Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part V

[nuposse04]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImbWLC-uknk&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

I think he already knows what direction they're going in. The fact he says rhetorically that the same guy might have been available at 8 mortifies me. If he picks Len/Zeller I'm breaking a tv.

[No-Man]

LOL it's obvious Ernie is picking Otto man, that interview just nailed it

[jivelikenice]

Yessir....no complaints about it either. I'm actually excited too see what this means for the MLE if we stop our pursuit of Martell or what we trade Ariza for. A combo guard or a big?

[TGW]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/337009169003577345[/tweet][tweet]https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/337031765598277632[/tweet][tweet]https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/337035242290421762[/tweet]

[doclinkin]

One thing I'm looking forward to is reports and video from any workout pitting Oladipo vs Otto. Much as he's grown on me I can't see a way Dipo ends up on our team unless he really destroys it in the workout.

[nuposse04]

My big Board would like this at the moment:

1. Noel
2. Trade for Kanter+lower pic
3. Porter
4. Bennett
5. Random trade down scenario.

I think Porter played at 205 last season, I suspect he'll at least be able to play at that by season start, I want to see him get to 225 within a year or two though. He has the frame to fill out. Although bench press isn't a great way to judge NBA strength I guess it is encouraging he did 9 reps at the combine even though he's still on the Tauyshaun side. I think Porter's ceiling is a rich man's Batum.

[Deeptu McPullup]

As much as I'm keen on a trade for a young big, I'm hardly going to rage with gettin' Otto out the Lotto.

I will say it gives me pause that literally nobody thinks that Otto will be getting a max contract extension, but OK, you can't pick the year you move up five slots (and no, I don't think he's getting a max extension either). Furthermore, I'd reverse my "disregard fit" position on him if he can add weight and be a stretch 4 in the long run. Not that we should actually be making decisions this big based on those sorts of issues, but I'd still be encouraged by that.

Bennet, I agree with Doc - he's the guy who gets you fired. The only thing bigger than the upside is the downside. That the upside is entirely on one side of the ball and he's supposed to be an interior player is terribly troublesome. He can put together a highlight reel as compelling as anyone in this draft, but he's not exactly Mr. Little Things out there.

Possible bad idea alert - what if New Orleans would trade us Ryan Anderson for a pick swap down to 6? That breaks my "singular player" rule but I can't help at least mentioning it. If Ernie really does feel "we might get the same player at 3 that we'd have gotten at 8", he'd have to do that.

[willbcocks]

As much as I'm keen on a trade for a young big, I'm hardly going to rage with gettin' Otto out the Lotto.

I will say it gives me pause that literally nobody thinks that Otto will be getting a max contract extension, but OK, you can't pick the year you move up five slots (and no, I don't think he's getting a max extension either). Furthermore, I'd reverse my "disregard fit" position on him if he can add weight and be a stretch 4 in the long run. Not that we should actually be making decisions this big based on those sorts of issues, but I'd still be encouraged by that.

Bennet, I agree with Doc - he's the guy who gets you fired. The only thing bigger than the upside is the downside. That the upside is entirely on one side of the ball and he's supposed to be an interior player is terribly troublesome. He can put together a highlight reel as compelling as anyone in this draft, but he's not exactly Mr. Little Things out there.

Possible bad idea alert - what if New Orleans would trade us Ryan Anderson for a pick swap down to 6? That breaks my "singular player" rule but I can't help at least mentioning it. If Ernie really does feel "we might get the same player at 3 that we'd have gotten at 8", he'd have to do that.

I bet Andreson has more value than that. But if that were offered, I'd do it. I like Porter, but if we could walk out of the draft with Anderson + Len or Anderson + Oladipo (hell, Porter might even drop to 6), that would be a far better outcome.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I'm just so glad. The lottery couldn't have worked out better for the Wizards. I didn't want Noel. After Arenas, and now with Nene, the last thing the Wizards need is another player who can't stay on the court. But when I saw Cleveland also in the top 3, I was like no the one other team that would take Porter. But then they got #1 which puts them in Noel land. Fine, let them take the risk, and leave Porter for us!


