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

[MathiasPW]

Well, it seems pretty likely we will have a good PF prospect available at #13.

I am looking around for other positions we may be in need and so far I'm interested in:

1) Devin Booker (SG, with tremendous 3pt shot)
2) Tyus Jones (PG with brains)
3) George Lucas (PG with biggest hands ever...and brazilian)

[No-Man]

Looney is nowhere near the athlete Aminu was.
Looney is long and.... long, thats all, he lacks strength to play PF, and perimeter skills to play the SF, he is slow and not overly impressive athletically.
He looks like AC Green or Joe Smith to me.
With a 15-25 pick, I guess you could do worse, but I wont touch him in the lotto.
The draft is really for the Suns, unless you make any trades, if Turner is there, Turner, if he is not, Kaminsky, if neither of them are available, go with Portis.

[jcsunsfan]

As for the low ceiling, I disagree. Players that depend on smarts rather than physicals can always be awesome, although it is very hard to see how they would develop that. Nash with his constant dribble without the jumping passes and Dirk with his stepback are great examples of smart players who figured out a way to outplay their opponents without having the physical tools to do so

Alvan Adams

I want Kaminsky and here is why. http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Fra ... down-4920/

1. His skills and agility more than make up for any lack of athleticism. He is very agile for a big man-by no means a stiff. Agility at the center position is a huge advantage and is also a form of athleticism. He also has great dribbling and shooting ability.

2, The fact that he is a senior and has improved every year means that he will be able to contribute sooner.

3. He plays excellent fundamental basketball. He shoots, dribbles, BLOCKS OUT. I think we easily forget how important fundamentals are in the forward/center position. Tim Duncan is not the best athlete in the league, but still plays highly effective basketball. In fact, Tim Duncan, right now, and maybe for the last 3-4 years is not as athletic as Kaminsky due to age.

4. Kaminsky's spin move is unstoppable without a double team.

5. His three point shot will open up the middle for Len.

6. He is very good at the pick and roll and pick and pop, which will really help Bledsoe on the perimeter. He sets excellent perimeter picks.

7. He is smart and Lord know this team needs an influx of intelligence. His game is exactly what this Suns team needs. Len, Kaminsky and Wright would proved a very good, versatile rotation of bigs.

I would rather take a player with average athleticism, but a very high bbiq and very high skills than a player with great athleticism and low skills and intelligence. OH I hope he keeps getting ripped by the scouts for his lack of athleticism, it might mean he falls to us.

[bwgood77]

I just hope McD is willing to pull the trigger on Kaminsky if he is there. He fits what our team needs exactly and he is a Hornacek type of player. We need IQ, good fundamentals and shooting.

I'd be happy with most of the guys I previously mentioned too though. I think it makes all sorts of sense for Utah to take Kaminsky though to complement the bigs they have. I think they would take a stretch big too unless they don't view Exum or Burke as the long term PG and really like Tyus Jones.

[JMac1]

The last two posts are spot on IMO. Plus his appears to be a mature leadership type of guy. He, Len, and Warren would be an interesting complementary triumvirate.

I wouldn't mind seeing Bledsoe with Kaminsky providing space and Warren cutting to the basket and Len spotting up 10-12 ft from the basket.

[MathiasPW]

The last two posts are spot on IMO. Plus his appears to be a mature leadership type of guy. He, Len, and Warren would be an interesting complementary triumvirate.

I wouldn't mind seeing Bledsoe with Kaminsky providing space and Warren cutting to the basket and Len spotting up 10-12 ft from the basket.

Starting to get excited envisioning that. Kaminsky sets the pick and stays out for the open 3, Len moves to the baseline for an open jumper, Warren cuts to the basket while Bledsoe drives leaving the opposing rim protector lost between who to defend. Add Knight as a second slasher or PJ as an extra spacer and you have something good going on right there.

[Saberestar]

The last two posts are spot on IMO. Plus his appears to be a mature leadership type of guy. He, Len, and Warren would be an interesting complementary triumvirate.

I wouldn't mind seeing Bledsoe with Kaminsky providing space and Warren cutting to the basket and Len spotting up 10-12 ft from the basket.

