Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part II

[Dat2U]

I highly doubt we get rid of Okafor or Ariza. I mean, we're a great team because of our defense. It's not an Ernie move to dump talent early...he's got a reputation for holding on to guys far longer than he should even when we're losing, so unless those guys get ridiculous offers I think this team is basically set in its core.

Did everyone already forget that EG tried to trade Ariza for Caron Butler just less than two months ago?

[Dat2U]

I don't think either Olynyk or Muscala qualify as a "stretch four". Being a stretch four is more than just being a big man with an outside shot. You need an extremely accurate outside shot, and, more importantly, you need to have a quick release. It's the quick release that forces opposing defenders not to stray too far in help defense.

I'm not saying that this should disqualify either guy from being selected. I'm just saying that selecting them won't be the same as acquiring a guy like Ryan Anderson or Ilyasova

Yeah I'm not sure how people see Olynyk as a stretch 4. Yes, he's got an excellent skill set but he's legit 7-0 footer and his athleticism would seem to work better at the C position. He's mobile for his size, but I don't see him chasing other 4s on the perimeter.

[Dark Faze]

Not sure what that move really says about his drafting habbits though. Just shows that he's clearly looking toward vet guys/free agency to improve the team.

[doclinkin]

Can people break down why they would choose Len over Olynyk?

Olynyk is better in every category other than blocked shots. Significantly better assist man/high post player, ridiculously high TS%, accounts from players/scouts/staff don't question effort/heart (somewhat the opposite with Len), I'm having a very difficult time seeing how Len is the better prospect. Better defensive percentage despite playing with less athletic players. Good feet on PNR defense.

I mean, Len is big and fast, how many times has this organization made the mistake of going for athleticism over heart/IQ/skill.

Age difference and potential. Bigs need to be excellent defenders on contending teams. Much greater liklihood Len grows into an excellent defender than Olynyk.

I like Olynyk's offensive skill set a lot, but I prefer Len.

Also level of competition, defense, and Olynyk's performance in prior years.

Gonzaga played nobody, and lost to the 2 ranked teams they did play. Same way stats from the Mountain West conference always look suspicious to me, the Zags have had a cakewalk piling up numbers knocking over empty beer bottles. Small conference bigs who face no NBA caliber size often tend to rack up numbers, but the only stat that seems to consistently translate there is rebounding (defensive rebounding especially) -- an area where KO's production is anemic.

Olynyk is not bad, but my best read is he's not as good as his numbers suggest. Compare his sophomore year with Len's and the numbers are pretty much a wash, but with Len playing in one of the top conferences in the NCAA, and landing first team all-ACC defensive honors on a squad that defensively is highly ranked.

http://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basket ... d-goal-pct

I've seen Len generally get good position and hold his own on defense, not get shoved off his stance, make good positional reads. Yes he gets by on being tall and athletic and won't be such a swat machine at the next level, but in general his defense is in advance of his offense. He'll get hit with fouls early and often like most rooks, he'll still pan out as pretty good. Yes we may take a little while to develop him, but if that holds down his re-sign price I have no problem, he'd be backing up Meka/Nene while he grows into himself anyway.

I do think however he'll look a lot better with JWall feeding him than he does with the Terps. He won't be relied on to carry team offense, but can contribute, like say the more skilled version of last years late season Jan Vesely

Eh, I won't cry if Len's the pick.

[popper]

If Len is gone I'd seriously consider Dieng regardless of his age. I think he's one of the best defensive bigs coming out. He appears to have an incredible wingspan and an NBA-ready body. He blocks shots, rebounds, passes well and can hit the elbow jumper as well or better than Okafor does today. I think he's gone by the 12th to 14th pick so trading down might not be realistic.

I really like the idea (I forget who introduced it) of purchasing another first round pick. Sweeten with a second round choice if necessary so we can acquire another quality piece. I do agree with those that have said a smallish, penetrating, cat-quick point guard is essential to get to the next level.

