2014 College/Draft Prospects Thread II

[catch20two]

I love James Young, but not on a 2 year development plan for when Hendo expires because Jefferson also expires at the same time. So this window of development doesn't exist anymore imo. We need NBA ready guys. So for me it's either McDermott because he's an NBA ready 3pt guy or Randle, who is an NBA ready rebounder whose learning curve could jump off the charts under Ewing and Big Al.

And since we have MKG and Tolliver I think you gun for Zeller's spot.

That leaves Hendo unattended, which is why I want Stephenson.

James Young isn't much of a developmental player and he'd probably take Hendo's job by the middle or end of his rookie season. I just don't see him starting over Hendo right away.

And let's not try to make Young seem like he's not ready when he's the one that carries Kentucky more than half the time when Randle is struggling against players his size. Randle is more of a development player than Young if you ask me because he's undersized without a jumper.

[MasterIchiro]

But I have to admit, the way Clifford raves about McBob, you get the feeling he wants his baby. He's a coachable guy and he's dedicated and has great character and leadership qualities. Like Hendo before him, I think the team is more likely to overpay him than draft up to grab Randle.

So that leaves Harris imo because he's more NBA ready than Young or LaVine.

Again the window for development is not that wide.

[catch20two]

Randle wouldn't be good enough to start over McBob as a rookie just like Zeller. Have you watched a Kentucky game? Randle struggles majorly when he play against size and competition very similarly to how Zeller did at Indiana. Not to mention Randle can't play no defense.

[MasterIchiro]

I love James Young, but not on a 2 year development plan for when Hendo expires because Jefferson also expires at the same time. So this window of development doesn't exist anymore imo. We need NBA ready guys. So for me it's either McDermott because he's an NBA ready 3pt guy or Randle, who is an NBA ready rebounder whose learning curve could jump off the charts under Ewing and Big Al.

And since we have MKG and Tolliver I think you gun for Zeller's spot.

That leaves Hendo unattended, which is why I want Stephenson.

James Young isn't much of a developmental player and he'd probably take Hendo's job by the middle or end of his rookie season. I just don't see him starting over Hendo right away.

And let's not try to make Young seem like he's not ready when he's the one that carries Kentucky more than half the time when Randle is struggling against players his size. Randle is more of a development player than Young if you ask me because he's undersized without a jumper.

Randle has an NBA body. At 6' 9" he's shorter for the position but I believe he's thick enough to bully NBA guys the same way he bullies college players for 10 boards a game. He's not going to get knocked on his ass like Zeller, that's for sure.

And I don't trust Young to get the nod over Hendo. He's got too much seniority and again, I don't want to draft a backup at 9 or 10. It has to be someone clearly better than Hendo.

[Elden Payton]

I don't see Randle dropping because there are too few players who might leapfrog him. Aaron Gordon? Saric? I can see maybe Vonleh, maybe Gary Harris.

However, I do see him being the most talented player that missed the cut for the untouchable pick list and a team owning the pick where he falls would listen to our offer of Pistons + Blazers pick if we really want to be aggressive. Now perhaps we kept that pick at the deadline (while being 1.5 games out of the 5 seed) because we we want to use it to replace Sessions but maybe they're thinking they can bring back Ridnour and use that pick to climb up. And if we're climbing up, Randle seems realistic outside those untouchable guys.

He's a double double machine and might not never be a star but I like how there's an emphasis on rebounding during every post game interview given by Clifford. Having 10 from your PF is a huge advantage, especially when your center is a 20-10 guy. Sprinkle in the NYC connection with Kemba and Lance and you have something.

Kemba, Stephenson and MKG are also all excellent rebounders for their positions and all play hard - as does Randle. I think he fits damn well. And we have excellent rebounders on the bench in Biz and Zeller for a backup guy anyways.

Defense, rebounds, hard work, playmakers/take-charge types in the backcourt, sprinkle in a couple one-trick ponies like Neal and Tolliver.

We're good, young too.

Excellent post Ichiro, I agree that Randle shouldn't drop but I have a sneaking suspicion he will.

Every year there is a guy that should have been drafted top 3-5 who goes in that 7-11 range.

Randle's in conference numbers look reasonably pedestrian at NCAA level and I feel some GM's will overlook the reason for that..he is being double and triple teamed, obviously that is not new at the NCAA level for good post players to be swarmed but he is so dangerous they have to send the third cover.

Having a future frontcourt of Randle/Biyombo would be insane imo and when you sprinkle in some Zeller of the bench our FC looks good.

In the meantime a Randle/Jefferson FC would probably be no worse defensively than McBob/Jefferson.

In regards to who rises, I feel that Vonleh, Lavine and McDermott could go higher than expected and Tyler Ennis and Jerami Grant could be darkhorses.

[Eoghan]

I'd love Randle but I doubt he falls that far and knowing Cho we'd pass on him b/c he just drafted Zeller as his PFotF.

I think McDermott can play SG fine if Korver can play off guard. Doug moves his feet well and smartly, if not particularly fast. His handles aren't any worse than Hendo's. SF is his natural position, I don't think he'll play PF at all except the smallest of lineups.

