Towns or Okafor or Mudiay or Russel?

[And100]

Important to note you can't condemn any 19 year-old freshman to any category either.

Okafor's intelligence, character and BBIQ will go a long ways to determine whether he can improve upon his current defensive shortcomings.

Not saying he'll ever be Davis, but he could become better than the thumbnail extrapolation.

[TrueWarrior]

As far as Towns go, he does not possess elite athleticism. While he's blocking the most shots on the team, there's not been enough of him that says he's even the best defender on the Kentucky team. Right now WCS is the better defender by a noticeable margin. Towns may be the most stable/reliable offensive player on Kentucky but is that a compliment for Towns offense or criticism of the Wildcats lack of a reliable offensive player? The reason they struggled against Georgia was because they don't have anyone that you can rely on to create their own shot when you need it. Kentucky creates a good deal of offense off their defense. They do not have anyone that I would consider an offensive go to guy. Andrew Harrison is about as streaky a scorer as you can get. Booker is a shooter, not a scorer. Their bigs rely on their athleticism and size to score rather than any refined skill set. So Towns being the Wildcats most reliable offensive option doesn't really say all that much. Without question, Towns has upside. But I thought in folks are seeing more than is there right now.

Towns looked pretty reliable last night. They just didn't start going to him consistently until the end, where he won them the game. Towns isn't being maximized there. They only use him in the low post when he can shoot out to 3 and pass from all over the court. Cal is using him more and more as the games go on though so we'll see how that unfolds.

[moocow007]

As far as Towns go, he does not possess elite athleticism. While he's blocking the most shots on the team, there's not been enough of him that says he's even the best defender on the Kentucky team. Right now WCS is the better defender by a noticeable margin. Towns may be the most stable/reliable offensive player on Kentucky but is that a compliment for Towns offense or criticism of the Wildcats lack of a reliable offensive player? The reason they struggled against Georgia was because they don't have anyone that you can rely on to create their own shot when you need it. Kentucky creates a good deal of offense off their defense. They do not have anyone that I would consider an offensive go to guy. Andrew Harrison is about as streaky a scorer as you can get. Booker is a shooter, not a scorer. Their bigs rely on their athleticism and size to score rather than any refined skill set. So Towns being the Wildcats most reliable offensive option doesn't really say all that much. Without question, Towns has upside. But I thought in folks are seeing more than is there right now.

Towns looked pretty reliable last night. They just didn't start going to him consistently until the end, where he won them the game. Towns isn't being maximized there. They only use him in the low post when he can shoot out to 3 and pass from all over the court. Cal is using him more and more as the games go on though so we'll see how that unfolds.

The point is still Towns has not gotten enough of an opportunity to show that he could or couldn't be what some of you guys are already asserting that he already is. OK a for Is already an elite go to offensive player. He's already the featured option for coach K at Duke. There has not been enough of Towns to prove he's even close offensively to say that one is clearly one dimensional while the other clearly is not. I wish Calipari used Towns more but he hasn't. But folks still are projecting what they wish as what is. Just my point if view.

[TrueWarrior]

Theres:

a. Great offense, average-bad defense
b. Great defense, average-bad offense
c. Good defense, good offense

All 3 potentially can be role players. But depending on the degree of "great" we could be talking big impact players. Have to go no further than our own Carmelo Anthony to see a big impact player. Compare Anthony to someone like Rudy Gay who is not as great offensively to be considered a big impact player. Deandre Jordan, a great impact player. Now compare him to a Omer Asik who is not as great defensively to be considered an impact player. It's about degree of the thing the player is good at. You can't look at things in absolutes. And just because a guy is not good at one side of the court or the other doesn't mean he can't be an impact player. Like I said, folks are looking for perfection. There is no LeBron or Shaq here.

I agree with you about not dealing in absolutes my lord, but defense from a center is much more important than a SF. There aren't any good teams with a below average defensive center. It's so essential now since all the rule changes have made perimeter defense much harder. A guy like Mozgov helps the Cavs so much.

Sure but if defense is the end all be all then Willie Cauley Stein should be the guy discussed cause his defensive potential is off the charts. A big athletic 7 footer that can guard any position anywhere. You just have to deal with his sometimes space cadet behavior. I think we are looking for something more right? Problem is there may not be that great all around NBA guy.

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

[ibraheim718]

Important to note you can't condemn any 19 year-old freshman to any category either.

Okafor's intelligence, character and BBIQ will go a long ways to determine whether he can improve upon his current defensive shortcomings.

Not saying he'll ever be Davis, but he could become better than the thumbnail extrapolation.

Thank you. One other guy that realizes he possesses the requisite human traits that are required for a player to have the capacity to improve upon something versus just casting him off as just another Eddy Curry. What you said in bold is never brought up unless I bring it up myself and then it's just ignored because I hurt feelings.

[moocow007]

I agree with you about not dealing in absolutes my lord, but defense from a center is much more important than a SF. There aren't any good teams with a below average defensive center. It's so essential now since all the rule changes have made perimeter defense much harder. A guy like Mozgov helps the Cavs so much.

Sure but if defense is the end all be all then Willie Cauley Stein should be the guy discussed cause his defensive potential is off the charts. A big athletic 7 footer that can guard any position anywhere. You just have to deal with his sometimes space cadet behavior. I think we are looking for something more right? Problem is there may not be that great all around NBA guy.

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

[RHODEY]

Sure but if defense is the end all be all then Willie Cauley Stein should be the guy discussed cause his defensive potential is off the charts. A big athletic 7 footer that can guard any position anywhere. You just have to deal with his sometimes space cadet behavior. I think we are looking for something more right? Problem is there may not be that great all around NBA guy.

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

Perhaps Towns has bigger bust potential than Okafur? Along with a higher ceiling? Okafur's bottom is Curry with excellent passing skills
and a solid work ethic...