[stevemcqueen1]

I like Dieng, but I also don't want to draft the next Ekpe Udoh with our pick. He should be going at the back end of round 1, not in the lottery.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I can see Len shoot up the boards but I just can't see this organization at this stage in its development take a chance on a raw prospect like him, or any raw prospect in that regard. That is unless they make a move for a third piece via a trade of Okafor or Ariza w/ pieces and feel like a rookie can play a few minutes off the bench and develop. I know Fab Melo isn't as highly reagrded a prospect, but they didn't even want him for free!! I'm guessing one of two things happen:

1. They take a player who can offer a tangible skill and be projected as a rotational player Yr 1. Oladipo can play D; Otto is versatile and brings a lot to the table; Zeller has experience, has decent shooting touch, and can give you 20 minutes behind Okafor/ Nene; and Shabazz can give you instant offense. One of these 4 should be there...

2. Trade the pick with an expiring for that third building block. They were likely hesitant to include the pick when negotiating for Rudy Gay or Smith based on their respective contract situations and how high our pick was at that point, but it may no longer be the case. The question is what teams will be looking to tank in anticipation of the '14 FA/ Draft classes and who is attainable?

Regarding Len, he did some things to impress me, but also did some Javale type things that scared me. He shot a couple of step back long 2s, he forced a drive & got tied up for a jump ball, and that around the backboard shot was impressive, but also showed low bball IQ. Its a tough pick to sell given this FO's failures in developing raw big men like Len.

Has anyone considered the possible explanation as to why Ernie had no interest in Fab Melo is perhaps because it has been Ernie's PLAN all along to draft Len ??

[stevemcqueen1]

Has anyone considered the possible explanation as to why Ernie had no interest in Fab Melo is perhaps because it has been Ernie's PLAN all along to draft Len ??

Or it could simply be that Fab Melo isn't very good.

[Ruzious]

Has anyone considered the possible explanation as to why Ernie had no interest in Fab Melo is perhaps because it has been Ernie's PLAN all along to draft Len ??

Or it could simply be that Fab Melo isn't very good.

That is the correct answer. He's got some ability, but he's awfully green.

[Ruzious]

I would take Withey over Dieng, because Withey showed this season that he can be a 2-way center - not a great one - but a very solid one. His fluidity and feel for the game on offense really impressed me, and he obviously does a fine job on defense - despite the Michigan game. Of course - like with Dieng - being 23 is an issue. Dieng's the better rebounder and might have a slight edge on defense, but I prefer Withey overall.

[stevemcqueen1]

McDonalds game is on ESPN. What's with all of the camouflage jerseys all of the sudden?

They're talking about Aaron Gordon now. Arizona is going to have a ton of talent next year.

[stevemcqueen1]

Surprised the East team is losing this, they are absolutely loaded. Noah Vonleh has popped so far. If Zeller goes back to school to finish his degree...

[stevemcqueen1]

This upcoming freshman class is unbelievably athletic. So much talent. The Kentucky commits alone would probably be half the top ten picks this year.

Any team that trades a 2014 first is absolutely stupid. That draft class is going to change the landscape of the league, especially when you factor in all the potential FA movement. Some horrible teams are going to have their fortunes changed.

[stevemcqueen1]

Holy crap. Game turning into a dunk show. Julius Randle and Andrew Wiggins threw down two sick dunks consecutively.

1.) Andrew Wiggins
2.) Julius Randle
3.) Andrew Harrison
4.) Aaron Gordon
5.) Jabari Parker

Would be the first five picks in this year's draft class if they were eligible. Noel might have been able to creep into the top five if he hadn't gotten hurt. Maybe...

[jivelikenice]

I haven't seen much of Len, but does he compare to Valanciunas? I've read that comp and they at least looks like they have similar builds and style of play.

[truwizfan4evr]

Every year someone good drops from the top 6 does anyone think the wizards could get a steal this year?

[hands11]

Wow. Every player on Marylands team short of Len are biggest ball hog shot jackers I have ever seen.

Its like a team of Crawford at his worst.

Len must be so happy he is leaving.

Zen looked totally tuned in. He didn't look like this last time I saw him.

