Draft Thread: Who do you want with the 13th pick? Stanley Johnson and WCS added..change votes if you want

[AtheJ415]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

Why can't he guard an NBA 4? He has great athleticism and length. Sure, he needs to bulk up, but what 19 year olds don't need to bulk up in the NBA game?

[WeekapaugGroove]

WCS is talented enough that he's worth picking at 13 even with ankle issues.

The Suns aren't in position to go into this draft with a "safe" mentality. This roster has issues. Go big or go home.

yup at 13 he's worth the risk

[JoRain]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

I guess I don't really get your logic. You don't think Porzingis can guard NBA 4's, but you're willing to trade for Okafor who is even worse defender than Porzingis is? At least Porzingis is great rim protector, as he was top 5 in Spain in blocked shots.



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[MrMiyagi]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

Why can't he guard an NBA 4? He has great athleticism and length. Sure, he needs to bulk up, but what 19 year olds don't need to bulk up in the NBA game?

Because the ability to jump high with a running start has no impact on defending. Seriously, everyone talks about his athleticism, but it's based off of his dunks in transition. All of his defensive highlights are against guys who are at least six inches shorter than he is. I'm not saying he's a bad player, but he is not worth a top 5 pick.

[MrMiyagi]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

I guess I don't really get your logic. You don't think Porzingis can guard NBA 4's, but you're willing to trade for Okafor who is even worse defender than Porzingis is? At least Porzingis is great rim protector, as he was top 5 in Spain in blocked shots.



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Because I'm willing to overlook weaknesses on the defensive end for a guy who can get me 18 points a night and command a double team on offense. Does Porzingis do that?

[bwgood77]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

I guess I don't really get your logic. You don't think Porzingis can guard NBA 4's, but you're willing to trade for Okafor who is even worse defender than Porzingis is? At least Porzingis is great rim protector, as he was top 5 in Spain in blocked shots.

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Because I'm willing to overlook weaknesses on the defensive end for a guy who can get me 18 points a night and command a double team on offense. Does Porzingis do that?

What makes you think Len and Okafor can play together though? I certainly can't see either of them keeping up with an athletic 4...especially when teams go small. Plus it would be very tough offensively.

I wouldn't mind Okafor because I love his game and Len is injury prone but they would very rarely play together...maybe against Memphis if Gasol doesn't leave.

[Stix]

Here's my mock before tomorrow's festivities...

[MrMiyagi]

What makes you think Len and Okafor can play together though?

Absolutely nothing. I just think Okafor is the second best player in the draft and if he's there at #4, and we can get #4, we should. This year would be an experiment to see if we can work something out with an Okafor/Len front court, if not probably trade Len or bring him off the bench.

[jcsunsfan]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

I guess I don't really get your logic. You don't think Porzingis can guard NBA 4's, but you're willing to trade for Okafor who is even worse defender than Porzingis is? At least Porzingis is great rim protector, as he was top 5 in Spain in blocked shots.



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Because I'm willing to overlook weaknesses on the defensive end for a guy who can get me 18 points a night and command a double team on offense. Does Porzingis do that?

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

[MrMiyagi]

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

How many times have we heard about this mythical Euro big who can run the break, spread the floor and be an offensive terror? And how many times have we actually seen him in the NBA?

[jcsunsfan]

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

How many times have we heard about this mythical Euro big who can run the break, spread the floor and be an offensive terror? And how many times have we actually seen him in the NBA?

Ugh. Those are anecdotes not an argument. There is no point in answering.

[AtheJ415]

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

How many times have we heard about this mythical Euro big who can run the break, spread the floor and be an offensive terror? And how many times have we actually seen him in the NBA?

Ugh. Those are anecdotes not an argument. There is no point in answering.

It makes complete sense. You see, because Andrea Bargnani and Nikola Tskitshvili failed, Porzingis will fail. Similar to how Davidson sucking at basketball meant Curry would never be good, or how Kendall Marshall being a guard from North Carolina ensured he'd be the next Jordan.

[MrMiyagi]

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

How many times have we heard about this mythical Euro big who can run the break, spread the floor and be an offensive terror? And how many times have we actually seen him in the NBA?

Ugh. Those are anecdotes not an argument. There is no point in answering.

It's a trend that has legitimacy. Just like Kentucky big men at the moment (Cousins, Davis, Nerlens, Randle, now Towns).

Again, I don't think Porzingis is a bad player, but he should not be a top 5 pick.

[AtheJ415]

When you look at Porzingis, does you really think he can guard an NBA 4? I don't think so, nor do I think he'll bulk up. To me, he'll be Bargnani with a flashier transition game. If he fell to 13, I'd grab him, but I wouldn't trade away Bledsoe to grab him at #4. Besides, he is just about the definition of a Sam Hinkie player, so he will probably go at #3.