I don't like Harris either. He has really disconcerting athleticism.

[MasterIchiro]

I don't see Randle dropping because there are too few players who might leapfrog him. Aaron Gordon? Saric? I can see maybe Vonleh, maybe Gary Harris.

However, I do see him being the most talented player that missed the cut for the untouchable pick list and a team owning the pick where he falls would listen to our offer of Pistons + Blazers pick if we really want to be aggressive. Now perhaps we kept that pick at the deadline (while being 1.5 games out of the 5 seed) because we we want to use it to replace Sessions but maybe they're thinking they can bring back Ridnour and use that pick to climb up. And if we're climbing up, Randle seems realistic outside those untouchable guys.

He's a double double machine and might not never be a star but I like how there's an emphasis on rebounding during every post game interview given by Clifford. Having 10 from your PF is a huge advantage, especially when your center is a 20-10 guy. Sprinkle in the NYC connection with Kemba and Lance and you have something.

Kemba, Stephenson and MKG are also all excellent rebounders for their positions and all play hard - as does Randle. I think he fits damn well. And we have excellent rebounders on the bench in Biz and Zeller for a backup guy anyways.

Defense, rebounds, hard work, playmakers/take-charge types in the backcourt, sprinkle in a couple one-trick ponies like Neal and Tolliver.

We're good, young too.

Excellent post Ichiro, I agree that Randle shouldn't drop but I have a sneaking suspicion he will.

Every year there is a guy that should have been drafted top 3-5 who goes in that 7-11 range.

Randle's in conference numbers look reasonably pedestrian at NCAA level and I feel some GM's will overlook the reason for that..he is being double and triple teamed, obviously that is not new at the NCAA level for good post players to be swarmed but he is so dangerous they have to send the third cover.

Having a future frontcourt of Randle/Biyombo would be insane imo and when you sprinkle in some Zeller of the bench our FC looks good.

In the meantime a Randle/Jefferson FC would probably be no worse defensively than McBob/Jefferson.

In regards to who rises, I feel that Vonleh, Lavine and McDermott could go higher than expected and Tyler Ennis and Jerami Grant could be darkhorses.

Absolutely.

And of course I hope you're right about him falling but I think it was smart to hold the Blazers pick if they consider him a target they would trade up to acquire. It's nice to have handy, just in case.

[catch20two]

We don't need to draft a player that'll be a starter at day 1. Our starting lineup is already pretty solid. We need to draft upside at the SG or PF position. That's why I would still take Young or Lavine over Harris. I would draft the SG position before the PF position because we need shooting at the wings and already know Hendo isn't prototype for MKG's best interest and the PF/C position is loaded with talent in the 2015 draft class. If we draft a PF then we might as well kiss Zeller's career goodbye.

Young and Lavine have the most upside of any player late in the lottery if we get the Detroit pick. I don't want no more safe picks. Cho need to swing for the fence on players with high ceilings. Randle is in this equation with Young and Lavine.

[MasterIchiro]

We don't need to draft a player that'll be a starter at day 1. Our starting lineup in already pretty solid. We need to draft upside at the SG or PF position. That's why I would still take Young or Lavine over Harris. I would draft the SG position before the PF position because we need shooting at the wings and already know Hendo isn't prototype for MKG's best interest and the PF/C position is loaded with talent in the 2015 draft class. If we draft a PF then we might as well kiss Zeller's career goodbye.

Young and Lavine have the most upside of any player late in the lottery if we get the Detroit pick. I don't want no more safe picks. Cho need to swing for the fence on players with high ceilings. Randle is in this equation with Young and Lavine.

Here's the thing though, you can upgrade Hendo and Zeller with my plan for Lance and Randle. How do you upgrade PF???

[catch20two]

We don't need to draft a player that'll be a starter at day 1. Our starting lineup in already pretty solid. We need to draft upside at the SG or PF position. That's why I would still take Young or Lavine over Harris. I would draft the SG position before the PF position because we need shooting at the wings and already know Hendo isn't prototype for MKG's best interest and the PF/C position is loaded with talent in the 2015 draft class. If we draft a PF then we might as well kiss Zeller's career goodbye.

Young and Lavine have the most upside of any player late in the lottery if we get the Detroit pick. I don't want no more safe picks. Cho need to swing for the fence on players with high ceilings. Randle is in this equation with Young and Lavine.

Here's the thing though, you can upgrade Hendo and Zeller with my plan for Lance and Randle. How do you upgrade PF???

We're not getting Stephenson. I'm telling you. Cho will be too wary of that dude ruining our locker room. Nevermind paying him for production that he has yet to produce. I wouldn't pay Stephenson 10-12 mil for his current production with the Pacers because that's what his role will be for us, a 2nd-3rd option, with a PER around 15. He's not worth what his hype is making him out to be.

[MasterIchiro]

We don't need to draft a player that'll be a starter at day 1. Our starting lineup in already pretty solid. We need to draft upside at the SG or PF position. That's why I would still take Young or Lavine over Harris. I would draft the SG position before the PF position because we need shooting at the wings and already know Hendo isn't prototype for MKG's best interest and the PF/C position is loaded with talent in the 2015 draft class. If we draft a PF then we might as well kiss Zeller's career goodbye.

