2014 Draft Thread (Early offseason panic edition).

[verbal8]

Per Chris Mannix on Twitter:

Draft chatter: Sense I'm getting is that picks 25-30 are available, with the price either veteran talent or future considerations.

I wonder what future considerations means? Future first rounder, or 2nd round picks? Means Houston, Miami, Phoenix, Clippers, OKC and the Spurs pick are all up for grabs.

The asking price is probably a future lotto protected 1st. I also see teams like the Sixers and Bucks able to move up by combining their early 2nds. The contenders are more able to take the risks/patience on the long-shot picks and the guarranteed salary isn't as big a deal for the teams that are still rebuilding.

[Dat2U]

After watching a lot of scouting video and looking at stats this weekend, the 1ate 1st & 2nd round portions of this draft.... yuck.

I'm not seeing anyone to get excited about including the names mentioned. I go back to my earlier statement, this is not a deep draft at all. 20-25 deep at the most. I can't even make a top 30 list... because I can't find 30 guys I'd draft.

There's only a handful of late 1st & 2nd prospects that catch my interest.

Kyle Anderson... not sure why I'm including him here, should go higher than 25th as draftexpress currently lists him. A clear lottery pick IMO, Boris Diaw offers the best framework for the unique type of player Anderson is. The fact Anderson is long enough to defend PFs makes him even more desirable in my eyes.

K.J. McDaniels... projects as a future 3&D wing. Improving shooter when his feet are set but his trademark will be lockdown defense. Excellent athlete that can guard multiple positions, rebound at a high level and be a game changer in the passing lanes.

Jordan Adams... not sure how I feel about him. The James Harden comparisons are way off base, Adams doesn't have that sort of creativity and skill with the ball in hands. What Adams is very good at is scoring instincts & touch. He's excellent at moving without the ball and anticipating what's next. The jumper is solid, but surpringsly he's an even better finisher despite top notch athleticism. Defensively he's got incredibly quick hands but suffers elsewhere and lacks the foot speed to stay with quicker guys. What worked in college may not work in the PROS so his ability to spot up and hit threes consistently will go a long way in determining his worth.

Shabazz Napier... Already skilled at running the P&R adeptly. I'd say he's 'Kemba lite'. I don't think he's a starting PG at the next level but projects to be a quality backup if given the opportunity.

Glenn Robinson has the physical tools of the ideal SF but hasn't put it all together skill wise and didn't show great improvement over his freshman campaign. Needs a dose of toughness and an improved skill level to make a jump to quality NBA player. Right now he's a streaky shooter with an underwhelming handle and an inconsistent motor. While an elite athlete and excellent finisher around the rim, he doesn't rebound for the SF position. Simply needs to "want it" more than he has thus far.

Mitch McGary has legit NBA C size and limited skill. He runs the court well and is a solid finisher despite lacking elite athleticism or length. Jump shot is a work in progress. More of an effort player than anything, he relies on his motor to make up for average skill, length & athleticism. His career if successful will be defined by solid screen setting, rebounding & a high motor.

Spencer Dinwiddie... Only reason he's here is because of the torn ACL. He was a popular mention earlier in the year as the rare 6-6 guard that can create for himself and others as well as shoot. Already solid at creating out of P&R sets. Not a great athlete but crafty with the ball.

I'm struggling to find guys so I'll include Jarnell Stokes here as well. A pure grinder with little skill. He has one legit NBA skill, offensive rebounding. He can likely make a roster but whether he develops into anything beyond that is a stretch. He's very young so there's hope but his ability to step out and face is basically non-existent. He's undersized so low post scoring will never be a strength either. Funny thing is his profile reminds me a lot of Tristan Thompson, a top 4 pick who hasn't developed a smidgen in Cleveland and is arguably one of the worst big minute PFs in basketball.

Aaron Craft might be worth a flier as a defensive specialist. Arguably has the quickest feet of any prospect in the draft.

[Ruzious]

After watching a lot of scouting video and looking at stats this weekend, the 1ate 1st & 2nd round portions of this draft.... yuck.

I'm not seeing anyone to get excited about including the names mentioned. I go back to my earlier statement, this is not a deep draft at all. 20-25 deep at the most. I can't even make a top 30 list... because I can't find 30 guys I'd draft.

There's only a handful of late 1st & 2nd prospects that catch my interest.

