Countdown to NBA Draft: Prospect Talk

[DickGrayson]

MKG's slashing game is way stronger than Winslow's. He was way faster than Winslow, had better handles, and finished better. MKG ran the fastest full court sprint in his draft and one of the fastest ever and he got to the freethrow line more than Winslow did.

You bring up Dwyane Wade but he has the lowest 3 point percentage for any player over 1000 attempts in NBA history. You'll probably try to discredit this by saying he's still one of the 25 greatest in league history but he averaged 24/9/5 with 5 steals and blocks per 40 as a freshman and he had a 32 PER which is higher than any freshman this past season. Wade did nothing but produce at Marquette.

I'm talking about Wade's improvement on the FT line from Marquette into the NBA. Going from 69FT% to 77% in the NBA.
Never said Wade wasn't productive at Marquette.
You wrote most of that for no reason. Defensive much?


Theres no evidence to that MKG's slashing game is "way stronger than Winslow's"
Full court sprinting isn't half court slashing. Leandro Barbosa is one of the fastest players in NBA history, but wasn't exactly Dwayne Wade or even Stephon Marbury in terms of slashing to the basket.

as for MKG's slashing game.

he's averaging 3 FTA per game in the NBA....not sure how he's doing that since he was averaging the same range of FTA as Winslow did his freshman season. 5.5 - 6.2 per 40 minutes.

Not sure if we've seen MKG improved his ability to slash in the NBA since his offense hasn't found a rhythm in the league yet. You're acting like MKG is Demarr Derozan. You're wrong.

[Jeff Van Gully]

don't forget to relay my message to him. thank you.

message him yourself.

realgm needs an @ option. my question isn't private message worthy. i only asked you because you like to send me messages. you stay on my dizzle like the police.

[E-Balla]

MKG's slashing game is way stronger than Winslow's. He was way faster than Winslow, had better handles, and finished better. MKG ran the fastest full court sprint in his draft and one of the fastest ever and he got to the freethrow line more than Winslow did.

You bring up Dwyane Wade but he has the lowest 3 point percentage for any player over 1000 attempts in NBA history. You'll probably try to discredit this by saying he's still one of the 25 greatest in league history but he averaged 24/9/5 with 5 steals and blocks per 40 as a freshman and he had a 32 PER which is higher than any freshman this past season. Wade did nothing but produce at Marquette.

I'm talking about Wade's improvement on the FT line from Marquette into the NBA. Going from 69FT% to 77% in the NBA.
Never said Wade wasn't productive at Marquette.
You wrote most of that for no reason. Defensive much?


Theres no evidence to that MKG's slashing game is "way stronger than Winslow's"
Full court sprinting isn't half court slashing. Leandro Barbosa is one of the fastest players in NBA history, but wasn't exactly Dwayne Wade or even Stephon Marbury in terms of slashing to the basket.

as for MKG's slashing game.

he's averaging 3 FTA per game in the NBA....not sure how he's doing that since he was averaging the same range of FTA as Winslow did his freshman season. 5.5 - 6.2 per 40 minutes.

Not sure if we've seen MKG improved his ability to slash in the NBA since his offense hasn't found a rhythm in the league yet. You're acting like MKG is Demarr Derozan. You're wrong.

Wade improved and no one is saying Justise won't but he has a lot of improving to do.

And MKG took less shots than Justise of course he barely got to the line more total. He had a .59 freethrow rate and Justise had a .44 freethrow rate. MKG had a .44 freethrow rate this season in the NBA.

It's whatever you aren't going to change your opinion and you aren't going to make any points without blurting out statistics you know are irrelevant or completely blowing off anything that doesn't support your point. Just remembered why I completely stopped correcting your posts.

[j4remi]

Jeff Goodman did a mock draft with the back-up of five execs...

With the draft order finally determined, it's time to look at who each of the teams that participated in the NBA draft lottery should pick.

For this exercise, I've gone through and offered my pick for each spot. Then, I consulted with a handful of high-ranking NBA executives to see what they thought of my picks -- and what they might do differently:

All comments are from current NBA executives who wished to remain anonymous

Here are some breakdowns on players we've been discussing...

3. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG

Philadelphia 76ers
College: China | 6-foot-5, 196 pounds

Analysis: It'll be a difficult choice for Sam Hinkie between the top two point guards: D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay. Russell has tremendous court vision, but Mudiay is the new-age point guard -- he's big, strong and athletic. Russell is the superior shooter and passer, but Mudiay has the higher upside -- and would be fun to watch with Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel up front.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Mudiay (3), D'Angelo Russell (2)

"Mudiay is a wild card. It's going to come down to who they like more. For me, I'd go with Russell. I'm more familiar with him and really like him because he can do everything."

"I think they wind up taking Russell, even though I think most teams would take Mudiay here. We'd take Mudiay -- but I think they go with Russell."

4. D'Angelo Russell, PG

New York Knicks
College: Ohio State | 6-foot-5, 176 pounds

Analysis: Phil Jackson and the Knicks are still licking their wounds after falling to No. 4, but Russell will make them feel better. He has such a tremendous feel for the game, and while just an above-average athlete, he finds a way to score in a variety of ways while also possessing tremendous court vision and passing ability. Carmelo Anthony will love him.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Russell (4), Kristaps Porzingis (1)

"I'd take Porzingis, but I'm also not in New York -- where they will probably get crucified for taking him."

"Russell makes the most sense for New York, and I think he works well in the triangle."

5. Kristaps Porzingis, PF

Orlando Magic
College: Latvia | 6-foot-11, 220 pounds

Analysis: The Magic will likely choose between athletic wing Justise Winslow and the skilled 7-foot-1 Porzingis. General manager Rob Henningan already has a bunch of athletes who aren't considered great shooters (Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo). He could use a guy who can make shots, and Porzingis has as much upside as anyone in this draft. He's 19, can score from deep and is also a good athlete.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Porzingis (2), Justise Winslow (2), Willie Cauley-Stein (1)

"It makes the most sense to take Cauley-Stein. You can play him and (Nikola) Vucevic together."

"I think you're right with Porzingis, especially for what they need. Justise Winslow isn't a great shooter, and I don't know how you add another perimeter non-shooter."

7. Justise Winslow, SF

Denver Nuggets
College: Duke | 6-foot-6, 222 pounds

Analysis: The Nuggets need a young wing, and while Winslow isn't a knock-down shooter, he did wind up shooting 42 percent from 3 as a freshman at Duke. He'll also give Denver toughness and a lock-down defender.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Winslow (4), Mario Hezonja (1)

"You've got to take Winslow. That's a freakin' steal."

"Denver takes him in a heartbeat if he is still there at No. 7."

[Rasho Brezec]

We get the next Curry or the next Wade, that's okay.

[god shammgod]

i did mention that it's been rumored for a while that philly wanted mudiay. it would be funny after everybody convincing themselves he's who they wanted all along that we end up with russell.

[god shammgod]

We get the next Curry or the next Wade, that's okay.

i am fine with either one though

[DickGrayson]

Wade improved and no one is saying Justise won't but he has a lot of improving to do.

We could say this about every prospect in this draft and every other draft...it's a meaningless statement.

Your statistics favor my argument.
MKG never improved his slashing from his freshman season. You had stats to prove that true.
MKG way better than Winslow in slashing? Not strong enough to back that up.
.59 .44, not much of a disparity that you can't even explain. Why post the difference between them if you can explain how big of the difference is it? They're both in the same tier. They're not DeMar DeRozan.

You can change my opinion if you actually posted strong evidence. The evidence presented doesn't show a huge disparity to back your statement of "MKG is waaaaay better than Winslow at slashing". It's foolish to state that when the biggest stat you have is a .44 and .59 difference. If I post stats, they're usually replied back with something you barely have a grasp of and make excuses when they don't favor your guy. You frustrate yourself because you act like you know what you're talking about and you always take these post personal. So what I don't agree with you? It's not the end of the world and it's not enough for you to get mad about, man up. Let's not forget about your temper tantrum you had last time. Can you make one post without being personal or showing you're frustrated? It's really tired some to read, I ain't your mom to handle all your emotions.

[E-Balla]

Jeff Goodman did a mock draft with the back-up of five execs...

With the draft order finally determined, it's time to look at who each of the teams that participated in the NBA draft lottery should pick.

For this exercise, I've gone through and offered my pick for each spot. Then, I consulted with a handful of high-ranking NBA executives to see what they thought of my picks -- and what they might do differently:

All comments are from current NBA executives who wished to remain anonymous

Here are some breakdowns on players we've been discussing...

3. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG

Philadelphia 76ers
College: China | 6-foot-5, 196 pounds

Analysis: It'll be a difficult choice for Sam Hinkie between the top two point guards: D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay. Russell has tremendous court vision, but Mudiay is the new-age point guard -- he's big, strong and athletic. Russell is the superior shooter and passer, but Mudiay has the higher upside -- and would be fun to watch with Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel up front.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Mudiay (3), D'Angelo Russell (2)

"Mudiay is a wild card. It's going to come down to who they like more. For me, I'd go with Russell. I'm more familiar with him and really like him because he can do everything."

"I think they wind up taking Russell, even though I think most teams would take Mudiay here. We'd take Mudiay -- but I think they go with Russell."

4. D'Angelo Russell, PG

New York Knicks
College: Ohio State | 6-foot-5, 176 pounds

Analysis: Phil Jackson and the Knicks are still licking their wounds after falling to No. 4, but Russell will make them feel better. He has such a tremendous feel for the game, and while just an above-average athlete, he finds a way to score in a variety of ways while also possessing tremendous court vision and passing ability. Carmelo Anthony will love him.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Russell (4), Kristaps Porzingis (1)

"I'd take Porzingis, but I'm also not in New York -- where they will probably get crucified for taking him."

"Russell makes the most sense for New York, and I think he works well in the triangle."

5. Kristaps Porzingis, PF

Orlando Magic
College: Latvia | 6-foot-11, 220 pounds

Analysis: The Magic will likely choose between athletic wing Justise Winslow and the skilled 7-foot-1 Porzingis. General manager Rob Henningan already has a bunch of athletes who aren't considered great shooters (Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo). He could use a guy who can make shots, and Porzingis has as much upside as anyone in this draft. He's 19, can score from deep and is also a good athlete.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Porzingis (2), Justise Winslow (2), Willie Cauley-Stein (1)

"It makes the most sense to take Cauley-Stein. You can play him and (Nikola) Vucevic together."

"I think you're right with Porzingis, especially for what they need. Justise Winslow isn't a great shooter, and I don't know how you add another perimeter non-shooter."

7. Justise Winslow, SF

Denver Nuggets
College: Duke | 6-foot-6, 222 pounds

Analysis: The Nuggets need a young wing, and while Winslow isn't a knock-down shooter, he did wind up shooting 42 percent from 3 as a freshman at Duke. He'll also give Denver toughness and a lock-down defender.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Winslow (4), Mario Hezonja (1)

"You've got to take Winslow. That's a freakin' steal."

"Denver takes him in a heartbeat if he is still there at No. 7."

Exactly where I have Justise. Who'd they have at 6? WCS? That's not very good.

[E-Balla]

Wade improved and no one is saying Justise won't but he has a lot of improving to do.

We could say this about every prospect in this draft and every other draft...it's a meaningless statement.

Your statistics favor my argument.
MKG never improved his slashing from his freshman season. You had stats to prove that true.
MKG way better than Winslow in slashing? Not strong enough to back that up.
.59 .44, not much of a disparity that you can't even explain. Why post the difference between them if you can explain how big of the difference is it? They're both in the same tier. They're not DeMar DeRozan.

You can change my opinion if you actually posted strong evidence. The evidence presented doesn't show a huge disparity to back your statement of "MKG is waaaaay better than Winslow at slashing". It's foolish to state that when the biggest stat you have is a .44 and .59 difference. If I post stats, they're usually replied back with something you barely have a grasp of and make excuses when they don't favor your guy. You frustrate yourself because you act like you know what you're talking about and you always take these post personal. So what I don't agree with you? It's not the end of the world and it's not enough for you to get mad about, man up. Let's not forget about your temper tantrum you had last time. Can you make one post without being personal or showing you're frustrated? It's really tired some to read, I ain't your mom to handle all your emotions.

PS the difference in Melo and Shumpert's freethrow rate is lower than the difference in Justise's and MKG's. Justise gets to the line well but MKG gets to the line and the rim at an elite rate.

[j4remi]

Exactly where I have Justise. Who'd they have at 6? WCS? That's not very good.

Since it's Goodman's mock and the execs speak after the fact, it's scattered. Goodman goes with Kaminsky and the execs disagree.

