2012 NBA Draft - Part V

[closg00]

OK.......I really wish I was in a position to make a decision for the future of the Wiz.....

At # 3 I would not take Beal. I like his game but worried about the size and ability to guard a true NBA SG. The only player that I would certainly take at #3 is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. I'm on the fence about T. Robinson at #3 only because he will cause a log jam of PF's on our team.

I LIKE JEREMY LAMB

Jeremy Lamb is a true 6'5 SG and his wingspan could be a benefit on both ends of the court. He can shoot the ball just as good as Beal but his jumper doesn't look as pretty. He has a very good handle on him and can take players one on one better than Beal.

I look at Jeremy Lamb as a true scorer in the NBA being able to score all over the court. Beal is a shooter.

We should attempt to trade down. Trade #3....Booker.....to Portland for #6 and #11. Take Lamb at #6 and either Sullinger/T. Jones/Henson/Zeller at #11.

Mark my words that Jeremy Lamb will be a star in the NBA and whoever passes up on him will hate themselves.

Lamb has been getting a lot of hate on this board, but I've got a gut-feeling that he is going to a stud. A couple of these other shooting guards are going to be on-par with Beal most-likely, it's just trying to figure-out which one(s).

[payitforward]

Another circulating rumor - Cavs offering picks 4 & 24 to the Cats for pick #2, they obviously want to nab Beal. Who would give-up Beal for that deal? That deal might be good-enough to get you TRob and Jenkins.

If the cats don't make that deal I might do it contingently (i.e. if both MK-G and Beal are there at 3). I'd want to swap our #46 for their #34 as part of the deal, however; given the number of picks they have, this might not pose a problem for them.

[payitforward]

Lamb has been getting a lot of hate on this board....

Lamb reminds me of Nick Young but with less personality.

[Nivek]

New mock draft at DR moves Will Barton into the first round along w/ John Jenkins, both of whom I like, and shows us taking Orlando Johnson while DLamb and Jared Cunningham are still on the board (not to mention Jae Crowder).

Johnson is 23. He had a much better Junior year than Senior year. But he has produced in college, no question. Nivek, what does YODA say about him? For that matter, how about Jared Cunningham?

Crowder, Gordon (whose numbers jump out at me) and Draymond Green are still on the board at that pick. Any of them, especially Crowder, look like to me like more value than Johnson.

At 46, DR has us taking Kostas Papanikolaou (thank God for Ctrl-C!!) whoever he is. Leaving English on the board. Denmon isn't even listed. He must have killed his stock in the NJ combined workout. Given what he did in college, I don't get it.

YODA has Orlando Johnson rated as worth an early 2nd round pick. Cunningham: a late 2nd rounder.

In my analysis, Crowder and Denmon still look like they'll make good pros, despite measuring short. It's hard for me to ignore terrific production on good teams against high quality competition. The difficulty for them will be getting over the hurdle of their draft position.

Drew Gordon looks like a late 1st/early 2nd rounder in YODA.

[sfam]

I'm not drafting him if he can't grow the James Harden beard

Forget the Harden beard, I want Beal to grow a John Lennon beard!

[DCZards]

I totally agree with those who are saying that we're making FAR too much of Beal's measurements. It's not like he's terribly undersized. Focusing on Beal's reach, length or height, all of which could change in the next year or two, ignores what he obviously brings to the table---a great shooting stroke, an above avg. motor, a high bball IQ, maturity beyond his years,a strong body, and a good work ethic. And, given his size, his rebounding numbers in college says to me that he is both tough and athletic.

[payitforward]

YODA has Orlando Johnson rated as worth an early 2nd round pick. Cunningham: a late 2nd rounder.

In my analysis, Crowder and Denmon still look like they'll make good pros, despite measuring short. It's hard for me to ignore terrific production on good teams against high quality competition.

Drew Gordon looks like a late 1st/early 2nd rounder in YODA.

Excellent and thanks! I'd love another early round 2 pick, and to come out of the draft w/ Beal or MK-G along with Crowder, Gordon and Denmon. Or make it Doron Lamb and sign Denmon undrafted. (Johnson is too old for this kind of long-shot pick imo)

It's strange the way GMs often do ignore production -- and then watch the players they ignored flourish in the league. In truth, I think they are terrible at their jobs overall. Or, at least, at the player decisions that are so important in their jobs.

[payitforward]

I totally agree with those who are saying that we're making FAR too much of Beal's measurements. It's not like he's terribly undersized. Focusing on Beal's reach, length or height, all of which could change in the next year or two, ignores what he obviously brings to the table---a great shooting stroke, an above avg. motor, a high bball IQ, maturity beyond his years,a strong body, and a good work ethic. And, given his size, his rebounding numbers in college says to me that he is both tough and athletic.

