With the 4th pick in the NBA draft, the New York Knicks select...

[Workforce250]

Something to keep in mind.

Fran Fraschilla was on ESPN radio on Michael Kay today and swears that Porzingis is the REAL deal. He's seen him ALOT in person and that he is THE most talented of the top 5.

[HarthorneWingo]

Now that reality has sunk in, and I did the whole drink until I was numb thing... we need to get an idea of where the board stands on who we feel is the best get at number 4.

I am assuming Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor, and D'Angelo Russell will all be gone by the time our pick rolls around.

There's a chance that LA passes on Okafor and picks Russell instead and then Philly drafts Mudiay leaving Okafor on the table at 4.

AND THEN, I heard Francesa say that there's talk that Minny actually likes Okafor better than Towns. While I find that hard to believe, Minny has made some "out of the box" draft picks before, e.g. when they drafted 3 PGs in the first round (Rubio, Flynn and somebody else). If they did draft Okafor and LA drafted Russell and the Sixers went with Mudiay, then Towns would drop to 4.

Now don't get mad at me. I'm just going on stuff I'm hearing out there.

EDIT: and just so people don't think I'm making this chit up. This is being reported by Chad Ford, ESPN.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/20/86292 ... lil-okafor

Timberwolves 'torn' between Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor for No. 1 pick
By Satchel Price  @SatchelPrice on May 20, 2015, 7:21a 2 2


Which gifted big man will Minnesota select with its first No. 1 pick in franchise history?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a good problem after winning the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft on Tuesday night. Should they draft Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke's Jahlil Okafor? The two big men are considered the top players in the class and the Timberwolves are "genuinely torn" over who they'll choose, according to ESPN's Chad Ford.

Guessing at who teams will select in the June 25 draft is a fool's errand at this point given that many just learned where they'll be picking, but the consensus is that Towns or Okafor will be the top pick. The Timberwolves could use either talent given their holes in the frontcourt and most likely will select whoever they believe is the draft's best player.

Towns is considered the odds-on favorite, just ahead of Okafor, in many recent mock drafts, but Ford's report indicates the Timberwolves haven't made their decision yet. While the tide seems to be going towards Towns, there are no shortage of reasons to think Okafor goes No. 1 instead. Could Minnesota go for the Duke one-and-done instead?

Why picking Okafor makes sense

In his post-lottery mock draft, Ford says that the Timberwolves "are the only team some NBA scouts believe might take Jahlil Okafor over Towns." In almost every mock draft available, Towns is listed as the top prospect in the class and the probable favorite to be selected No. 1 overall. Okafor, who spent much of the year projected at No. 1, has been bumped to consensus No. 2.

So why would Minnesota ignore the masses and go with Okafor instead? For one, he's an amazing prospect in his own right. "Offensively, Okafor is the most gifted young big man I've seen in a decade," Ford wrote. He was arguably the best player in college basketball all season before ultimately losing the Player of the Year Award to Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky, and should be able to translate that polished offensive game to the NBA quickly.

Okafor also has the size and athleticism to become a much better defensive player than he currently is. The lack of defensive aptitude is easily the biggest knock on the Duke big man, but the 19-year-old could benefit from professional training and coaching. Ford says he looked slimmed down in New York, and that's likely the first step in preparing to learn NBA team defense for him.

So you're talking about a wunderkind of a post scorer with the potential to fill out the remainder of his game and become a great player. He would likely become redundant with Nikola Pekovic at some point, necessitating some moves there to find better fits in the frontcourt, but there may not be a safer pick in the draft. It's possible Minnesota views Okafor as the best player available.

Why not picking Okafor (and picking Towns) makes sense

There's a reason Towns is rated above Okafor in most draft rankings, despite the hype built for the Duke star throughout the year. While Okafor could develop into an elite offensive player fairly quickly, Towns is the one with the potential to become an all-around dominant superstar.

