Prospect Watch Thread

Post #1241 » by **revprodeji** » Tue May 17, 2011 2:27 am

Big statement Klomp. Why do you think that?

Also, what exactly is wrong with a healthy, more athletic Kaman?

Post #1242 » by **Klomp** » Tue May 17, 2011 2:41 am

revprodeji wrote:Big statement Klomp. Why do you think that?

Also, what exactly is wrong with a healthy, more athletic Kaman?

Kaman isn't that great in my mind.

Nothings wrong with it, but I just feel we are unathletic enough at center with Milicic and Pekovic.

Post #1243 » by **The J Rocka** » Tue May 17, 2011 3:13 am

Klomp wrote:
revprodeji wrote:Big statement Klomp. Why do you think that?

Also, what exactly is wrong with a healthy, more athletic Kaman?

Kaman isn't that great in my mind.

Nothings wrong with it, but I just feel we are unathletic enough at center with Milicic and Pekovic.

There are rumblings with the Wizards picking Kanter to put next to an ATHLETIC McGee. We on the other hand need to look for an ATHLETIC big (BB) next to Love.

Despite the success with the nonathletic front court of the Grizzlies, I don't think our run & gun offense led by Rubio will have the same successful results like them. So a Kanter + Love front court looks unattractive with what we are trying to do, IMO.

horaceworthy · Post #1244 » by **horaceworthy** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:59 am

Esohny wrote:I think Kanter fits okay at center. I've seen him listed at 6'10'' some places, 6'11'' in others, but if he has decent wing span and reach (which he appears to have), he'll be fine. And he has actual basketball skills, including an array of effective low post moves.

And "super unathletic?" What are you talking about? He's not Dwight Howard, but he's at least average for the position.

My reservation about Kanter is whether his knees are going to be a recurring problem. If he gets the okay from the doctors that he's not going to be Greg Oden, then he's in my top 4-5 easily.

He was measured at 6'10.5" in shoes with a 7'1" wingspan at last year's Hoop Summit. The DX summer camp type measurements haven't always been accurate (most notably with Aminu and Ebanks last year), and Kanter's young enough to have grown a bit, but if those hold up, then he's got good size for a PF, not exactly top notch for a center.

I'm torn this year. I like a lot of guys, but the most intriguing guy I really haven't seen much of (just the Hoop Summit and a few downloaded games). I think Irving's a stud, Williams could be, particularly if a team allows him to drift between the forward positions like Shawn Marion has, Biyombo has near otherworldly physical tools, Kanter's been solid since he was like 15, and so on. I wouldn't mind them nabbing Burks, his speed, body control, touch around the rim and ability to get into the paint are vaguely Ginobili-ish and I think he's got a solid shot at developing into a fringe All-Star, but I have questions about his desire and ability to develop into something more than a top scorer on a bad team type.

I have a bad feeling the pick gets dealt in a stupid trade. The best a mid lotto pick could fetch this season was turning Baron Davis into the Mo Williams/Jamario Moon poo platter. I'm not sure I feel too confident in Kahn's ability to get value in that type of marketplace.

pdiercks · Post #1245 » by **pdiercks** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:15 am

Irving will be a stud. Do not know enough about Rubio to say, I have not seen him play much at all.

#1 pick has to be Irving anything else will be laughable. He was never able to show what he is capable of this year. You take Irving and move Rubio to hopefully get a Burks or some much needed help in the middle.

Post #1246 » by **Klomp** » Tue May 17, 2011 4:56 pm

If anyone cares, Skip Bayless thinks Irving will be better than John Wall. I'm not convinced.

Post #1247 » by **revprodeji** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:12 pm

Can Irving and Rubio play in the backcourt together? Even if it is just 16 minutes a game.

Krapinsky · Post #1248 » by **Krapinsky** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:21 pm

I'm convinced that no matter what pick we get, it will be used to somehow get a center. That means either Valanciunas, Biyombo, or Kanter (perhaps in a trade down situation) or a trade for a more established center (Gasol S&T) or Bogut or Bynum (longshot).

Post #1249 » by **Worm Guts** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:22 pm

I don't think it's for the best long term, but I'd rather play them together this year than make a trade I don't like.

phonzadellika · Post #1250 » by **phonzadellika** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:32 pm

Irving can create shots for himself and is a good shooter...I think that they could work both offensively and defensively, with Rubio guarding SGs - I don't believe they're redudant.

Honestly, I'd be just as excited for a Rubio/Irving/Johnson/Beasley/Love lineup as a Rubio/Johnson/Beasley/Love/Biyombo lineup. Both lineups have 2 guys playing out of position though.

phonzadellika · Post #1251 » by **phonzadellika** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:39 pm

I'm convinced that no matter what pick we get, it will be used to somehow get a center. That means either Valanciunas, Biyombo, or Kanter (perhaps in a trade down situation) or a trade for a more established center (Gasol S&T) or Bogut or Bynum (longshot).

