Who Do We Draft?

[TheRealDeal]

I pretty much like where everyone is coming from so far in this thread (except for the guy who said Budinger plays tough d).
I'd rank C's in our range:
1)McGee (huge upside)
2)Koufos (Big, skilled, tough)
3)Hibbert (obviously massive, but slow and woefully inconsistent)
As far as swingmen, I would take CDR over a guy like Rush for a few reasons. Rush is more of a shooter than a slasher as his handles are below average, and he has a history of knee problems. If we were going to take a risk on a guy with past knee issues I'd rather it be Billy Walker because of his toughness, physicality and athleticism.

straight from draft express on chase.

Defensively, the sophomore guard shows good promise as well. Budinger has the lateral quickness to stay with his man on the perimeter, and positions his body well enough to cut off most defenders when they attempt to take him off the dribble. The ability to react quickly and elevate also helps him contest shots

also listed as strengths... willingness to defend

i'm sure Colangelo will be watching the West Virginia/Arizona NCAA first round matchup again. Two similar and very talented players who could really help our team...

[kdot99]

BPA or Bill Walker.

[Alfred]

CDR seems like a good, tough player on the wing. Solid athleticism, decent upside, good length, a good shot and a willingness to go the the basket. It's all checkmarks for me, and I would be happy if we were to add him.

Also, to the people making fun of Gallinari, I mean, you may be disenchanted with Bargnani, but this guy is supposed to be a very good player. I know that people will reply "Oh, but so was Bargnani, and he busted. This guy is going to be exactly the same." But how on earth do you know that? Because he's from the same country? He has a totally different skillset, and provides a lot of things that we could use, like slashing and scoring. I think we could definitely use a guy like Hedo Turkoglu on our team, a guy who he seems the most comparable to.

Most of the time, scouts are correct when they assess talent levels and assign draft positions. Gallinari is a highly touted prospect that has been heavily scouted, and they have a good idea what he can and can't do in the NBA. He has been put in the top 10 in most drafts articles, and if ANY player from the top 10 falls to us at 17, I would probably pick that player, regardless if they're Euro or American (unless of course there are some sort of unforeseen circumstances involving that player). I think that's really the only sensible opinion.

[Brinbe]

At this point, I hope we pick up a swingman who can serve as a replacement for AP. Whether that is someone like CDR or Bill Walker is still to be seen.

[Andiamo]

NICOLAS BATUM....kids gonna be a beast.

[jay632]

what are you expecting out of our mid level draft pick... unless we trade up.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

If we stay at 17....draft either Joe Alexander or Robin Lopez. If we plan to move up...take Russell Westbrook.

[Bryans_Collar]

Budinger is a guy that I was really intrigued by - I mean why wouldn't you be .... A 6'7 2-guard who has length and crazy athleticism (was ranked as a top 5 volleyball player for his age) ... but something just seems missing

You watch him play and he can score the ball but he kinda disappears when he's not involved int he offense. Who knows if it's partly KO's fault or what.

The trick is - who has the handle to be able to get to the rim? Alexander and Budinger both have the athletic ability to get there, but you have to be able to hold your dribble too.

[mappiah19]

NICOLAS BATUM....kids gonna be a beast.

What is Batum's game like? How is he gonna be a beast? I've just seen some highlights of him on youtube and they are pretty alrite. I don't know about him so I'm not going to assess his game.

[Garmfay]

1. Kosta Koufos (I think he will be lottery if he enters)
2. Robin Lopez
3. Nicholas Batum
4. Chas Budinger
5. Joe Alexander

[Griff83]

Why would people want Donte Green? he's a pure chucker who plays zero defence. Like JN said hes going to be a Tim Thomas clone. Also dont see the fascination with Deandre Jordan, the guy couldnt even get off the bench in crucial minutes on a mediocre college team. He's a giant project at this point and thats the last thing this team needs at this point. What id like to see us do at draft in potential order.

#1. Trade up for Brook Lopez (would prolly take Bargnani plus our own first rounder)

#2. Draft Bill Walker

#3. Draft Chris Douglas Roberts

[easyflow]

With our first pick - CDR if he is available. Solid player young player that could replace AP down the line at the SG and probably give us decent minutes right away.

