Now that we are back in eighth....

[Boneman2]

& drafting 15th here is my mid-round pick...

http://espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=45916


Maybe we didn't need a thread, but I like discussing the draft a little, especially past the halfway point of the season.

Brandon Knight also interests me.

[Solid]

I like what i see in him and like it that he lost some flab over the summer.
Strong, good on the glass, seems to have his head on straight.
Poor free throw shooter with almost no range right now but good machanics. If he would find a mid-range game he might be a lottery pick.
Draft.net has him going at 27, and compare him to Sean May. He's listed as prospect # 73 on draft express, so it would seem we could snag him in the second round, but looking at what he brings I'm guessing someone will give him a guaranteed contract.

[Wizop]

I hoping for a center perhaps from Europe although if Mike D is not resigned we'd have a spot for a wing player.

[ziplockfresh]

I've said time and time again. Brandon Knight will be nice.

[jcodbf2]

I am interested to see when Tyler Zellar is coming out.. I think this is his 3rd year at UNC. He is a little soft but has some nice moves in the post ( can use either hand which is always a plus for a young player ) and can shoot. I also think he is 7 ft tall so he can play PF and Center.

[DougInOz]

Since we all assume TJ isn't back, it's important to see AJ play a lot the second half of the year so we can see if he is a 2nd string or 3rd, and whether we need another PG. Either that or a combo PF/C could give us a nice young 4 man rotation of Hubby-McBob-Hans-pick.

When we in the lottery Chad Fords simulator thing had us taking John Henson out of UNC. No idea if he could play C though, doesn't seem like it at 6-10 200, more an athletic type.

[Wizop]

if neither AJ nor Lance look like a long term solution at point, I'd expect them to look at free agents rather than rookies. DC is the long term starter so you really don't need a top notch rookie coming along behind him. I suppose you could make the same case at center too though. of course, we'll have the cap room to get all the mid-level role players we need. I really expect us to be in the 4 to 8 mm market rather than looking for a max contract starter.

[Boneman2]

Yeah this draft could produce just as well in the middle as it can 6-10. I am fully behind improving our seed and not tanking, like I have favored doing the last few seasons.

Honestly watching AJ run the offense reminds me of when another AJ ran the offense. A lot of our motion stops when Collison leaves the game. Our primary focus is to find a distributor to b/u DC. Maybe Price gets over the hump and proves to be the answer.

I am thinking I'd like to see 'Born Ready b/u the point in certain situations, especially against bigger stronger pgs. The myth about his defense being non-existent is a myth. A big part of his potential is his ability to play aggresive defense, go look at all the scouting reports. In fact Larry praised his D during pre-draft workouts.

Another player to watch for the draft is Harrison Barnes, I've seen him going anywhere from 8-18. I know we don't need another wing, but if he is there, he is the BPA.

[jcodbf2]

When we in the lottery Chad Fords simulator thing had us taking John Henson out of UNC. No idea if he could play C though, doesn't seem like it at 6-10 200, more an athletic type.

Even at 6'10 Henson is VERY long and is a serious shot blocker. Only problem is that he is also very thin. He also is like Zeller in that he has some shooting ability and can use both hands around the basket. With some more strength he could play center IMO.

As for Barnes... He is just now playing like everyone thought he would. I wouldnt be surprised if he stayed at UNC for another year.

[captaincrunk]

When we in the lottery Chad Fords simulator thing had us taking John Henson out of UNC. No idea if he could play C though, doesn't seem like it at 6-10 200, more an athletic type.

Even at 6'10 Henson is VERY long and is a serious shot blocker. Only problem is that he is also very thin. He also is like Zeller in that he has some shooting ability and can use both hands around the basket. With some more strength he could play center IMO.

As for Barnes... He is just now playing like everyone thought he would. I wouldnt be surprised if he stayed at UNC for another year.

Might as well have a tall shotblocking Power Forward then.

[jcodbf2]

My point was that his length would allow him to play center.. His wing span is huge.

[JeffFosters]

I could get flamed for this but I like Jordan Hamilton. Not the best defender, but a great offensive talent who hustles and plays hard every possession. I know the wing is not the most pressing of positions for Larry and co., but if Rush was to be dealt this year or if (when) Dunleavy isn't retained, then SG becomes a position of need. I like that he can spot up and slash, although he's not a master at either.

I think its worth noting that McBob is a free agent after this year and could very well leave. I think it's unlikely, as he's in his home state and would come cheap, but it's still possible. In that case, PF has to be the consideration and Vesely or Singleton are good bets. However, in the second round Jeremy Tyler and Renardo Sidney could be available, and it gets interesting. Any thoughts on Tyler / Sidney?

[Indy2thaWindy]

I don't want Renardo Sidney anywhere near Lance.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQK4GR2w7HU[/youtube]

[JeffFosters]

I don't want Renardo Sidney anywhere near Lance.

Agreed, and I thought about that, but as a 2nd round pick? Relatively no financial risk, and would have trade value for 2-3 years. If he's available in the second round and its deemed we need a PF, then it becomes worth thinking about. It also helps that this guy has as much potential as anyone to enter the draft, well, ever.

[Boneman2]

I mentioned Renardo a couple weeks ago, upon further review he fought a teammate in the stands.

Not good!

[Gremz]

Yeah, Sidney is a knucklehead.