Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part VI

[dandridge 10]

Apologies, I was making a broader point to the use of Dray as Bennett's comparison. Dray has been used as a character comparison to Bennett more than once, hence the spate of posts wondering if our team can survive a borderline knucklehead like Bennett.

No worries and TBH, I'm not even worried about his defensive focus. Obviously, if he is indeed undersized then... well ****... but with our team's defense first attitude, I have a feeling playing behind 3 defensive specialists in Ariza, Nene, and Okafor will really help him.

Right now, my ONLY concern about Bennett is his injury history. Just iffy about adding an injury prone player to an injury prone team.

I don't know how defense is not a concern. Being around defensive guys doesn't make one a good defender. If Bennett is Antawn Jamison bad on defense, nothing is hiding that. And looking at what he did in college, he gave a very Antawn Jamison like effort on defense. That gives me great reason for concern.

Not only what Dat said, but I don't know how you can rely on Bennett playing behind 3 defensive specialists since both Ariza and Okafor are FA at the end of this year and Nene has a hard time staying on the court (and because of this, half the board is looking to move him as soon as he regains some value). IMHO, it would be unwise to make draft picks based on the presence of Ariza or Okafor, let alone Nene. If Ernie is going to decide who to pick based on current personnel, he should focus mainly on Wall and Beal and how that person would fit with them.

[Zonkerbl]

His blocks per game were lots higher than Jamison. Granted, the sales pitch that he's better than Jamison is similar to saying Gobert is better than Vesely.

If anything, that concerns me more. Here is a guy who obviously has the physical tools to play good defense, and yet he doesn't. WHY????

[nate33]

I don't know how defense is not a concern. Being around defensive guys doesn't make one a good defender. If Bennett is Antawn Jamison bad on defense, nothing is hiding that. And looking at what he did in college, he gave a very Antawn Jamison like effort on defense. That gives me great reason for concern.

Dat2U,

What did you think about Blake Griffin's defense in college? I thought he was just as bad as Bennett.

Here's a little comparison between Bennett and freshman Griffin:

Code: Select all

   Griffin   Bennett
pts/40  20.7   22.0
reb/40  12.8   11.1
ast/40   2.6    1.3
blk/40   1.2    1.6
stl/40   1.4    1.0
pf/40    3.5    3.2
2P%      0.57   0.58
TS%      0.58   0.60
FT%      0.59   0.70
FTA/40   6.0    6.9
PER      28.8   27.6
Span     6-11   7-1
Reach    8-9   ???

Assuming Bennett's reach is 8-9, they're practically identical other than the fact that Griffin played in a better conference.

I also look at Bennett's slightly puffy appearance as both a positive and a negative. The fact that he could put up such good numbers despite a less than ideal physique suggest he could improve physically with a proper conditioning program. (It also suggests that he might not work hard enough on his body.)

[FAH1223]

we should keep our 2014 pick... trading future picks is stupid especially since we are a couple injuries away from being in the lottery again.

[AFM]

I don't know how defense is not a concern. Being around defensive guys doesn't make one a good defender. If Bennett is Antawn Jamison bad on defense, nothing is hiding that. And looking at what he did in college, he gave a very Antawn Jamison like effort on defense. That gives me great reason for concern.

Dat2U,

What did you think about Blake Griffin's defense in college? I thought he was just as bad as Bennett.

Here's a little comparison between Bennett and freshman Griffin:

Code: Select all

   Griffin   Bennett
pts/40  20.7   22.0
reb/40  12.8   11.1
ast/40   2.6    1.3
blk/40   1.2    1.6
stl/40   1.4    1.0
pf/40    3.5    3.2
2P%      0.57   0.58
TS%      0.58   0.60
FT%      0.59   0.70
FTA/40   6.0    6.9
PER      28.8   27.6
Span     6-11   7-1
Reach    8-9   ???

Assuming Bennett's reach is 8-9, they're practically identical other than the fact that Griffin played in a better conference.

I also look at Bennett's slightly puffy appearance as both a positive and a negative. The fact that he could put up such good numbers despite a less than ideal physique suggest he could improve physically with a proper conditioning program. (It also suggests that he might not work hard enough on his body.)

Really good stuff. Don't forget that Bennett can shoot the 3 way better than Griffin.

