Official Raptors 2012 NBA Draft Thread

[CanadaB-Ball]

How much have you watched? He plays inside from what I've seen. The fact that he can dribble and pass shouldn't be seen as "trouble." He looks like the best talent to me.

If Andre Drummond isn't eligible, then I think Davis definitely has the most potential out of next year's class.

Saying that, I would still take Barnes first, assuming Drummond isn't available.

Barnes was a bust last year for NC. To me he's still in wait & see mode. I'm not sure why he's gotten so many votes, other than the fact that he's someone people have seen play. Kind of like the Kemba-factor.

Even if he hasn't improved, he would help this team significantly.

He's a great defender and shooter, and both of those traits are something that this team sorely lacks.

If Barnes improved his handles over the summer, to a point where they're considered good, he'll be a top-5 pick without a doubt.

[Reignman]

yeah, people overlook the fact that Barnes was one of the best perimeter defenders in college, an excellent rebounder for his position and one of the most clutch players in the NCAA last season hitting 5 game winners.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Barnes was a bust last year for NC. To me he's still in wait & see mode. I'm not sure why he's gotten so many votes, other than the fact that he's someone people have seen play. Kind of like the Kemba-factor.

That Woj tweet from earlier this summer probably helped his cause, too, as ridiculous as that seems.

Yeah, there were plenty of surefire #1 predictions last summer as well. He disappointed. I don't care what the scouts say now, he needs to prove it next year.

[ATLTimekeeper]

yeah, people overlook the fact that Barnes was one of the best perimeter defenders in college, an excellent rebounder for his position and one of the most clutch players in the NCAA last season hitting 5 game winners.

I don't know about that, but he did play nice defence. He has some nice qualities, but overall he struggled with shot consistency and shot selection. His skills weren't as advertised. He could well be a top 5 pick this year, but my early take is that there are a lot of guys that are just as talented with just as bright a future slated to come out next year.

[Rapsfan07]

yeah, people overlook the fact that Barnes was one of the best perimeter defenders in college, an excellent rebounder for his position and one of the most clutch players in the NCAA last season hitting 5 game winners.

I don't know about that, but he did play nice defence. He has some nice qualities, but overall he struggled with shot consistency and shot selection. His skills weren't as advertised. He could well be a top 5 pick this year, but my early take is that there are a lot of guys that are just as talented with just as bright a future slated to come out next year.

Agreed. I voted Barnes too because I think his skillset and personality seems to really suit our squad. But the way he struggled in the beginning is worrysome. Right now, we need a star. A go-to guy. A killer. And Barnes showed a lot of that towards the end on the season but for me to be totally comfortable saying that he is the star we need, he's gonna bring the heat right out of the gate.

But like I said, in terms of what the Raptors need from a Small Forward, Barnes can do it. Can shoot the 3 and mid-range, defend and rebound well at the 3, willing to make the pass and a hardworker. If he can get better handles and become more of a takeover type guy, that would be good for his game. Quincy Miller is another good prospect but I don't think he defends/rebounds as well as Barnes.

Btw does anybody know why Tony Wroten Jr. not on any draft websites? Isn't he declaring? I think he or Kabongo would be pretty nice to pair with Barnes if we get him but I can't seem to find him on any draft websites....

[JamesNaismith]

Quincy Miller (aka Durant 2.0) and its not even close.

Barnes wasn't even the best in this past (awful) draft....I wouldn't be upset with taking him but he didn't show that star potential he did in highschool and looked a lot like maybe a slightly better Deng which I was gunna be happy with if we ended up with him but there's no way I pick him over Miller.

Everyone is sleeping on QMill! The only reason he feel from NUMBER 1 in this draft was a knee injury. From what I've heard he's back to normal and if that's the case he's gonna make a lot of people feel stupid come draft time and Davis may ride this early hype to the #1 pick meanwhile Miller is the one...I wish Drummond was in this draft though. Then it would be him and Shabazz the following lol.

[Marvin!]

yeah, people overlook the fact that Barnes was one of the best perimeter defenders in college, an excellent rebounder for his position and one of the most clutch players in the NCAA last season hitting 5 game winners.

