Countdown to NBA Draft: Prospect Talk

[2010]

So because you're honest and realistic in assessing a prospects strengths and weaknesses, that equates to "bashing"? This generation is twisted. It reminds me of how nowadays when you say anything that a person doesn't like, they say "you hatin" ...nevermind the fact that you're telling the truth.

If you want Okafor, don't wanna pick him justifying it by expecting him to become something he is not. Pick him for reasons trumpeting what he is good at, with the expectations of surrounding him with players who will mask his weaknesses. If he improves those areas and develops defensively, consider it gravy. But to have a mindset which is the other way around will ultimately lead you down that bitter road of disappointment when the player doesn't morph into another prototype or improve his weaknesses.

This is why this fanbase always sours on rookies by year 2. Shump was gonna improve his handle and ability to finish. Hardaway Jr. was gonna improve his defense. Toney Douglas was gonna improve his PG skills. Players are what they are. You can improve skill areas but you're not gonna improve mental makeup, physical attributes, instinctual awareness/BBIQ areas.

You keep contradicting yourself that's why we call you a hater. If you were consistent and even in your criticism of Jahlil and Towns I don't think anyone would complain. I mean in your last post you literally said Jahlil can't improve any of his weaknesses and now you wonder why you're called a hater? We really soured on Shump, Landry, and Tim not because they didn't improve but because they actually regressed. I mean of course there were irrational people but as a whole we only cared because they were better rookies.

"Literally"...really? I recommend you read my detailed post again, or either you don't understand what "literally" means. I clearly stated you don't pick Okafor betting he improves defensively. You pick him with the mindset of trumpeting his offensive strengths and with the intention of building a roster around him that will mask his weaknesses. I said, then if he improves defensively consider it gravy. But I wouldn't go betting on it. That's not "hating". Y'all ninjas just sensitive. Lol

[delvec19]

Just toyed with tankathon a few times... Timberwolves consistently getting the number 1 pick... Shouldve been us b

Worst team is kind of due for the #1 pick tbh...who was the last one? Magic with Dwight?

[shtolky]

4th isnt the end of the world. Especially depending on what teams pick ahead of us. There could still be a shot at Russell or maybe even Okafor if the planets align correctly.

It's a good thing that we can't trade the pick before we make it...so Phil won't "panic" that we got 4th and try to trade it ASAP before he sees who's avail.

I know. But comparing the season we had and the fact that we should have tanked to the bottom and not lose the first spot, I would be pissed mate. It will probably pass when i start watching more Mudiay videos though lol

I'm really confused as to why most of the posters on this board are extremely pro Russell and just eh on Mudiay. Is it because Russell has a flashier game and has that confidence people like? Mudiay put up very similar numbers to Russell yet Mudiay was playing against much tougher competition (yes you can laugh at that statement but it happens to be 100% true).

For me, anything in the top 4 would be great, even 5th pick would be fine. History shows that top 5 picks do very well and this years draft is deep, especially at the top. Wade was a 5th pick, Love was a 5th pick. Guys like Westbrook only went 4th. I would love Russell but I'm not sold that he is better than Mudiay. I'm not sure how anyone can say that at this point. Both are high character guys who seemingly want to play here, and given their immense talent and size, that's enough for me. 88% chance at a top big man or guard, I'll take it.

[El Poochio]

If we get the 3rd pick don't let this kid get away from us. I salivate at the though of Him and Galloway getting after people defensively.

What are your reasons for prefering him over Russell? Dont know much about Mudiay but isnt his greatest strength playmaking is where Russell is strong too, with a more polished game and better shooting? Is Mudiay the way better athlete? He was getting compared to Kidd though sounds stiffy

Yes, his best trait is playmaking which is what Russell is good at but, I think Mudiay is going to have an easier time playing "his game" in the NBA than Russell will playing his if that makes sense. Mudiay is going to be able to get in the paint in the NBA due to his unique blend of size and athleticism for a lead guard position. Russell's lack of athleticism and poor showing against top defenses correlate to me and i'm nervous that it will be a similar trait in the NBA. I think both are outstanding prospect but, I think Mudiay's weaknesses are able to be coached up while you can't really teach elite athleticism to Russell.

Aah got it.. So athleticism makes the difference. I think Russell will get into the paint as well with his great handle and court vision, but he may need work on his finishing in traffic, paint. Russell struggling against best defences surely about his team sucking no? Curry was different cuz he was just shooting the shite out of them even in college. I wont pick Russell #1 but he is the guy i want the most, cuz of my special interests.. Exquisite passing with crazy handling

[DaGawd]

Just toyed with tankathon a few times... Timberwolves consistently getting the number 1 pick... Shouldve been us b

Worst team is kind of due for the #1 pick tbh...who was the last one? Magic with Dwight?

