ESPN article on DeAndre Jordan

[Scoot McGroot]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/s ... id=3437642


Well worth a read. Talks about how he was kind of like Jon Bender (hit a ton of growth spurts and was always bigger than everyone else). Needs to grow into his body. Probably going to take at least 3 years to see results. Probably about the 15th best prospect now, but in 3 or more years, he could be the 3rd best player from the draft. Etc.


How do you guys feel about DeAndre Jordan as a prospect? Does anything in this article strike you and influence your thoughts on Jordan and his value?

[APerna]

I wouldn't be disappointed by taking Jordan with our pick, but I'd certainly prefer someone that is more prepared to contribute right now.

He's certainly a nice prospect, but I see him as a good pick for a playoff team...not us, who need someone to play regular minutes next season.

Of course, there is always the chance that he could hit his peek earlier than anticipated.

[PR07]

I don't think we have the luxury of stashing a player away for 3 seasons as we need players who can at least contribute a little. Plus, I think there's too much risk with DeAndre Jordan, and I doubt Bird puts his neck on the line for him because if Bird screws this pick up, he's probably gone.

[Grang33r]

I'm torn on him. Many reporters and experts are very high on him, i've seen so many people compare him to Andrew Bynum or even Dwight Howard it's not even funny. However, i can't find too many fans who are pro-Jordan. Many people on the Pacer forum are very much against him so i really don't know. If we get a TJ Ford or a Kirk Hinrich then we'd pretty much have little choice to where we want to go but i hope they make the right choice. It seems like Jordan is one of those prospects who will be a star ala Howard or a major bust.

[Scoot McGroot]

The thing that struck me was that he seems so emotionally and mentally fragile to play in the NBA. I understand some guys don't take well to angry or yelling coaches and prefer constructive criticism, but I've never heard of anyone really complaining about Mark Turgeon, or even heard multiple people/coaches/trainers talking about how fragile the player in question is. DJ just doesn't strike me as the guy we need to pin high hopes on. If he somehow fell to #15 or so and we could somehow pick up an extra 1st rounder to get him, I'd be really ok with that. Or, if we pick DJ #11, I'd want another 1st rounder to pick up someone else who could help us more immediately.

[count55]

Unbelievably high bust factor...We simply can't afford to take anything approaching this big of a risk in our current situation.

[APerna]

If we are going big, I'd prefer Speights...although he likely won't reach us.

[Scoot McGroot]

If we are going big, I'd prefer Speights...although he likely won't reach us.

Have you heard anything about any specific teams having a ton of interest in him?

[PR07]

Isn't Speights projected to go 14-20? If Speights goes ahead of us, that means we are going to get Eric Gordon, Anthony Randolph, or Brook Lopez...and I could live with that.

[cdash]

I'd rather not take a risk on him. I havent seen one thing about him that makes me think he wont be a bust.

[Grang33r]

Isn't Speights projected to go 14-20? If Speights goes ahead of us, that means we are going to get Eric Gordon, Anthony Randolph, or Brook Lopez...and I could live with that.

Drafting Eric Gordon Jr was and still is my dream. I just think the guy is going to be a star. Any player that just WANTS the ball in the clutch as much as he always does, has a good rate of being a good pro. The kid doesn't shy away from anything.

[CableKC]

If we had to draft a Big Man....I would much rather draft Spreights then Jordan.

[mizzoupacers]

Not thrilled about Jordan. I hope the Pacers draft somebody else. But if they take him, I will hope for the best...I don't mind being wrong if it is for a good cause.

[count55]

As you know, I hate to pimp other boards, but I strongly recommend checking out Tbird draft analysis: DeAndre Jordan over on Pacers Digest.

He has a number of analyses, including Kevin Love, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Anthony Randolph, Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Kostas Koufos, Roy Hibbert, Eric Gordon, DJ Augustin, and Russell Westbrook.

You may or may not agree with what he writes, but he's very detailed, reasoned, and interesting. As good, if not better than any analysts you can find online. I find it impressive that he can look through the prism of the Pacers' needs without having what appears to be much bias.

Top this off with the fact that he's a really good poster and very respectful, intelligent and willing to listen to challenges to his opinions and respond with grace.

I'd love to get him on RealGM, but I don't have it in me to poach him, so check him out.

[fdefore]

Just say no to Michael Olowokandi 2.0

[joew8302]

Put me in the Jordan camp. If Love, Westbrook and Gordon are not available I believe Indiana would be wise to use the pick on Deandre. I mean whats the next best option? A weaker, less explosive Jameer Nelson in DJ Augustine? With all that is left I think it is worth rolling the dice.

[cdash]

Chad Ford has DeAndre falling to #21 in his latest mock draft. Ouch.

[joew8302]

Wow, 21? That is crazy. With his size and athleticism at worst he will be a defensive specialist. Yes, he is a huge gamble, but with our lack of a strong front line and athleticism I think it is a gamble worth taking.

[cdash]

At #11, its not a gamble I'd be willing to make. At #15 or lower, and the risk deteriorates and the upside is worth the pick. Ford goes a little nuts with his "stock rising/falling" guys. He talked about putting Ajinca at #9 to the Bobcats. I get the feeling that DeAndre will spend the vast majority of his rookie season in the D-League, which is a good thing for him, he needs as much court time as possible.

[Scoot McGroot]

I just really think Jordan has more in common with Patrick O'Bryan and David Harrison than he does with a Dwight Howard or even a Darko Milicic.