Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part VIII

[mohammed10]

Looks like the 54th was Kazemi, that iranian dude. Only guy I really wanted to take a chance on by trading up was Mitchell, I might be salty about that one for a bit.

+1

[The Consiglieri]

Giving up second rounders is the type of things that make me convinced that Ernie Grunfeld is intellectually challenged.

I hate this.

I don't know CCJ, Rice was MVP of the D-league last year in the playoffs. He may be more NBA-ready than Porter is.

Funny thing is NBA's write up of Rice Jr is right up CCJ's alley. Player comp is, you guessed it, Morris Almond.

By and large, I think it was a good pick. In the 2nd round you are looking for a player who belongs in this league. About 80% of these guys minimum never earn a second contract in the league, many don't even earn one. Rice Jr is credited from all sorts of scouts, coaches etc with having an NBA ready game in innumerable ways, he also crashes the boards. Basically, a great shooter, great iso game, great hitting the boards, needs work on maturity, decision making, and defense.

Write ups galore that may have already been posted, my internet crashed right after our pick...

from nba.com

Strengths
- Good size for a two-guard
- Good jump shooter
- Tough
- Competes
- Good rebounder for his position
- Converts at the rim
- Shoots a lot of free-throws
- Good understanding of the game

Weaknesses
- Has to prove disciplinary issues in college are behind him
- Ball handling needs to continue to improve
- Still has work to do on defense

NBA projection
After getting kicked off the team at Georgia Tech in 2012, Rice made the unusual decision to go straight to the D League, where, after patiently waiting his turn, he put up monster numbers as his team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, won the league championship. In the process, Rice resurrected his profile and his NBA chances, to the point where some analysts have predicted he’ll be a first-round pick. He’ll be able to help an NBA team with his versatility and arsenal of scoring weapons.

2012-13 Season
Rice was on the roster of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the D League all season, but through 22 games he logged just 147 minutes. A series of personnel changes, including injuries and NBA call-ups, gave Rice the chance to show what he can do. He didn’t wait long, scoring 35 points on 6-of-10 3-point shooting and grabbing 15 rebounds in his first start on Feb. 4. He went on to average 25 points, 9.5 boards, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks in six playoff games as Rio Grande Valley won the D League championship

Key statistics
13.0 ppg | 6.2 rpg | 1.9 apg | 1.6 tpg | 0.9 spg | 23.7 mpg | .491 FG | .385 3PT | .752 FT

Cool statistic
In his last 10 games of the season, Rice averaged 39.2 minutes, 25.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks and shot 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from the 3-point line.

Reminds me of...
Morris Almond

What Insiders Say
Former Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt
“There’s no question he’s an NBA player. He scores, he can dribble. He can pass. He’s got a great IQ for the game. He’s just got to continue to mature and make good decisions.”

What Outsiders Say
Trainer Robin Pound
“He’s a shooter. Mid-range, post-up, transition, finish at the hoop … As part of his preparation we’re working on all those things. The more diverse you are, the more valuable you are. I haven’t seen anything he sucks at


si random alpha-scout write up:

Glen Rice Jr., 6-6 forward, Michigan/NBDL: "Great bloodlines. Not as good a shooter as his dad, but still one of the better shooters in this draft. He has played the NBA game for a full year so he is slightly ahead of the college guys. I worry that he thinks he's better than he is and he disrupts the game for other people. He still settles too much for his jump shot. Someone could pull the trigger on him in the first round."

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/colleg ... z2XTlhTKbs

SI profile

Analysis

Considering his pedigree and talent, it wasn't that long ago that Rice - the son of the former three-time All-Star of the same name - seemed destined for the NBA. Rice's route to the league, though, has been an atypical one. He was kicked off the Georgia Tech team in March 2012 after being charged with permitting unlawful operation after a shooting near an Atlanta nightclub. It was just another chapter in a troubled three-year career with the Yellow Jackets as he had already been suspended from the team multiple times. Instead of entering last year's NBA draft, he waited until November for the NBDL draft and was selected by the Rio Grande Vipers. He functioned mostly as a role payer in 42 regular-season games, averaging 13.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes. Rice then improved his play in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 39.1 minutes over six games to win the D-League Final MVP as the Vipers claimed the championship. With a father that ended his career as one of the best shooters in NBA history, Rice seems to have inherited his long-range marksmanship, knocking down 38.5 percent of his 3-pointers during the D-League regular season. He's a good athlete but could stand to improve his ball-handling skills as he doesn't excel in creating his own scoring opportunities. Rice, projected to go early in the second round, has the potential to become a very solid defender but must invest more energy in that area.


Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/dr ... z2XTm6lHMd

cbssportsline:

He's an intriguing story, having been a removed from college for a year and playing the D-League. He was kicked out of Georgia Tech, essentially forcing himself into the 2012 draft pool -- if he wanted. But he opted not to, and instead went the D-League route. He played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets affiliate), and a year removed, Rice claims he's grown and a year of humbling has him ready, finally, for the NBA. -- Matt Norlander Grade: A+

Rice Jr ranked 3rd on David Aldridge's SF list of top 10 prospects ahead of all prospects save Shabazz and Porter.

MAY 20 UPDATE: A few changes on the Big Board, most notably the meteoric rise of prospect Glen Rice, Jr., who has come on strong in the last few weeks after his MVP turn in the NBA Development League finals for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. A year ago, Rice was a washout, having been kicked off Georgia Tech's team during his junior season following a series of off-court incidents. He chose to go the route of the NBA Development League after being drafted by Rio Grande instead of transferring to another college or playing abroad. He sat early during the Vipers's season, but came on strong the second half, blowing up over his last 10 games, averaging 29 points and 9.5 rebounds. In the D-League Finals, Rice led the Vipers in scoring, averaging 16.5 points on 57 percent shooting, as Rio Grande defeated Santa Cruz for the title. His dramatic improvement on and off the court put him on NBA teams' radars, and he now is a solid first-round prospect. Our own Chris Dortch chronicled Rice, Jr.'s comeback trail and Rice, Jr.,did more than enough in Chicago to keep his status high.

"You look at him, he's already had a year in the D-League, traveling," a Southwest Division executive said of Rice, Jr., the son of former Heat star Glen Rice. "He's mature. I think coaches look at that as kind of a positive, like we can bring him in and he's going to do well. He's not great, but he's okay. (His previous mistakes) didn't follow him in the D-League. He did what he had to do. He got humbled. Nobody's perfect; we all make mistakes."

A Northwest Division scout thinks Rice is better off having become a primary option in Rio Grande. "Next year he'll be a lot better, because he'll be called on to do more," the scout said. "Like with (Michigan sophomore guard) Trey Burke. Coming back to school helped him. Not saying you have to be the guy in our league, but (after a year in the D-League), when you're called upon to score, you're not looking your shoulder at LeBron and D-Wade to see if they thought you took a bad shot. ... like Dorell Wright. He never went to college and knew who he was. Then when you walk in a room and everybody's been the man, you don't go into a shell and it takes you three years to get your confidence."

Draft Express tweeted comment:

DraftExpress: Philly takes Glen Rice Jr at #35. One of the draft's most efficient offensive players.Sam Hinkie knows him well from Houston's D-League team

special story on Rice from last month:

http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/c ... index.html

Aldridge mocked him to the Bulls at 20th overall:

Needs: Scoring
Rice has taken a circuitous route to the NBA, and he's kept himself out of trouble since several incidents at Georgia Tech led the school to ask him to leave. He put the ball in the basket in the D-League, and playing with All-Stars like Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Derrick Rose in Chicago will continue his chances to fill it up. Jimmy Butler became the Bulls' starter at the two in the playoffs, but after him, there's playing time available as Marco Bellinelli is a free agent and Rip Hamilton is on his way out.

much hated nbadraft.net

NBA Comparison: Morris Almond /Anthony Peeler
Strengths: Talented & aggressive wing ... Good ISO game. Plays better with the ball in his hands ... Runs the floor well providing great spacing and making highlight plays ... A strong leaper, particularly off of two feet ... Huge wingspan. Appears to have in the neighborhood of a 6-10 wingspan, giving him good length to finish plays ... Brings energy to a team with his dynamic plays in traffic ... Will get to the rim and finish strong with contact, uses his long arms and leaping ability to get in the lane and crash the glass, an excellent rebounder at his size. Has shown the ability to get up and block shots off the vertical jump and from the weak side. His athleticism is well suited to the half court ... Can shoot the NBA 3 and beyond and has made big shots late in the shot clock ... Similar to his Dad, Glen Rice Sr., a very good spot up shooter and consistently knocks down the NBA corner 3 in catch and shoot situations ... Has made a real case for himself as an NBA player with a strong season, and even better post season playing in the D-League ...

