2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[payitforward]

Looney's a fit, but Tyus Jones is simply a better player. If Jones goes before 19, Cameron Payne might be the best pick - he's a lot like Jones - but not quite as good.

If Jones is there at our pick, I would not be unhappy with him as the pick.

I don't feel nearly as confident about Payne -- though his numbers this year were terrific. He's almost 2 years older than Jones btw.

Then again... I've been wrong before! It's perfectly possible that neither of those guys -- nor Looney -- works out!

I'm a little closer to certain that Harrell *won't* work out -- for that reason, I have this awful feeling that... that... that... well you know what worries me ("we've had our eyes on Montrezl for a long time. He...": Ernie Grunfeld at the post-draft press conference in my bad dream).

[Ruzious]

And there are 2 guys that you have to do a lot of due diligence work on - George Lucas - the big talented raw point guard from the nation of "overseas" and troubled 7 footer Robert Upshaw - who basically got kicked out of 2 universities for what appears to be marijuana use - and could have issues similar to Larry Sanders. I don't think there's been any word of Upshaw making himself eligible for the draft, so I expect his problems have not gone away. With Lucas - projected to go 30th - it seems to be a matter of how patient are you willing to be. If Jones and Portis are gone, do you settle for Looney or Harrell? Or do you take a chance and wait on someone like Lucas?

[gambitx777]

I can live with Looney, But I would rather have Portis or Wood. I would consider RJ Hunter if all the good bigs are gone. Chris McCullough is interesting too, he is projected to be a first rounder but he could slip to us in the second round. and don't forget about Rakeem Christmas
I would go Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Christmas.

[pcbothwel]

I can live with Looney, But I would rather have Portis or Wood. I would consider RJ Hunter if all the good bigs are gone. Chris McCullough is interesting too, he is projected to be a first rounder but he could slip to us in the second round. and don't forget about Rakeem Christmas
I would go Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Christmas.

I have the same rankings. This really is a big selection for EG/Wizards as the list of PF's is enticing:
Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Mickey, Brice Johnson, Cliff Alexander

I think Portis or Wood are the best fit. Im really intrigued by Wood because of how young he is (19 y/o sophomore) with great length and athleticism. He shoots about 80% from the FT line so I have faith that his range will continue to extend. I dont think his rebounding will translate quite as well, but we have good rebounders at every other position so im not too worried.

[No-Man]

I have Looney going to Washington now with the news about many guys coming back.
I am not a fan of his game, but if he can get a reliable shot going for him he is an obvious fit for this team.
If Lyles will hapen to be available, or Portis, they will be my picks, but I highly doubt that.
I think Jameer Nelson is going to get signed, so thats why I dont give the Wiz a Guard, also Satoransky is playing well and could come over.

[Ruzious]

Portis seems like the player who might be there that the board as a whole would be satisfied with. Some might prefer a player or 2 more than him but would still be fine with him as the pick.

Wood is really a boom or bust player, and most of those long thin athletic players seem to have a lot of trouble due to lack of strength. He's got the talent, but he also has a lot of issues with fundamentals - which would require teaching - and I'm doubtful the Wiz are an organization that would help him enough in that area.

[gambitx777]

I can live with Looney, But I would rather have Portis or Wood. I would consider RJ Hunter if all the good bigs are gone. Chris McCullough is interesting too, he is projected to be a first rounder but he could slip to us in the second round. and don't forget about Rakeem Christmas
I would go Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Christmas.

I have the same rankings. This really is a big selection for EG/Wizards as the list of PF's is enticing:
Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Mickey, Brice Johnson, Cliff Alexander

I think Portis or Wood are the best fit. Im really intrigued by Wood because of how young he is (19 y/o sophomore) with great length and athleticism. He shoots about 80% from the FT line so I have faith that his range will continue to extend. I dont think his rebounding will translate quite as well, but we have good rebounders at every other position so im not too worried.

I personally like wood a little better than portis, but I admit that it's just my opinion. The rebounding will come in time, but the range and the shot blocking that's instinct, and will only get better with time. I'm a little curious. How do you feel about Looney and McCullough, McCullough could be a huge steal since he was injured, but Looney is the clear safer bet? I also noticed you did not mention Christmas?

[MikeTheKid]

So we kept our 2nd Round pick

Yeah - kudo's to Ernie on this. He had top 49 protection on the pick, and we end up with the 49th pick. It was his great foresight that came through. Now watch him sell the pick - seriously. Draftexpress.com has Jordan Mickey being available at that pick. To me, Mickey should go top 25 in the draft, so I would most likely pick him if he's available. But yeah, I expect we won't be keeping that pick.

It's like I said... he's going to give the pick to Boston anyway and take back a Legal Seafood discount coupon. I'm joking about the coupon, but I'm serious about the other part.

I was actually just thinking about Jarell Martin or Jordan Mickey with a pick. Both guys from LSU complimented each other well in the frontcourt. I like Mickey alot but Martin intrigues me cause hes the better athlete. He can hit a 15 footer but stretching out further IDK. I think Ernie will keep the pick seeing as he botched Jordan Clarkson pick by selling the 2nd rounder he may want to keep it this year.

Andrew Harrison would be a late 2nd round pickup but he seems like too much work or he's spend alot of time in the D-league.

Its still shocking to me that Dez isnt getting more looks in mock drafts. Hes better than most in the 2nd round. We might easily snatch him after the draft as a SL invite.