Young and Lavine have the most upside of any player late in the lottery if we get the Detroit pick. I don't want no more safe picks. Cho need to swing for the fence on players with high ceilings. Randle is in this equation with Young and Lavine.

Here's the thing though, you can upgrade Hendo and Zeller with my plan for Lance and Randle. How do you upgrade PF???

We're not getting Stephenson. I'm telling you. Cho will be too wary of that dude ruining our locker room. Nevermind paying him for production that he has yet to produce. I wouldn't pay Stephenson 10-12 mil for his current production with the Pacers because that's what his role will be for us, a 2nd-3rd option, with a PER around 15. He's not worth what his hype is making him out to be.

Maybe so, but since we both agree we need to upgrade SG and PF, what is your PF addition on top of James Young/Zach LaVine? I'm asking because I'm curious.

[Eoghan]

This draft sucks for PFs, I don't think you can upgrade except for Randle. Vonleh is meh, WCS out of position and probably a bad idea, Capela's probably a project and really light, Gordon can't shoot for jack, Saric isn't a good fit, etc.

Outside of Randle, the only PF we should take is with a 2nd rounder, just get a body like Cory Jefferson or Johnny O'Bryant.

[catch20two]

Maybe so, but since we both agree we need to upgrade SG and PF, what is your PF addition on top of James Young/Zach LaVine? I'm asking because I'm curious.

Randle is the only PF that I wouldn't mind us drafting from this class in the lottery but I wouldn't move up with the POR pick for him if Young or Lavine will be available at the DET pick.

I want for us to use the POR pick for a potential backup PG or a upperclassman PF.

[mrknowitall215]

I've soured on Julius Randle a lot this collegiate season, but he still has upside & potential even though it may take about 2-3 years (or longer) in the NBA before he become anything more than a rebounder/putback guy, similar to the development of Derrick Favors minus the defensive ability. Randle won't become 'a player' in the pros until he reach a comfort zone & understanding on how to utilize his agility as well as his ball handling ability to his advantage. He's struggling with that as a freshman against inferior talent to his, so it'll take him him a while to mature his basketball IQ & confidence in the NBA

[MasterIchiro]

Maybe so, but since we both agree we need to upgrade SG and PF, what is your PF addition on top of James Young/Zach LaVine? I'm asking because I'm curious.

Randle is the only PF that I wouldn't mind us drafting from this class in the lottery but I wouldn't move up with the POR pick for him if Young or Lavine will be available at the DET pick.

I want for us to use the POR pick for a potential backup PG or a upperclassman PF.

Ok fair enough I was wondering if you see a free agent PF you like, maybe Ed Davis.

[Elden Payton]

I think Hayward is much more of a Cho guy than Stephenson.

In regards to draft stock, obviously the tourney will tell us a lot.

I personally feel that too much stock is put into the tourney but seeing prospects in the pressure cooker environment obviously helps.

[Elden Payton]

Maybe so, but since we both agree we need to upgrade SG and PF, what is your PF addition on top of James Young/Zach LaVine? I'm asking because I'm curious.

Randle is the only PF that I wouldn't mind us drafting from this class in the lottery but I wouldn't move up with the POR pick for him if Young or Lavine will be available at the DET pick.

I want for us to use the POR pick for a potential backup PG or a upperclassman PF.

Ok fair enough I was wondering if you see a free agent PF you like, maybe Ed Davis.

Ed Davis would be great imo.

[MasterIchiro]

Randle is the only PF that I wouldn't mind us drafting from this class in the lottery but I wouldn't move up with the POR pick for him if Young or Lavine will be available at the DET pick.

I want for us to use the POR pick for a potential backup PG or a upperclassman PF.

Ok fair enough I was wondering if you see a free agent PF you like, maybe Ed Davis.

Ed Davis would be great imo.

If Randle doesn't fall and it's impossible to trade up for him then I would be fine with James Young or Zach LaVine with the Pistons pick + Ed Davis.

But I think Harris is a Cho type of player, a high character two-way guy.

I honestly think we end up with Gary Harris/Josh McRoberts which is the opposite of what I want to happen, which is why it will happen. I think I need to do a better job of separating between what I want to happen and what I think will happen.

Cho scouting the MSU game is a tell imo.

[mrknowitall215]

Randle is the only PF that I wouldn't mind us drafting from this class in the lottery but I wouldn't move up with the POR pick for him if Young or Lavine will be available at the DET pick.

I want for us to use the POR pick for a potential backup PG or a upperclassman PF.

Ok fair enough I was wondering if you see a free agent PF you like, maybe Ed Davis.

Ed Davis would be great imo.

Hollinger value PER too much to let Ed Davis walk. They're just depreciating Davis' market value for free-agency while trying to boost Zach Randolph's trade value as a expiring contract

[catch20two]

Aargh! No Gary Harris please. He's inefficient and undersized. I will never forgive Cho if he draft Harris a year after pissing me off by drafting Zeller.