Official Wizards Draft Thread: Version 2.0

[NbdyBeatsTheWiz]

Maybe Head's last game against us when he dropped 24 and hit something like 4-6 threes is dominating our thoughts on the guy, because he hit one, count em ONE shot in 6 games against the Jazz in last year's playoffs. 1-14 overall. Impact player? not so much.

I can't hold that against him too much. Stevenson was beyond terrible in the playoffs of 2007 vs. the Cavs. He bounced back and had a good year and was a key part of our team. One bad playoff series does not make or break a player.

I'm just saying he's dropped 24 and 18 in his past two against us (and 12 & 12 the two before that)while shooting 50% or so from three the past couple years, while in reality he's only a 9 ppg player over his career, at about 39% from three. Solid for a role player, which is something we could use off the bench, especially if he could spell Arenas effectively at PG. But somehow I doubt that, so I've got mixed feelings because I really don't want him biting into NY's minutes at SG.

[LyricalRico]

It all depends on who the other player in the deal is. We simply cannot trade the 18th for Head and the 25th. Another player would need to be added. Songaila is set to make 4.2mil next season. Head will make 1.9mil. I don't think that can happen. It probably needs to be Pesh.

Or just expand the deal. I posted this a couple pages back.

I proposed something like this about a month ago and was flamed because we could stay at #18 and then just re-sign Mason. Well, I guess my genius is affirmed yet again.

But Doc is right - the Wiz would have to send somebody to Houston to make the numbers work.

Or we could make it a 3-way if Hibbert is on the board at #18:

Wizards trade: Songaila and #18
Wizards receive: Head and #25

Bobcats trade: #20
Bobcats receive: Songaila and #18

Rockets trade: Head and #25
Rockets receive: #20

That should still put Houston high enough to take Lee (I don't think Cleveland takes him at #19) and the salary provisions are met since Charlotte is under the cap for the upcoming season. Then, at #25, the Wiz could probably pick between Batum, Hendrix, Hickson, maybe even Chalmers if he slips. And we solve our luxury tax problems.

[Cramer]

The more I think about this the more I don't like it at all.

Head is a dime a dozen and at best is going to cut into Young's minutes, and for that we sit while an additional 7 players are picked? For a 5th guard whose big strength is supposed to be the 3-ball and he shot .351 from there last year, and .391 for his career?

We could be potentially be passing on a Rush, Chalmers, Hibbert (who I don't even really like), Arthur, Batum or the like and settling on...I don't know...CDR, all so we can have Head?

I'll pass.

[AgentOvechkin08]

Maybe Head's last game against us when he dropped 24 and hit something like 4-6 threes is dominating our thoughts on the guy, because he hit one, count em ONE shot in 6 games against the Jazz in last year's playoffs. 1-14 overall. Impact player? not so much.

I can't hold that against him too much. Stevenson was beyond terrible in the playoffs of 2007 vs. the Cavs. He bounced back and had a good year and was a key part of our team. One bad playoff series does not make or break a player.

I'm just saying he's dropped 24 and 18 in his past two against us (and 12 & 12 the two before that)while shooting 50% or so from three the past couple years, while in reality he's only a 9 ppg player over his career, at about 39% from three. Solid for a role player, which is something we could use off the bench, especially if he could spell Arenas effectively at PG. But somehow I doubt that, so I've got mixed feelings because I really don't want him biting into NY's minutes at SG.

Well if you look at the playoffs he basically got ZERO playing time. So it could explain 1-14.
Just a thought

[Cramer]

Well if you look at the playoffs he basically got ZERO playing time. So it could explain 1-14.
Just a thought

Or the 1-14 explains the zero playing time.

[MF23]

My turn. I like Head that can stroke from deep. I think Head can really help stretch it out. Ok, thats enough. If he can take Masons role and some how they get rid of DSongs contract I would be fine with it. Hendrix or Hickson will be available at 25 and that is probably and upgrade at 2 spots.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It all depends on who the other player in the deal is. We simply cannot trade the 18th for Head and the 25th. Another player would need to be added. Songaila is set to make 4.2mil next season. Head will make 1.9mil. I don't think that can happen. It probably needs to be Pesh.

Head + Steve Novak (option picked up, dunno if they did) + Justin Reed might could put Songaila in the Adelman Princeton offense, where he's played effectively (in Sactown). And CCJ would get happitty that we had the sweetshooting Novak in our offense. Plus Reed and Novak have expiring deals.