Starting to get excited envisioning that. Kaminsky sets the pick and stays out for the open 3, Len moves to the baseline for an open jumper, Warren cuts to the basket while Bledsoe drives leaving the opposing rim protector lost between who to defend. Add Knight as a second slasher or PJ as an extra spacer and you have something good going on right there.

And the better of all of that is that the MoBros will be out of the team too.....

[Mulhollanddrive]

Christian Wood excites me a lot more than Kaminsky, Looney, Turner etc...

[Damkac]

Are we really going to be eyeing the playoffs next year with a presumably healthy OKC and an improving Nawlins?

Wouldn't be surprised if the Jazz /T'Wolves overtake us.

I agree on Jazz but Wolves? No way they will make that progress next year. More possible that Lakers add some big name and overtake Suns.
Anyway most likely 5th worst spot in the west is not appealing at all. That's why I'm in the Trade For Picks camp.

[bwgood77]

Are we really going to be eyeing the playoffs next year with a presumably healthy OKC and an improving Nawlins?

Wouldn't be surprised if the Jazz /T'Wolves overtake us.

I agree on Jazz but Wolves? No way they will make that progress next year. More possible that Lakers add some big name and overtake Suns.
Anyway most likely 5th worst spot in the west is not appealing at all. That's why I'm in the Trade For Picks camp.

I'm unclear on whether or not you want to get worse or better by trading for picks, particularly since you talk about Minnesota not passing up after getting one of the most coveted players in a decade and other high picks. If we trade for picks are you saying we will sink to get better picks later, or that we will suddenly improve, but Minnesota won't, even though they have Wiggins and have the best chance at the #1 pick this year and at worst 4th?

[Damkac]

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

[Mr-Al]

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

I agree with everything you said 100%

[NavLDO]

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

Fans keep bringing this up, but honestly, and I'm not being snarky here, but if we don't want them, why would anyone else? Pray tell, who wants twin felons and a low BBIQ PG in exchange for, say, Russell, Mudiay, Okafor, or Towns? Philly, who seems to be perennial rebuilders--almost seem to enjoy that role more than winning? Phil Jackson? Minny? I just do not see it, even as good as Bledsoe is defensively. And until the twins are cleared (if they are), they are negative value. Sacramento is the only team that makes sense for Bledsoe, in the short term. The Knicks would love to win now, but who do you choose, Mudiay/Russell, or Bledsoe?

What you mentioned is exactly what you mentioned, a dream. And I will gladly choke on this entire post and refer to you as "Oh Great One" for the rest of our days on this forum if the 13th pick, Bledsoe and the Morri are traded for a top 6 pick this year. It's an amazingly great deal for us if it happens, considering the current status of the players and the Cap.

But back to our pick--I really don't have a preference either way for, or against, the 5-6 Bigs that have been brought up--so long as we get a Big. We need to start developing Kieff's replacement. The way I see it, Len is a better C, Bledsoe and Knight are better PGs/SGs, and Warren a better SF, than Kieff is a PF, and since there are several PF prospects expected to be available at our pick, I see no reason not to grab one at 13. The only 4 names I take over a PF at 13 are Stanley Johnson, Winslow, Russell, or Mudiay. I will say this, however, is that, all things being equal, I would like the PF with the highest ceiling, as opposed to the one with the highest floor.

[bwgood77]

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

Fans keep bringing this up, but honestly, and I'm not being snarky here, but if we don't want them, why would anyone else? Pray tell, who wants twin felons and a low BBIQ PG in exchange for, say, Russell, Mudiay, Okafor, or Towns? Philly, who seems to be perennial rebuilders--almost seem to enjoy that role more than winning? Phil Jackson? Minny? I just do not see it, even as good as Bledsoe is defensively. And until the twins are cleared (if they are), they are negative value. Sacramento is the only team that makes sense for Bledsoe, in the short term. The Knicks would love to win now, but who do you choose, Mudiay/Russell, or Bledsoe?

What you mentioned is exactly what you mentioned, a dream. And I will gladly choke on this entire post and refer to you as "Oh Great One" for the rest of our days on this forum if the 13th pick, Bledsoe and the Morri are traded for a top 6 pick this year. It's an amazingly great deal for us if it happens, considering the current status of the players and the Cap.