As for a theoretical Okafor/Len front court, I'd be willing to take my chances this year at playing both on the court at the same time. If it doesn't work out, then look for a possible trade, but Okafor is just too talented to not grab if he's there at #4.

Why can't he guard an NBA 4? He has great athleticism and length. Sure, he needs to bulk up, but what 19 year olds don't need to bulk up in the NBA game?

Because the ability to jump high with a running start has no impact on defending. Seriously, everyone talks about his athleticism, but it's based off of his dunks in transition. All of his defensive highlights are against guys who are at least six inches shorter than he is. I'm not saying he's a bad player, but he is not worth a top 5 pick.

That would all be a valid argument if he wasn't 7'2" with a 7'6" wingspan. His standing reach is giant. You don't need a running start and crazy hops to alter shots with that type of size. Lucky for Porzingis, he has both huge size and good athleticism.

[JoRain]

I guess I don't really get your logic. You don't think Porzingis can guard NBA 4's, but you're willing to trade for Okafor who is even worse defender than Porzingis is? At least Porzingis is great rim protector, as he was top 5 in Spain in blocked shots.



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Because I'm willing to overlook weaknesses on the defensive end for a guy who can get me 18 points a night and command a double team on offense. Does Porzingis do that?

I have no doubt he will. Plus he will run the break and spread the floor. I just wish he was a better rebounder.

I agree, I think he will be able to do that, considering his offense is not just jump shooting. I also think Porzingis can become a good defender too as everything that I've read about him says that he is hard worker and quick learner. Then again, I'm not that high on Okafor as most here. I don't see him as a franchise centerpiece, but more like Greg Monroe type and I'm not a fan of his.


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[SunsFanSSOL]

Should be posted again: http://www.bazegod.com/sports/2015/5/20/kristaps-porzingis-the-great-white-nope

[SunsFanSSOL]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/613811876661739521[/tweet]

I'd seriously consider trading PJ and a 2nd for Zeller. Zeller IMO is better than Kaminsky, and if Kaminsky goes #9, there's a higher chance Johnson falls to us.

BTW: I don't know if this is better to post here or the trade thread, seeing as how this pertains to the draft too.

[MrMiyagi]

Why can't he guard an NBA 4? He has great athleticism and length. Sure, he needs to bulk up, but what 19 year olds don't need to bulk up in the NBA game?

Because the ability to jump high with a running start has no impact on defending. Seriously, everyone talks about his athleticism, but it's based off of his dunks in transition. All of his defensive highlights are against guys who are at least six inches shorter than he is. I'm not saying he's a bad player, but he is not worth a top 5 pick.

That would all be a valid argument if he wasn't 7'2" with a 7'6" wingspan. His standing reach is giant. You don't need a running start and crazy hops to alter shots with that type of size. Lucky for Porzingis, he has both huge size and good athleticism.

So was Darko, so was Bargnani...

Anyone remember Perry Jones? Wasn't he long, athletic, had some handles and shooting range? What's he up to?

Or how about Anthony Randolph? Or Jan Vesely? Or Motiejunas?

We've really got 2 examples of tall, fluid perimeter players and they are Durant and the Greek Freak. Durant flat out dominated in college was 2nd overall and Antetokounmpo was drafted at 15. Randolph, Motiejunas, Jones were all outside the top 13. The 10-13 range is a perfect range for Porzingis to go. 4th overall is a huge reach. ****, even Dirk went 9th.

[JoRain]

How many times have we heard about this mythical Euro big who can run the break, spread the floor and be an offensive terror? And how many times have we actually seen him in the NBA?

Ugh. Those are anecdotes not an argument. There is no point in answering.

It's a trend that has legitimacy. Just like Kentucky big men at the moment (Cousins, Davis, Nerlens, Randle, now Towns).

Again, I don't think Porzingis is a bad player, but he should not be a top 5 pick.

Don't really see any legitimacy there. How good players are on particular college team depends on coaches recruiting ability, and not on coach developing them. Not for one and done players anyway. The same way can't judge Euro players by their looks. Guys like Skita and Milicic did not achieve anything in Europe before being drafted while guys like Nowitzki, Gasol and Valanciunas proved their value, as did Porzingis.

In this draft I think he is worth a top 5 pick, as I don't see 5 players I would pick ahead of him; Towns, maybe Russell (though also very high risk), and maybe Hezonja. I rate Porzingis higher than Okafor.


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[MrMiyagi]

Defensive potential =/= defensive ability. Offensive potential =/= offensive ability. What can Porzingis actually do, right now, from day 1 in the NBA? Right now I'm hearing a lot of "be tall and (kind of) athletic". Also if we're actually considering Porzingis a shot blocker/rim protector at 1.8 blocks per 40, then I'm gonna count Okafor as one with 1.8 blocks per 40.