I love Porter for this team. I love his classic old school game, matching his old school classic name. What a fun team this will be for years to come, reminds me of the teams from the 70's. John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter. Porter is like the Tim Duncan version of a SF. His game appears boring. But it is fundamentally strong and diverse. Porter scores inside and out, he can attack with swooping layups extending his long arms, finger rolls in the lane, post ups, runners, turn around Js, mid range jumpers, 3 pointers. He can shoot and finish through contact, gets to the line, passes and sets up teammates, defends, gets steals, boxes out, keeps moving on both ends of the floor, hustles, rebounds, gets loose balls, makes the smart play, court awareness, BBIQ, blocks shots, runs the floor, communicates, leadership. He is as ideal a pick for the Wizards this year as Beal was last year.

I mean he played for Georgetown at verizon center, was the Big East Player of the Year, averaged 16 pts on 50% shooting on 2's and 42% on 3's, 7.5 rebounds, 1 block, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals per game. He is a no brainer. Exudes character and class. Works hard, coach-able, skilled, smart, and just flat out good. I keep hearing Prince. Some others that come to mind... Battier, Artest, Pippen, Grant Hill, Marion. He adds youth (19), but like Beal comes in with a serious and mature mentality. He is a perfect fit for this team. He will come in and seamlessly blend in. He will immediately contribute with his hustle and attitude, and he will defend.

Also, I haven't heard any speculation about if Porter is drafted, does Ariza possibly decide to opt out as a free agent rather than possibly end up on the bench behind a rookie? He still has until July 1 to opt out I believe. If he stays he surely will be dealt. It seems the Wizards have been aiming to upgrade SF with the attempted trade of Ariza to the Clippers, as well as speculation they were a team making offers for Gay. Ariza with his expiring deal could bring back a decent piece, or he could leave and open up his salary spot for us to pursue a free agent. I don't think there is room for Porter and Ariza, whereas Webster is good off the bench as a 6th man. So I do think it will be Ariza that goes, one way or the other.

Green could be good for our 2nd pick also, add a combo guard who can score off the bench, add guard depth and form a scoring punch with Webster off the bench. To add Porter and Green, two local cats would be pretty cool.

[Dat2U]

As much as I'm keen on a trade for a young big, I'm hardly going to rage with gettin' Otto out the Lotto.

I will say it gives me pause that literally nobody thinks that Otto will be getting a max contract extension, but OK, you can't pick the year you move up five slots (and no, I don't think he's getting a max extension either). Furthermore, I'd reverse my "disregard fit" position on him if he can add weight and be a stretch 4 in the long run. Not that we should actually be making decisions this big based on those sorts of issues, but I'd still be encouraged by that.

Bennet, I agree with Doc - he's the guy who gets you fired. The only thing bigger than the upside is the downside. That the upside is entirely on one side of the ball and he's supposed to be an interior player is terribly troublesome. He can put together a highlight reel as compelling as anyone in this draft, but he's not exactly Mr. Little Things out there.

Possible bad idea alert - what if New Orleans would trade us Ryan Anderson for a pick swap down to 6? That breaks my "singular player" rule but I can't help at least mentioning it. If Ernie really does feel "we might get the same player at 3 that we'd have gotten at 8", he'd have to do that.

I think it's too early to worry about who gets a max extension 4 years or so down the line. That's a problem I hope we have. I hope Beal and whoever we draft at #3 do enough to earn max extensions. Lets get really good first and then cross that bridge.

I completely agree with doc as well on Bennett. He said it perfectly when he mentioned Bennett as the guy that gets you fired. There's simply too many questions I have about him. Being a tweener at a mid major really doesn't help. I'd let someone else take the risk. I'm not seeing star. I'm seeing a talented potential knucklehead who will tease, torment and ultimately disappoint the team that drafts him.

If NO is willing trade Ryan Anderson to swap the 3rd & 6th, I think that's too good to pass up. I'd do it.

[No-Man]

I'd draft some guys before Green, like Withey.

This team needs a quality back-up G, not a rook.

I'd trade Ariza, maybe Ariza+Vesely+2nd for Gortat could work.

