Official 2008 Draft Night Thread...the future is now.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

Alexis is a first round talent, but I'd only like him if we scopped him with a later first pick. He's got the potential, but. Good to hear he is impressing though.

It's a shame to see Jordan/McGee fall. I like them both, obviously, but I'm a hore for potential anyways. But players banking on potential always have tumbles from high picks to laters (to a lesser extent, Brandan Wright from last year. He was a top 3 pick for the longest time until workouts.)

No way will Anthony fall out of the top 12, no way. Still, it's pretty funny, this draft has more risers and fallers then the last draft, at least in terms of workout.

I've always thought Lopez (Brook) wasn't wortha top 5 pick, (I don't think Mayo is either is so that says something X_X ) but Robin isn't worth a top 15 pick, certainly not a #10 pick.

I'm still liking the Arthur decision, but Randolph... well, he's not a PF, in the same model that Durrant will never be a PF.

[Ballings7]

I've loved the Arthur development of him quite possibly being the pick for us - I just want that guy on this team and to be a key part of the PF/C nucleus.

I'll naturally be a bit disappointed if we don't draft him, but overall still would be happy with some other picks (Westbrook, Randolph, Alexander (maybe now) to name a few).

[Ballings7]

For those with ESPNU (college dedicated channel) these games will be on early morning into the late afternoon:

Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia 3/3 - 12-1:30am
West Virginia vs. Conneticut 3/13 - 1:30-3am
Memphis vs. Cincinnati 12/19/07 - 5-6:30am
Kansas vs. Texas - 3/16 Big 12 Title - 11am-12:30pm
Arizona vs. UCLA 2/2 - 12:30-2pm
Stanford vs. Arizona 2/16 - 2-4pm
Colorado vs. Kansas State 3/4 - 4-5:30pm

All times pacific.

Get to see various prospects from the draft and next year. I'm definitely going to check some of those out, especially to see more of Alexander, and Westbrook. Also will get more hyped for the draft.

So there's:

Sam Young (Pitt, really like this guy from what I've read, as a power SF, decided to stay at school)
Dajuan Blair (Pitt, undersized, but big, energetic, athletic PF, think he's a future draftee)
Joe Alexander
Hasheem Thabeet
Jeff Adrien/Jerome Dyson/AJ Price (UConn future NBA prospects/draft entrees)
Joey Dorsey
Antonio Anderson (Memphis athletic role-playing big wing-man)
Derrick Rose
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Robert Dozier (pulled out of the draft)
Shawn Taggart (key Memphis big man off the bench, seems like a future draft entree)
Darrell Arthur
Brandon Rush
Darnell Jackson
Mario Chalmers
Sasha Kaun
Sherron Collins (future NBA'er, has notable ability on both ends, more of a scoring PG so far)
Russell Robinson (I love his defense, hustle, toughness game, but at 6'1" and not that athletic, he may not have enough offensive ability to make the NBA someday. I'm pulling for the guy, though.)
Cole Aldrich (big, tough, sophmore (next season) center of the future for Kansas)
DJ Augustin
A.J. Abrams (Texas, pulled out of the draft)
Damion James (Texas, big SF, future draftee)
Jerryd Bayless
Chase Budinger
Jordan Hill (Arizona PF, future draftee)
Russell Westbrook
Kevin Love
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Darren Collison
Josh Shipp (future NBA draft entree, pulled out this year)
Alfred Aboya (UCLA, undersized PF, seemingly future NBA intent)
Lorenzo Mata-Real (UCLA, C/PF, seemingly future NBA intent)
Brook Lopez
Robin Lopez
Michael Beasley
Bill Walker

Playing in those games.

[Ballings7]

Chad Ford/David Thorpe 28:00 talk on the draft: http://query-origin.andohs.net/8000A6/c ... 080619.mp3

Very interesting stuff, all-around.

[KF10]

Inside sources are telling me the Kings will workout six prospects Friday, including Nevada's JaVale McGee and Ohio State center Kosta Koufos.
OK, OK, my inside source is a Kings press release, which was e-mailed late Thursday night. Nonetheless, here is what we know:

WHO: Guard Kevin Bell (5-10, 165, Fresno State), small forward Malik Hairston (6-6, 200, Oregon), center Kosta Koufos (7-0, 250, Ohio State), center JaVale McGee (7-1, 240, Nevada), point guard Sean Singletary (6-0, 180, Virginia) and small forward Deron Washington (6-7, 205, Virginia Tech).

WHAT: Media will be allowed to view the first 30 minutes of the workouts and will be given access to players after.

WHEN: Friday at 11 a.m.

NOTE: Check The Sacramento Bee on Saturday for your inside scoop.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/

[Ballings7]

Chad Ford/David Thorpe 28:00 talk on the draft: http://query-origin.andohs.net/8000A6/c ... 080619.mp3

Very interesting stuff, all-around.