6. Frank Kaminsky, C

Sacramento Kings
College: Wisconsin | 7-foot, 234 pounds

Analysis: I know it's dangerous to draft for need, but the Kings sorely need a power forward who has the skill to play alongside DeMarcus Cousins. Kaminsky can do just that, as he's a guy who can stretch the defense with his ability to make shots from beyond the arc. This might be higher than most have Kaminsky, but the guy has made huge strides throughout his college career and with the right system, he can be an effective NBA player.

Pick from our NBA executives survey: Willie Cauley-Stein (3), Winslow (2)

"I think it's high for Kaminsky, but they need stability. Look at what he did last season, and it's not crazy by any means. Personally, I'd go with Cauley-Stein here. He'd help make up for DeMarcus Cousins' defensive deficiencies."

"No. I don't think so with Kaminsky here. It sounds too high to me. It's too early. The name will intrigue and Vlade [Divac] will love his skill -- in theory. But I don't see it."

[j4remi]

i did mention that it's been rumored for a while that philly wanted mudiay. it would be funny after everybody convincing themselves he's who they wanted all along that we end up with russell.

Because people would be heart broken to get Russell? I think I'm the least excited about him as a prospect and I'd be pretty happy to lock him in.

[whocares1]

i did mention that it's been rumored for a while that philly wanted mudiay. it would be funny after everybody convincing themselves he's who they wanted all along that we end up with russell.

Because people would be heart broken to get Russell? I think I'm the least excited about him as a prospect and I'd be pretty happy to lock him in.

lol you can't be serious. No one talks about Russell because deep down everyone knows that he'll get picked before the Knicks even get a turn. It's called being optimistic now, and hoping that whoever is available at 4 can be the best player for us.

[DickGrayson]

PS the difference in Melo and Shumpert's freethrow rate is lower than the difference in Justise's and MKG's. Justise gets to the line well but MKG gets to the line and the rim at an elite rate.

MKG is currently 11th amongst SF's in FTA. How is that elite? You're not making sense.


Freshman season in the games that mattered the most:
Winslow in post-season play (6 games) per 40

averaged 6.2FTA, shot 76% from the FT line. Also had 12 rpg and 3.4 apg

MKG in post-season play (6 games) per 40
averaged 5.4FTA, shot 76% from the FT line. Had 8.4 rpg and 1.5 apg

Same level...MKG isn't "way" better. Once again you're wrong.

Is that really a difference in their freshman season? No. Not even close.

[j4remi]

Because people would be heart broken to get Russell? I think I'm the least excited about him as a prospect and I'd be pretty happy to lock him in.

lol you can't be serious. No one talks about Russell because deep down everyone knows that he'll get picked before the Knicks even get a turn. It's called being optimistic now, and hoping that whoever is available at 4 can be the best player for us.

Maybe re-read my statement. There aren't any comments about no one talking about Russell and there are no digs at him as a prospect, I gave him a compliment.

[E-Balla]

Yo Jason Todd you mad I'm not responding? Word? You gotta send PMs?

No one's mad at you I don't know you or care enough about any of this it's recreational. I could meet you tomorrow and I'd have no idea it was you most likely. I'm just not wasting my time debating with someone that'll never change their stance. You showed your colors when you got shut down debating Jah and KAT, wasted an extra page of posts debating something you knew was wrong, admitted to it, then kept having the same wrong opinion after.

Simply put your posts aren't worth my time.

[beasonu]

Jesus.

Every Mock lately released has Mudiay going 3. FML

[Jeff Van Gully]

:lol: Yo Jason Todd you mad I'm not responding? Word? You gotta send PMs?

No one's mad at you I don't know you or care enough about any of this it's recreational. I could meet you tomorrow and I'd have no idea it was you most likely. I'm just not wasting my time debating with someone that'll never change their stance. You showed your colors when you got shut down debating Jah and KAT, wasted an extra page of posts debating something you knew was wrong, admitted to it, then kept having the same wrong opinion after.

Simply put your posts aren't worth my time.

did you just put the government on blast?

[j4remi]

Jesus.

Every Mock lately released has Mudiay going 3. FML

That just means Russell or Okafor is a Knick. Unless Phil mistimes his next peyote trip, we're bringing in a bit time prospect.

[Capn'O]

i did mention that it's been rumored for a while that philly wanted mudiay. it would be funny after everybody convincing themselves he's who they wanted all along that we end up with russell.

We may have a choice between the two. It would be hard for Philly to pass on the European Kevin Garnett