Not to mention how utterly unreliable the measurements are -- Jonathon Givony of DR tweeted that "Jae Crowder's standing reach was 102.75 in NJ, but only 99 in Chicago. Grew an inch and 1/4 in height, but lost almost 4 inches in reach."

[nate33]

From the draft board:

The more I look at these measurements, the more I'm suspicious. Drummond's height and wingspan are very similar to DeAndre Jordan and Demarcus Cousins, but his reach 3.5-4 inches shorter. Zeller is the same height as Chris Kaman with a longer wingspan, but somehow has 6 inches less reach. Perry Jones has the same reach as Kevin Love despite being 2.5 inches taller and 2.5 inches longer wingspan. Meyers Leonard and Anthony Davis have the same reach as Derrick Williams despite being significantly taller and longer.

Something seems off with the way they are measuring standing reach this year.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

From the draft board:

The more I look at these measurements, the more I'm suspicious. Drummond's height and wingspan are very similar to DeAndre Jordan and Demarcus Cousins, but his reach 3.5-4 inches shorter. Zeller is the same height as Chris Kaman with a longer wingspan, but somehow has 6 inches less reach. Perry Jones has the same reach as Kevin Love despite being 2.5 inches taller and 2.5 inches longer wingspan. Meyers Leonard and Anthony Davis have the same reach as Derrick Williams despite being significantly taller and longer.

Something seems off with the way they are measuring standing reach this year.

Maybe they're measuring standing reach without shoes this year?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Watching the combine, I've solidified my choices at 3 to be Thomas Robinson and Bradley Beal. To me they seem the most mature, the most ready to contribute, and they have as much upside as anyone. Measurements aside, just watching them on the court with these other prospects they stand out. Their demeanor and how they carry themselves, as well as how they just look physically.

At 3 I want either Robinson or Beal.

At 32 I'm liking Jeff Taylor, Doron Lamb, and Darius Miller.

At 46 I'm interested in Scott Machado, Hollis Thompson, and Buford.


If it's between Beal and Robinson at 3 (if Bobcats take MKG)... I think my mind says Beal, but heart says Robinson. The interviews I've seen and read, and his desire to play for DC, to me he's the guy. I mean the thought of essentially replacing Blatche on this team with Robinson could be such a revelation for this franchise, and give this team the kick in the pants it needs for a real turnaround.

[Terpman]

I think I'm set on:

1. Kidd-Gilchrist
1a. Beal

Either guy will thrill me. I'm very happy we got a top 3 pick in this particular draft. We can sign a shooter @ 2G if we get MKG, or we can sign a top SF (Batum?) if we draft Beal. Either way, we're adding some solid talent to this team.

[80sballboy]

I totally agree with those who are saying that we're making FAR too much of Beal's measurements. It's not like he's terribly undersized. Focusing on Beal's reach, length or height, all of which could change in the next year or two, ignores what he obviously brings to the table---a great shooting stroke, an above avg. motor, a high bball IQ, maturity beyond his years,a strong body, and a good work ethic. And, given his size, his rebounding numbers in college says to me that he is both tough and athletic.

Agreed. Every pick after Davis has a question mark. Who cares if he grows and inch or two? The guy can stroke it.

[willbcocks]

I stopped growing when I was 13. Sigh.

[dangermouse]

^can relate.

a 4 year old relative called me immature recently.

was a bit of an eye opener, but i finished burping the alphabet anyway.

[hands11]

DVR'd the combine and some quick thoughts about what I saw.

Beal, Rivers and Lamb look the same height which just makes me more comfortable with Beal. Liked seeing them make fun of Beal messing up his agility test.

Baylor PJ3, wow he's about as physically impressive a player I've ever seen. I'll say this right now, If you can tap into his mind for him to believe he's the man he's going to be the second best player in this draft. All I've seen is lack of confidence in him as the major drawback but I don't sense he's weak. I think Baylor held him back and other than Davis I think he's the safest pick in the draft. His skills will translate and if he's "coached up" I think you're getting a perennial allstar.

Lillard looks a little too small to play 2g though that's probably his best position.

I was happy to see Hummel out there without knee braces.

Sullinger, snackin'!

Leonard is going to be a lottery pick and I wouldn't' be surprised if he moves into the top 5. Whether he's going to be a good player I highly question. If he focuses his mind to defending and rebounding I think he can start in the NBA. Meaning start on any team.