A few specific parts of suggested listening:

16:05-18:27 --- Russell Westbrook discussion.

Continue to dig Westbrook.

18:28-22:32 --- Courtney Lee discussion w/ some Kevin mention and relative comparisions.

Ditto on Courtney Lee. Doubt there'll be an oppurtunity to pick him, though.

22:43-24:43: Thorpe, most overrated prospect? - Speights/Randolph/Jordan/McGee overrated, worry him - Speights the most.

From what I read before on DX, and continued to hear there in similarity, I continue to like Speights less, than I do like him. I doubt we'll pick him.

24:45-26:03 - Thorpe, most underrated prospect? Roy Hibbert.

Continue to love it, just not for us anymore. Hibbert's going to be an above-average NBA big man. Chad initially is just off on Hibbert, there's absolutely still a place in the league for bigs and players like Hibbert (smaller or bigger).

[SacKingZZZ]

Great to hear that they are working out Deron Washington. I would love to see him netted with one of the 2nd rounders.

[pillwenney]

Chad Ford/David Thorpe 28:00 talk on the draft: http://query-origin.andohs.net/8000A6/c ... 080619.mp3

Very interesting stuff, all-around.

A few specific parts of suggested listening:

16:05-18:27 --- Russell Westbrook discussion.

Continue to dig Westbrook.

18:28-22:32 --- Courtney Lee discussion w/ some Kevin mention and relative comparisions.

Ditto on Courtney Lee. Doubt there'll be an oppurtunity to pick him, though.

22:43-24:43: Thorpe, most overrated prospect? - Speights/Randolph/Jordan/McGee overrated, worry him - Speights the most.

From what I read before on DX, and continued to hear there in similarity, I continue to like Speights less, than I do like him. I doubt we'll pick him.

24:45-26:03 - Thorpe, most underrated prospect? Roy Hibbert.

Continue to love it, just not for us anymore. Hibbert's going to be an above-average NBA big man. Chad initially is just off on Hibbert, there's absolutely still a place in the league for bigs and players like Hibbert (smaller or bigger).

Agreed about Hibbert. Ford is just spouting dumb cliches while Thorpe is giving real analysis.

[Ballings7]

Pitt/WVU 3/3

- Alexander played great
- Alexander like in the tourney elimination game, showed off his overall game
- Alexander balanced up his offensive attack, playing and being a factor inside and outside (mid-range, 18 ft area). Very impressive... variety of jumpers mid-range and out (not to three, though), hit a nice hook shot on a cut to the middle of the lane, post-up turn-around jumper banker on the right block (also showed this similarily on the left block in the NCAA tourney game), almost a big-time dunk for a trip to the line, tough and-1 finish on the baseline, some more I either forgot or didn't see.
- Got to see his passing ability again, a few times.
- His defense was decent, which included a high, on the move, on the ball block on DaJuan Blair from behind.
- Especially loved a sequence where he was in the low post, then ran adjacent to the 3PT line, set a quick screen, then turned to cut to the basket, mis-handled the pass a bit, but recovered, and made a nice finish at the rim.
- Set various screens.
- Fouled out Sam Young on a weak foul call in getting position on the low block. Hit two FTs.
- Definitely liked what I got to see from Sam Young, like his toughness. Want to see more.

He's my kind of prospect, player, and again, would love it if we got to pick him.

Chad Ford/David Thorpe 28:00 talk on the draft: http://query-origin.andohs.net/8000A6/c ... 080619.mp3

Very interesting stuff, all-around.

A few specific parts of suggested listening:

16:05-18:27 --- Russell Westbrook discussion.

Continue to dig Westbrook.

18:28-22:32 --- Courtney Lee discussion w/ some Kevin mention and relative comparisions.

Ditto on Courtney Lee. Doubt there'll be an oppurtunity to pick him, though.

22:43-24:43: Thorpe, most overrated prospect? - Speights/Randolph/Jordan/McGee overrated, worry him - Speights the most.

From what I read before on DX, and continued to hear there in similarity, I continue to like Speights less, than I do like him. I doubt we'll pick him.

24:45-26:03 - Thorpe, most underrated prospect? Roy Hibbert.

Continue to love it, just not for us anymore. Hibbert's going to be an above-average NBA big man. Chad initially is just off on Hibbert, there's absolutely still a place in the league for bigs and players like Hibbert (smaller or bigger).

Agreed about Hibbert. Ford is just spouting dumb cliches while Thorpe is giving real analysis.

Indeed.

[Smills91]

Gotta agree with you about Sam Young, Ballings. That kid is going to be a player. Had he stayed in this year, he may or may not have been in that 25-45 range with us being able to potentially nab him.