Word. I don't remember who the last one is but it's Def due

[Hijinks]

i feel like there isn't a clear cut no.1 pick or a franchise player / can't miss prospect in the draft. so picking no. 1 - 3 would give us one of the best players with a lot of potential. there really is nothing really bad, that can happen to us. this painful season already has given us a top 5 pick. now it is all in phils hands to pick the guy he trusts and build a contender!

[El Poochio]

So how athletic is Mudiay in a scale from 1 to 10, where Westbrook is probably 10 and Josh Harrellson is 1?

8.5

Thanks BallaLad and you say John Wall is what 9 ? And D'Angelo might be a 7 ?

[Knicks_Fan2]

Well, we'll always have those April wins over Atlanta and Orlando:(

[E-Balla]

So how athletic is Mudiay in a scale from 1 to 10, where Westbrook is probably 10 and Josh Harrellson is 1?

8.5

Thanks BallaLad and you say John Wall is what 9 ? And D'Angelo might be a 7 ?

Wall is a 9.5. Russell is a 6 - average speed and quickness, great length, getting stronger.

[AmazingJason]

How I feel:

Towns: Love the kid's character. See him as a bigger Al Horford, a perennial all-star if he plays C in the East.

Okafor: Expect the worst, hope for the best. See him as an Al Jefferson/Greg Monroe type.

Russell: Has the highest chance of being the best player in the draft due to skill level and high BBIQ. He's essentially going to be the next Steph Curry

Mudiay: Such a huge unknown. Game reminds me so much of Tyreke Evans, though.

Euros/Kaminsky: If Phil has the balls, there has to be substance behind it. I trust the Zen Master with my life.

Cauley-Stein: Will probably commit suicide if picked.

[F N 11]

I will be happy with Town. Ok4, and D Russ. D Russ highlight does look like he will destroy his defender in the nba. Knicks have not had a good guard in so long. Both bigs are good in this draft though. SIGH lol

[DaGawd]

In hindsight. If we get f*cked the San Antonio win and Cleveland win equally are to blame

[GONYK]

We have an 88% chance of getting a top big or guard in the draft.

I'll take those odds

[Carl_Karlson]

This is it! I'm going to grub some junk food during the lottery, but I'll have some tequila on stand by for the inevitable roller coaster of emotions that's likely to follow

[BeagleBoss]

4th isnt the end of the world. Especially depending on what teams pick ahead of us. There could still be a shot at Russell or maybe even Okafor if the planets align correctly.

It's a good thing that we can't trade the pick before we make it...so Phil won't "panic" that we got 4th and try to trade it ASAP before he sees who's avail.

I know. But comparing the season we had and the fact that we should have tanked to the bottom and not lose the first spot, I would be pissed mate. It will probably pass when i start watching more Mudiay videos though lol

I'm really confused as to why most of the posters on this board are extremely pro Russell and just eh on Mudiay. Is it because Russell has a flashier game and has that confidence people like? Mudiay put up very similar numbers to Russell yet Mudiay was playing against much tougher competition (yes you can laugh at that statement but it happens to be 100% true).

For me, anything in the top 4 would be great, even 5th pick would be fine. History shows that top 5 picks do very well and this years draft is deep, especially at the top. Wade was a 5th pick, Love was a 5th pick. Guys like Westbrook only went 4th. I would love Russell but I'm not sold that he is better than Mudiay. I'm not sure how anyone can say that at this point. Both are high character guys who seemingly want to play here, and given their immense talent and size, that's enough for me. 88% chance at a top big man or guard, I'll take it.

Dead wrong. 95% of the players in the CBA are awful and would be delivering food elsewhere.

[El Poochio]

WTF is a "due" mean lads? Arent the odds still same? So you are implying what i am thinking?

[F N 11]

Top 3 I am satisfied. Anything other than. Disappointment. I say top 3 because OK4 or towns can possibly drop with a guard being picked second. Then we will pick the best out of Mudiay or Russell, which I trust Phil to do. So top 3, i am content.

[DE FENSE]

just ran two different simulators and got the 4th pick like 90% of the time. I'm going in with these expectations and I'm ok with it. 4th or better...LETS GOOOOO

[beasonu]

Under 10 hours left.

[2010]

28 out of 30 NBA executives prefer Towns over Okafor due to defensive concerns regarding the latter. This just in, 28 out of 30 NBA execs are "h8rs" and biased against Okafor.