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I've been checking the mock draft sites every couple days when I get bored just for kicks, and today I noticed what I think is a new name in the lottery on NBADraft.net; they now have sophomore Russell Westbrook ranked ahead of fellow Bruins Darren Collison and Kevin Love.

I guess he either shot way up recently or they just now decided there's a good chance he comes out after this year. Anyway, ever since the Devin Harris rumor came and went, I've had my eyes heavily on combo-type guards who I think fit with Brandon Roy to form the perfect starting back court for our core. What I want is a guy who can really score (both penetrating and shooting) and REALLY defend (against the Parkers, Pauls, Iversons, etc.). Both of these qualities in a complementary guard would do absolute wonders for Roy's game, and our PG doesn't have to have "pure PG" skills IMO because Roy brings those to the table.

Anyway, I hopped on the Jerryd Bayless bandwagon a few weeks ago, though I'm now a little distraught that his recent play seems to have vaulted him out of our potential reach. Here's the link to Westbrook's report. He definitely sounds like he's got all the tools I'm looking for.

So, anyone think we should add him to the short list of five guys we need to target in this lottery? (Rose, Gordon, Bayless, Mayo, Westbrook....)

No. Russell Westbrook comes off the bench on a talented but shallow UCLA team. When he does get in, he's all athleticism, and even then I don't see him being NBA-caliber.

PhilipNelsonFan wrote:No. Russell Westbrook comes off the bench on a talented but shallow UCLA team. When he does get in, he's all athleticism, and even then I don't see him being NBA-caliber.

His numbers off the bench have been pretty impressive, though. I definitely don't see him as an instant impact guy like Bayless or Gordon, so I'd really want KP to see something special in him. Frankly I am surprised to see him so high on this mock draft, but then again I don't watch much college hoops. I'm definitely wary of drafting "project players" at this point, but what they wrote about his special defensive abilities and athleticism definitely has me intrigued.

He's pretty raw now and definitely wouldn't be a contributor for a while, but check out his athleticism.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6FP0ua5xFw4

Plus, he's averaging almost 5 ast/game as the 2nd point guard.

I still think 10 is probably too high for him though, as his jumper isn't quite there yet. If he comes out and we're in the late late lottery, I wouldn't be too upset with him.

Twith wrote:He's pretty raw now and definitely wouldn't be a contributor for a while, but check out his athleticism.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6FP0ua5xFw4

Plus, he's averaging almost 5 ast/game as the 2nd point guard.

I still think 10 is probably too high for him though, as his jumper isn't quite there yet. If he comes out and we're in the late late lottery, I wouldn't be too upset with him.

Never heard of the guy before I read this thread, but that's a great dunk! He took off 1 step inside the freethrowline lol... Wouldn't have a clue whether or not he'd be a good prospect really.

Plus, he's averaging almost 5 ast/game as the 2nd point guard.

That's a nice number although he is mostly a starter now and is averaging 33 mins per game.

FG% - .487
3pt% - .352
FT's% - .710
Stls - 1.56
Assts - 4.72
Rebs - 3.5
A/TO - 1.78

Interesting. I like his assist numbers which dwarf anyone else on the team. Collison is supposed to be the PG and Westbrook out-assists him 118-77.

KP does seem to like the point guards in the 6'3/6'4 range. I think someone with good size who can guard point guards would be great for Portland.

Billy wrote:KP does seem to like the point guards in the 6'3/6'4 range. I think someone with good size who can guard point guards would be great for Portland.

I'll say it right now; I didn't know a damn thing about Westbrook until I saw his name pop up on this list. It's hard to get excited about him because in no way does he seem like an instant impact guy like an Eric Gordon or Jerryd Bayless, who will immediately command attention on both ends of the floor.

However, if we are unable to move up in the draft and Westbrook continues to impress but is available when we pick, I'd have a hard time thinking of a better fit. He'd be in a good situation coming off the bench for Blake, Roy, and co.

Like I said in the draft thread regarding Westbrook:

Draft him, trade Jack with Miles for an expiring or just for a future 1st, and then let Westbrook duke it out with the spaniards for backup minutes at both guards positions.

I'm psyched about any possible draft prospects. I LOVE the draft. As much as the thought of making the playoffs got me excited, the thought of going into the tank and getting a better draft pick excites me more.

Call me crazy, but I get more excited about the draft and possible trades than I do about any game this side of the second round of the playoffs. The off the court stuff is what really keeps my Blazer fandom going.

From his NBA Draft.net profile Russell seems like a good compliment to Brandon Roy. Works well both on and off the ball, decent shooter, great defender. He could be THE missing piece for our championship run.

I am so psyched for draft day.

I've watched quite a lot of Pac-10 basketball this season and I can see why Westbrook would be shooting up the draft board, he's certainly become a very big part of that team.

He has started in place of Collison numerous times this season when Collison has been out with injuries. He has certainly out performed the expectations I had, but I don't think he's really an NBA caliber talent yet. He is really athletic and loves to take it hard to the rim when people give him a step in the lane, but I really don't think he is NBA ready yet. Although I can see why he has passed up Darren on mocks...he's got much better size and scoring ability. Darren however is a MUCH better defender.

That's my 2 cents on him, but I'll make sure to scrutinize more closely when UCLA plays Oregon this Saturday.

He looked pretty awesome today. Definately has high lottery potential. He's got a great first step and great moves, along with great defense.

Ford doesnt have his '08 lotto gen. out yet??

I couldnt find it if he does. Just the '07.. .

Yea, I know im ahead of myself but its still fun!!

*click*click*click*

I just don't trust these mock drafts. I think NBA draft.net gets too caught up in the hype and trends going around, and draftexpress is so impressed with their own cleverness that they lose touch with what teams are looking for, and what it is that makes someone an impact type performer.

If the Blazers draft a PG, he better be a great outside shooter, great defender, and great passer.

Otherwise, I'd rather them trade for a veteran.