Unlikely though. The Rox have a raft of forwards equivalent to Songaila.

Shooting shouldn't ever be underrated. The Wizards have size but they could really use a tall SF that hits threes. I'd be much more excited about Novak than Head. Reed I also liked when he was with Boston. Not much offense, but a solid defender.

[Dat2U]

My final mock:

1. CHI PG Derrick Rose
2. MIA PF Michael Beasley...trade w/ Minnesota
3. MIN SG O.J. Mayo...trade w/ Miami
4. SEA C Brook Lopez
5. MEM PF Kevin Love
6. NY SF Danilo Gallinari
7. LAC PG Jerryd Bayless
8. MIL SF Joe Alexander
9. CHA PG Russell Westbrook
10. NJ PG D.J. Augustin...trade w/ Portland
11. IND SG Eric Gordon
12. SAC C Roy Hibbert
13. POR C Robin Lopez...trade w/ NJ
14. GSW C Kosta Koufos
15. PHX SF Brandon Rush
16. PHI C DeAndre Jordan
17. IND PF Anthony Randolph
18. WAS SF Donte Greene...trade w/ Houston
19. CLE C Javale McGee
20. CHA C Alexis Ajinca
21. NJ PF Darrell Arthur
22. ORL C Marresse Speights
23. UTA C Omer Asik
24. SEA PG Mario Chalmers
25. HOU PF Ryan Anderson...trade w/ Washington
26. SA SF Nicolas Batum
27. POR C Ante Tomic
28. MEM SG Chris Douglas-Roberts
29. DET C Jason Thompson
30. BOS SG Courtney Lee

[Kanyewest]

Don't believe a word of it. That just means Ernie is hoping teams drafting behind him won't try to move up to select the guy he really wants, who he's hoping will slip into the slot. Seriously I haven't heard of anyone saying they really really want Arthur or McGee-- which makes them a safe mention.

I agree with this.

As for Ivan: trading this year's 18 for next years 14+ is stupid. The only upside is that maybe you get a player next year 4 slots higher (but maybe 12 slots worse) or that you don't 'have' to select this year when the draft is notably deep with talent if not experience. Plus you don't add a rook to a young-ish squad.

While you certainly pointed out the flaws for trading a future first round pick, there are certainly factors to consider.

1) This draft could potentially not be very deep or nothing is a sure thing when the Wizards pick at #18
2) That future first round pick could be lottery protected for a year or two, so that pick could turn into unprotected lottery pick in 2011.
3) The first round pick could always be used to complete a major trade (Young player, filler, plus two first round picks for major superstar)

[nate33]

The more I think about this the more I don't like it at all.

Head is a dime a dozen and at best is going to cut into Young's minutes, and for that we sit while an additional 7 players are picked? For a 5th guard whose big strength is supposed to be the 3-ball and he shot .351 from there last year, and .391 for his career?

We could be potentially be passing on a Rush, Chalmers, Hibbert (who I don't even really like), Arthur, Batum or the like and settling on...I don't know...CDR, all so we can have Head?

I'll pass.

pace adjusted per-40 numbers:

Code: Select all

Player        PTS  REB  AST  STL  BLK   TO eFG%  TS%  PER
mason,roger  17.6  3.2  3.3  1.0  0.4  1.7 .552 .573 13.8
head,luther  16.4  4.0  4.1  1.3  0.3  2.1 .516 .544 13.6

I don't see how Head helps us either.

[Kanyewest]

I'm not a fan of Head. Well at least not Luther Head.

Undersized, no real position. Streaky shooter, mediocre defender. What does he really bring to the table? Where does he even fit into the rotation? Should we be trading down in the draft for what's basically a 5th guard?

I'd pass. Even if it meant dumping Songaila, Head is just not intriguing to me. Don't we have enough mediocre Gs on the roster with Stevenson & AD? What would it mean for Nick Young's playing time and development?

Luckily Hoopsworld isn't a reliable source.

