Official Raptors 2011 NBA Draft Thread, Part 7

[Kevin Willis]

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/05/02/big-board-power-forwards/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

David Aldridge did a run down on Power Forward prospects in this year's draft. He lists Derrick Williams as a PF, and he tops the list. He also had a lot of scout quotes that said that Vesely was the real deal and a top 5 pick in this year's draft.

Thanks Alfred. Great find.

[tecumseh18]

Conversely, most teams have Jonas Valanciunas and Enes Kanter listed as centers

ORLY? Hmm.

I've been anti-Kanter, but I assume he wouldn't be listed as a centre unless he could actually do (or learn to do) all the things that NBA centres are supposed to do. In which case, I'm interested.

[TheRealDeal]

But most believe Williams is an NBA four.

"He better be a four, because he's damn sure not a three," a Central Division personnel man said. "You have to -- if you believe in the notion of stats and charting -- believe the guy is going to be good. But you have to be a magician to figure out what he's going to do. He was swallowed by length in college ... [he] is not going to rebound at a great rate. I buy the David West (comparison) to this point: the best part of his game is shooting jump shots. But David West has a grit to his game that this kid doesn't have, and this kid has an explosivess that David West never had."

Central Division personnel man? Hopefully not someone with the Cavs.

[MEDIC]

My problem with Knight is his shooting percentages. Not impressive, thespecially for college.

Really? I don't really agree with that. Statistically he wasn't really bad in that area. Also, consider that 1)he's a freshman, and 2)he's about even with Walker in that area, and it's not so bad. And his %s from 3 are actually pretty encouraging.

Stats comparison on Irving/Knight/Walker/Jimmer
http://www.draftexpress.com/stats.php?y ... 6%5D=48516

This comparison highlights one of my major concerns about Knight as a starting PG.

Look at his FT attempts compared to the other 3 guys. For a guy who is strength is supposed to be as a scorer, he doesn't get in the paint much & draw fouls. He simply shoots a lot of long range bombs. Kind of worrisome that Jimmer almost doubles Knight in regards to FT's made.

Per 40 minutes:

Jimmer - 7.6 FT made, 8.5 FTA
Kemba - 6.7 FT made, 8.2 FTA
Kyrie - 8.4 FT made, 9.4 FTA
Knight - 4.0 FT made, 5.0 FTA

I like my PG getting into the paint a lot & creating havoc for the opposing defense. Look at Kyrie's FT numbers. Unbelievable. This is a skill that will translate well in the NBA.

Kyrie is heads & tails above these guys as a PG prospect.

[tecumseh18]

But most believe Williams is an NBA four.

"He better be a four, because he's damn sure not a three," a Central Division personnel man said. "You have to -- if you believe in the notion of stats and charting -- believe the guy is going to be good. But you have to be a magician to figure out what he's going to do. He was swallowed by length in college ... [he] is not going to rebound at a great rate. I buy the David West (comparison) to this point: the best part of his game is shooting jump shots. But David West has a grit to his game that this kid doesn't have, and this kid has an explosivess that David West never had."

Central Division personnel man? Hopefully not someone with the Cavs.

I would not say the best part of Williams' game is shooting J's. The man loves to take it to the hoop, as least from what I saw.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

My problem with Knight is his shooting percentages. Not impressive, thespecially for college.

Really? I don't really agree with that. Statistically he wasn't really bad in that area. Also, consider that 1)he's a freshman, and 2)he's about even with Walker in that area, and it's not so bad. And his %s from 3 are actually pretty encouraging.

Stats comparison on Irving/Knight/Walker/Jimmer
http://www.draftexpress.com/stats.php?y ... 6%5D=48516

This comparison highlights one of my major concerns about Knight as a starting PG.

Look at his FT attempts compared to the other 3 guys. For a guy who is strength is supposed to be as a scorer, he doesn't get in the paint much & draw fouls. He simply shoots a lot of long range bombs. Kind of worrisome that Jimmer almost doubles Knight in regards to FT's made.

Per 40 minutes:

Jimmer - 7.6 FT made, 8.5 FTA
Kemba - 6.7 FT made, 8.2 FTA
Kyrie - 8.4 FT made, 9.4 FTA
Knight - 4.0 FT made, 5.0 FTA

I like my PG getting into the paint a lot & creating havoc for the opposing defense. Look at Kyrie's FT numbers. Unbelievable. This is a skill that will translate well in the NBA.

Kyrie is heads & tails above these guys as a PG prospect.

Kyrie's numbers are off the charts. Even though his USG rate is lower than the others, you're talking about a very efficient player here. His pace-adjusted per 40 numbers are very impressive. 25 PPG, 6 ASTs, 50% shooter, 2 SPG.

Nice.

[MEDIC]

Kyrie's numbers are off the charts. Even though his USG rate is lower than the others, you're talking about a very efficient player here. His pace-adjusted per 40 numbers are very impressive. 25 PPG, 6 ASTs, 50% shooter, 2 SPG.

Nice.