Although I also like Greene or Budinger at SF (in that order) and McGee or Hibbert at C.

I believe that CDR is the best player, both overall and for the Raptors in terms of position and chemistry.

All of this HIGHLY depends on what other moves we make in the offseason and what we get back in return. To be honest, with our current team structure, the only place where we need youth is at the SG position.

[splayed]

Trade for a top four pick and get Brook Lopez. Perfect complimentary front court player to Bosh.

[Alfred]

Trade for a top four pick and get Brook Lopez. Perfect complimentary front court player to Bosh.

I don't really think he's the ideal front court player with Bosh. He's not a very good defender, and isn't a great rebounder. He does have the touch inside, and could be a decent to very good player in the league, but he's not a paint intimidator, and that's what I envision as the perfect complemetary peice next to Bosh.

[splayed]

-= original quote snipped =-



I don't really think he's the ideal front court player with Bosh. He's not a very good defender, and isn't a great rebounder. He does have the touch inside, and could be a decent to very good player in the league, but he's not a paint intimidator, and that's what I envision as the perfect complemetary peice next to Bosh.

I think he's a very good defender positionally. I.e. his man defence might not be all that hot but he can close the lane for dribble penetration. His rebounding ability is, in my view, roughly equal to Bosh. Pretty good shotblocker, too.

[5DOM]

brooks defence is very average.
i'd rather stay at 17th and draft his banger brother.

[splayed]

brooks defence is very average.
i'd rather stay at 17th and draft his banger brother.

How is his defence average? I watched more than a handful of Stanford games and was consistently impressed that Brook Lopez was usually in the right position at the right time. I don't get what you saw.

And for his "banger" brother, did I miss the part where he banged? I saw a high-energy beanpole reminiscent of Keon Clark or a less talented Marcus Camby. Again, I don't get what you saw.

[mappiah19]

-= original quote snipped =-



How is his defence average? I watched more than a handful of Stanford games and was consistently impressed that Brook Lopez was usually in the right position at the right time. I don't get what you saw.

And for his "banger" brother, did I miss the part where he banged? I saw a high-energy beanpole reminiscent of Keon Clark or a less talented Marcus Camby. Again, I don't get what you saw.

We need an experienced big. We've used Humphries and Bargnani its time we go for an experienced Big man. And by the way, Darrell Arthur is gonna be a better pro than Brooks Lopez. Peace

[cchrome]

CDR seems like a good, tough player on the wing. Solid athleticism, decent upside, good length, a good shot and a willingness to go the the basket. It's all checkmarks for me, and I would be happy if we were to add him.

Also, to the people making fun of Gallinari, I mean, you may be disenchanted with Bargnani, but this guy is supposed to be a very good player. I know that people will reply "Oh, but so was Bargnani, and he busted. This guy is going to be exactly the same." But how on earth do you know that? Because he's from the same country? He has a totally different skillset, and provides a lot of things that we could use, like slashing and scoring. I think we could definitely use a guy like Hedo Turkoglu on our team, a guy who he seems the most comparable to.

Most of the time, scouts are correct when they assess talent levels and assign draft positions. Gallinari is a highly touted prospect that has been heavily scouted, and they have a good idea what he can and can't do in the NBA. He has been put in the top 10 in most drafts articles, and if ANY player from the top 10 falls to us at 17, I would probably pick that player, regardless if they're Euro or American (unless of course there are some sort of unforeseen circumstances involving that player). I think that's really the only sensible opinion.

I dont htink CDR is a tough player, he's aggresive but frail.

[Jimmy The Greek]

At where we are expected to be picking; here are my options in order and if still available:

Chase Budinger SG/SF
Age: 20, 6'7", 190 lbs.
Arizona, Sophomore

Chris Douglas-Roberts SG/SF
Age: 21, 6'7", 200 lbs.
Memphis, Junior

Nicolas Batum SF
Age: 19, 6'8", 214 lbs.
Le Mans Sarthe Basket, International