[WizarDynasty]

I am not impressed by porter at all. He has a decent IQ but you don't draft role player in the top of the lottery. I say we trade back and secure Adams. This team a 7 foot elite rebounder and rim protector and with outstanding lower body strength in the worst way possible who also has offensive upside to grow with Wall and Beal. Seraphin is not a not a horrible rebounder and can't protect the rim. He is not the answer. We need a young 20 year old with a decade and half left to solidify the future of this franchise. Nene is on his last legs with his repeated injury concerns. Okafor, while solid, doesn't not dominate the game in any one facet, to help you become elite at the front court spot.In order to be a top echelon team, you need a big absolutely dominates in the categories he is suppose to dominate at. Adams is guaranteed to dominate with his post defense, rebounding and shot blocking as he grows with Wall and Beal.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'm just so glad. The lottery couldn't have worked out better for the Wizards. I didn't want Noel. After Arenas, and now with Nene, the last thing the Wizards need is another player who can't stay on the court. But when I saw Cleveland also in the top 3, I was like no the one other team that would take Porter. But then they got #1 which puts them in Noel land. Fine, let them take the risk, and leave Porter for us!


I love Porter for this team. I love his classic old school game, matching his old school classic name. What a fun team this will be for years to come, reminds me of the teams from the 70's. John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter. Porter is like the Tim Duncan version of a SF. His game appears boring. But it is fundamentally strong and diverse. Porter scores inside and out, he can attack with swooping layups extending his long arms, finger rolls in the lane, post ups, runners, turn around Js, mid range jumpers, 3 pointers. He can shoot and finish through contact, gets to the line, passes and sets up teammates, defends, gets steals, boxes out, keeps moving on both ends of the floor, hustles, rebounds, gets loose balls, makes the smart play, court awareness, BBIQ, blocks shots, runs the floor, communicates, leadership. He is as ideal a pick for the Wizards this year as Beal was last year.

I mean he played for Georgetown at verizon center, was the Big East Player of the Year, averaged 16 pts on 50% shooting on 2's and 42% on 3's, 7.5 rebounds, 1 block, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals per game. He is a no brainer. Exudes character and class. Works hard, coach-able, skilled, smart, and just flat out good. I keep hearing Prince. Some others that come to mind... Battier, Artest, Pippen, Grant Hill, Marion. He adds youth (19), but like Beal comes in with a serious and mature mentality. He is a perfect fit for this team. He will come in and seamlessly blend in. He will immediately contribute with his hustle and attitude, and he will defend.

Also, I haven't heard any speculation about if Porter is drafted, does Ariza possibly decide to opt out as a free agent rather than possibly end up on the bench behind a rookie? He still has until July 1 to opt out I believe. If he stays he surely will be dealt. It seems the Wizards have been aiming to upgrade SF with the attempted trade of Ariza to the Clippers, as well as speculation they were a team making offers for Gay. Ariza with his expiring deal could bring back a decent piece, or he could leave and open up his salary spot for us to pursue a free agent. I don't think there is room for Porter and Ariza, whereas Webster is good off the bench as a 6th man. So I do think it will be Ariza that goes, one way or the other.

Green could be good for our 2nd pick also, add a combo guard who can score off the bench, add guard depth and form a scoring punch with Webster off the bench. To add Porter and Green, two local cats would be pretty cool.

.

Porter, Wolters, and Zeke Marshall could be the best Wizards draft I could think of.

I like Green but Wolters is IMO a starting NBA PG.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'd draft some guys before Green, like Withey.

This team needs a quality back-up G, not a rook.

I'd trade Ariza, maybe Ariza+Vesely+2nd for Gortat could work.

.
If Porter is the pick, I think Muscala is another guy to pick ahead of a PG/SG.

What I would prefer is Wolters followed by a big who slips late. Marshall, Carmichael, Howell, Oriakhi are each guys who even at 55 can be solid rotation players.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Yeah CCJ, I like Muscala alot too. I mean if someone like Withey drops, or we move up, then great! But as of now if Porter is our pick, some of my top 2nd round targets would be Muscala, Green, Murphy, Hardaway Jr, McCallum, Iverson.

[hands11]

Man, Nate, I had a great post I was writing up!

Suffice to say my post was: that EG isn't dumb enough to pass on Noel if he's available. If he's not, then I could see EG trading #3+Ves for #9+Derrick Williams and drafting Len with the 9th pick. Also could see trading #3 for #4 for Det future 1st to ensure Charlotte gets Mclemore. Also could see #3+Ves+Singleton for Gortat OR Dudley+#5.

Lots of options just opened up. That is both exciting and a little scary.

I have to let this sink in some.