[Marty McFly]

Sure but if defense is the end all be all then Willie Cauley Stein should be the guy discussed cause his defensive potential is off the charts. A big athletic 7 footer that can guard any position anywhere. You just have to deal with his sometimes space cadet behavior. I think we are looking for something more right? Problem is there may not be that great all around NBA guy.

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

[NYKBaller]

http://www.libertyballers.com/2015/2/11 ... rgy-sports

[JXL]

http://www.libertyballers.com/2015/2/11 ... rgy-sports

Basically, Towns looks the part of a two-way monster, but as I have been saying, I will reserve judgment on how they do in the tournament.

[EchelonNYK]

Draft Russell. Simple.

[Bill Pidto]

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

Perhaps Towns has bigger bust potential than Okafur? Along with a higher ceiling? Okafur's bottom is Curry with excellent passing skills
and a solid work ethic...

Curry with a solid work ethic is a much better player than Curry ever was. So what does that even mean?

I hate those types of comparisons. "His ceiling is X player with better this, this and that". By the time you're done listing what he does differently, the initial comparison doesn't make sense anymore.

[JBreezeNY]

The reason people like Towns is because he does look like that great all around NBA guy though, otherwise Okafor would be the clear choice. Stein was doo doo last night but yes he can be a great defender. Towns gives you both sides. Not as good in the post as Okafor or as athletic as Stein but he can shoot better than Okafor and he's stronger/bigger than Stein as a freshman.

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

Too much on Towns shoulders? Sheeeeiiiit look at what everyone is putting on Okafor's shoulders as well

People already label him as the most NBA ready player out the draft and got him as a franchise changer. You know how much pressure that is to put on a kid like that?

Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell all of them needs this city to be patient with them. So what if we don't win a title while Melo is still in his prime, whoever the next young kid to come here is we need to give him patience.

[nyjetsknicks420]

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

Too much on Towns shoulders? Sheeeeiiiit look at what everyone is putting on Okafor's shoulders as well

People already label him as the most NBA ready player out the draft and got him as a franchise changer. You know how much pressure that is to put on a kid like that?

Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell all of them needs this city to be patient with them. So what if we don't win a title while Melo is still in his prime, whoever the next young kid to come here is we need to give him patience.

Patience?your asking alot from these people

[nytonm]

Any word on how Mudiay did in his return game? Can't find any info.

[JBreezeNY]

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

Too much on Towns shoulders? Sheeeeiiiit look at what everyone is putting on Okafor's shoulders as well

People already label him as the most NBA ready player out the draft and got him as a franchise changer. You know how much pressure that is to put on a kid like that?

Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell all of them needs this city to be patient with them. So what if we don't win a title while Melo is still in his prime, whoever the next young kid to come here is we need to give him patience.

Patience?your asking alot from these people

Indeed.

[Greenie]

I think I'm leaning towards Towns.
My top 4:
Towns
OK4
Russell
Mudiay

[Marty McFly]

Honestly I get the sense that people prefer Towns because they think you must be able to be strong defensively to be a good/great player. That's simply not true. They see Okafor struggle defensively so they immediately disqualify him from possibly being great and immediately gravitate to the next closest guy that gives any hope of being both... Then they project what they wish on that guy and see things that isn't there or isn't proven. point still is by the very fact Calipari has not utilized Towns as much as he probably should means Towns hasn't had enough play offensively to prove or disprove anything. Can Towns be a strong offensive player? Absolutely. Has he shown for certain he is? No.

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

Too much on Towns shoulders? Sheeeeiiiit look at what everyone is putting on Okafor's shoulders as well

People already label him as the most NBA ready player out the draft and got him as a franchise changer. You know how much pressure that is to put on a kid like that?

Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell all of them needs this city to be patient with them. So what if we don't win a title while Melo is still in his prime, whoever the next young kid to come here is we need to give him patience.

Thats because he (okafor) is the most nba ready. we know what we're going to get with okafor. His pros and cons have been discussed , dissected, by most anyone here who cares about the draft. with towns, he's getting talked about like he's the next bill russell, coming to save the day, to cover all the ass the current bums on this team show on a nightly basis, because "defense wins championships" And those people are going to be severely dissappointed. how many teams have won championships relying solely on a single player to produce defensively?

[Juggynaut]

I'm really not a fan of Mudiay. I'll take Mario Hezonja over him and I think by the time the draft comes around, other teams will too.

[JBreezeNY]

I think quite a few people are projecting way too much on towns' shoulders. It's going to take more than a shot blocking center to fix this teams defensive identity.

Too much on Towns shoulders? Sheeeeiiiit look at what everyone is putting on Okafor's shoulders as well

People already label him as the most NBA ready player out the draft and got him as a franchise changer. You know how much pressure that is to put on a kid like that?

Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell all of them needs this city to be patient with them. So what if we don't win a title while Melo is still in his prime, whoever the next young kid to come here is we need to give him patience.

Thats because he (okafor) is the most nba ready. we know what we're going to get with okafor. His pros and cons have been discussed , dissected, by most anyone here who cares about the draft. with towns, he's getting talked about like he's the next bill russell, coming to save the day, to cover all the ass the current bums on this team show on a nightly basis, because "defense wins championships" And those people are going to be severely dissappointed. how many teams have won championships relying solely on a single player to produce defensively?

But that's the thing though even with Okafor being the most NBA ready this particular class has a lot of weaknesses & for anyone to expect Okafor to save the day like he's Patrick Ewing or Towns to save the day like he's the next Bill Russell is just crazy. We're not talking about Lebron James or Blake Griffin, this class doesn't have any immediate superstars.

I understand your focus was primarily on how people view Towns but I'm just looking at the bigger picture for this top draft class.