Kyle Anderson... not sure why I'm including him here, should go higher than 25th as draftexpress currently lists him. A clear lottery pick IMO, Boris Diaw offers the best framework for the unique type of player Anderson is. The fact Anderson is long enough to defend PFs makes him even more desirable in my eyes.

K.J. McDaniels... projects as a future 3&D wing. Improving shooter when his feet are set but his trademark will be lockdown defense. Excellent athlete that can guard multiple positions, rebound at a high level and be a game changer in the passing lanes.

Jordan Adams... not sure how I feel about him. The James Harden comparisons are way off base, Adams doesn't have that sort of creativity and skill with the ball in hands. What Adams is very good at is scoring instincts & touch. He's excellent at moving without the ball and anticipating what's next. The jumper is solid, but surpringsly he's an even better finisher despite top notch athleticism. Defensively he's got incredibly quick hands but suffers elsewhere and lacks the foot speed to stay with quicker guys. What worked in college may not work in the PROS so his ability to spot up and hit threes consistently will go a long way in determining his worth.

Shabazz Napier... Already skilled at running the P&R adeptly. I'd say he's 'Kemba lite'. I don't think he's a starting PG at the next level but projects to be a quality backup if given the opportunity.

Glenn Robinson has the physical tools of the ideal SF but hasn't put it all together skill wise and didn't show great improvement over his freshman campaign. Needs a dose of toughness and an improved skill level to make a jump to quality NBA player. Right now he's a streaky shooter with an underwhelming handle and an inconsistent motor. While an elite athlete and excellent finisher around the rim, he doesn't rebound for the SF position. Simply needs to "want it" more than he has thus far.

Mitch McGary has legit NBA C size and limited skill. He runs the court well and is a solid finisher despite lacking elite athleticism or length. Jump shot is a work in progress. More of an effort player than anything, he relies on his motor to make up for average skill, length & athleticism. His career if successful will be defined by solid screen setting, rebounding & a high motor.

Spencer Dinwiddie... Only reason he's here is because of the torn ACL. He was a popular mention earlier in the year as the rare 6-6 guard that can create for himself and others as well as shoot. Already solid at creating out of P&R sets. Not a great athlete but crafty with the ball.

I'm struggling to find guys so I'll include Jarnell Stokes here as well. A pure grinder with little skill. He has one legit NBA skill, offensive rebounding. He can likely make a roster but whether he develops into anything beyond that is a stretch. He's very young so there's hope but his ability to step out and face is basically non-existent. He's undersized so low post scoring will never be a strength either. Funny thing is his profile reminds me a lot of Tristan Thompson, a top 4 pick who hasn't developed a smidgen in Cleveland and is arguably one of the worst big minute PFs in basketball.

Aaron Craft might be worth a flier as a defensive specialist. Arguably has the quickest feet of any prospect in the draft.

3 of those players I like a lot: McGary, Adams, and Dinwiddie. And I'm warming up to Glenn Robinson, Jr. GRJ is a better prospect than Glen Rice, Jr. The problem with him was that he used to be overrated - when most people had him as a lotto pick last offseason. Now, as projected 2nd rounder, he's a good value. Keep in mind that last season he played the 4, and he's going to likely get a chance to play the 2 in the NBA. He's got the shooting range and athleticism to excell at the 2 - with excellent size. He's got to work real hard on his ball-handling and at coming off screens for his 3. He'll be a work in process like Rice with similar size and skills, but he's a better athlete.

[pancakes3]

Weird that DX after keeping Joe Harris as Mr. Irrelevant on the mocks for most of the year recently catapulted him up to #36 overall.

[Ruzious]

I've always been torn on Russ Smith - who could very easily be the Wiz pick. There are major negatives (size and position) and major positives. It depends on which factors you think are more important. I know CCJ likes him, so there's one of the positives. I do like him a lot more than Peyton Siva, because he has rare speed with the ball and can harrass the heck out of opposing PG's. The year without Siva gave him his first major experience at the point - and that didn't stop him from improving his offense. Keep on improving, and hell be a solid 3 point shooting threat - which he will have to be to stay in the NBA. Age 23 is another negative. But he really is a player who plays hard and at full throttle, so I think that can help overcome his negatives.

I think he could be a good fit for the Wiz because of Wall. Wall is big enough to defend most 2's, so Smith can play off the ball with Wall, and he can also back him up at the point. And having Miller around gives him time to learn the position. Overall, I'd be fine with him being the Wiz pick.

