LyricalRico wrote:rockymac52 wrote:Here's my issue with taking Bennett with the 3rd pick: why not trade back with the T'Wolves and get the 9th pick, possibly the 26th pick as well, and Derrick Williams, who is clearly a very similar player to Bennett?
I understand that the people in the pro-Bennett camp probably think Bennett is going to be much better than D-Will at the NBA level, which would change your perspective on such a trade down, but honestly, what makes you guys think that Bennett will be significantly better than D-Will in the NBA? Why was D-Will such a disappointment, but Bennett won't fall into the same trap?
This.
The funny thing about this take, especially coming from an Otto backer, is that if I knew, guaranteed, the pick was Porter, I would trade down for #9, #26 and Williams in a heartbeat. I think that's vastly more valuable than Porter alone who I think is at least a 50/50 shot to be no more valuable and possibly less than the 9th pick all by itself.
I would definitely do that trade if I knew Porter was the pick (and it does sound like they are leaning Porter at this point based on the latest rumor from Ford). I just don't think a pick of Porter at #3 can be remotely justified unless you are confident ahead of time, that he will develop into something far more than a "solid" player like Pelton believes (and he's been saying as much for a while). Unless there is a clear belief that Porter can and probably will develop into one of the best 3 players in the draft, he shouldn't be the pick. Far too many are satisfied with him merely because he plays a position of need, has high BBIQ, and is a hard worker. That's all well and good, but if his athleticism limits him to merely a solid 3 at the next level, the pick will be a bust at worst, and a disappointing pick at best. I'm not interested in that, which is why I'm not in favor of Porter. I simply believe you have to aim higher than starting roster player. I would go with whomever we think has the best chance of living up to his ceiling among Noel, Oladipo, Bennett, Len etc or dealing down.
As I've said before, though, if you believe Porter has greatness in him because of his intelligence, his work habits, maybe his length and improved shot, than I would completely believe in the pick. I just have not come across virtually any scout that feels that way about him other than the analytics guy at espn, and I did not "see" it when I watched him play. But betting on smarts and work habits if the player is athletic enough is always worth while. I suppose that's the question at the end of the day, can his level of athletic ability, in tandem with his work habits and brain allow for greatness, or very goodness.