I think I agree with this...and while I'd be happy with either Valanciunas or Biyombo I would really hate to see the first #1 overall for the Wolves get traded. I think Irving is going to be really, really good.

Can't wait for the lottery.

AQuintus · Post #1252 » by **AQuintus** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:46 pm

Stolen from Rube Chat:

Mr. Dew wrote:From today's Pioneer Press:

"If you get the No. 1 pick, you clearly have to look at Irving," said Tony Ronzone, the Wolves' assistant general manager/player personnel director. "It's still up for discussion, but no question we have to address our point guard situation."

Edit:
Link: http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_18076593?nclick_check=1

Krapinsky · Post #1253 » by **Krapinsky** » Tue May 17, 2011 5:49 pm

Worm Guts wrote:I don't think it's for the best long term, but I'd rather play them together this year than make a trade I don't like.

I'm still skeptical that Irving is the definitive best player. I'm willing to throw my hat in with the common group think out there, but I just haven't seen enough of the guy to be convinced, and frankly, I'm not sure anyone has.

Williams seems to be the only player at the top (unless you really like Kemba) that has a body of work I'm comfortable with enough to say, ok, I know this guy isn't going to disappoint -- though I thought that about Turner too. But I wonder if instead of playing Rubio and Irving together (and no trade), it would be at least debatable that it would be better to grab Williams and have him play backup 3-4 in a similar limited role. Williams was one of the most efficient off the ball scorers I've ever seen at the college level and would look better playing off of Rubio then probably anyone on our roster at present.

phonzadellika · Post #1254 » by **phonzadellika** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:02 pm

Turner started to show something in the Sixers-Heat playoffs...it's taken him a little bit but I think he's decided to try to make an NBA career of it.

Irving had a decent showing at the NCAA tournament despite being rusty. He may not be the definitive best player, but he's in the conversation.

If Williams was a consensus #1 Blake-Griffin-Like prospect then the Wolves would obviously have to take him, but since it's really murky at the top I think the Wolves have to go BPA for need as long as it's not a reach. Even if Irving/Williams ends up being something akin to Rose/Beasley as far as draft status goes, you still take Irving because he's a better fit for the team.

The Wolves have some interesting choices if they land #2 and Irving is off the board.

Krapinsky · Post #1255 » by **Krapinsky** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:18 pm

I've got to say, I really can't make up my mind about anything this year.

Post #1256 » by **Klomp** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:22 pm

Krapinsky wrote:I'm convinced that no matter what pick we get, it will be used to somehow get a center. That means either Valanciunas, Biyombo, or Kanter (perhaps in a trade down situation) or a trade for a more established center (Gasol S&T) or Bogut or Bynum (longshot).

What about something like...

MIN Out: #1, Pekovic
MIN In: Bynum

ATL Out: Horford
ATL In: #1, Pekovic

LAL Out: Bynum
LAL In: Horford

Post #1257 » by **Worm Guts** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:24 pm

Krapinsky wrote:Williams seems to be the only player at the top (unless you really like Kemba) that has a body of work I'm comfortable with enough to say, ok, I know this guy isn't going to disappoint -- though I thought that about Turner too. But I wonder if instead of playing Rubio and Irving together (and no trade), it would be at least debatable that it would be better to grab Williams and have him play backup 3-4 in a similar limited role. Williams was one of the most efficient off the ball scorers I've ever seen at the college level and would look better playing off of Rubio then probably anyone on our roster at present.

To draft Williams you've got to trade somebody, probably not Love but either Beasley or Randolph. That shouldn't be out of the question, but it's something to think about.

AQuintus · Post #1258 » by **AQuintus** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:25 pm

Klomp wrote:
What about something like...

MIN Out: #1, Pekovic
MIN In: Bynum

ATL Out: Horford
ATL In: #1, Pekovic

LAL Out: Bynum
LAL In: Horford

If Atlanta would take the #1 and Pekovic for Horford, why wouldn't we just take Horford? He's better than Bynum.

theGreatRC · Post #1259 » by **theGreatRC** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:27 pm

If this means anything to anyone:

71% of Kyrie Irving's offense came on iso's/transition or p'n'rs. Kemba Walker 59%. Brad Wanamaker 59%.

from DX

Grits n Gravy · Post #1260 » by **Grits n Gravy** » Tue May 17, 2011 6:49 pm

i would HATE williams at number 1, even though i've only seen him 4-5 times this year he reminds me of jeff green-rashard lewis-michael beasley and that's not the kind of player i would want at number 1 especially when one of the guys is already on this team...as i mentioned in another thread, i'm scared this apparent rubio commitment is gonna scare us away from irving(if we are lucky enough to land number 1

) and make us do something stupid.

my top targets:
irving
jonas
enes
burks
biyombo
vesely