[TGW]

When's the last time a 6'7 big man really made an impact in this league? Chuck and Ben Wallace. That's about it. Those guys were freaks of nature...Bennett is not. He's a kid I would pass on.

[GhostsOfGil]

Not only what Dat said, but I don't know how you can rely on Bennett playing behind 3 defensive specialists since both Ariza and Okafor are FA at the end of this year and Nene has a hard time staying on the court (and because of this, half the board is looking to move him as soon as he regains some value). IMHO, it would be unwise to make draft picks based on the presence of Ariza or Okafor, let alone Nene. If Ernie is going to decide who to pick based on current personnel, he should focus mainly on Wall and Beal and how that person would fit with them.

My point is that he can learn a lot from being on a team with guys who have a strong defensive foundation... rather than the old wiz kids ala Blatche and Mcgee.

[manifested]

According to basketball reference:

Otto porter's freshman year blocks + Steels per game: 1.9

Anthony Bennett's Freshman year blocks + steals per game: 1.9

Of course, Gilbert and Larry Hughes got tons of steals but weren't great defenders. Stats aren't everything, especially on the defensive end, but I thought it was interesting. I don't doubt that Bennett is a terrible positional defender. The scouting reports are pretty unanimous on that. But if he wants to and listens to good positional coaching, he should be able to leverage those physical gifts to make some plays defensively. That's a tough bet to make though at number 3 which is why I think Otto will be the pick.

[Zonkerbl]

Getting more and more depressed about Zeller. He looks like precisely the kind of player that gets overlooked because of the lack of razzle dazzle in his game. Some sucker GM is going to scoop him up at #7 and get one of the top three players in this draft.

Wait, didn't we used to have the #7 pick? Ugh!

[stevemcqueen1]

I don't like this play for 3 reasons.
He ignores the streaker and denies the outlet pass.
That dribble drive would get denied by most NBA athletes.
That kind of selfish move screams Andray Blatche to me.

Dude, the outlet pass was covered - it would have been swatted away. And Bennett has more than enough speed to do this in the NBA. But the Blatche reference? Gimme a break. Haters are just gonna hate on Bennett I guess. I'm guessing he has a rockin career in the nba, whether or not we draft him.

Anyone notice he went right around James McAdoo? LOL, that's not happenning in the NBA.

He beat him with a hesitation move and a lightning first step. Those things will work on NBA PFs too. James Michael McAdoo is faster than a lot of NBA PFs.

[Zonkerbl]

What did you think about Blake Griffin's defense in college? I thought he was just as bad as Bennett.

Yay, Nate! Pull me back from the edge.

Was Griffin's defense lousy because he had no idea what was going on or was he just not trying?

I gotta start watching college bball again. No point in participating in these discussions if I haven't seen anybody play. If I had watched Zeller maybe I'd be just as down on him as everybody else.

[Dat2U]

Dat2U,

What did you think about Blake Griffin's defense in college? I thought he was just as bad as Bennett.

Here's a little comparison between Bennett and freshman Griffin:

Code: Select all

   Griffin   Bennett
pts/40  20.7   22.0
reb/40  12.8   11.1
ast/40   2.6    1.3
blk/40   1.2    1.6
stl/40   1.4    1.0
pf/40    3.5    3.2
2P%      0.57   0.58
TS%      0.58   0.60
FT%      0.59   0.70
FTA/40   6.0    6.9
PER      28.8   27.6
Span     6-11   7-1
Reach    8-9   ???

Assuming Bennett's reach is 8-9, they're practically identical other than the fact that Griffin played in a better conference.

I also look at Bennett's slightly puffy appearance as both a positive and a negative. The fact that he could put up such good numbers despite a less than ideal physique suggest he could improve physically with a proper conditioning program. (It also suggests that he might not work hard enough on his body.)

Good post. But if you look at everything, is Blake an ideal measure of comparison considering he's more of an outlier in terms of guys with his length translating to the next level? Blake Griffin IMO is a freak of nature athlete much in the LeBron James mold, but lacking comparable perimeter skills. Are we saying Bennett is in the same ballpark in terms of being in that rarified air as a athlete???

