Draft a Big Man?

[Balkman32]

I think drafting a Adams, Olynyk, Nogueira, Muscala, or Gobert makes no sense at 12.

With the growth of both Durant and Ibaka, I think both will be playing a lot more 4/5 rather than 3/4 this year.

Which basically leaves a gaping hole on the wings other than Lamb and PJ3 after this season.

I would look for the Thunder to add players like Dieng, Plumlee, Snell, and Franklin rather than the big men listed above. I don't think the Thunder should be drafting these players @ 12, but they are good fit guys.

I can not see a scenario where the Thunder pass up on Shabazz if he is on the board @ 12.

[comingbacktousa]

Offensively it sounds great. Defensively not so much. Durant is not strong enough to handle playing other big men in the post. Playing Durant at the four a lot is just asking for injuries. Lebron who is a lot stronger than Durant has said playing at the four has worn him down, what do you think it would do to Durant? Lebron and Melo can get away with it for extended periods of time because of how big they are. I think the Thunder actually need to try and do the opposite, try and get a good big man so he plays entirely at the 3. Ideally PJ3 gets more minutes at the 4.

I'd rather go draft a point guard than draft Shabazz it at least fills a need. Character issue players are the type of players contenders need to stay away from.

[bondom34]

I think they should get a big, but only if the right one falls, I don't feel confident in Gobert (at least yet), and don't completely know about Adams (bad season at Pitt gives me less confidence). I think Muscala could be a great fit in the 29 pick, if the right guard falls to 12. Depending on who's there, I'd love to see maybe Carter-Williams or McCollum at 12, then Muscala later. If no solid guards are around, then I'd say go big. If no solid bigs are worth the 12, they just can't reach for one, and should go with a guard. It really will depend a lot on who's available for what they have in my opinion.

[Balkman32]

I would not mind Muscala with the 29th or 32nd. But, they have Thabeet (26 yrs. old) and Orton (23 yrs. old), who are more NBA ready than any Centers in the draft. Len, Zeller, Dieng and Plumlee are the only big's I would take @ 12.

What Point Guards are out there? Only MCW and Burks are worth the 12 pick. I do not think McCollum can defend anyone and he was shooting in the Patriot league. It is a little suspect at best. I think the PG's are the weakest in this draft.

ESP when you can probably sign a Vet Min. FA; (.i.e)
Devin Harris
Boobie Gibson
Shawn Livingston
Nolan Smith (they have been linked to him)
Randy Foye

[sonictecture]

The strength of this draft is the big man. Presti has probably the highest pick in the draft that we are likely to see for the next 5 years. Rather than worrying about future problems at the wing, perhaps the gapping hole at center should be addressed.

I'm always amazed at how many people still look at the draft as an instant fix when the majority of prospects are 19-20 years old. There is no big man prospect that projects to be an instant remedy, they will all need some work, and more experience.

The goal of this draft should be to improve the position long term.

[pickIBL]

eh IDK who you draft but you do need a post presence right now. The cheapest way to go about that would be to sign Ioannis Bourousis who is currently in his prime. He's a better defender than Krstic plus he has a real low post game and can step out and shoot open 3s. He's a good fit next to Ibaka and helps immediately.

[Balkman32]

The guy drafted here probably won't play next season. I just don't see the center position a need. Teams throw away center prospects @ the age of 25 every other year. The Thunder need to find a 3rd scorer and competition brings the best out of everyone.

The Thunder might end up overhauling their shooting guard position with losing Harden, Martin, and possibly Thabo next season. I just don't see enough scorers for the future.

But, at the end of the day as long as we take the BPA I will be happy.

Last draft pick I was not excited about was Aldrich, who is also a Fa this year.

[Royal Ben]

We will find out how they feel about Lamb as soon as they call out the name of #12.

[Devilanche]

I would draft a big at #12. I think at where we are picking at #29 would be a good place to find a role playing wing for smallball.

This year has alot of bigs at where we are going to pick.

[Balkman32]

We will find out how they feel about Lamb as soon as they call out the name of #12.

I don't think Lamb has anything to do with the #12 pick. @ the end of the day we need two shooting guards. If they bring in another one it will just be a competition on who will start the 2014 season.

[Balkman32]

The only BIGS I see worth the pick @ 12 is Noel, Zeller, Bennett, Dieng, Plumlee, and Len. I know Len, Bennett, and Noel will not make it to pick 10. So based of BPA, unless the pick is Plumlee, Zeller, or Dieng, they have to go for a 1, 2 or 3.

[RainCity]

What's goin on fellow Thunder fans? Just to get it off my chest.....I was raised in Seattle, huge Sonics fan with memories of season tickets during the Kemp and GP era, sad they are no longer "my team". Despite the move, I have been a Thunder supporter for as long as they've been, well, the Thunder. I boycott Starbucks, and although I dislike Bennett, its hard not to support a team with a core group of players that are so young, talented and seem like just good people. Just want to make it clear that not all Sonics fans hold a grudge against the fans of OKC. You all are lucky to be able to call the Thunder "Your Team", but you all should know, despite wishing we had a team, there are plenty of Thunder supporters in the NW. With that being said, let me share my thoughts on the draft:

I feel there are a lot of solid big men as well as big men "projects" in this draft. I'm wanting Presti to draft a Big that will be capable of contributing now, and if not now, than the very near future. Hopefully a big who has a decent midrange jumper, solid back to the basket offense, solid rebounder (physicality), and an element that is a huge plus at the C position, decent/good ft%.