I don't know about that, but he did play nice defence. He has some nice qualities, but overall he struggled with shot consistency and shot selection. His skills weren't as advertised. He could well be a top 5 pick this year, but my early take is that there are a lot of guys that are just as talented with just as bright a future slated to come out next year.

if you consider Derozan as part of the core at SG, then you are going to have to find a SF that can shoot to pair with him. Barnes can shoot, plus he can defend and do other things.

He started off horribly but came on strong as the year went on... definitely someone to consider for this team, as currently constructed.

[Reignman]

It also doesn't hurt that he's an intelligent young man with great work ethic. Demar/Barnes would make great leaders on a young team.

[Marvin!]

Under current rules, he is eligible.

actually, there is no 'current rule' since the CBA has expired and there isn't a new one yet.

[tcee]

it'll be interesting to see perry jones and quincy miller play together.. from wat i've seen they have similar skillsets

[Rhettmatic]

if you consider Derozan as part of the core at SG, then you are going to have to find a SF that can shoot to pair with him. Barnes can shoot, plus he can defend and do other things.

He started off horribly but came on strong as the year went on... definitely someone to consider for this team, as currently constructed.

Personally, I'm not at all sold yet on DeRozan as the kind of player you build around. I like the kid a lot and believe he has the work ethic to improve, but I think he would have to take some long strides to be a core player on a good team -- and those strides would likely involve adding a 3-point shot, anyway (along with better defence).

Assuming we don't make any "swing for the fences" moves prior to the start of next season, I think we have to look at our high pick in next year's stacked draft as our opportunity to get a true franchise player. After that, we can worry about how our other pieces fit in with that player, but I don't think we should be letting any of our current guys right now factor much into the evaluation process.

[CanadaB-Ball]

Under current rules, he is eligible.

actually, there is no 'current rule' since the CBA has expired and there isn't a new one yet.

Under the 'previous' rules. No need to be vile.

[Dr Positivity]

I think we clearly need a franchise guy. Barnes seems more like a Deng/Battier 3rd option. Valuable, but not what I'm aiming for (personally I think he'd be perfect for the Clips)

[5DOM]

I think we clearly need a franchise guy. Barnes seems more like a Deng/Battier 3rd option. Valuable, but not what I'm aiming for (personally I think he'd be perfect for the Clips)

I agree, but if Barnes is able to improve his ball handling skills greatly, I would love to have him. At this point, I don't have a favorite.

[The Duke]

I think we clearly need a franchise guy. Barnes seems more like a Deng/Battier 3rd option. Valuable, but not what I'm aiming for (personally I think he'd be perfect for the Clips)

I agree, but if Barnes is able to improve his ball handling skills greatly, I would love to have him. At this point, I don't have a favorite.

The truth is its too early for favorites, and u shouldnt have one now.
A full season of evaluation is ahead

[Visceral]

I think the 2013 draft is where we'll pick up our Star. If the franchise chooses to tank still...

[fredericklove]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5AaMNPGFI[/youtube]

[TheRealDeal]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5AaMNPGFI[/youtube]

geez, that athleticism & shooting + Coach K teaching him the game will equal success. His dad wasn't a bad mentor to learn from either. People call him a chucker but I don't see why he can't become a very high bball IQ player. He was by far the best player on his H.S. team so I'm sure the coach told him to keep shooting the ball. He dominated on the U18 Team USA last summer, draining his first nine 3-point shot attempts against Canada. The only games we've seen him in recently have been all-star games. It's tough to evaluate players in an exhibition game. I'm excited to watch him play w/ Quin Cook, Curry and Plumlee at Duke, the games against UNC will be insane.

[torontosfinest]

austin rivers is 6'5 with shoes, that is an average height for a sg. he is athletic enough to play in the nba. he might not be a freak but he'll manage. He has a scorers mentality and he can put the ball into the hoop. Why is it bad to have someone that thinks he can be the best player in the world ala kobe bryant. Kobe Bryant wouldnt be kobe bryant with his mentality.

Austin rivers is more of an intriguing prospect today than derozan is even with two years in the NBA.

Ed Davis should be seen as expendable because Anthony davis is a way better prospect in every way today. Jared Sullinger is also a better prospect.

Barnes is heads above gilchrist and miller when it comes to fundamental, and skills, although those two are off the charts athletic wise.

It seems like every player in the lottery has a chance to start for the raptors other than bradley beal

[fredericklove]

But I can see Rivers being a turrible defender in the NBA.