Countdown to NBA Draft: Prospect Talk

[berkkobe7]

Watching Duke again on ESPNU right now.. I'd give my left nut to pair Jahlil and melo together..

I would give my lungs.

[Manhattan Project]

Going to be real interesting to watch Okafor vs Kaminsky, not that I expect Kaminsky to be able to slow him down it's going to be fun watching Okafor go up against someone with real NBA size.

[StephNYKurry]

Going to be real interesting to watch Okafor vs Kaminsky, not that I expect Kaminsky to be able to slow him down it's going to be fun watching Okafor go up against someone with real NBA size.

Okafor going to have a real rough go of it trying to guard Kaminsky.

[Manhattan Project]

Going to be real interesting to watch Okafor vs Kaminsky, not that I expect Kaminsky to be able to slow him down it's going to be fun watching Okafor go up against someone with real NBA size.

Okafor going to have a real rough go of it trying to guard Kaminsky.

Yeah he should be able to pull him away from the paint whenever he wants. Kaminsky is a hard guard no matter the opposing center because of his ability to shoot the ball. Winslow vs Dekker is another intriguing matchup.

Duke is the better team on paper, but Wisconsin has been playing together for years. Should provide for a good litmus test for this young Duke team.

[moocow007]

Harrell is not going top 7. Okafor, Mudiay, Towns, Turner, Johnson, Winslow, Alexander. Just named 7 for you that will be taken ahead of him off the top of my head. All freshman as well. He is arguably not even the best prospect on his team.

Oh come on now. Harrell is the best prospect on the Cardinals. Who else on the Louisville team is better? Rozier? He's a 6'1" SG. Yes he's a great rebounder for a guard and he's athletic, but so was Russ Smith.

I had Rozier as a 1st rounder last season and he managed to take a step forward physically/athletically from last season. Looks like a different level of prospect.I dont see what Russ Smith has to do with him honestly. Youre comparing a 160lb, under 6' guard with a small wingspan who is more of a 2 than Rozier who is 190lbs, over 6', has a large wing span. They dont compare physically at all. 30lbs between guards is a massive difference, as well as the mentioned height/length. Rozier projects to defend at a high level at the next level, has developing skills and is less of a finished product being 3 years younger than Russ, has the skills to play the point and projects there in the future. Im sorry but Harrell despite being long is under 6'7" in shoes, thats concerning to me. I dont know that he will be an average defender, he doesnt rebound that well at college or protect the rim. He doesnt have an offensive game besides a developing jumper. He looks to project to be a big that would just bring energy right now. Maybe a rotation player, not a starter. Rozier has a greater chance to start in the future to me.

Based on what? You mention Harrels height as a problem when Rozier is a 6'1" SG? Over 6'? Oh come on...he's a freakin 6'1" SG that can't shoot. Roziers height isn't supposed to be a problem because of his wingspan but Harrels is? Harrels wingspan is 7'4"! That's monstrous. Russ Smith was the best defensive guard in college basketball AND was better running the point than Rozier (so if you're going to call Smith a SG, then there is no shot Of Rozier being anything else but a SG). You're reaching...terribly. You are. And since you're exaggerating why not just say Harrell is 6'3"? Why stop at saying he's less than 6'7" in shoes?

[EMG518]

Oh come on now. Harrell is the best prospect on the Cardinals. Who else on the Louisville team is better? Rozier? He's a 6'1" SG. Yes he's a great rebounder for a guard and he's athletic, but so was Russ Smith.

I had Rozier as a 1st rounder last season and he managed to take a step forward physically/athletically from last season. Looks like a different level of prospect.I dont see what Russ Smith has to do with him honestly. Youre comparing a 160lb, under 6' guard with a small wingspan who is more of a 2 than Rozier who is 190lbs, over 6', has a large wing span. They dont compare physically at all. 30lbs between guards is a massive difference, as well as the mentioned height/length. Rozier projects to defend at a high level at the next level, has developing skills and is less of a finished product being 3 years younger than Russ, has the skills to play the point and projects there in the future. Im sorry but Harrell despite being long is under 6'7" in shoes, thats concerning to me. I dont know that he will be an average defender, he doesnt rebound that well at college or protect the rim. He doesnt have an offensive game besides a developing jumper. He looks to project to be a big that would just bring energy right now. Maybe a rotation player, not a starter. Rozier has a greater chance to start in the future to me.