[Severn Hoos]

Weird that DX after keeping Joe Harris as Mr. Irrelevant on the mocks for most of the year recently catapulted him up to #36 overall.

Well, that Mr. Irrelevant slot is tagged to the Spurs, and if ever there was a Spurs-type player in this draft, Joey Buckets would be it. (Unless you want to count a foreign draft-and-stash, which is also very likely.)

Joe must have really impressed with his shooting in workouts & at the combine, because he seems to be getting some buzz. Of course, I love him and would want him on my team no matter what league I was in, but can't see the Wiz drafting him. (I had been hoping for a camp invite, alas...) I'm just surprised because it seemed like his stock was low after he had what was perceived to be a "down year" as a Senior. Just goes to show, winning always looks good on the resume!

[Nivek]

I've gotta find some time to get this year's draft class into YODA. Not sure it's going to happen, though.

[Severn Hoos]

I've always been torn on Russ Smith - who could very easily be the Wiz pick. There are major negatives (size and position) and major positives. It depends on which factors you think are more important. I know CCJ likes him, so there's one of the positives. I do like him a lot more than Peyton Siva, because he has rare speed with the ball and can harrass the heck out of opposing PG's. The year without Siva gave him his first major experience at the point - and that didn't stop him from improving his offense. Keep on improving, and hell be a solid 3 point shooting threat - which he will have to be to stay in the NBA. Age 23 is another negative. But he really is a player who plays hard and at full throttle, so I think that can help overcome his negatives.

I think he could be a good fit for the Wiz because of Wall. Wall is big enough to defend most 2's, so Smith can play off the ball with Wall, and he can also back him up at the point. And having Miller around gives him time to learn the position. Overall, I'd be fine with him being the Wiz pick.

I'm not torn. Barring a surprise draft night fall like McGary, I'd love him for the Wiz pick. He checks so many boxes - Defense, championship experience, ready to contribute immediately (I see 23 as a plus, not a negative), can provide scoring bursts.

Wall is incredibly fast in a straight-line sense, but he seems to struggle with guards who are more quick than fast (I. Thomas, Augustin, etc.) Russdiculous would allow the Wiz to have someone to throw in there on those guys - either giving Wall a break or playing alongside, as you mention. Allows the second team to play with as much speed as the first, when you want to. And the potential for scoring from the bench is certainly nice to have.

I would definitely temper my expectations - I'm not expecting Nate Robinson from Day 1, but would be quite optimistic if he was the pick. Certainly more than the other guys in the mix at #46.

[mhd]

I think Joe Harris could make the league if he sticks with the right team. He'll never be more than a bit bench player IMO still.

[BruceO]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyxoJbtk4Ro[/youtube]

ive made up my mind on who i want possibly around our range. nikola jokic.
id also bring bryce cotton in undrafted or trade for his rights.
id also trade for mcdermotts rights.
these three shooters can help us beat miami and indiana when they develop

oh kyle anderson too. id pull a 2010 and bring in a new wave of young players

[hands11]

I've always been torn on Russ Smith - who could very easily be the Wiz pick. There are major negatives (size and position) and major positives. It depends on which factors you think are more important. I know CCJ likes him, so there's one of the positives. I do like him a lot more than Peyton Siva, because he has rare speed with the ball and can harrass the heck out of opposing PG's. The year without Siva gave him his first major experience at the point - and that didn't stop him from improving his offense. Keep on improving, and hell be a solid 3 point shooting threat - which he will have to be to stay in the NBA. Age 23 is another negative. But he really is a player who plays hard and at full throttle, so I think that can help overcome his negatives.

I think he could be a good fit for the Wiz because of Wall. Wall is big enough to defend most 2's, so Smith can play off the ball with Wall, and he can also back him up at the point. And having Miller around gives him time to learn the position. Overall, I'd be fine with him being the Wiz pick.

I'm not torn. Barring a surprise draft night fall like McGary, I'd love him for the Wiz pick. He checks so many boxes - Defense, championship experience, ready to contribute immediately (I see 23 as a plus, not a negative), can provide scoring bursts.