[Ruzious]

I have Looney going to Washington now with the news about many guys coming back.
I am not a fan of his game, but if he can get a reliable shot going for him he is an obvious fit for this team.
If Lyles will hapen to be available, or Portis, they will be my picks, but I highly doubt that.
I think Jameer Nelson is going to get signed, so thats why I dont give the Wiz a Guard, also Satoransky is playing well and could come over.

I think you're right that all things being equal they want a PF - actually a stretch 4, but there's no point in signing Nelson when they already have Sessions signed for next season. They're using Gooden a lot (ahead of Humphries) because of his perceived ability to stretch defenses, and you gotta figure he doesn't fit in their long-term plans.

[No-Man]

Sessions is a scrub, he cant be more than a 3rd PG, the Wizards need back-up Guards badly.
But not rookies, vets.

[gambitx777]

We should not use the pick on a guard. We can get than in the second round or later or in FA. I still feel like Dez Wells is a sure thing for us, if he does not get drafted, or we will draft him. I would love to pick up too bigs in the draft then sign Dez and bring in thomas. this team needs youth.

[Ruzious]

Sessions is a scrub, he cant be more than a 3rd PG, the Wizards need back-up Guards badly.
But not rookies, vets.

I'm not a big Sessions fan either, but Nelson's basically the same thing - maybe worse - at this point in their careers. If they add another veteran, get a different kind of player. They picked Clarkson last draft and then sold him to the Lakers. That's something that's going to haunt the Wiz for a long while.

[stevemcqueen1]

I would consider moving up a few spots for Lyles. I think he's the best of that tier of PFs. And I think he could be an early contributor. The kid looks confident and vocal and he has an NBA ready body.

[stevemcqueen1]

One big thing I like about Lyles is he can shoot after taking a dribble or two. That gives him the potential for a much more expansive mid range game than we get from Humphries, Nene, or Gortat.

I think he could develop an NBA three ball in a couple years of work. He's already got range to 19 or 20 feet. And I can see him having the ability to pump fake the close out defender, step inside the line for a dribble or two and nail the open jumper. More than your typical big that just catches and shoots the 18 footer.

He actually reminds me a lot of Otto in a PF's body.

[krii]

Draft Mateusz Ponitka in the second round and both PG/SG would be filled

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mat ... itka-6130/

[stevemcqueen1]

Or Chandler Parsons with a post game is another comparison I can see with Lyles. Less of a handle but more of a natural PF body and skill set.

He's a tweener forward, which means he has to get drafted into the right situation. But if he develops a three ball like Parsons did, he'll be a very valuable offensive role player.

The only real hesitation I've got about him is, like Parsons, you're going to have to hide him between good defenders and have him play a limited role in your team D.

[Ruzious]

One big thing I like about Lyles is he can shoot after taking a dribble or two. That gives him the potential for a much more expansive mid range game than we get from Humphries, Nene, or Gortat.

I think he could develop an NBA three ball in a couple years of work. He's already got range to 19 or 20 feet. And I can see him having the ability to pump fake the close out defender, step inside the line for a dribble or two and nail the open jumper. More than your typical big that just catches and shoots the 18 footer.

He actually reminds me a lot of Otto in a PF's body.

He didn't even make college 3's - and he played mostly small forward at KY - he had the chance, so it's a huge stretch to project him to ever be a 3 point threat in the NBA. There's just nothing special about him - he doesn't have any special skill, and he's only a decent athlete. I also question whether he plays physically enough for the NBA. I think his ceiling is a poor man's Juwan Howard.

[Ruzious]

Draft Mateusz Ponitka in the second round and both PG/SG would be filled

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mat ... itka-6130/

The nicest thing I can think of to say is... he'll definitely be available.

[pcbothwel]

I can live with Looney, But I would rather have Portis or Wood. I would consider RJ Hunter if all the good bigs are gone. Chris McCullough is interesting too, he is projected to be a first rounder but he could slip to us in the second round. and don't forget about Rakeem Christmas
I would go Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Christmas.

I have the same rankings. This really is a big selection for EG/Wizards as the list of PF's is enticing:
Portis, Wood, Looney, McCullough, Mickey, Brice Johnson, Cliff Alexander

I think Portis or Wood are the best fit. Im really intrigued by Wood because of how young he is (19 y/o sophomore) with great length and athleticism. He shoots about 80% from the FT line so I have faith that his range will continue to extend. I dont think his rebounding will translate quite as well, but we have good rebounders at every other position so im not too worried.

I personally like wood a little better than portis, but I admit that it's just my opinion. The rebounding will come in time, but the range and the shot blocking that's instinct, and will only get better with time. I'm a little curious. How do you feel about Looney and McCullough, McCullough could be a huge steal since he was injured, but Looney is the clear safer bet? I also noticed you did not mention Christmas?

i think Christmas will find a place in the league, but im really looking at the PF spot and someone who can step out and stretch the floor.
RE McCullough: There is something about him that doesnt seem right. I cant put my finger on it, but i dont see the upside/talent that everyone sees. He was older than everyone else in his class and there is not a great track record for older players(than their comp). While a great athlete, I dont see a good shooting touch and he is undersized. I keep seeing that he is listed at 6'9 or 6'10 and 220lbs, but his measurements to date show he is just above 6'8 and has never measured over 200lbs. In the 2nd round, sure, why not take a flyer. But I think Wood, Portis, and Looney are the guys we need to burn the midnight oil on, because at least one of them is going to be a starter on a contender in this league and could sure as hell use it at the 4.

[dckingsfan]

Lots of love for Bobby Portis - haven't seen him play - so why would he help and when?