Based on what? You mention Harrels height as a problem when Rozier is a 6'1" SG? Over 6'? Oh come on...he's a freakin 6'1" SG that can't shoot. Roziers height isn't supposed to be a problem because of his wingspan but Harrels is? Harrels wingspan is 7'4"! That's monstrous. Russ Smith was the best defensive guard in college basketball AND was better running the point than Rozier (so if you're going to call Smith a SG, then there is no shot Of Rozier being anything else but a SG). You're reaching...terribly. You are. And since you're exaggerating why not just say Harrell is 6'3"? Why stop at saying he's less than 6'7" in shoes?

Based on everything I just layed out? Harrell measured 6'6.75" in shoes, thats a concern to me when playing the power forward position even with his length like I said. Rozier measured 6'2" in shoes, thats not a concern to me as he will be guarding the opposing teams 1, maybe even 2 in some lineups. I said Rozier was more of a point guard than Russ, Russ looks for his own offense way more than Rozier. I dont know how you could think otherwise. Lets say I did call Russ Smith a sg, how would that equate to it not being possible for Rozier to become a better point guard, seriously? Im reaching terribly? How are you even a mod. None of what you have said so far is even logical. He measured under 6'7" in shoes, thats his height. The only one with exaggerations here is you.

[Houston99]

i want mudaye..he seems like a wade type of player.

[sasso]

I would draft Willie Cauley-Stein. His defense is a gamechanger. It's absolutely disgusting. He's like Chandler with better hands and a better touch around the basket. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd3_0dg-FIk[/youtube]

[No-Man]

Cauley-Stein is just too dumb, he is an energy back-up, just the same as Harrell unless he 3pt shooting is really going to become something serious.

I wont mind Harrell with a 15-25 pick, in the top10? I'd kill myself.

For the Knicks if they end up that low, I suspect it wont be the case but anyway, I think you gotta go with the BPA, but if its not clear, because Okafor and Mudiay are out, I'd clearly take Winslow, put him at the SG and trade Shumpert in a S&T for anything, I'd actually trade Iman before February anyway.

Porzingis is another nice prospect, but NY is a difficult place for rookies and europeans with the pressure he might be the point of all jokes, is a difficult position.

Stanley Johnson is another guy I'd like but he is a little bit too much of a scroing first guy for what this team needs with Melo, Justise will fit much better.

[EMG518]

Disagree with your sentiment on Cauley Stein as you already know, he has a better feel for the game than you give him credit for in my opinion. He could become a starter. Agree on Harrell. I wouldnt be looking at either of them though where the Knicks will ultimately wind up drafting. I disagree to an extent with bpa. If we know we have guys locked in for free agency and will have a competitive team I would go fit without sacrificing too much talent. If its going to be another year like this then definitely take bpa. I still havent gotten a chance to see Porzingis so I will reserve any comments on him for then. The top 3 picks are looking like they will shape up to be Okafor, Mudiay, and Towns. Assuming we dont get a top 3 pick which is likely, Johnson and Winslow like you said I would be looking at along with Turner. I think Johnson would be my ideal target outside a top pick.

[ag3]

A potential superstar player in the NBA DOMINATES the 2nd half of the College Season and then especially the NCAA Tournament.

For me to get really excited about Okafor, I need to see 20+ points and 12+ rebounds every game in the 2nd half and then a couple dominating 35+ point, 15+ rebound games in the tourney.

[Houston99]

no culley stein plz....he will be a role player in the nba...not worth the lotter pick.

[Johnny Hoops]

Anyone watch UCLA? Thoughts on Looney?

BIG TIME rebounder -- extremely long --- think I heard 7'5" wingspan?

Looks lethargic/awkward getting up and down the court and I saw him shoot an open foul line jump shot and it hit the backboard about 10 inches above the rim (he wasn't looking to bank).

