2013 NBA draft prospects chatter

[catch20two]

Marcus Smart as a possible SG next to Kemba intrigues me since he has the size, playmaking ability that we're looking for, defensive prowess, and he's such a competitor. I have to see how he matches up against Ben McLemore today. Smart's performance today could jump him into my top 5.

Chad Ford's Evaluation of Marcus Smart

Positives
*Strong, physical guard
*Explosive athlete
*Excellent penetrator
*Good finisher at the basket
*Excellent motor
*Good rebounder for a guard
*Can play both the point and the two
*Super quick hands, racks up steals
*Natural leader
*Super competitive

Negatives
*A bit of a tweener
*Undersized for his position if playing the two
*Not particularly long
*Needs to get more consistency on his perimeter shot

[catch20two]

C/PF, Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga, Jr, 21 years old

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoIJ8h-WnL8[/youtube]

Chad Ford's Evaluation of Kelly Olynyk

Positives
*Big man with versatile game
*Can score with his back to the basket
*Solid perimeter game with three point range
*Very efficient scorer
*Good motor, especially on the offensive end

Negatives
*Needs to add strength/toughness
*Mediocre rebounder/shot blocker
*Can be turnover prone

[SWedd523]

I wouldn't say "he has the size we're looking for"


He's a bit small for a SG

[catch20two]

Byron Mullens + Basketball IQ = Kelly Olynyk?

[catch20two]

I wouldn't say "he has the size we're looking for"


He's a bit small for a SG

I stated that Marcus Smart has the "playmaking ability that we're looking for", not size. I don't think Smart has ideal size but I think he has enough size though when you consider his strength, girth and capability to play bigger than his height.

[catch20two]

Marcus Smart just posterized Jeff Withey!

[SWedd523]

I wouldn't say "he has the size we're looking for"


He's a bit small for a SG

I stated that Marcus Smart has the "playmaking ability that we're looking for", not size. I don't think Smart has ideal size but I think he has enough size though when you consider his strength, girth and capability to play bigger than his height.

Marcus Smart as a possible SG next to Kemba intrigues me since he has the size, playmaking ability that we're looking for, defensive prowess, and he's such a competitor. I have to see how he matches up against Ben McLemore today. Smart's performance today could jump him into my top 5.

[catch20two]

You read into the wrong way SWedd523. I understand because I could've worded it better but it wouldn't make sense for me to say any guard under 6'6" has the size that anybody would be looking for in their ideal SG.

[JMAC3]

I wouldn't say "he has the size we're looking for"


He's a bit small for a SG

He has pretty solid size at 6'4'' 225. That is not unusual in the NBA today with Wade, Beal, Waiters, Monte Ellis and Eric Gordon are all 6'4'' or under.

The average height for a SG anymore is about 6'5'' and Smart is extremely strong. Just ask Withey who was just dunked on by him. That game is on ESPN 3 online if you want to watch it.

[catch20two]

Ben McLemore's Kansas team is in trouble early. Maybe this will finally force McLemore to play aggressively while I'm watching. I want to see if he can score so efficiently when the pressure is on him.

[SWedd523]

I'm not saying he's tiny.

I'm just saying that with Kemba being short, Bismack being short, and MKG being borderline short, we could really do with some real size/length at a position to counter balance it. Remember, I'm a fan of Smart, have said good things about him weeks ago, and think he has intriguing skill value for our team.

That's why a guy like Shabazz (6'6 with a 6'11 wingspan) is potentially our top target compared to a guy like McLemore

[SWedd523]

Byron Mullens + Basketball IQ = Kelly Olynyk?

In previous years, Olynyk played a lot like Mully.

This year, he's dedicated himself to the post and has reaped the rewards. He has a ton of skill around the post and utilizes it. He still steps out to the wing to drain a few jumpers, but he operates down low mostly.

For example, against LMU, I saw him grab a rebound on defense, come down and drain a three from the top of the key, block a shot on defense, then come back and and beat his man off the dribble for a layup (all with his left hand).

His skill on offense is something to really like for our team. He's not an explosive athlete, sure, but he's quick for a big dude and has enough strength to bang. He also has some coordination and hands that are so refreshing to watch after seeing Bismack, Tyrus, and Warrick run around like drunkards wearing oven mitts

[JMAC3]

I'm not saying he's tiny.

I'm just saying that with Kemba being short, Bismack being short, and MKG being borderline short, we could really do with some real size/length at a position to counter balance it. Remember, I'm a fan of Smart, have said good things about him weeks ago, and think he has intriguing skill value for our team.

That's why a guy like Shabazz (6'6 with a 6'11 wingspan) is potentially our top target compared to a guy like McLemore

I think we are getting a bit too worried about our lineup size. MKG is 6'7'' that is plenty big especially with a 7 foot wingspan to play the 3. Hardly ever do I see Kemba out there just getting dominated by a bigger guard. Biz is 6'9'' with a 7'7'' wingspan.

I know what your saying with Smart, but its not like he is a 6'2'' 180 lbs. Like I said 6'4'' is pretty average height for a SG anymore. I am more worried about getting a bigger guy to play next to Biz then worrying about who plays next to Kemba.

[JMAC3]

At the Half

Smart with 10 points (3 of 10)

McLemore with 7 points (3 of 9)

[Eoghan]

I'm not drafting any shooting guard under 6'5'' for this squad unless he is undoubtedly the next Dwyane Wade. Sorry Smart, Green, et al. I've stopped looking at a lot of non-top 10 guys b/c I have a good feeling PDX is going to keep their pick this year. So sorry Olynyk, it would have been nice to see your white mamba game in the Bobcat's summer league.

[catch20two]

Marcus Smart is much more of a difference maker than Ben McLemore. That's all.

[JMAC3]

Oklahoma State 85 wins over Kansas 80

Marcus Smart- 25 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. 8 of 17 from field

Ben McLemore- 23 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. 9 of 17 from field

Recap: Marcus Smart was able to get to the line (9 of 11) and was making every single play down the stretch whether it was getting an offensive rebound and putback or clinching the game with a steal. He was everywhere on defense, diving all over the floor, and had a few nice passes that weren't finished by his teammates.

McLemore had a very good game as well and shot the ball very well. He had a big second half with 16 points that included hitting some threes and some backdoor lob plays. Most of McLemore's offense came within the flow of the offense by catching drawn up plays for alley oops or by running off down screens for open threes.

[catch20two]

My Current Bobcats Draft Board

1. Shabazz Muhammad (last game: 1/30 - 22 pts (7-18), 6 reb, 2 stl)

2. Nerlens Noel (last game: 1/29 - 2 pts (0-1), 7 reb, 12 blk) *playing now on ESPN*

3. Anthony Bennett (last game: 1/29 - 13 pts (5-11), 9 reb, 1 blk)

4. Ben McLemore (last game: 2/2 - 23 pts (9-17), 5 reb, 1 ast)

5. Marcus Smart (last game: 2/2 - 25 pts (8-17), 9 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl)





*subject to change*

[catch20two]

Nerlens Noel is putting on a nice little show on ESPN right now versus Texas A&M.

[TheKingofSting]

1. Ben McLemore - Def. wasn't his fault Kansas lost.

2. Bazz - Gaining on McLemore.

3. Nerlens Noel - Climbing up my board but I'm not sure he can catch my top 2.

4. Anthony Bennett - Really don't want unless we trade down.

5. Cody Zeller - Playing better lately.