As Ford said in his mock draft, selecting Towns would give Minnesota the chance to form a "superteam" with Ricky Rubio at point guard, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine on the wings and Towns joining Gorgui Dieng in the frontcourt. That group would be as physically gifted as any starting five around and could develop into a defensive juggernaut with the size and athleticism on-hand.

Versatility is really what separates Towns from Okafor. Not only is the Kentucky big man already a far superior defender with possible DPOY potential, but he should be able to develop a dangerous outside game and become a weapon on the offensive end, as well. The possibilities with Towns feel endless. Combined with Wiggins, that's the kind of lottery ticket any franchise would buy into.

Okafor might be a safer pick, a surefire 20-point scorer, but he doesn't have the game-changing potential that Towns does. The Timberwolves want the best player available and most people think that's Towns, so there's a pretty good chance they come to the same conclusion.

Likelihood

Minnesota could go either way, but it seems hard to believe Towns won't go No. 1 overall given the momentum that's been established over the past few months. Scouts just love his two-way potential and worry about Okafor's lack of it, so the Timberwolves would have to see something others don't to take such a big leap with their first No. 1 pick in franchise history. Neither player is a lock at this point as we still have a fair amount of time before draft day, but things still point toward Towns.

[newyorker4ever]

Something to keep in mind.

Fran Fraschilla was on ESPN radio on Michael Kay today and swears that Porzingis is the REAL deal. He's seen him ALOT in person and that he is THE most talented of the top 5.

Porzingis is my guy. He's the one i wanted after Towns and OK4.

[Workforce250]

Something to keep in mind.

Fran Fraschilla was on ESPN radio on Michael Kay today and swears that Porzingis is the REAL deal. He's seen him ALOT in person and that he is THE most talented of the top 5.

Porzingis is my guy. He's the one i wanted after Towns and OK4.

To be honest, like many here I don't know much about him. But at 7'1", 19yrs old, with a dead eye jumper from beyond the 3 and a tough defender, he's has to be evaluated.

Fraschilla swears that his athleticism is beyond ridiculous and would be a terrific player for the Knicks.

[Red Vines]

Will this site even work on draft night?

[Obi-One]

Seeing suggestions for Lawson and #7 makes me want to smash my screen

[DowNY]

If Philly is set on getting a point guard, maybe Phil can ask his girl to pull some strings and pick Russell for us at 2. which will then force Philly to pick Mudiay at 3 and we can then pick Ok4 with the 4th pick and then trade it to the Lakers.

Lol that would be hilarious.

[DowNY]

Something to keep in mind.

Fran Fraschilla was on ESPN radio on Michael Kay today and swears that Porzingis is the REAL deal. He's seen him ALOT in person and that he is THE most talented of the top 5.

I don't care about any current NBA opinion from someone named Fran.

[NoLayupRule]

Seeing suggestions for Lawson and #7 makes me want to smash my screen

yeah

its probably a bad trade for us especially but its a realistic possibility

probably because it is a bad trade


but Lawson and Winslow/WCS is possibly better than Mudiay alone

[bballoctober]

I don't want no Euros, only American or NCAA players. Euros haven't pan out in a while.

[Workforce250]

I don't want no Euros, only American or NCAA players. Euros haven't pan out in a while.

I beg to differ.

[bballoctober]

I don't want no Euros, only American or NCAA players. Euros haven't pan out in a while.

I beg to differ.

Please do. I'm talking about having star potential and having breakout games in your rookie season.

[Workforce250]

:banghead:

I don't want no Euros, only American or NCAA players. Euros haven't pan out in a while.

I beg to differ.

Please do. I'm talking about having star potential and having breakout games in your rookie season.

Thank you Bball.
This guy Mirotic had a great season. Although he disappeared in the playoffs, but Butler was playing great and his time was spotty. When Butler was out and he was getting minutes he produced. In my humble opinion, he has a very bright impactful future.
Just my take.

[DowNY]

:banghead:

I beg to differ.

Please do. I'm talking about having star potential and having breakout games in your rookie season.

