rajon Rondo that's it every other Elite/Great Point guard are all shoot-first maybe except Chris paul he's more balanced than most.

Derrick Rose
Chris Paul
Kyrie Irving
Russel Westbrook
Tony Parker
Deron Williams

Most of the Elites there are not pass-first guys some are more balanced but make no mistake they look to score. To me the Pass-first PG is a dying bread and it's certainly not going to be resurrected by Kendall Marshall of all players, i give that task to Rubio

[BaunceyChillups]

lawl Kendall Marshall is terrible.

All pass-first PGs are horrible for several years. That Orlando has Nelson means that Marshall could develp on the bench.

Look dear Magic-fan friends, there is not a starting-quality PG in next years draft. The Magic will need to look to trade for the PG of the future. And it will be a guy like Marshall.

Why does this team need a pass-first point guard when there's nobody good to pass the ball to

And why do you say there are no starting-quality PGs in this draft (which is false by the way) and then want to trade for a guy who can't find minutes on a team that lost by 40 to the Pistons

[Def Swami]

Baylor playing at UK right now. Isaiah Austin v. Nerlens Noel is pretty good.

Edit: Game degraded a lot. Lots of turnovers and big guys are lightweights. Both teams playing zone and have taken all post play out of the game.

[Def Swami]

Isaiah Austin has some range. Pretty impressed with his 3 point shot for a 7'1" guy. But, such a weak defender.

[KillMonger]

Trey Burke at Michigan is a interesting PG prospect to keep an eye on. Surprised he's somewhat flying under the radar for what he can do. Not the ideal size for the position standing 5"11-6" but he gives you what you want out of the position. Has the vision and playmaking ability you covet from a PG but can also score and take over the game if he has to and his leadership really shines through. Would like to see him a bit more to get a better grasp on what kind of defender he is but for the most part i'm impressed reminds me of Chris Paul

[thelead]

Ben McLemore is a freshman to keep an eye on as well (Kansas). He's on tv on ESPN2 right now.

I called this a couple of weeks ago and I think I may hitch my wagon to him for who I want the magic to draft.

[Noonskadoodle]

Trey Burke at Michigan is a interesting PG prospect to keep an eye on. Surprised he's somewhat flying under the radar for what he can do. Not the ideal size for the position standing 5"11-6" but he gives you what you want out of the position. Has the vision and playmaking ability you covet from a PG but can also score and take over the game if he has to and his leadership really shines through. Would like to see him a bit more to get a better grasp on what kind of defender he is but for the most part i'm impressed reminds me of Chris Paul

His 6'5" wingspan makes up for his slight lack of height at the point. His athletic ability at the next level is all I am worried about, but he is such a smart PG & great play maker that I would not mind him as out PG of the future.

[Def Swami]

Ben McLemore is a freshman to keep an eye on as well (Kansas). He's on tv on ESPN2 right now.

I called this a couple of weeks ago and I think I may hitch my wagon to him for who I want the magic to draft.

He's the first shooting guard I'd take after Shabazz.

[Noonskadoodle]

Some of Burkes work so far...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC18a-Zk9nQ[/youtube]

[Noonskadoodle]

Don't sleep on Dario Saric overseas as well. Some team will take him late lottery-mid first. Very skilled player.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxznJsaWohg[/youtube]

[thelead]

Ben McLemore is a freshman to keep an eye on as well (Kansas). He's on tv on ESPN2 right now.

I called this a couple of weeks ago and I think I may hitch my wagon to him for who I want the magic to draft.

He's the first shooting guard I'd take after Shabazz.

I like McLemore's shot and fluidity over Shabazz's herky jerky game. McLemore is the guard that most looks like an NBA shooting guard over anyone else to me. Again, it's early in the season but I've been very impressed with his athletic fluidity and shot mechanics. He also plays both sides of the ball, averaging a steal and a block per game while shooting 47% and grabs 6 rpg.

[Noonskadoodle]

6'3" PG/SG Erick Green of Va Tech is a player who is making a bunch of noise early. He is averaging 24 points a game on 51% shooting, 5 assists, 3.5 boards, 2 steals, & only 1.8 turnovers. Also shooting 86% from the line & is getting there a ton.