Weaknesses: Also similar to Rice Sr., he doesn't explode very well off of one foot, limiting his effectiveness in transition to a degree ... Needs to work on finishing plays with his off-hand ... BBIQ is questionable, needs to make better decisions with the ball when facing a trapping situation ... Lacks great blow by speed off the dribble, and overall speed is just average ... Passing ability needs more work when executing drive and kick ... Poor P&R ball handler & poor shot selection, which is one of his biggest weaknesses ... A very streaky shooter, and not physical or strong enough to defend in the post, needs to work on lateral foot speed, fundamentals in sliding his feet on defense ... Gets caught standing too upright at times on defense when playing off the ball ... Should look to be more aggressive when defending on the ball, bringing more fire & intensity to force turnovers ... There are some real concerns about his character/maturity after being kicked off Georgia Tech team for disciplinary reasons. The final straw was an incident in a nightclub. In the aftermath, he was charged with "permitting unlawful operation" as a passenger in his own vehicle, and a friend was charged with a DUI. Another passenger was charged with discharging a firearm while under the influence in the club ... Leading up to his dismissal, he had "numerous disciplinary issues" while at Georgia Tech ...

nbadraft.net's instant analysis

35. Glen Rice Jr. | 6-6 | 211 | SG | USA | 22
After lighting it up in the NBA Developmental League last season, the 22-year-old Rice Jr. went a long way to eliminate the bad taste he left in scouts mouths after his tumultuous run at Georgia Tech. Much like his dad, he's an excellent shooter and NBA-level athlete at both wing spots. The 76ers snagged a first-round talent at pick No. 35 and he should work his way into their rotation next season. -Nick Prevenas


it looks like draftexpress crashed before I could pick up write ups.

I really like the Rice Jr pick needless to say. Just wish we hadn't had to trade our 54th to get him. Could have been a Euro draft and stash.

[The Consiglieri]

One thing seems for sure after this draft, the focus going forward in free agency and future drafts is the front court, and backup PG. the 2 and 3 are definitely covered.

[mohammed10]

One thing seems for sure after this draft, the focus going forward in free agency and future drafts is the front court, and backup PG. the 2 and 3 are definitely covered.

...so you are not down with bringing back Price?

Wanna bring back Shelvin Mack?

[nuposse04]

If Carmichael doesn't get drafted or kadji those are guys I'd like to see accept a camp workout...they have to be better then Singleton.

[hands11]

Shoulda guessed Roberson wouldn't slip. Still On Canaan watch.

Or Wolters, Ray McCallum, Pierre Jackson, Mike Muscala, or Zeke Marshall.

I think the Wizards are too dumb to use second rounders, however.

Withey still lingering.

Carmichael and Iverson as well.

But yeah, Wolters and Pierre still on the board.

[hands11]

There you go.

KG and PP to NJ

[The Consiglieri]

OK, if Rice works as a SG, I don't hate the pick. But, um, "Goodbye Webster. I really loved what do did here. Hope you have a great career on another team..."

I don't think its that, I think the team views him as a 2/3.

I suspect they envision, if they can pull it off:

PG: Wall, random scrub off the scrap heap
SG: Beal, Rice Jr
SF: Webster, Porter, Ariza, Rice Jr

and a year from now, Webster, Porter, Rice Jr.

I think the thought is that PG/SG/SF will be manned by Wall, Beal, Porter, Webster, Rice Jr and a mystery guy or two by winter '14-'15.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

There goes Iverson.

Rice is a solid pick though. Ernie was seemingly looking for NBA ready players this draft. Backup SG was a need as was bench scoring.

As others have mentioned it could of been cash.

[pancakes3]

Wall/Price
Beal/Rice/
Webster/Porter
Ariza/Singleton/Booker/Vesely
Okafor/Nene/Seraphin

?

I honestly think that if EG didn't draft a big man because it would be publicly admitting he was wrong. Maybe his pitch to Teddy is that the frontcourt is fully loaded and ready to go. It certainly looks that way. 6-7 PF/C's under contract. Why draft another one?