Wall is incredibly fast in a straight-line sense, but he seems to struggle with guards who are more quick than fast (I. Thomas, Augustin, etc.) Russdiculous would allow the Wiz to have someone to throw in there on those guys - either giving Wall a break or playing alongside, as you mention. Allows the second team to play with as much speed as the first, when you want to. And the potential for scoring from the bench is certainly nice to have.

I would definitely temper my expectations - I'm not expecting Nate Robinson from Day 1, but would be quite optimistic if he was the pick. Certainly more than the other guys in the mix at #46.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Russ-Smith-19043/

If only someone can get him to come out of his shell and believe in himself.

Clearly he will be an impact just based on his defense. Having a quick perimeter defender like that would defiantly take the teams defense to another level for exactly the reason you mentioned.

And Glen a really good SG perimeter defender. I have no problem with them loading up with defenders. Need to add the right big to help them against athletic long front courts. Thats what gave Nene, Gortat and Booker fits just like the speed PG did.

I got no problem with what a Mitch McGary brings to the table. Lots of energy. Excitable team defender that will get on the floor, take a charge, get into players with his body, pass. Runs the floor well. Can PnR some. Offensive rebounding.

As a limited role player, its what he does well that matter more then what he doesnt.. rim protect and score.

[fishercob]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyxoJbtk4Ro[/youtube]

ive made up my mind on who i want possibly around our range. nikola jokic.
id also bring bryce cotton in undrafted or trade for his rights.
id also trade for mcdermotts rights.
these three shooters can help us beat miami and indiana when they develop

oh kyle anderson too. id pull a 2010 and bring in a new wave of young players

He's like a white antawn Jamison. Dat would slit his wrists.

[BruceO]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyxoJbtk4Ro[/youtube]

ive made up my mind on who i want possibly around our range. nikola jokic.
id also bring bryce cotton in undrafted or trade for his rights.
id also trade for mcdermotts rights.
these three shooters can help us beat miami and indiana when they develop

oh kyle anderson too. id pull a 2010 and bring in a new wave of young players

He's like a white antawn Jamison. Dat would slit his wrists.

antwan jamison didnt have a 9 ft 3 standing reach

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Cameron Bairstow fails the athleticism/eye test, but his scoring was very proficient. I think at 46 he's a decent pick.

[Ruzious]

Cameron Bairstow fails the athleticism/eye test, but his scoring was very proficient. I think at 46 he's a decent pick.

I think there will be a bunch of players who don't get drafted because of age that will make NBA rosters next season, and he's one of them. He measured pretty well, so he's got a chance to be drafted. I root for him, because he's an old-school type low post scorer, but he didn't rebound real well, and he didn't do much in college till his senior season when he was older than everyone he played against.

[gambitx777]

Cameron Bairstow fails the athleticism/eye test, but his scoring was very proficient. I think at 46 he's a decent pick.

I think there will be a bunch of players who don't get drafted because of age that will make NBA rosters next season, and he's one of them. He measured pretty well, so he's got a chance to be drafted. I root for him, because he's an old-school type low post scorer, but he didn't rebound real well, and he didn't do much in college till his senior season when he was older than everyone he played against.

That's what every one said about kelly O, and we missed the bus on a really nice player because of it. Now I would rather take him of some big athletic stud, who can't play. That being said, there are still plenty of players that I would take over him.

[Ruzious]

Cameron Bairstow fails the athleticism/eye test, but his scoring was very proficient. I think at 46 he's a decent pick.

I think there will be a bunch of players who don't get drafted because of age that will make NBA rosters next season, and he's one of them. He measured pretty well, so he's got a chance to be drafted. I root for him, because he's an old-school type low post scorer, but he didn't rebound real well, and he didn't do much in college till his senior season when he was older than everyone he played against.

That's what every one said about kelly O, and we missed the bus on a really nice player because of it. Now I would rather take him of some big athletic stud, who can't play. That being said, there are still plenty of players that I would take over him.

Are you saying the Wiz should have taken Olynyk over Porter? As disappointing as Porter's season was, I'll still take Porter.

And I'm not sure how Bairstow compares to Olynyk other than both of them being big and white. Olynyk is a high post center who likes to step out and shoot jumpers. Bairstow is strictly a low post center. And Olynyk didn't have that rebounding problem I mentioned about Bairstow - or even the age problem. One was a lotto pick last year, and the other's a guy who might go undrafted.