I was starting to sit on the fence a little when it came to Irving & Williams, but looking into these stats a little deeper has definitely pushed me back towards Kyrie.

His TS% was 0.70!!! Wow. Small sample size, but still very impressive.

Here's a stat that really impresses me about Kemba:

Only 2.3 turnovers in almost 38mpg. For a guy that handled the ball so much & attacked the rim so often, that is a pretty impressive stat. He is probably the best ball handler of the 4 prospects.

[Lionel Messi]

Conversely, most teams have Jonas Valanciunas and Enes Kanter listed as centers

ORLY? Hmm.

I've been anti-Kanter, but I assume he wouldn't be listed as a centre unless he could actually do (or learn to do) all the things that NBA centres are supposed to do. In which case, I'm interested.

That stupid high school video seems to be making people think he is some perimeter oriented big man. He is a tough player, not some slow jump shooting pansy.

[nahom1319]

This based on what exactly? To this point we (the public) have no idea what type of player Kanter is. I've been high on Biyombo so far, but Kanter no one knows anything about. All we have is highlight videos, we know nothing of tendencies, or playing style. We've seen him do some long range jumpers, we've also seen him work in the paint, I'd suggest holding off on labels till the workouts and interviews.

[Silk Wilkes]

This based on what exactly? To this point we (the public) have no idea what type of player Kanter is. I've been high on Biyombo so far, but Kanter no one knows anything about. All we have is highlight videos, we know nothing of tendencies, or playing style. We've seen him do some long range jumpers, we've also seen him work in the paint, I'd suggest holding off on labels till the workouts and interviews.

[God Squad]

This based on what exactly? To this point we (the public) have no idea what type of player Kanter is. I've been high on Biyombo so far, but Kanter no one knows anything about. All we have is highlight videos, we know nothing of tendencies, or playing style. We've seen him do some long range jumpers, we've also seen him work in the paint, I'd suggest holding off on labels till the workouts and interviews.

lol Jokes

[Live Free]

The Biyombo Kanter debates are still going on? It's a guards league and we don't have a future PG, if we don't take Kemba or Knight the Raps will perish. I highly doubt Kanter or Bismack will be anything special, solid role players at best. Pass..

[RaptorReloaded]

Thank you Live Free! The bigs are horrible this year!! Either hope for a top two draft pick or draft Knight or Walker.

[MEDIC]

Thank you Live Free! The bigs are horrible this year!! Either hope for a top two draft pick or draft Knight or Walker.

I think if they simply feel that the bigs are just not good enough, they should seriously consider trading their pick to a team with 2 picks (unless Kemba completely knocks their socks off).

I wonder if the Jazz would budge.

[daner01]

Let's just hope that maybe someone like Knight or Kanter do awesome in workouts and we can make an easy selection at No.3 or 4. From the sounds of it this is a two man draft and who knows, we may get lucky and score a better spot but if we don't, it would be reassuring if an extra guy steps up and steals some spotlight.

[Man of Steel]

Another quick point I had (probably mentioned a few times by now) but I think Bayless, in his short stint, has at least bought himself a season under review with starter minutes. That being said, if we draft Kyrie then he won't become the asset that he potentially could become (we won't get much value back for him) but we have a legitimate stud starting at PG in that case (good return would be nice but I'd definitely take Kyrie over Bayless). a couple days ago i saw a tweet by Bayless, something about how he can't wait for next year because "It's time........" Anyhow he's definitely getting starter minutes if we don't draft Irving.

[Truthrising]

Thank you Live Free! The bigs are horrible this year!! Either hope for a top two draft pick or draft Knight or Walker.

Not high on Knight at all, this guy has horrible shooting percentages, not a great passer for PG and very turnover prone. If your used to seeing how good Calerone is in Assist/turnover ratio, Knight would probably be the opposite.

I don't see him being a true point guard, more likely a combo guard just like Bayless, tbh i'd rather have Bayless get the opportunity to have his shot at the 1 spot.

[RaptorReloaded]

We don't know what Knight can do in the NBA yet. Your going off stats from one year of college. As far as I'm concerned he's a smart kid with a great athletic body, long arms, great work ethic, range on his shot and has proven he can lead a team to the final 4 in the NCAA all at the tender age of 18. He's been a top prospect for awhile now and seems to prove his doubters wrong with his determination to be a better player. Thats the kind of guy I personaly want on my team.

[Dr Positivity]

Thank you Live Free! The bigs are horrible this year!! Either hope for a top two draft pick or draft Knight or Walker.

I think if they simply feel that the bigs are just not good enough, they should seriously consider trading their pick to a team with 2 picks (unless Kemba completely knocks their socks off).

I wonder if the Jazz would budge.

The gap from 6 to 3 for Utah is too small to give up their second lotto pick

The double down team would be Charlotte (#10 and #19). I'd be scared of that deal cause I think this draft falls off at about 17 or 18. If it was #10 and #16 I'd do it for #5

[Lionel Messi]

I really hate this draft.