But back to our pick--I really don't have a preference either way for, or against, the 5-6 Bigs that have been brought up--so long as we get a Big. We need to start developing Kieff's replacement. The way I see it, Len is a better C, Bledsoe and Knight are better PGs/SGs, and Warren a better SF, than Kieff is a PF, and since there are several PF prospects expected to be available at our pick, I see no reason not to grab one at 13. The only 4 names I take over a PF at 13 are Stanley Johnson, Winslow, Russell, or Mudiay. I will say this, however, is that, all things being equal, I would like the PF with the highest ceiling, as opposed to the one with the highest floor.

I agree with this. I'm not sure why people think a team will give up a top 3 pick for Bledsoe and the twins. It seems we are already in a spot to get a pretty good big with our pick. I wish we could get Porzingis though. It seems it would be more likely to be able to trade up to 7 or something if we could, but I'd still be surprised. It would likely take Bledsoe and I don't think McD or maybe even the Kings or whoever would do it.

Personally I would probably rather take one step back and two steps forward because I don't see Bledsoe and the twins ceilings on our team ever making us a contender...possibly if the twins come off the bench and Bledsoe is surrounded by three other stars, but it would take a while to get there.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Not interested in Christian Wood. Bean pole. What position does he play?

Starting to think Bobby Portis is the pick. He's strong, good size for a PF. He should be a good NBA rebounder - maybe our biggest deficiency. And while no one is the 3FG shooter than Kaminsky is at this stage, he shoots a decent clip and should be able to extend out to the NBA 3 I think. Right now, that's my guy.

So, I've gone from Rondae to Looney to (briefly) Kaminsky to Portis. I think Kaminsky goes 11 or 12 to the Pacers or Jazz.

[Saberestar]

I don't like Wood either, he always goes right and doesn't have an actual position or strengths.

I really like Stanley Jhonson. He reminds me a little bit of Joe Jhonson, but it seems that he will not be available at #13....

I'm told Stanley Johnson is looking for assurances he will be picked in the Top-10. If he feels comfortable with that, he'll enter the draft

Jonathan Givony ‏

[Damkac]

Spoiler:

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

Fans keep bringing this up, but honestly, and I'm not being snarky here, but if we don't want them, why would anyone else? Pray tell, who wants twin felons and a low BBIQ PG in exchange for, say, Russell, Mudiay, Okafor, or Towns? Philly, who seems to be perennial rebuilders--almost seem to enjoy that role more than winning? Phil Jackson? Minny? I just do not see it, even as good as Bledsoe is defensively. And until the twins are cleared (if they are), they are negative value. Sacramento is the only team that makes sense for Bledsoe, in the short term. The Knicks would love to win now, but who do you choose, Mudiay/Russell, or Bledsoe?

What you mentioned is exactly what you mentioned, a dream. And I will gladly choke on this entire post and refer to you as "Oh Great One" for the rest of our days on this forum if the 13th pick, Bledsoe and the Morri are traded for a top 6 pick this year. It's an amazingly great deal for us if it happens, considering the current status of the players and the Cap.

But back to our pick--I really don't have a preference either way for, or against, the 5-6 Bigs that have been brought up--so long as we get a Big. We need to start developing Kieff's replacement. The way I see it, Len is a better C, Bledsoe and Knight are better PGs/SGs, and Warren a better SF, than Kieff is a PF, and since there are several PF prospects expected to be available at our pick, I see no reason not to grab one at 13. The only 4 names I take over a PF at 13 are Stanley Johnson, Winslow, Russell, or Mudiay. I will say this, however, is that, all things being equal, I would like the PF with the highest ceiling, as opposed to the one with the highest floor.

Philly and Wolves are out of discussion as well as Orlando. They are super young teams that surely value picks over veterans. Possible trade partners are teams desperated to win now: Knicks, Lakers, Kings and even Pistons (if there is great prospect available on 8th). Getting top3 pick is unlikely but King's 6th for Bledsoe seems realistic. Fans of other teams here http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1384656#start_here generally think it's a fair value. If Lakers stays at 4th or drop to 5th I think they would at least consider trading for Bled (+13th).
I personally would choose Russell over Bledsoe but some franchises are too proud and impatient to wait few year for players to develop (Nets). In the case of Sacramento they need to star winning something or Cousins would be even more disheartened and may request a trade.
Remember that McD got Bledsoe for Dudley and Wright for pair of 2nd rounders. Even Dragic trade was great move by him considering how bad his position was.