I would have zero problem if the Wizards picked up this kid. Actually he looks like a really nice fit. They need a center who is long athletic can block shots, hit FT, set picks, etc.

Like a more athletic Z.

Man, if they could get Len and say Muscala that would dramatically change the dynamics of this team.

Nene/Okafor/Len/Muscala

fantastic point !

but i still see Olynyk as a better pick than len, but, i would not be shocked is Olynyk was taken before we even get to him. So, i would not hate a len pick, im jsut not as high on him as i once was.

I see them a very different types of players. Olynyk isn't going to anchor a defense.

http://nbadraft.net/2013mock_draft

Looks like some people are starting to take notice. Len moving up the charts. He is 6th on this board.

Zeller moving down the charts. As expected.
And Isaiah Austin is way back in round two.

It may take the Wizards a few more loses if they want a crack at Len. I think they will more likely then not generate those Ls though. I could easily see the wheel about to fall off this thing given the schedule and injuries. Beal is out. Webby and Nene are a game away from shutting it down. Bookers hand is bother him. I see it every game. Players are toughing it out but they are limping over the finish line.

This could get ugly down the stretch. But as hard as that will be to watch closing out the season that way, it should benefit them in the long run.

Their depth was pretty terrible this year. They did upgrade their starters. And Wall and Beal made lots of improvements which is great. That was key as a goal for the year. Now they need to draft some quality depth and I see it in this draft. Plus Len has good starter potential for the following year while he learns under Okafor and Nene.

[hands11]

Last night, Len was in the paint when an Iowa player set up to take an open 3 pointer. Len shot out of the paint and almost blocked the shot. That play alone left me very impressed by both Len's quick reaction and his foot speed.

Of course, at Len's size all it took was two long steps for him to get from underneath the basket to the perimeter.

Right now, assuming the Zards are picking 8-10 and he's available, I'm drafting Len....over Olynyk, Zeller or any other big man who might be available.

I saw that play and had the same reaction. That really got my attention. That was an NBA quality close out.

But he did a ton of good stuff in that game. Nice timing on some blocks. He really spread out in the paint. Just took up a ton of room. Looked like a Condor out there. Okafor is a very solid center but he doesn't eat up space like that. People still driven the paint when Okafor is down there. Len has the size to will make people stop and think about even trying. Thats a different kind of center. We don't have that.

And didn't he just add some weight this off season. He is still really lean. 15-20 more lbs on that large frame and he is going to be legit in the NBA.

[hands11]

I don't think either Olynyk or Muscala qualify as a "stretch four". Being a stretch four is more than just being a big man with an outside shot. You need an extremely accurate outside shot, and, more importantly, you need to have a quick release. It's the quick release that forces opposing defenders not to stray too far in help defense.

I'm not saying that this should disqualify either guy from being selected. I'm just saying that selecting them won't be the same as acquiring a guy like Ryan Anderson or Ilyasova

I actually think Muscala adds a good bit of what Nene does offensively. Not exactly the same skill set but he is a good passer. He has a great left hand post game. He can hit the mid range and even a bit farther.

Add Len and Muscala to go with Nene and Okafor and we are looking pretty for next year and down the road. Then we have time to find Nene's longer term replacement.

You add Pierre and we will have the extra PG we need. Dude is a smaller Smart with better handles and he just knows how to play. Kid would add a ton of heart to the team. Plus, he can cover the small PGs for us.

Thats pretty much it. Find your back up SG and you're ready to roll. Do that by trading extra stuff or via FA. If Webby takes too much of the MLE, redo Okafors contract over 2 years at 12.5 and pick up a few more mil.

Webby at 4M ish and pick up that extra SG with the Okafor savings and the 1M left from the MLE.

Something like that.

[DANNYLANDOVER]

If we aim for mediocrity (i.e. 7th pr 8th seed) next season, I'll be really pissed. O really want to see Aaron Gordon on this team or Julius Randle/Wiggins/Parker/Vonleh...man, Nene needs to be traded this off season.