Realistically, Len won't be available at 12, Zeller has grown on me a bit but he's 50/50 or worse to be available at 12 also. Steven Adams looks physical and tough, but still very young and raw offensively. Personally, I'm not high on Gobert. Olynyk has grown on me, if he develops a mentally tough/physical attitude while rebounding I would like him more, plus he has the high ft% I like @ 80+% from the line. I haven't decided on Plumlee yet. Two guys I really like would be Dieng (6'11 - 23yr - seems very athletic - great blocking/defensive instincts). Negative about Dieng is the 65% ft, struggles with midrange jumper. I like his physical and aggressive play while on D and while finishing. I feel Russ and KD could set him up for good looks down low. Here's a vid: http://youtu.be/7FszIHKXSZE

Like a few others mentioned, Im also very high on Muscala and am a little confused as to why he isn't projected to go much higher. If we could get him at #29 it would be a steal in my opinion, but my gut says he goes early-mid 20's

Presti has a ton of options depending on who he likes in the draft, as well as how he feels about Lamb/PJIII.

1) He could trade up from 12 and grab a Len, Zeller or his favorite scorer and take a big man later

2) Be patient, if his top C's are gone at 12, take his top rated scorer then trade the next two picks and or Lamb/PJIII and move up from #29 to grab who he wants before someone else takes them (Possibly move up a few spots and snag Muscala)

Sorry for the length of this post but I have one more possible move Id like everyone's thoughts on. In a mock draft I saw it had the Thunder taking Eric Green (6'3 pg/sg from VT) with our #29. I watched his draft video, seems very quick, with long arms, and a silky jumper (shoots well off his dribble, well off screens and can create his own shot as well as distribute), My question: I understand Reggie made some big strides this year with his play and playoff experience, but Eric Green looks much quicker, much better shooter, and I was picturing him in the second unit as the 1 with Lamb at the 2......after watching his video, would any of you consider trading Reggie (depending on what we received in return obviously). I'm betting most everyone says No, but if you say Maybe or Yes, what do you think we could get for Reggie?

Here his video:

http://youtu.be/WhzwLXF7fVA

Thanks for reading and sorry for long post. Go Thunder!

3)

[RainCity]

Also, I thought this the other day. Thabeet was basically a bust but the Thunder decided to sign him because he's a huge body, they could get him on the cheap and they felt they could potentially develop him. He really has very little coordination or skill but made some slight improvements this year. I know Greg Oden hasn't played in several years and has already been through like 4 surgeries, but when healthy he had much more potential than Thabeet. He wants to attempt a comeback next year, and if you could sign him to the minimum (cut him if it goes bad and lose nothing) would you consider trying to slowly redevelop Oden like the Thunder did Thabeet? Very low financial risk for a possible reward. I'm assuming most of you say no so don't rip my basketball knowledge, just thought I'd bring it up.

[comingbacktousa]

Also, I thought this the other day. Thabeet was basically a bust but the Thunder decided to sign him because he's a huge body, they could get him on the cheap and they felt they could potentially develop him. He really has very little coordination or skill but made some slight improvements this year. I know Greg Oden hasn't played in several years and has already been through like 4 surgeries, but when healthy he had much more potential than Thabeet. He wants to attempt a comeback next year, and if you could sign him to the minimum (cut him if it goes bad and lose nothing) would you consider trying to slowly redevelop Oden like the Thunder did Thabeet? Very low financial risk for a possible reward. I'm assuming most of you say no so don't rip my basketball knowledge, just thought I'd bring it up.

Taking minimum salary is a high risk situation for him since this is probably his last shot. I see him trying to get as much money as possible just in case. Oden will probably get a Brandon Roy type contract from someone, mle with a team option.That would put OKC at the luxury line without signing any draft picks. If OKC had the cap space it would make perfect sense but they don't.

[RainCity]

Also, I thought this the other day. Thabeet was basically a bust but the Thunder decided to sign him because he's a huge body, they could get him on the cheap and they felt they could potentially develop him. He really has very little coordination or skill but made some slight improvements this year. I know Greg Oden hasn't played in several years and has already been through like 4 surgeries, but when healthy he had much more potential than Thabeet. He wants to attempt a comeback next year, and if you could sign him to the minimum (cut him if it goes bad and lose nothing) would you consider trying to slowly redevelop Oden like the Thunder did Thabeet? Very low financial risk for a possible reward. I'm assuming most of you say no so don't rip my basketball knowledge, just thought I'd bring it up.

Taking minimum salary is a high risk situation for him since this is probably his last shot. I see him trying to get as much money as possible just in case. Oden will probably get a Brandon Roy type contract from someone, mle with a team option.That would put OKC at the luxury line without signing any draft picks. If OKC had the cap space it would make perfect sense but they don't.