I'm not much of fan either. I don't even see him better than Mason and I don't even like Mason that much.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

My final prospect rankings:

Future NBA Superstar
1. PG Derrick Rose
2. PF Michael Beasley

Possible NBA All-Star
3. SG O.J. Mayo
4. PG Jerryd Bayless

Solid NBA Starter
5. PF Kevin Love
6. SF Joe Alexander
7. C Marresse Speights
8. PG D.J. Augustin
9. C Brook Lopez
10. SG Eric Gordon
11. SF Nicolas Batum
12. SF Danilo Gallinari
13. PF Anthony Randolph

Quality NBA role player
14. C Roy Hibbert
15. PG Russell Westbrook
16. PF Richard Hendrix
17. C Omer Asik
18. SF Donte Greene
19. PF Darrell Arthur
20. SF Bill Walker
21. SG Chris Douglas Roberts
22. C Robin Lopez
23. PF Ryan Anderson

Fringe rotation/deep bench player
24. C DeAndre Jordan
25. C Alexis Ajinca
26. PF Serge Ibaka
27. C Kosta Koufos
28. PF D.J. White
29. PG Mario Chalmers
30. SG J.R. Giddens
31. SG Kyle Weaver
32. C Jason Thompson
33. SG Courtney Lee
34. SF Brandon Rush
35. C Devon Hardin
36. C Ante Tomic
37. SF Patrick Ewing Jr.
38. C Nikola Perovic
39. C Javale McGee
40. PG Sean Singletary
41. PG Jamont Gordon

Anyone else not mentioned above: Out of the league in 2 years or less.

General Thoughts:
While its a deep draft with a good amount of NBA talent, its not particulary strong in terms of top level talent. I only see 4-5 potential all-stars or real difference makers. A decent number of NBA starters may come out the draft but it possesses a great amount of quality role players and guys that can fill out a 15-man roster. Unless you have a top 3 or 4 pick, don't expect to get a real impact player.

There's good value later in the draft in the teens and twenties. There's great amount of project big men that should be avoided. Guys with raw talent but little or no skill and questionable motor. Those guys tend to rate as the biggest busts in the draft. Jordan, Koufos, Ajinca & McGee fall into this category. Guys that I think are potential steals relative to draft value are Speights, Batum, Asik, Hendrix & Anderson.

Great list, Dat!

At the last minute of the draft I've taken a liking to a couple guys not on your list.

George Hill, a scoring PG out of IUPUI. Seems to have the potential for a long, successful NBA career if he goes to the right team. Don't be shocked if the Pacers grab him.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/George-Hill-5067/

Brian Roberts, a pure shooting PG who can also distribute, out of Dayton. Daniel Gibson comparison seems to fit.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Brian-Roberts-5032/

And a couple more I've mentioned before that I think could be solid role players if drafted at #47.

Pat Calathes. Possibly a 6'10" SG, but definitely a SF. I think he'd be rated higher if he weren't white and relatively non-athletic. Can't see why he's not higher up in mocks.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Pat-Calathes-1373/

Maarty Leunen, a Brian Cardinal/Darius Songaila-type player. Dutch and will probably play in Europe but his stats say solid NBA prospect to me.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Maarty-Leunen-476/

Dat and others, one guy not mentioned above who WILL be a very solid NBA player: James Gist.

[nate33]

My final prospect rankings:

Future NBA Superstar
1. PG Derrick Rose
2. PF Michael Beasley

Possible NBA All-Star
3. SG O.J. Mayo
4. PG Jerryd Bayless

Solid NBA Starter
5. PF Kevin Love
6. SF Joe Alexander
7. C Marresse Speights
8. PG D.J. Augustin
9. C Brook Lopez
10. SG Eric Gordon
11. SF Nicolas Batum
12. SF Danilo Gallinari
13. PF Anthony Randolph

Quality NBA role player
14. C Roy Hibbert
15. PG Russell Westbrook
16. PF Richard Hendrix
17. C Omer Asik
18. SF Donte Greene
19. PF Darrell Arthur
20. SF Bill Walker
21. SG Chris Douglas Roberts
22. C Robin Lopez
23. PF Ryan Anderson

Fringe rotation/deep bench player
24. C DeAndre Jordan
25. C Alexis Ajinca
26. PF Serge Ibaka
27. C Kosta Koufos
28. PF D.J. White
29. PG Mario Chalmers
30. SG J.R. Giddens
31. SG Kyle Weaver
32. C Jason Thompson
33. SG Courtney Lee
34. SF Brandon Rush
35. C Devon Hardin
36. C Ante Tomic
37. SF Patrick Ewing Jr.
38. C Nikola Perovic
39. C Javale McGee
40. PG Sean Singletary
41. PG Jamont Gordon

Wow. No love at all for Chalmers despite his excellent college numbers, solid measurements and positive workout reports? I figure he's at least a quality role player.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

The more I think about this the more I don't like it at all.