[stevemcqueen1]

The Spurs are going to take someone at the end of the first round and turn him into an All Star. Is there any doubt? My guess is it'll be either Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, or Mitch McGary. I could also see TJ Warren end up being a lot better than his draft pick. Maybe James Young.

If the cost isn't prohbitive, I'd like to see us get a late first pick and go after McGary for ourselves. I really think he never got a chance to show his talent level at Michigan. He's got an NBA body, he can rebound, I think he can pass, and he's got a motor.

I think a lot of good role players are going to come out of that 15-25 range.

[Ruzious]

The Spurs are going to take someone at the end of the first round and turn him into an All Star. Is there any doubt? My guess is it'll be either Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, or Mitch McGary. I could also see TJ Warren end up being a lot better than his draft pick. Maybe James Young.

If the cost isn't prohbitive, I'd like to see us get a late first pick and go after McGary for ourselves. I really think he never got a chance to show his talent level at Michigan. He's got an NBA body, he can rebound, I think he can pass, and he's got a motor.

I think a lot of good role players are going to come out of that 15-25 range.

And I think people are sleeping oh McGary's offensive abilities. Coming out of HS, his rep was as a very skilled offensive player. He just needs to stay healthy and get focussed. I'm going wayyyyyy back, but the player he reminds me most of is actually ex-Bullet Mitch Kupchak - imo the unsung hero of the last/first Bulletzards championship team. Like Jeff Ruland, his playing career got cut way short from an injury soon after leaving the Bullets.

I think a healthy McGary is a better prospect than Adams of OKC - who people seem to love.

[Ruzious]

I've always been torn on Russ Smith - who could very easily be the Wiz pick. There are major negatives (size and position) and major positives. It depends on which factors you think are more important. I know CCJ likes him, so there's one of the positives. I do like him a lot more than Peyton Siva, because he has rare speed with the ball and can harrass the heck out of opposing PG's. The year without Siva gave him his first major experience at the point - and that didn't stop him from improving his offense. Keep on improving, and hell be a solid 3 point shooting threat - which he will have to be to stay in the NBA. Age 23 is another negative. But he really is a player who plays hard and at full throttle, so I think that can help overcome his negatives.

I think he could be a good fit for the Wiz because of Wall. Wall is big enough to defend most 2's, so Smith can play off the ball with Wall, and he can also back him up at the point. And having Miller around gives him time to learn the position. Overall, I'd be fine with him being the Wiz pick.

I'm not torn. Barring a surprise draft night fall like McGary, I'd love him for the Wiz pick. He checks so many boxes - Defense, championship experience, ready to contribute immediately (I see 23 as a plus, not a negative), can provide scoring bursts.

Wall is incredibly fast in a straight-line sense, but he seems to struggle with guards who are more quick than fast (I. Thomas, Augustin, etc.) Russdiculous would allow the Wiz to have someone to throw in there on those guys - either giving Wall a break or playing alongside, as you mention. Allows the second team to play with as much speed as the first, when you want to. And the potential for scoring from the bench is certainly nice to have.

I would definitely temper my expectations - I'm not expecting Nate Robinson from Day 1, but would be quite optimistic if he was the pick. Certainly more than the other guys in the mix at #46.

Here's a nice write-up by Ed Weiland (who's always an interesting read)

5. Russ Smith, Louisville: Smith is an interesting prospect who is so impressive in some ways that I have to keep reminding myself that he’s still a 23 year-old, 6’0” senior.

There are a lot of things to like about Smith just from looking at these numbers. He improved his efficiency every year to the point where he was one of the most potent scoring PGs in the nation as a senior. His S40 has always been ridiculously high. His RSB40 has always been over 7.0. After 2 seasons playing SG next to Payton Siva, he took over the point as a senior and did a stellar job.

I also like the fact that he came back so strongly from a somewhat awkward episode after the championship game last year when his father announced to the world that he would enter the 2013 draft, an endeavor that didn’t go so well. Whenever a player improves his game exactly where he needs to, as Smith did as a senior, I take it as a very good sign.

I don’t want to go too overboard though. Smith has a few negatives. He is small. At 6’0” he’s a likely reserve. At 23 he’s old for a senior and that makes his stellar season a tad less impressive. Those are big negatives, but Smith is still a prospect worth a late first round look. He plays good defense. He can handle the point. He does bring a gunner’s mentality. All these things make for a player who is potentially very valuable coming off an NBA bench.

http://hoopsanalyst.com/?p=1261