Going to be lots of teams that would want that #3. Thats a prime pick in this draft

Someone is really going to want Burke or McLemore. Then there is Otto, Noel and VO. Its just a numbers game and someone while want to know they are getting one of those names.

For me, Otto has more value to a team that doesn't have young stars to lead them longer term. Wizards have Wall and Beal. Not saying Otto wouldnt be a nice add to that, just saying he has even more value to a team that is less defined and needs to start to define themselves with a young franchise type leader. That raises his value.

Pick as assets. And its all about maximizing your asset value.

Adding a Greg Monroe would be really interesting. I like Gortat for a while now so also an interesting though.

So what is the best move to maximize this opportunity.

[dangermouse]

Although bench press isn't a great way to judge NBA strength I guess it is encouraging he did 9 reps at the combine

Durant did 0.

Durant was a way better athlete though. Thats the only thing that scares me about Porter. He is weak and thin right now, and he doesnt make up for it by being an above average athlete like Durant. Can he improve on that? Can he bulk up to be effective in this league and not just a 4th banana type? Thats the gamble here.

Bennett is undersized. IF he could trim up a bit and become a 3, then i'd take him. He just doesnt have the skills though. He is a 4, maybe a 4/3 combo at a stretch. He is good at what he does, but whether he can do those things at the next level is a the gamble here.

The other guy I really like is Oladipo. Hes too undersized for the 3 spot though of course. And with Beal in tow what minutes would be get?

I think we should weigh up Otto against Bennett and decide who is the best bet. Personally I think its Otto. He can hit the weight room. What can Bennett do? Grow 3 inches? Develop SF handles/skills? Both extremely unlikely.

Of course there is the old argument: "Would you pass on Charles Barkley for being undersize?" He aint no Barkley. Of course, I'm fully prepared to eat my words on that one but I think ill store them in the freezer for fear they would be stale, rancid words by the time it ever happened, if at all.

[TruthTelling]

Bennett will never be a SF, he is a PF in the Rodney Rogers mold..

Doesn't really matter how strong Porter is right now, he has great size for a 3 and that correlates with success in the NBA for a SF especially defensively. Plus Porter can shoot, it's a no-brainer pick unless Len rocks the house.

[TruthTelling]

Man, Nate, I had a great post I was writing up!

Suffice to say my post was: that EG isn't dumb enough to pass on Noel if he's available. If he's not, then I could see EG trading #3+Ves for #9+Derrick Williams and drafting Len with the 9th pick. Also could see trading #3 for #4 for Det future 1st to ensure Charlotte gets Mclemore. Also could see #3+Ves+Singleton for Gortat OR Dudley+#5.

Lots of options just opened up. That is both exciting and a little scary.

You are ridiculous if you think that trading down from #3 to #4 or #5 is going to get you anything more than maybe cash considerations or a 2nd rounder especially in his draft.

Given that it most likely won't affect the players drafted at all. Orlando going Burke, Washington going Porter, Charlotte going McLemore and Phoenix Oladipo.

The only thing I am not sure about is whether Charlotte prefers Oladipo or McLemore or maybe even Len.

[hands11]

The elephant in the room of the "draft Porter as a core piece" scenario is that we can't afford to keep him, Beal and Wall on their second contracts, pay quality bigs at market rate and stay under the tax.

There are literally no quality teams under the luxury tax with three highly paid wings on the roster. The current CBA does not really allow mid-market teams to have three highly paid wings.

If it comes to it, it'd be better to take Dipo, play him for a few years and then work out a trade down the road with the reasoning being that Dipo's long term trade value is higher than Porter's.

Porter's long term fit potential doesn't even come into the equation for me.

Its a Harden type play. Use him now and add an asset to bargain with later. Its a viable plan. But that plan also works with Otto. No one know who will be more valuable in 4 years.

And you know both fits the team culture. You can't say that about Bennett or Shabbazz.

In the end, we still have the holes that need filled. Just a matter of how to best address them.

Need a younger defensive center to go along with Okafor
Need a 3rd guard with handles that can shoot
Need a S4
Need a better back up PG, though I could live with Temple for one more year.
Longer term, need to find a Nene replacement.

With Wall and Beal balln next year and the SFs, Nene and Okafor, they are already a playoff team that is built as a top defensive team. Thats a solid place to start.