The Wolves signed Roy to a two year $10 Million contract, which was extremely risky, and in hindsight extremely dumb. Do you think the reason he got so much money, was because of the four very productive/borderline all-star seasons he had prior? I read online that Miami was interested in signing Oden to a minimal contract, and Im sure other teams will be interested as well which might increase the asking price, but given Roy's failed experiment and the fact Oden has played in a total of only 82 career games, do you see Oden getting that much annually? I think the final year of his rookie contract paid him 4 or 5 mil. I guess either way, he will get more than the minimum so its really a dead issue for OKC......time to find our big guy in the draft!

[sonictecture]

Muscala is rated relatively low because he lacks the physical strength to hold position at this point. There is also the small conference production bias. Olynyk is rated higher than Muscala because certain skill levels like shooting and ball handling are more developed making him more unique.

I like Len, Adams, Zeller, Dieng, Jaiteh & Plumlee in that order. I'm curious about Olynyk on this team, but don't think he fits Presti's parameters.

Presti typically wants the physical parameters met so that coaches can concentrate on skill development.

After watching the Spurs ball movement and 3 point bombing against the Heat another 3 point weapon for the Thunder could be wise and Green might be a candidate. I don't however think you need to trade Jackson to bring Green in, at least not right away. See what you have first and especially see what Jackson can develop into. The Thunder need another shot creator and right now Jackson is the closest to providing that need.

Who would be the "scorer" at pick 12?

[Balkman32]

Bazz or KCP?



Sent from my HTC One using RealGM Forums mobile app

[bondom34]

Also, I thought this the other day. Thabeet was basically a bust but the Thunder decided to sign him because he's a huge body, they could get him on the cheap and they felt they could potentially develop him. He really has very little coordination or skill but made some slight improvements this year. I know Greg Oden hasn't played in several years and has already been through like 4 surgeries, but when healthy he had much more potential than Thabeet. He wants to attempt a comeback next year, and if you could sign him to the minimum (cut him if it goes bad and lose nothing) would you consider trying to slowly redevelop Oden like the Thunder did Thabeet? Very low financial risk for a possible reward. I'm assuming most of you say no so don't rip my basketball knowledge, just thought I'd bring it up.

Taking minimum salary is a high risk situation for him since this is probably his last shot. I see him trying to get as much money as possible just in case. Oden will probably get a Brandon Roy type contract from someone, mle with a team option.That would put OKC at the luxury line without signing any draft picks. If OKC had the cap space it would make perfect sense but they don't.

The Wolves signed Roy to a two year $10 Million contract, which was extremely risky, and in hindsight extremely dumb. Do you think the reason he got so much money, was because of the four very productive/borderline all-star seasons he had prior? I read online that Miami was interested in signing Oden to a minimal contract, and Im sure other teams will be interested as well which might increase the asking price, but given Roy's failed experiment and the fact Oden has played in a total of only 82 career games, do you see Oden getting that much annually? I think the final year of his rookie contract paid him 4 or 5 mil. I guess either way, he will get more than the minimum so its really a dead issue for OKC......time to find our big guy in the draft!

Welcome RainCity (I'm not from OKC or Seattle, just became a fan of KD and by association the Thunder, so you're much less an outsider than me!). I thought about Oden myself, and I think it would almost have to be a min salary, unless a terrible GM decides to sign him to an odd deal, he really hasn't done anything to show even a Roy level contract with his injury risk. I saw sonictecture asking about scorers as well, and think that if McCollum or MCW are there at 12, its a good pick, otherwise go big. I'm really intrigued by Olynyk, as he woudl add a scoring option, but like Zeller most, then probably either Olynk or Plumlee. As said previously I'm not thrilled w/ Adams or Gobert, and I'm iffy w/ Len due to injury, but other than that I would feel good taking a big at 12. If one of the two guards falls and can be picked at 12 I'd do that then get a big at 29.

[RainCity]

Thanks for the welcome Bondom34!

I agree with most everything you said but want to get your thoughts on which Centers in the draft would best fit our style of play.

Originally I wasn't too high on Olynyk, and had Zeller ranked higher, but I think Olynyk would fit well in our system.

Both Zeller and Olynyk can score in the post, they both run the pick and roll well, and they both can hit a midrange jumper. They are also both capable of running the floor (Zeller a bit quicker but at the next level Olynyk would run better than most. One thing I like about Zeller is his ability to finish with both hands, soft touch with his left and right. Olynyk can also finish at the bucket and does have a nice soft touch as well, just not with both hands. They both shoot well from the line (Zeller 75%) (Olynyk 81%).
In my opinion, both have short arms for their 7 foot frame and will struggle blocking a lot of shots.

The reason I think Olynyk fits our system better is because he not only has the ability to run the floor on a break, but also appears to be a bit thicker and stronger than Ziller which I think might benefit his post scoring at the next level. I fear other C's in the league will be able to physically affect Zillers post game because he's a bit thin, but that's just my opinion.

[RainCity]

What do you think of Dieng? Don't think he has the post scoring or midrange game that I think we need, but he finishes around the rim and looks like a beast defensive shot blocker. Defensively, Dieng and Ibaka would be an intimidating 4-5.