[jcsunsfan]

Spoiler:

Going from 16 to 40 wins is a big improvement. Bucks have done that but they are in the east. I'm not denying Wolves have great potential but I don't see them getting good so quick.
My dream scenario would be using Bledsoe, twins and 13th pick to get top3 pick or 2 high lottery picks and play Len, Warren, Goodwin and rookies big minutes with few weterans. Next year Suns would have another high lottery pick which means 2 or 3 chances for star potencial player. I belive in McD drafting skills. With rising cap Suns would have a chance to sign someone good in FA.
This is simply what McD already tried to do when he started his job but that team overarchieved.

Not saying Suns would suddenly improve but would have better future.

Fans keep bringing this up, but honestly, and I'm not being snarky here, but if we don't want them, why would anyone else? Pray tell, who wants twin felons and a low BBIQ PG in exchange for, say, Russell, Mudiay, Okafor, or Towns? Philly, who seems to be perennial rebuilders--almost seem to enjoy that role more than winning? Phil Jackson? Minny? I just do not see it, even as good as Bledsoe is defensively. And until the twins are cleared (if they are), they are negative value. Sacramento is the only team that makes sense for Bledsoe, in the short term. The Knicks would love to win now, but who do you choose, Mudiay/Russell, or Bledsoe?

What you mentioned is exactly what you mentioned, a dream. And I will gladly choke on this entire post and refer to you as "Oh Great One" for the rest of our days on this forum if the 13th pick, Bledsoe and the Morri are traded for a top 6 pick this year. It's an amazingly great deal for us if it happens, considering the current status of the players and the Cap.

But back to our pick--I really don't have a preference either way for, or against, the 5-6 Bigs that have been brought up--so long as we get a Big. We need to start developing Kieff's replacement. The way I see it, Len is a better C, Bledsoe and Knight are better PGs/SGs, and Warren a better SF, than Kieff is a PF, and since there are several PF prospects expected to be available at our pick, I see no reason not to grab one at 13. The only 4 names I take over a PF at 13 are Stanley Johnson, Winslow, Russell, or Mudiay. I will say this, however, is that, all things being equal, I would like the PF with the highest ceiling, as opposed to the one with the highest floor.

Philly and Wolves are out of discussion as well as Orlando. They are super young teams that surely value picks over veterans. Possible trade partners are teams desperated to win now: Knicks, Lakers, Kings and even Pistons (if there is great prospect available on 8th). Getting top3 pick is unlikely but King's 6th for Bledsoe seems realistic. Fans of other teams here http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1384656#start_here generally think it's a fair value. If Lakers stays at 4th or drop to 5th I think they would at least consider trading for Bled (+13th).
I personally would choose Russell over Bledsoe but some franchises are too proud and impatient to wait few year for players to develop (Nets). In the case of Sacramento they need to star winning something or Cousins would be even more disheartened and may request a trade.
Remember that McD got Bledsoe for Dudley and Wright for pair of 2nd rounders. Even Dragic trade was great move by him considering how bad his position was.

Why would those two teams value picks over young vets? They have too many young player and too many rookies coming up. They can never possibly develop the players they have without some sort of veterans on the rosters.

[RunDogGun]

So which team is going to take on $28 million, and cough up a top six pick? Or better yet, how many bad contracts would we have to take back for the numbers to even come close to working?

[tdjm]

I don't like trading Bledsoe for a draft pick in this draft. That's not because I have some sort of objection to trading Bledsoe - I actually have no problem trading him. It's just that you can only trade him once. I think holding on to him keeps us in better position to make a stronger trade down the road rather than panicking and blowing our trade load too early (so to speak).

The bad teams spend all year sucking major wang to get the picks that give you guys like Russell, Winslow, and Towns. We can't move into that area of the draft - it's just not happening. Those teams aren't surrendering the picks just for Bledsoe. Guys 5-10 really aren't worth spewing away our best trade chip for, especially when there's lots of upside guys available at pick 13 (and all the way down into the 20's). The risk reward is just way, way too bad for that, since draft picks on average are pretty likely to bust.

We shouldn't be in a hurry to throw away our best trade asset before something actually good materializes.