Head is a dime a dozen and at best is going to cut into Young's minutes, and for that we sit while an additional 7 players are picked? For a 5th guard whose big strength is supposed to be the 3-ball and he shot .351 from there last year, and .391 for his career?

We could be potentially be passing on a Rush, Chalmers, Hibbert (who I don't even really like), Arthur, Batum or the like and settling on...I don't know...CDR, all so we can have Head?

I'll pass.

pace adjusted per-40 numbers:

Code: Select all

Player        PTS  REB  AST  STL  BLK   TO eFG%  TS%  PER
mason,roger  17.6  3.2  3.3  1.0  0.4  1.7 .552 .573 13.8
head,luther  16.4  4.0  4.1  1.3  0.3  2.1 .516 .544 13.6

I don't see how Head helps us either.

Not to start anything among those who love Nick Young, but I'd rather resign Mason and trade Young for Lowry and not even bother with getting Luther Head.

I'm a huge fan of Roger Mason. I think if Gil's healthy, Roger is perhaps a better SG next to him than DeShawn because Roger's less streaky.

However, it's a moot point because Roger's seemingly not going to be resigned. Getting Head replaces him and makes sense to me, even if it doesn't look to be an improvement on paper.

[Wizardspride]

Not to start anything among those who love Nick Young, but I'd rather resign Mason and trade Young for Lowry and not even bother with getting Luther Head.

No offense CCJ...but why would you trade Nick Young for a player that clearly is less talented than he is?

And having a resigned Mason and Lowry would make us really small with our guards.


PS: I'm ok with Lowry but every trade proposal I see always seems to have us giving up the more talented player. Its just mind-boggling to me.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Not to start anything among those who love Nick Young, but I'd rather resign Mason and trade Young for Lowry and not even bother with getting Luther Head.

No offense CCJ...but why would you trade Nick Young for a player that clearly is less talented than he is?

And having a resigned Mason and Lowry would make us really small with our guards.


PS: I'm ok with Lowry but every trade proposal I see always seems to have us giving up the more talented player. Its just mind-boggling to me.

Two reasons: First, because I think Lowry's the more talented player. Second, because he fits a need much better than Young does.

Lowry is a PG that's an aggressive defender. He's an explosive player who does things defensively. This time last year, actually a little earlier, I mentioned I thought Rondo would be strong player for the Celtics. In the blowout game 6 he had something like 6 steals and had a strong game scoring and rebounding as well. Lowry is very much the same kind of player.

Nick Young scores points. Man can he score. But what else does he do?

The Wizards had the WORST PERIMETER DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE.

Lowry is already one of the best defensive PGs in the league.

I'd trade Nick Young for Lowry any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

The Wizards need defense at PG and a stud-scoring PF, as well as a long-range shooting SF off the bench (though I could see Nick in that role, already).

[sashae]

Yes, but Lowry would be a bench player for us. I'll be surprised if Nick isn't starting for us by the end of this year, if not next year. He's way too explosive a scorer to be a bench player forever, and with his length he can be taught defense.

[nate33]

Yes, but Lowry would be a bench player for us. I'll be surprised if Nick isn't starting for us by the end of this year, if not next year. He's way too explosive a scorer to be a bench player forever, and with his length he can be taught defense.

Exactly.

Even if Lowry is a better player than Young (and I don't agree that he is), Lowry is only going to play 8 minutes a game for the foreseeable future. Young will play 20 minutes a game this year and perhaps become a starter in the years ahead.

[AAEXPRESS]

I saw a blurb on Hoopworld.com that the Wiz are discussing a trade with the Rockets. Our #18 for Luther Head and their # 25.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9216

Here is the link below.

[Pradamaster]

pace adjusted per-40 numbers:

Code: Select all

Player        PTS  REB  AST  STL  BLK   TO eFG%  TS%  PER
mason,roger  17.6  3.2  3.3  1.0  0.4  1.7 .552 .573 13.8
head,luther  16.4  4.0  4.1  1.3  0.3  2.1 .516 .544 13.6

I don't see how Head helps us either.

I hear what you're saying, but that was in a career-best year for Mason and a career-worst year for Head. Even with that, they're fairly close.

Plus, Head's cheaper and his contract runs out a year sooner than Pecherov's. I don't love the trade, but I wouldn't have much of a problem with it either.