[Ballings7]

Kansas/Texas Big 12 title game

Darrell Arthur: In the first five minutes, continued with the remaining three minutes of his first stint - showed he was not Kenny Thomas to any extent. Scoring, defending all over the place, making a cut to the middle of the lane and making a sweet bounce pass to Kaun on the baseline for a finish, really showing off his agility, and basically was the best player on the court for how long he played before going to the bench for a rest. In his 2nd stint, made another good pass from the high-post, a turning one, to Kaun again for a finish on the other base-line. This guy's passing ability continues to be a clear part of his game. Made a really nice move; face-up in the mid-key, shot-fake, spin to the other side, up for the score. In his 3rd stint (I think), he came from the other side of the court, slipped the screen, and then cut to the basket for a big jam; made another nice pass inside from the high-post to a cutting Jackson for a trip to the line; On the move hit a turn-around jumper. Displayed good enthusiasm through out the game, and quality defense.

Going back to his freshman year, there isn't a reason Arthur's not going to translate to the NBA relatively well. Especially as he matures. And, again, didn't notice Kenny Thomas similarities .

Rush and Chalmers also played great on both ends. Chalmers hit 8 threes! Career scoring game for him, and made a big steal late. Sherron Collins played well overall, also.

Augustin I didn't pay much attention to, was more interested in Kansas because they're my team. Scored like 18-20 pts, though.

Gotta agree with you about Sam Young, Ballings. That kid is going to be a player. Had he stayed in this year, he may or may not have been in that 25-45 range with us being able to potentially nab him.

Yeah

[Ballings7]

Players we've worked out/seen:

Joe Alexander
Darrell Arthur
DJ Augustin
Nicolas Batum
Aaron Bruce (Baylor SG)
Pat Calathes (St. Josephs, big foward)
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Dion Dowell (SG, Houston)
Gary Forbes (SG, UMass)
JR Giddens (SG, New Mexico)
Roy Hibbert
JJ Hickson (NC State freshman PF)
Othello Hunter (Ohio State PF)
Nathan Jawai (Aussie center)
Courtney Lee (Western Kentucky SG)
DeMarcus Nelson
Trent Plaisted (BYU center)
Brandon Rush
Bill Walker
Russell Westbrook

http://realgm.com/src_feature_article/1 ... kout_list/

[Cruel_Ruin]

If we draft a Small Forward, I would want him to have good passing ability. Martin is a good scorer, not so much of a playmaker for others, so our SF should be defensive minded with good court vision.

[Ballings7]

If we draft a Small Forward, I would want him to have good passing ability. Martin is a good scorer, not so much of a playmaker for others, so our SF should be defensive minded with good court vision.

Yup, that's what I've thought as well in drafting a SF.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

Gah, I took Thursday off so my Bulls bud and I can have a draft party, and for the second year in a row, I had to take two extra days to cover it. BUT IT DOES NOT MATTER!

[Ballings7]

http://www.ncaasports.com/mmod/player/

Watch all the NCAA tournament games there

Check out Joe Alexander's game in the WVU elimination game, which is what sold me on him

[Ballings7]

Westbrook will be gone before #11, supposedly...

UCLA guard Russell Westbrook has reportedly received a promise from a team selecting high in this Thursday's draft that he will not be on the board when the Pacers pick, according to The Indianapolis Star.

The Pacers have the eleventh pick, and hoped that Westbrook would visit Indiana for a workout on Tuesday. However, he will reportedly not audition for the team because of the rumored "promise".

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wireta ... le_at_#11/

My guess is the Clip Show.

[KF10]

Westbrook will be gone before #11, supposedly...

UCLA guard Russell Westbrook has reportedly received a promise from a team selecting high in this Thursday's draft that he will not be on the board when the Pacers pick, according to The Indianapolis Star.

The Pacers have the eleventh pick, and hoped that Westbrook would visit Indiana for a workout on Tuesday. However, he will reportedly not audition for the team because of the rumored "promise".

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wireta ... le_at_#11/

My guess is the Clip Show.

Argh. Dang. If that's true, that sucks. He was my #1 on my draft board for us...I really wanted him. Oh, well. I guess my new #1 is Darrell Arthur. I would be very happy if we pick him.

[VeeJay24]

Just heard on ESPN from Katz that this kid Jason Thompson is rising. He says that he could be a possibility for the Kings.

I did some research on this kid and he impresses me has nice touch out to 15 ft., he's quick, go handles and can block shots. He's still a senior but has upside. Every mock I check has him at the end of the first and early second. If Petrie wants him I would have to think that he would trade down and pick up another pick.

Anybody know if the Kings have worked him out?

[SacKingZZZ]

Just heard on ESPN from Katz that this kid Jason Thompson is rising. He says that he could be a possibility for the Kings.

I did some research on this kid and he impresses me has nice touch out to 15 ft., he's quick, go handles and can block shots. He's still a senior but has upside. Every mock I check has him at the end of the first and early second. If Petrie wants him I would have to think that he would trade down and pick up another pick.

Anybody know if the Kings have worked him out?

I remember reading that Petrie scouted him a couple of times during the season.