Today against #15 OK State he put up 28 points on 6-10 shooting from the field & 4-7 from 3 & 12-13 from the line.

In the first 5 games he scored:

23
26
27
24
28

& 3 of those games he had 5+ assists & in another he had 4 assists.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Ccr8a5wBY[/youtube]

Being a "COMBO" guard may hurt him come draft time, but if he continues to show PG skills he will def be moving up boards.

[thelead]

6'3" PG/SG Erick Green of Va Tech is a player who is making a bunch of noise early. He is averaging 24 points a game on 51% shooting, 5 assists, 3.5 boards, 2 steals, & only 1.8 turnovers. Also shooting 86% from the line & is getting there a ton.

Today against #15 OK State he put up 28 points on 6-10 shooting from the field & 4-7 from 3 & 12-13 from the line.

In the first 5 games he scored:

23
26
27
24
28

& 3 of those games he had 5+ assists & in another he had 4 assists.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Ccr8a5wBY[/youtube]

Being a "COMBO" guard may hurt him come draft time, but if he continues to show PG skills he will def be moving up boards.

We suck so bad on offense that this kid is the type of player I would love to snag with a late first round pick.

[Noonskadoodle]

From NBADRAFTNET:

RISING

Ben McLemore, Kansas

McLemore appears comfortable out there, and looks the part of an NBA 2-guard. He's been a little inconsistent to start the year, particularly shooting the ball, but his potential is unmistakable. He's drawn comparisons to Ray Allen due to his size, athleticism and silky shooting stroke, and smooth all around game.

He's got fluid mechanics and sweet rhythm as a catch and shooter, and that looks to be the role where he'll excel at the next level. His size and athleticism meet the requirements of an off-guard, and has contributed to some explosive finishes above the rim. He'll be highly coveted regardless of what his eventual numbers wind up being.

McLemore has moved back into the top 10 on the mock and appears to be the top shooting guard prospect for this year's draft.


Mason Plumlee, Duke

No longer just an off-ball contributor, Plumlee is getting the rock and generating his own offense. His post-game has shown some solid development. He's showing countermoves and go-to moves with both hands around the basket and even facing up and creating mid range at times. It's increased his offensive value tremendously, which is reflected by his 11 point scoring average increase.

His ability to play above the rim gives him a lot of easy baskets. He's also controlling the glass and protecting the rim as a weak side defender. Plumlee looks to have turned the corner and raised his overall ceiling to a potential top 20 pick.


Otto Porter, Georgetown

Porter nailed his first audition this year in front of numerous NBA scouts, putting up an 18-11-5-5-3 stat line in a win over UCLA. He presents the image of a jack of all trades guy, but without any risk or physical limitations. He's got a long, NBA frame that should only thicken with time.

He did two things over the week that will aid his draft stock: He was making jumpers, and he scored an isolation bucket in crunch-time against UCLA. Knowing you can give him the ball and he can get you two points raises his ceiling an extra story.

Porter's impressive summer at the LeBron James skills Academy and excellent start has moved him up to the 5th overall pick.

Jeff Withey, Kansas

Withey followed up a 25-point performance with a 12-block triple double. I'd say that qualifies for the "rising" segment of this article.

The "really good shot-blocker" thing is starting to look genuine. He averaged 3.6 blocks in 24 minutes a night last year, a hard number to wrap your mind around, until you realize he's blocking 6.2 shots in 28 minutes this year.

He's consistently finishing at the rim, and though still creatively-challenged, has a good feel around the basket. Any offense is a plus- it's the incredible shot-blocking rate that has everyone's attention.


Brandon Paul, Illinois

Paul is playing some of the best ball in the Big Ten, and his confidence has risen because of it.

He's shooting better than ever before, at 42% from downtown and 48% from the field. He's getting and converting easier shots inside the arc, which has helped make him a more complete scorer and reliable offensive contributor.

Paul looks lighter off his feet, and is doing a better job of creating for himself and his teammates. Paul's scoring, assists and percentages are all up.


Erick Green, Virginia Tech

Erick Green leads the ACC in scoring, averaging 24 a game playing the best ball of his career. He hasn't exactly forgotten about his playmaking duties either, dishing out five assists to balance out his floor game.

