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http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2012/story/ ... ources-say

Sullinger set to be another DeJuan Blair!

Combine results say he has back and leg issues has sent a medical red flag to every team and nearly half of them are being suggested not to draft him in first round!

He falls to 26, do you take him?

I think the Pacers should take him; low risk; high reward pick at 26; He could be the eventual replacement for Mr West; not to mention his skill set; he may be able to improve the team instantly. He was a manchild around the glass last season; with solid post moves. He plays bully smashmouth ball which is what Vogel wants to do. And he has no glaring weaknesses other than him being a lil bit undersized compared to the prototypical 4's and 5's.
30.4(Min) .519(FGPCT) .400(3pt%) .768(FT) 9.2(reb) 1.2(ast) 1.1(blk) 1.2(Stl) 17.5(pts)

I've read Sullinger has one leg that is an inch or two longer than the other. That, apparently, will lead to ALL kinds of lifelong back issues.

However, I still take him at 26 and don't worry. However, he's likely to be off the board at about 15. All the teams already knew about this, but he was still being invited to work out for lotto teams. I'm guessing a coach/gm/agent spread the news to either try and steal him late, or to jump their own PF prospect up a couple spots.

Scoot McGroot wrote:I've read Sullinger has one leg that is an inch or two longer than the other. That, apparently, will lead to ALL kinds of lifelong back issues.

However, I still take him at 26 and don't worry. However, he's likely to be off the board at about 15. All the teams already knew about this, but he was still being invited to work out for lotto teams. I'm guessing a coach/gm/agent spread the news to either try and steal him late, or to jump their own PF prospect up a couple spots.

Yeah well the sources from the article are from the NBA doctors, a conglomerate of physicians from all around the league and the same docs who didn't find the ACL's in DeJuan Blair's knees 3 years ago.

Oh absolutely. It's serious stuff, but he's worth a risk at 26 for sure.

Scoot McGroot wrote:Oh absolutely. It's serious stuff, but he's worth a risk at 26 for sure.

Exactly both now and for the future because Sullinger can play center physically, so if they do send West away, either next year as a free agent or even this year, a Hibbert, Sullinger, Hansbrough rotation at the bigs would be solid regardless who starts.

The difference between Blair and Sullinger is that DeJuan was never considered a top 3 pick. Sulinger would be a perfect selection for us @ 26, despite the red flags.

Sully has a pretty good offensive post game, plus he could double as Roy's protector whenever West is not in the lineup.

Remember LeBron's threatening elbows, or when Wade bravely shoved DC in the back, or Pittman's near closeline of Lance, or Haslem's physical assault on Hansbrough? This is why every team needs a guy that looks like he should be playing in the NFL.

Also, DeJuan Blair could be available for cheap. Imagine having both of them when retaliation against thugs like Pittman and Haslem is warranted. Hibbert can payoff the bids similar to how LeBron and Dwayne run their bounty system.

Taking Sullinger would be the same as having Foster. He was good when he was healthy, but we needed to have someone in the wings to step in when he got injured. If Sullinger is available and we take him, we need to have someone ready to step in if necessary.

I was just reading about Miles Plumlee. He looks like he may be an interesting prospect. Reports say he has size (6'11" 245), athletic ability, is a pretty good defender and good rebounder. His offense kind of sucks but if he is going to be a back up to Hibbert, we just need him to rebound and play defense.

I don't think Sullinger will be able to handle playing center for more than a few minutes a night (think 5 or less).

if Sullinger falls to 26, I think I'd let him fall to 27. he's not working out for teams as low in the draft as we are and so our Doctors will probably not get to check him out. I do see the Blair comparison though. basically I hope it doesn't happen because if he's there at 26, then someone else has gone higher.

Wizop wrote:if Sullinger falls to 26, I think I'd let him fall to 27. he's not working out for teams as low in the draft as we are and so our Doctors will probably not get to check him out. I do see the Blair comparison though. basically I hope it doesn't happen because if he's there at 26, then someone else has gone higher.

Still a good 5 or so days left and if the evaluations keep proceeding he could be a last minute invite.

Keep in mind Pacers have been to the combine as well as other group workouts set up by various teams.

Sullinger hasn't turned down a draft workout invite yet. He simply hasn't been invited by the Pacers yet.

How is his defense?
If he is athletic and quick enough to guard those perimeter oriented PFs, I would definitely consider drafting him.

He can man the block quite well. He uses his big frame to great success, but he'd certainly struggle with perimeter style 4's.

Not a big fan of Sullinger but you can't pass him up at our pick. There's almost no chance he falls to us tho.

If he falls, I wouldn't hesitate to scoop him up. He'll be a solid player in this league.