O'neal for ford and 17th!

[jfucsd10]

Apparently, the Clips and Knicks have interest in Beno. And at the full mid-level exception, I think I'd be ok with letting him walk. I really enjoyed watching him this year, but I would much rather select an Augustine and see where that goes before being stuck with league average play from the point.

I just dont like the idea of signing beno to 4 or 5 years at 6 mil a year.

[jfucsd10]

I just think there is too much of a discrepancy in terms of talent between an Arthur, Jordan, type at the 4 and Chalmers to justify moving down in the draft like that.

[KF10]

I think if DJ is not there, then we will end up trading our pick and moving back to get Chalmers and someone else late in the 1st round.

Yeah, that's my initial thought if we lose Beno and Augustine is not available. I think that thought has some merit. But probably we could fill the PF hole. We just might draft Arthur or etc...We dont HAVE to draft a PG but the issue is apparent.

[Ballings7]

I'd rather we wait for future oppurtunities to find a PG... the ones right now just aren't that appealing. Bayless isn't falling, Gordon-with-intention-to-try-and-turn-him-into-a-PG probably isn't going to fall.

Augustin's height bothers me a lot on both ends of the floor, and he's not a stand-out athlete to help make up for that lack of height.

I'd rather try and sign Beno, Duhon (who will probably look to go to a legit playoff team though) or trade for Earl Watson, as short-term solutions, while we continue to look for a long-term guy over the next couple years.

[Ballings7]

I think if DJ is not there, then we will end up trading our pick and moving back to get Chalmers and someone else late in the 1st round.

Wait, so were going to take Chalmers with the earliest pick and not a big/foward? Or are you saying Chalmers would be the latest of the two picks, and somebody else would be selected with the highest pick?

If you mean the former, I just don't buy that at all.

Chalmers isn't a PG, and probably isn't going to be a starting PG in this league. He's a very good role-playing guard with effective, but limited facilitating ability.

You take the big man prospect over a player like Chalmers with your highest pick... then you look at players like Chalmers later on.

[pillwenney]

I'm not too concerned with DJ's size. I don't think we need an absolutely stellar defender at PG, just a solid one, which I think DJ will be (at least in most matchups). The guy is known for putting forth a lot of effort defensively, and I think that along with his quickness will help make up for his lack of size (although it will always hurt against bigger PGs). Offensively, he seems crafty enough to manage. I think he compares to Nash in a certain way--Nash can't really ever finish at the rim in traffic, but he makes up for it by being crafty as hell. I think DJ can be like that--although hoping for it to work as well for him as it does for Nash is a bit of a stretch.

[KF10]

Even though, DJ Augustine is 5'11.5'' with shoes. Which is small, true. But His standing reach is 7'10.5''. Which exceeds Paul's by a inch and a half and matches Conley/Farmar. I guess, the height issue might be KINDA overblown but the limitations are there. But his talent/skill is IMO great. He CAN be one of the best PGs in the NBA within 4 years. He has the tools to do so.

[BMiller52]

Even though, DJ Augustine is 5'11.5'' with shoes. Which is small, true. But His standing reach is 7'10.5''. Which exceeds Paul's by a inch and a half and matches Conley/Farmar. I guess, the height issue might be KINDA overblown but the limitations are there. But his talent/skill is IMO great. He CAN be one of the best PGs in the NBA within 4 years. He has the tools to do so.

Don't forget his 35" verticle.

[Ballings7]

moved...

[KF10]

Even though, DJ Augustine is 5'11.5'' with shoes. Which is small, true. But His standing reach is 7'10.5''. Which exceeds Paul's by a inch and a half and matches Conley/Farmar. I guess, the height issue might be KINDA overblown but the limitations are there. But his talent/skill is IMO great. He CAN be one of the best PGs in the NBA within 4 years. He has the tools to do so.

Don't forget his 35" verticle.

Whoa! I soo forgot about that aspect. Interesting. I wonder why nbadraft.net listed Augustine's athleticism low? At times, when I see him, he is explosive when he drives to the hoop and finishes pretty well.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

If Augustin falls to the Kings at 12, I don't see a logical reason for him to be there at 13. He's a top 6 talent. I was extatic to hear the Pacers trade.

[KF10]

If Augustin falls to the Kings at 12, I don't see a logical reason for him to be there at 13. He's a top 6 talent. I was extatic to hear the Pacers trade.

Yeah, agreed.

[Ballings7]

Still iffy feelings for me on DJ... short PGs who aren't that athletic are risky translating to the NBA. I just don't like that he could well be limited in certain key aspects.

edit: moreso offensively than defensively actually, because I didn't realize that about his standing-reach. That makes things better for me in general defensively, but overall I am still mixed on him.

Certainly questionable.

I don't think we need an absolutely stellar defender at PG, just a solid one, which I think DJ will be (at least in most matchups). The guy is known for putting forth a lot of effort defensively, and I think that along with his quickness will help make up for his lack of size (although it will always hurt against bigger PGs).

I agree, expecting to get an excellent defensive PG just isn't common.

[SacTown Kings]

Well there goes Artest for Ford and the 17th pick.

I wouldn't get too hung up on DJ height, lots of good point guards are defensive liabilities. I don't know how old he is but he might still grow a bit. I was well over 18 years of age when I graduated high school and I was 5'7. By the time I was 23 years old I was 6'1. Some people especially males still grow until they are about 24 years old. Hedo grew another 2 inches at least from the time he entered the league.

However, I would still rather see us get a power forward in this draft and sign Beno for the MLE. We can always trade Beno later on. But he is more than adequate until we find the right pg.

[Ballings7]

However, I would still rather see us get a power forward in this draft and sign Beno for the MLE. We can always trade Beno later on. But he is more than adequate until we find the right pg.