The big difference in Green is he's more aggressive off the dribble, getting to the stripe 10 times a game where he's scoring 5.5 more points than he did last year. He's put himself back on the NBA draft radar with a strong start, and could continue rising if he sustains this offensive productivity.


Allen Crabbe, California

Crabbe has been a scoring machine, and he's not just doing it behind the arc. He's averaging 22 a game, getting baskets as a slasher and perimeter scorer, and doing so with incredible efficiency shooting 52% from the floor.

He looks to have expanded his game off the bounce and increased his threat with the ball. With an ideal shooting guard body, a sweet outside stroke and defensive potential, Crabbe has first round upside either this year or the next.


Isaiah Canaan, Murray State

Canaan is coming off back to back 30 point games, and is playing that "hero" style of basketball that earned him so much praise last year.

I don't see any physical limitations with Canaan, showing strength and athleticism to make up for the inch or two that would have helped put him over the top. At some points he looks like a replica of Raymond Felton, with that bulldog-like physique and ability to bounce off contact.

He's once again raised his three-point percentage to over 40%, and could be the most underrated shooter in the country. Canaan may have struggled to show scouts he could play the PG position in the summer at the (LeBron and adidas Nations) skills camps, but he has not skipped a beat back with Murray State this year.


Bryce Cotton 6-1 165 PG Providence Jr.

Cotton is a speed merchant who has been tearing it up to start his junior year. He's got an excellent stroke and has shown that he's a capable ball handler and distributor. Few PGs can match his numbers through the first couple weeks of the season as he's averaging 27.4 ppg, (47 fg%, 42 3p%) 4.8 apg, 5.3 rpg, and 2.3 to.

He's got a flashy game but also delivers results, similar to a poor man's Brandon Jennings. While he's definitely on the thin side weighing just 165 lbs, the junior out of Tucson, Arizona is a prospect to keep an eye on this year.


Juvonte Reddic 6-9 240 PF VCU Jr.

Reddic makes his debut on the 2014 mock draft this week. The VCU junior combines good length with a solid motor and good touch. Through his first 7 games, Reddic is averaging 15 ppg on 60% shooting and 8.6 boards.

He incorporates a polished hook shot and also a solid mid range jumpshot. Reddic hits the boards hard shows both strength and agility.


FALLING

James McAdoo, UNC

It's been a bad week for McAdoo. He had 7 turnovers and 5 field goals in a loss to Butler, and was irrelevant in a blowout loss to Indiana. The fact of the matter is, McAdoo is more comfortable fitting in than being the focal point of an offense.

He is better suited as a role player making plays off the ball. The shots he's creating for himself are low-percentage. If he's shooting high-post fade-aways, then he's not taking advantage of his physical gifts, which allow him to make plays above the rim where others aren't capable of.

He looks the part, but we're still unsure of what his future offensive role will be and whether he will develop the necessary intensity to thrive. McAdoo took the biggest dive in the most recent mock update falling from 4th all the way to 12.


Kyle Anderson, UCLA

It hasn't been a smooth transition process for Anderson, who seems overwhelmed by the ball pressure and strength of his opponents. He hasn't done much in terms of manipulating the defense and creating off the dribble, and his offensive game has yet to show.

Anderson is no longer a primary ball-handler, so adjusting to playing off the ball is clearly a hurdle. It would be nice if coach Howland gave him more opportunities to run the point, because his passing skills are elite. But since that isn't where his future is at the next level, Howland is probably inadvertently doing Anderson a favor.

Anderson came in with a ton of hype, but he's never been projected as a one and done type of prospect on NBADraft.net. In terms of athleticism, think Jared Dudley with better handle and passing but less toughness and shooting ability. Slo-mo's game doesn't project as well to the NBA level because there is such a premium on speed with guards due to the hand checking rule changes.


Ian Miller, Florida State

Ian Miller has yet to make an impact, and has been ineffective in all but one game. He doesn't appear to have the mentality to run a team, and the stand out athleticism he flashed in high school, doesn't seem to be there. Whether injuries have hurt his progress, or lack of confidence, Miller's game has not progressed as expected.

He was a quiet 0-2 in a loss to Minnesota, and is shooting right around his career average at 37% from the floor. When he's not shooting well, Miller is a complete non-factor. His overall percentages are decent, but his assertiveness just isn't there.