So overall -- looks intriguing but has some rough spots / questionable attributes.

[K_ick_God]

i want mudaye..he seems like a wade type of player.

I just want to be able to post "Why U Mudiay Tho?" after we select him.

[Jwduff]

I dont think we will end up in the top 3 because at least the 76ers, Timberwolves, and Lakers are going to have worst records than we will. Im guessing you will also be able to throw in the Magic, Celtics, and Jazz within the ball park as well. Ultimately, Im realistically hopeful for something in the 5-7 range and at this range I would want Myles Turner (6'11" PF/C) that can shoot the 15 footer and has shown a decent ability to protect the rim. If not him than its got to be Stanley Johnson because of the premium that is currently placed on wings in the NBA. So far it looks like he has the ability to defend and score. At 6-7 245 he could easily play the 3 allowing Melo to slide back to the 4 where he has been more effective over the past couple of seasons. IMO our draft needs right now go Big Man, Point Guard, and then a Two Way wing. As of right now Muddiay is the only PG in the realm of the top 10 so I don't think there will be a viable option. Plus, I think we have a really good shot at Rondo or Dragic over any other free agents.

[moocow007]

I dont think we will end up in the top 3 because at least the 76ers, Timberwolves, and Lakers are going to have worst records than we will. Im guessing you will also be able to throw in the Magic, Celtics, and Jazz within the ball park as well. Ultimately, Im realistically hopeful for something in the 5-7 range and at this range I would want Myles Turner (6'11" PF/C) that can shoot the 15 footer and has shown a decent ability to protect the rim. If not him than its got to be Stanley Johnson because of the premium that is currently placed on wings in the NBA. So far it looks like he has the ability to defend and score. At 6-7 245 he could easily play the 3 allowing Melo to slide back to the 4 where he has been more effective over the past couple of seasons. IMO our draft needs right now go Big Man, Point Guard, and then a Two Way wing. As of right now Muddiay is the only PG in the realm of the top 10 so I don't think there will be a viable option. Plus, I think we have a really good shot at Rondo or Dragic over any other free agents.

This is an example of why trading that (none top 3) pick with someone like Calderon for a Horford type/level player to pair with a Rondo or Dragic and Anthony would be worth considering. Once you get outside of the top 3 guys, it's a crap shoot and not exactly the most titillating of one. None of the guys in that group has had their balls drop already and are either pure gambles or low ceiling guys that probably would be, at best, solid role player types. To expect none top tier college underclassmen (freshman at that) to come in and be able to play with anyone AND still try to win is not realistic.

[ibraheim718]

A potential superstar player in the NBA DOMINATES the 2nd half of the College Season and then especially the NCAA Tournament.

For me to get really excited about Okafor, I need to see 20+ points and 12+ rebounds every game in the 2nd half and then a couple dominating 35+ point, 15+ rebound games in the tourney.

Stop.. who puts up those numbers man? Duncan an all time great put up 20 and 14 in his senior season and didn't even come close to putting up 35ppg his two tournament games.

[moocow007]

A potential superstar player in the NBA DOMINATES the 2nd half of the College Season and then especially the NCAA Tournament.

For me to get really excited about Okafor, I need to see 20+ points and 12+ rebounds every game in the 2nd half and then a couple dominating 35+ point, 15+ rebound games in the tourney.

Stop.. who puts up those numbers man? Duncan an all time great put up 20 and 14 in his senior season and didn't even come close to putting up 35ppg his two tournament games.

Yeah I don't recall any college player ever averaging 35/15 in a tournament. Kareem was arguably the best player in NCAA history and he never managed to come close to averaging that. I think the closest thing to that was Danny Manning with something like 35/18 or something like that in a single game in the tournament.

[DaGawd]

Tonight at 9:30 on ESPN y'all should be tuned in. Jahlil takes on his first real test when he faces Wisconsin

[ibraheim718]

Tonight at 9:30 on ESPN y'all should be tuned in. Jahlil takes on his first real test when he faces Wisconsin

Can't wait. I'll be watching the whole game which nowadays it's rare for me to sit through a whole college basketball game.