Blake's defense was also talked about at length at the time he was going through the process. It was a concern to many. I remember Blake and even his coach addressing it going so far as to say they needed him to stay in games and not risk foul trouble. For me and others, we gave him the benefit of the doubt because Blake's character seemed impeccable. No one ever questioned his maturity or work ethic. He was always held in high regard in terms of being the ultimate effort and energy guy. Can we say the same thing about Bennett? I don't think so.

[manifested]

I don't know how defense is not a concern. Being around defensive guys doesn't make one a good defender. If Bennett is Antawn Jamison bad on defense, nothing is hiding that. And looking at what he did in college, he gave a very Antawn Jamison like effort on defense. That gives me great reason for concern.

Dat2U,

What did you think about Blake Griffin's defense in college? I thought he was just as bad as Bennett.

Here's a little comparison between Bennett and freshman Griffin:

Code: Select all

   Griffin   Bennett
pts/40  20.7   22.0
reb/40  12.8   11.1
ast/40   2.6    1.3
blk/40   1.2    1.6
stl/40   1.4    1.0
pf/40    3.5    3.2
2P%      0.57   0.58
TS%      0.58   0.60
FT%      0.59   0.70
FTA/40   6.0    6.9
PER      28.8   27.6
Span     6-11   7-1
Reach    8-9   ???

Assuming Bennett's reach is 8-9, they're practically identical other than the fact that Griffin played in a better conference.

I also look at Bennett's slightly puffy appearance as both a positive and a negative. The fact that he could put up such good numbers despite a less than ideal physique suggest he could improve physically with a proper conditioning program. (It also suggests that he might not work hard enough on his body.)

Really good stuff. Don't forget that Bennett can shoot the 3 way better than Griffin.

I'm not sure if Blake is the best example. What do you think of Blake Griffin's defense now?

[Dat2U]

Dude, the outlet pass was covered - it would have been swatted away. And Bennett has more than enough speed to do this in the NBA. But the Blatche reference? Gimme a break. Haters are just gonna hate on Bennett I guess. I'm guessing he has a rockin career in the nba, whether or not we draft him.

Anyone notice he went right around James McAdoo? LOL, that's not happenning in the NBA.

He beat him with a hesitation move and a lightning first step. Those things will work on NBA PFs too. James Michael McAdoo is faster than a lot of NBA PFs.

McAdoo may run up the court fast, but in terms of lateral movement, he's really bad. I've watched him enough to know he'll never amount to anything in the NBA. McAdoo is a terrible college player as well for that matter. Bennett blowing past McAdoo does absolutely nothing for me. Bennett faced better comp in his own conference.

[stevemcqueen1]

I don't think Bennett has a low BBall IQ. He finds the ball and he's got fantastic scoring instincts plus he's a very efficient offensive player. He just doesn't know how to play big man D yet and he is raw playing off the ball. The natural feel for the game is there though.

[stevemcqueen1]

Look at the handle on the big guy.


and a pointless highlight video

]

I also loved his handle in the UNLV/Cal clips. There was one instance where he stole the ball in the paint and brought the ball up the court quickly. Even switched hands to avoid a defender at one point. He then gave the ball up to the PG and proceeded on a 2 on 1. Dude ran HARD to the rack and got the ball back for an easy dunk.

His mobility/athleticism is ridiculous for a guy of his size. With the right NBA conditioning, he can become chiseled.

I love Porter, but I wouldn't be saddened in the least if we drafted Bennett.

*edit*

GoG - check this out:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5w2T6yqPRk[/youtube]

the instance I'm talking about starts at :22

That play is amazing, and it's not even the most impressive play from that game. There are two that blow me away. The first is the lose ball he grabs beneath the rim and then goes up with two hands. To be able to go up with two hands like that... Christ Almighty he's explosive. The only other forward or big as explosive as him in this class is Noel. He's a tremendous athlete.

The second is the one where he corrals the lose ball on the perimeter, faces up, pump fakes, takes the jab step, blows by the first guy and throws down on the second defender who tried to take the charge. I remember that highlight. It's the one play that defines Bennett for me. That was the play of the year IMO.

Bennett is a 240 pound power forward and he's better at attacking multiple defenders off the dribble than anyone else in the class.