Agreed. Though the Clippers interest could definitely kill that for us with Beno.

[deNIEd]

I'd rather we wait for future oppurtunities to find a PG... the ones right now just aren't that appealing. Bayless isn't falling, Gordon-with-intention-to-try-and-turn-him-into-a-PG probably isn't going to fall.

Augustin's height bothers me a lot on both ends of the floor, and he's not a stand-out athlete to help make up for that lack of height.

I'd rather try and sign Beno, Duhon (who will probably look to go to a legit playoff team though) or trade for Earl Watson, as short-term solutions, while we continue to look for a long-term guy over the next couple years.

Ballings, I'm completely with you on this one. Personally, I think it is time for a full rebuild, meaning moving Artest/Miller/Salmons for picks/future assets/expirings/prospects/etc.

Next year's PG crop is by far better than this years, and next year the demand for a PG will be a lot lower. If Beno walks, and Artest/Miller/(perhaps Salmons too), we will very likely be a bottom 5 team, however, one with one of the most promising futures. A bad team, due to Hawes being so young, other prospects being so young, and no true PG.

Next year, with Jennings and Rubio already known as likely future allstars, plus many others that are unknown of currently, there is a much better selection.

Also, lets go down the line of teams and their draft needs.
1. Chicago - Won't be in a position to draft a top 5 player.
2. Miami - If they go Mayo, won't need PG. Also, won't likely be a top 5 pick.
3. Minnesota - Very likely in drafting Mayo, meaning they won't need a PG/SG with Foye/Mayo
4. Seattle - If they select Bayless or Westbrook, Won't need PG/SG.
5. Memphis - They could draft a PG, but that's only cause they want an all PG lineup.
6. NYK - Could use a PG, but could also draft one this year, but likely a SG/SF/PF a bigger need.
7. LAC - Depends on if they draft a PG this year or not.
8. Mil - Wildcard
9. Charlotte - Won't need PG
10. NJ - Could draft PG
11. Indiana - Has Ford
12. Us
13. Portland - Won't be bottom 5
14. GSW - Won't be Bottom 5

[RoyalCourtJestr]

DJ Augustin is, to me, my favorite player other then Rose, (and maybe Arthur) in this draft. I watched the kid play MY college team in December - he gave 26 and 9 on us. The kid is very fast, shoots great and passes very well for his age - easily translates into a Steve Nash player.

Augustin has the potential to be a fine defense player, with that speed. If he's there at 12 I will be VERY upset if he's there at 13.

[RoyalCourtJestr]

I'm not gonna depend on a bad year from us to get a PG when I think we have a legitiment chance to get a possible top 10 NBA PG/Floor Leader.

[pillwenney]

I'd rather we wait for future oppurtunities to find a PG... the ones right now just aren't that appealing. Bayless isn't falling, Gordon-with-intention-to-try-and-turn-him-into-a-PG probably isn't going to fall.

Augustin's height bothers me a lot on both ends of the floor, and he's not a stand-out athlete to help make up for that lack of height.

I'd rather try and sign Beno, Duhon (who will probably look to go to a legit playoff team though) or trade for Earl Watson, as short-term solutions, while we continue to look for a long-term guy over the next couple years.

Ballings, I'm completely with you on this one. Personally, I think it is time for a full rebuild, meaning moving Artest/Miller/Salmons for picks/future assets/expirings/prospects/etc.

Next year's PG crop is by far better than this years, and next year the demand for a PG will be a lot lower. If Beno walks, and Artest/Miller/(perhaps Salmons too), we will very likely be a bottom 5 team, however, one with one of the most promising futures. A bad team, due to Hawes being so young, other prospects being so young, and no true PG.

Next year, with Jennings and Rubio already known as likely future allstars, plus many others that are unknown of currently, there is a much better selection.

Also, lets go down the line of teams and their draft needs.
1. Chicago - Won't be in a position to draft a top 5 player.
2. Miami - If they go Mayo, won't need PG. Also, won't likely be a top 5 pick.
3. Minnesota - Very likely in drafting Mayo, meaning they won't need a PG/SG with Foye/Mayo
4. Seattle - If they select Bayless or Westbrook, Won't need PG/SG.
5. Memphis - They could draft a PG, but that's only cause they want an all PG lineup.
6. NYK - Could use a PG, but could also draft one this year, but likely a SG/SF/PF a bigger need.
7. LAC - Depends on if they draft a PG this year or not.
8. Mil - Wildcard
9. Charlotte - Won't need PG
10. NJ - Could draft PG
11. Indiana - Has Ford
12. Us
13. Portland - Won't be bottom 5
14. GSW - Won't be Bottom 5

Please give up on this dream. It's not going to happen as long as we have the people running the organization that currently run it.

[deNIEd]

Please give up on this dream. It's not going to happen as long as we have the people running the organization that currently run it.

My main point, (is not against DJ, but the likes of Chalmers and such) is that, we should not force ourselves in drafting needs, when this team could use a PG, SF, and PF. Outside of SG, there isn't a single position in which we truly couldn't use help in. Just because Beno walks, and we are forced to use Salmons or Douby as our starting PG, its not a big deal. Don't waste an opportunity in drafting an Alexander (possible future SF), Arthur (possible future 6th man of the year).

Simply draft whoever we/Petrie thinks is going to be the best, regardless of the position. Always draft BPA.

Whether that is Jordan, Arthur, Speights, DJ, McGee, Alexander, Gallinari, it doesn't matter.

Stockpile talent, (we really don't have that much compared to many of the young and upcoming teams, ie Portland, NO, Charlotte, Atlanta, etc.), and deal with filling needs later.