Thank you Bball.
This guy Mirotic had a great season. Although he disappeared in the playoffs, but Butler was playing great and his time was spotty. When Butler was out and he was getting minutes he produced. In my humble opinion, he has a very bright impactful future.
Just my take.

Stop. Mirotic is nothing but a decent role player.

[Workforce250]

NBA Draft Index: International Player Edition
Scouting the top international NBA Draft prospects.

2014

Next month’s NBA Draft will continue the growing trend of selecting players across the Atlantic, as another dozen international selections promise to be drafted. This season, a record number 92 foreign players made NBA rosters, representing more than 20 percent of the League. Players such as Serge Ibaka, Ricky Rubio, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Marc Gasol, Manu Ginobili and Goran Dragic have shown that there is a different route to the top tier of the NBA outside of playing college basketball.

The second round is often littered with “draft and stash” selections. Teams claim the rights for players who are not quite NBA ready and who will more than likely play next season overseas (added bonus that these players can develop on some one else’s payroll). Those players will make a very good living being paid toward the top of their league’s respective pay scale until they are considered NBA ready.

In this regard, the American college player in many ways is at a disadvantage with the current system, if that player is drafted, they either make the team or are waived. It’s boom or bust when you consider the only other domestic league, the D-League, has an average salary right around $17,000.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the No. 15 pick in the 2013 Draft, would be picked first if they redrafted the players knowing now what they did not know last June. The Bucks banked on his potential and he was the lone bright spot in their lost season.

We huddled up with Carl Berman and the guys from Net Scouts to get the skinny on the best import prospects for the upcoming Draft. This list includes three members of last summer’s FIBA U19 World Championship All-Tournament team. All three are projected in this year’s lottery:

Dante Exum, 6-6, 18 years old, Guard, Australian Institute of Sport

He is the son of Cecil Exum, a member of the University of North Carolina 1982 championship team. Exum is projected to be a top-10 pick and there is serious consideration for him in the top five. Scouts like his athleticism and while he is more of a combo guard presently than a point, there is confidence that he can make the adjustment to run a NBA team. Exum shoots it well; however, he will need to improve in this area. His strengths are his size (wingspan of 6-9.5) and body control. The choice will be Exum or Marcus Smart for the first guard selected. He has been shielded from criticism, having not played on a big stage since last summer’s world championships. As other players such as those in college have been scrutinized and put under the microscope, Exum has climbed up the draft boards with the potential upside of a Russell Westbrook.

Dario Saric, 6-10, 20 years old, Power Forward, Croatia

Impressed last summer for Croatia. Saric utilized a strong basketball IQ to maximize his talents. A point forward that has good vision and a quality skill set. He is a better than average shooter, rebounder, ball handler and passer. The concerns will be is current lack of athleticism and strength. If all goes well, scouts are hoping for Saric to develop into a Chandler Parsons-type player. Late lottery selection.

Jusif Nurcic, 6-11, 19 years old, Center, Bosnia

Nurcic was a PER machine in the Adriatic league as he steadily improved his conditioning. A true post candidate who is big (7-2 wingspan, strong with proficiency around the basket. He’s second on most team’s draft boards at the center position. Concerns remain regarding his athleticism, but the projection for some is for a prospect such as Nikola Pekovic.

Clint Capela, 6-11, 20 years old, Power Forward, Switzerland

Capela is a productive player in the professional league in France. He was a beneficiary of transition baskets and close range conversions. His shot doesn’t look bad but it hasn’t been consistent. He will compete with Adreian Payne for draft position. Upside may project to be like Serge Ibaka. Draft position in the late-first to early second round range.

Kristaps Porzingis, 7-0, 18 years old, Forward, Latvia

Porzingis is skilled away from the basket, offensively playing more like a small forward than a post player. He needs time to develop and embrace the physicality of the NBA. Some will view and project him similar to Isaiah Austin in regards to his offensive (play the 3) and defensive (guard the 5) matchup. Quality draft and stash candidate who should fall somewhere near Capela on most draft boards but who could one day evolve into a Dirk Nowitzki-type player.

