Chad Ford Pre-Lotto write-up

[Grang33r]

But just for the record, if the Pacers picked #2 i'd be all over Rubio for all the great things he does do and for the hopes our coaching staff can develop some of his weaknesses. But my point is that he's not a sure thing at all.

[cdash]

For me, there are two sure things in this draft: Griffin (absolute lock to be an All-Star power forward imo) and Rubio (who cares if he plays in Europe, watch him play, he is amazing). Past that, its a crap shoot. Lots of guys could be good, but I'm not holding my breath for any of them.

I disagree. Rubio is soft. If he doesn't toughen up, he'll never make it in the NBA. Guys of his caliber must go to the free throw line to get easy points. He's a great free throw shooter but shy's away from going inside even in Europe. They say it's because of his age. But is it? Also, the kid makes TONS of turnovers. What i'm saying is, if he is turnover prone AND is soft, you don't think the media in what ever city he's in will write all about him? And that's how busts begin to be busts.

Soft? He's an 18 year old point guard. Cut the kid some slack. The dude more than held his own in the Olympics against the best in the world, I think he is just fine. He is not one I'd be worried about. He won't be an immediate impact point guard like Derrick Rose, but he will be pretty damn good his rookie year. Just watch.

[Gremz]

I'm not quite sure why it's a "must" for PGs to get to the free throw line. Steve Nash during his two MVP season only averaged 3.2 and 3.5 FTA's a game respectively. Jason Kidd has only averaged over 5 FTA's once, Tony Parker is effectively the same. So I don't think it's such a necessity.

What he needs to focus on, is working on his handles and his shot. Those two things could define exactly how great he can get. But I do also think he is a very special talent. He'll be an immediate help.

[cdash]

Almost all young point guards struggle with their outside shot. Seriously, that was the knock on Paul, Rose, Conley, Rondo, etc. Most of them, it was for good reason, but all of them have improved their shot already. Rondo's is still an adventure, but he went to UK, so that might be why.