[pcbothwel]

Everyone here is over thinking it. Fact is, Zeller(assuming his perimeter game is for real) will be a starting PF in this league for a long time. Bennett at worse is Jamison (look at his advanced stats from 2000-09 and tell me he sucks) and could even be a LJ/Melo hybrid. Porter is going to play 15 years in this league and probably find his way to 2-3 rings along the way while being highly efficient and smart. Even a wild card like Len will end being a top 10-15 center in the league easy. He is too big, nimble, and hardworking to bust. It just depends on if he is closer to 15...or 5.

EG really can't lose. I tell you though...I really believe one of them slips to 8. I'd love to do a trade built around the #3 and Nene to DET for #8 and monroe (other considerations added of course). Or even a 3 way with detroit taking on salary to get the 13 from the Mavs to then do #3 for #8 and #13..but we'll see. The pistons really need someone who can play with Knight, or a legit 3(Porter)

[AFM]

Look at the handle on the big guy.


and a pointless highlight video

]

I also loved his handle in the UNLV/Cal clips. There was one instance where he stole the ball in the paint and brought the ball up the court quickly. Even switched hands to avoid a defender at one point. He then gave the ball up to the PG and proceeded on a 2 on 1. Dude ran HARD to the rack and got the ball back for an easy dunk.

His mobility/athleticism is ridiculous for a guy of his size. With the right NBA conditioning, he can become chiseled.

I love Porter, but I wouldn't be saddened in the least if we drafted Bennett.

*edit*

GoG - check this out:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5w2T6yqPRk[/youtube]

the instance I'm talking about starts at :22

That play is amazing, and it's not even the most impressive play from that game. There are two that blow me away. The first is the lose ball he grabs beneath the rim and then goes up with two hands. To be able to go up with two hands like that... Christ Almighty he's explosive. The only other forward or big as explosive as him in this class is Noel. He's a tremendous athlete.

The second is the one where he corrals the lose ball on the perimeter, faces up, pump fakes, takes the jab step, blows by the first guy and throws down on the second defender who tried to take the charge. I remember that highlight. It's the one play that defines Bennett for me. That was the play of the year IMO.

Bennett is a 240 pound power forward and he's better at attacking multiple defenders off the dribble than anyone else in the class.

I agree. I've posted that play multiple times on this board. It's awesome and sums up Bennett in 1 play.

[verbal8]

EG really can't lose. I tell you though...I really believe one of them slips to 8. I'd love to do a trade built around the #3 and Nene to DET for #8 and monroe (other considerations added of course). Or even a 3 way with detroit taking on salary to get the 13 from the Mavs to then do #3 for #8 and #13..but we'll see. The pistons really need someone who can play with Knight, or a legit 3(Porter)

If Porter(and Noel) are gone, I think think a trade down that still gets Bennett, Zeller or Len and a mid 1st is a great move. I wouldn't mind McCollum if the mid first is used on a big man.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Look at the handle on the big guy.


and a pointless highlight video

]

I also loved his handle in the UNLV/Cal clips. There was one instance where he stole the ball in the paint and brought the ball up the court quickly. Even switched hands to avoid a defender at one point. He then gave the ball up to the PG and proceeded on a 2 on 1. Dude ran HARD to the rack and got the ball back for an easy dunk.

His mobility/athleticism is ridiculous for a guy of his size. With the right NBA conditioning, he can become chiseled.

I love Porter, but I wouldn't be saddened in the least if we drafted Bennett.

*edit*

GoG - check this out:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5w2T6yqPRk[/youtube]

the instance I'm talking about starts at :22

That play is amazing, and it's not even the most impressive play from that game. There are two that blow me away. The first is the lose ball he grabs beneath the rim and then goes up with two hands. To be able to go up with two hands like that... Christ Almighty he's explosive. The only other forward or big as explosive as him in this class is Noel. He's a tremendous athlete.

The second is the one where he corrals the lose ball on the perimeter, faces up, pump fakes, takes the jab step, blows by the first guy and throws down on the second defender who tried to take the charge. I remember that highlight. It's the one play that defines Bennett for me. That was the play of the year IMO.

Bennett is a 240 pound power forward and he's better at attacking multiple defenders off the dribble than anyone else in the class.

I just don't know. The kid obviously is talented.

But a couple things stick out to me watching this...

Every time they show him up close during a break in the action he is breathing really hard. I worry about his asthma playing at the elite NBA level.

And the other thing is he really looks smaller than I realized. He may be more suited for SF. If he is strictly a 4 I don't see him being a starter.