[nuposse04]

One thing seems for sure after this draft, the focus going forward in free agency and future drafts is the front court, and backup PG. the 2 and 3 are definitely covered.

...so you are not down with bringing back Price?

Wanna bring back Shelvin Mack?

I have to think they're leaning towards bringing Tomas over...and thinking he would be at least a lateral move...I have no problem with it it, IF they do that. I know what we get with Price...basically a solid 3rd pg who at times is overmatched as a backup PG. For all the hate Ernie's euro kids get, I won't simply dismiss Tomas as possible useful addition to the team. Just have to make sure he can come over this year.

Oh and Myck Kabongo is falling. I would invite that guy in a heartbeat if we can as an UDFA.

[Saqs]

Really confused by the GR Jr hate. The dude was projected as a mid to late first rounder by some. I think Ernie did great here.

If he doesnt let the DC club scene get to him and stays focused, he could turn into the steal of this draft IMO.

[The Consiglieri]

Are ya'll for real? Glen Rice Jr. played well in the D League, where he shouldn't even have been. The kid is tough, athletic and can shoot. If he didn't have those problems at Gtech, he would have easily been a 1st round pick this year.

No one wanted two second rounders, three if you add in Thomas S. on this roster. So they did what they had to do to get the player that they wanted. This isn't a reach pick on someone who shouldn't have been drafted and its wasn't a euro stash pick.

Coming away with Porter and Rice is a good draft and some of y'all are still pissed. That's crazy.

When you are trying to get back to respectability, yet alone the playoffs (playoffs???), you don't pick D-leaguers with a very checkered past.

Especially when Turd and Ernie were trying to convince the fan base we were done with the 'knuckleheads'

Rice Jr had a 1st round grade, or very early 2nd round grade from virtually everybody, in fact, most sources had him going in the mid to late 1st throughout June. Only a few viewed him as anything worse than a top 35 pick. He actually represented solid value where we got him. There were only about 3-4 players still available that represented close to, or equal value to Rice Jr when we traded for the pick.

[The Consiglieri]

People, PLEASE don't get me wrong....I'm NOT a HATER of the GRJr pick.....just upset because I think if we had the opportunity to get WOLTORS and KELLY......I'd go with the back-up PG and stretch 4 along with Porter. We MUST see GRJr as Beal's backup.

Damn, we didn't get two slow white guys who can't guard a door. Kelly is a FA type of player. Wolters isn't quick enough to play the point in the NBA. He's a poor man's Jeff Hornacek.

And will be playing Israel or Russia in two years...

metrics guys absolutely loved Wolters. We don't have to bash Wolters, an outstanding prospect, to justify an excellent pick in GRJR.

[doclinkin]

Pulling for CJ Leslie to go undrafted. That's John Wall's homeboy from Cafalack. He might like to give it a tryout up here.

[nuposse04]

Pulling for CJ Leslie to go undrafted. That's John Wall's homeboy from Cafalack. He might like to give it a tryout up here.

He's a tweener who can't shoot...I mean...he'd be better then vesely I guess since he isn't afraid of his own shadow but I'd like to see some low post bangers/myck be our primary focus.

[Severn Hoos]

One thing seems for sure after this draft, the focus going forward in free agency and future drafts is the front court, and backup PG. the 2 and 3 are definitely covered.

Pulling for CJ Leslie to go undrafted. That's John Wall's homeboy from Cafalack. He might like to give it a tryout up here.

doc beat me to it - was going to post how ironic it would be for us to draft 2 SFs only to find that a guy like CJ Leslie - one-time 1st round prospect and best bud of our franchise player - went undrafted.

[The Consiglieri]

Just happy with no Euro no name stash.

Satoransky had the #1 ranking among Euro Prospects in the draft last year in April, there was a slight reshuffling in May/June that dropped him to 2, but he wasn't no name stash. He just wasn't a favored pick around here. He was a relatively reasonable pick that wasn't quite worth the slot we took him in. Still, there's a reasonable chance he could be our backup PG by the winter of '14-'15.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

CCJ FYI - Wolters traded to Milwaukee...

I'm disappointed.

[Severn Hoos]

Hoping for camp invites to:

CJ Leslie
James Southerland
Jackie Carmichael
Richard Howell
Phil Pressey
Myck Kabongo
Seth Curry


Obviously, that's a lot of guys and getting one or two would be a coup. Especially hoping for a PG and a PF.