They should know better than to put MKG live on camera. He's a kid, I hated seeing that.

Drummond moves ridiculously well for a 6'll player.

Watched Drummond's combine interview. He's going to need a very disciplined program because he's aloof. After watching games, hearing him talk and how he thinks I'm confident saying he's aloof. I question whether or not he's going to be "all in". If he can't handle it and I could see that during team interviews I wouldn't touch him. I sense he might respond well in a good system with teammates who make sure he's focused on and off the court.

Nice review.. Thanks. I missed it.

I agree. Perry is the one to take a chance on not Drummond. Perry could be a TMAC. But if someone molds him correctly, you could get a more defensive player who could be part of a winner. There is potential to be better then TMAC. It could take a while to build though. Perry is one of those players that need to go to the right team in order to bring out his potential. Some players can go almost anywhere and they will become great if they have it in them. Love for example. Perry needs to land in the right place.

Hey, look at LeBron. He is just now really coming into his own. LeBron over the next 4-5 year could truly dominate. He has been a very good player but what we could see while be a different level. He seems to finally be growing up.

This next series is going to be one of the best we have seen in a while. Its going to be more then just good basketball players. They are also athletic as well.

Now it will become a a battle of management. Who can keep the best team together over the next 4 years.

The things Beal is not good at right now like creating off the dribble really are not a big deal for the Wizards. Wall will handle the ball and hit him when open or feed the post which will finish or get it back out to him on a spot up. He has time to develop the Wade part of his game. Not a big deal.

Great rebounder for a SG though. Everything Nick wasn't. Craw can do the driving when needed.

Beal is what the team most needs. He fits.

They can see how Ves and KS improve with post rebounding and boxing out and add more then later if needed.

[hands11]

DraftExpress: Bradley Beal Video Scouting Report: http://t.co/PCYNoS8L

I like him. You want to like someone less, click on the Jeremy Lamb video scouting report near the bottom of the page. In fact, I'd say watch the Waiters report and the Lillard report as well, then say who looks best. (Lillard looks outstanding, btw -- then you see that it's a game vs. Montana or UT Arlington).

Beal looks way ahead of the rest of them in pretty much every skill -- esp. his shooting stroke -- and also way ahead developmentally. He just plays strong and smart in every aspect. Then you think "this kid is 18..." Looks to me like he's going to be a heck of a player.

As I watch him, he seems never to need to react; he's already seen the situation, and he's there. I can't put Waiters, Lillard or Lamb on his level at all.

Just a quick edit to suggest watching him out-rebound 6'7" Jeff Taylor several times, and some concerns about his size go away.

I agree with the report. I remember when I saw him on the court. I thought he looked like a SF. He just seemed bigger then his reported height. That started making me thing Wade. Wade plays bigger. So if this kid is some combo of Ray Allen and Wade, how can you oo wrong. He is more an Allen personality but he has some of that Wade fire.

I said Beal from the start. I still like the kid. That takes nothing away from the other players. I think Robinson will be great also. This is turning out to be a very nice draft. Zeller. Some of the PGs. Some of the later round picks.

I was wrong thinking this wasn't as good of a draft as it is turning out to be. There are some NBA ready players and some projects but lots of talent. Beal is NBA ready.

[hands11]

John Wall grew a half inch between the time he was drafted and 2011. I don't see how or why Beal will stop growing. He's only 18, I'm guessing he's going to grow an inch or two taller before it's all said and done. Just throwing that out there because I think we're over analyzing his measurements and not realizing the kid still is growing.

I would take a combo of Ray Allen and Eric Gordon any day of the week.

We are a not doing that. Just some are. I was never concerned about his height. I saw the kid on the court. He never looked short to me. Actually he played and looked the opposite.

[hands11]

John Wall grew a half inch between the time he was drafted and 2011. I don't see how or why Beal will stop growing. He's only 18, I'm guessing he's going to grow an inch or two taller before it's all said and done. Just throwing that out there because I think we're over analyzing his measurements and not realizing the kid still is growing.

I would take a combo of Ray Allen and Eric Gordon any day of the week.

Growing after 18 is the exception, not the rule. It could happen though.

I'm with Dat, I think. MKG is alone in tier 2 now. I've been trying to think of a comp at small forward, but with his temperament, I really think MKG is like the SF version of KG.

I wouldnt agree with that. I dont think MKG is the long second tier player. I wouldn't even out him as the second pick.

[hands11]

Lamb has been getting a lot of hate on this board....

Lamb reminds me of Nick Young but with less personality.

Yes