Walter Tavares, 7-3, 22 years old, Center, Gran Canaria

Really big and athletic, Tavares is another quality long-term play for the Draft. Currently he has no real offensive game, but he looks like a player and there is confidence it can develop. It’s expected that he’s among the first picks in the second round.

Bogdan Boganovic, 6-6, 21 years old, Shooting Guard, Serbia

Battle tested through high level competition, scoring 14-15 points per game in the Euroleague. He is an improved shooter who can play some point. He is athletic and incredibly long (nearly a 7-foot wingspan). He reminds scouts of Russian star Alexey Shevd who is playing with the Timberwolves. Expected to be in the late first round to early second round range.

Vasillije Micic, 6-5, 20 years old, Point Guard, Serbia

Micic was one of the best point guards in the Adriatic League. He has been one of the diamonds in the Serbian development system having represented the U16 then U18 and U19 teams. He’s surprisingly athletic and looks to transition smoother to the NBA game than the other born-European players. He’s not a stranger to high level competition. Anticipated to be drafted in the early to middle second round range. He could be the next Tony Parker.

Nikola Jokic, 6-11, 19 years old, Center, Serbia

Yet another Serbian prospect, not bad for a country of 7 million people. Streaky shooter that when hot, hits threes in bunches. High basketball IQ, he does have some limits athletically. He has good potential and could be a late mover into the first round.

Artem Klimenko, 7-1, 20 years old, Center, Russia

He has played quality minutes against good competition. Currently he is more of a space eater than a shot blocker. He has limits with his length and athleticism but clearly can make a roster as a backup center. Likely second round selection.

Read more at http://www.slamonline.com/nba/nba-draft ... RYMoPbT.99

[Workforce250]

:banghead:
Please do. I'm talking about having star potential and having breakout games in your rookie season.

Thank you Bball.
This guy Mirotic had a great season. Although he disappeared in the playoffs, but Butler was playing great and his time was spotty. When Butler was out and he was getting minutes he produced. In my humble opinion, he has a very bright impactful future.
Just my take.

Stop. Mirotic is nothing but a decent role player.

You stop. After one year, you have him slated as a role player. Incredible scouting.

[ctorres]

Who is least likely to miss games due to injuries?

Give me that guy.

[DowNY]

Thank you Bball.
This guy Mirotic had a great season. Although he disappeared in the playoffs, but Butler was playing great and his time was spotty. When Butler was out and he was getting minutes he produced. In my humble opinion, he has a very bright impactful future.
Just my take.

Stop. Mirotic is nothing but a decent role player.

You stop. After one year, you have him slated as a role player. Incredible scouting.

Yep, after one season on a good team I have him slated as a role player. What do you have him slated as? A soon to be all-star?

[ctorres]

Something to keep in mind.

Fran Fraschilla was on ESPN radio on Michael Kay today and swears that Porzingis is the REAL deal. He's seen him ALOT in person and that he is THE most talented of the top 5.

Porzingis is my guy. He's the one i wanted after Towns and OK4.

To be honest, like many here I don't know much about him. But at 7'1", 19yrs old, with a dead eye jumper from beyond the 3 and a tough defender, he's has to be evaluated.

Fraschilla swears that his athleticism is beyond ridiculous and would be a terrific player for the Knicks.

He sounds like Zarko Cabarkapa.

[Workforce250]

Stop. Mirotic is nothing but a decent role player.

You stop. After one year, you have him slated as a role player. Incredible scouting.

Yep, after one season on a good team I have him slated as a role player. What do you have him slated as? A soon to be all-star?

hahaha, not at all. Just that I think he played well for a 1st year player in a tough environment with high expectations. He cracked the lineup and got great minutes over McDermott. So he did okay for himself.
If Gibson leaves I can see him developing even more as his outside game and handle are excellent.