The What Should We Do With the 5th Pick II: IBJ Edition

[doclinkin]

ubiquity ?

I guess all the shinny words in the world can't buy you basketball prediction instinct guessing ability.

As for my lemmings as you call them. Not a wet fur in the bunch.

Okay let me dumb it down a notch:

Re: The RealGM Wizards Board Draft Thread 2008/2009

New postby doclinkin on Sun Nov 02, 2008 1:41 pm
As far as potential point guards I like Greivis pretty well, despite flaws, but I'm most interested in the aborigine assassin Patrick Mills (St. Marys) and Del Curry's boy Stephen.

Both have big league quality skill, Patty Mills scorched the US olympicsquad for 20 points, Stephen Curry's jumper is slick as a silk jockstrap and despite puny size and babyface plays decent defense makes smart passes etc.

NIck Calathes of Florida has interesting stats, but I haven't seen enough to know if I like his play.

Here's hoping the Grizz steal a playoff spot.

Re: The RealGM Wizards Board Draft Thread 2008/2009

New postby doclinkin on Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:22 am
Maybe, but shoot I want Dell Curry's boy more than ever. By year's end I expect he'll be in contention for #1 overall. Kid can score, has game recognition, will demonstrate his Point skills this year. Plays biggest on the biggest stage. I'd tank the rest of the year if it meant we guaranteed pulling his name. That's the kid. His stat progression is impeccable, gets better every year in all the little intangibles you want to see in a guard. And come tournament time he singlehandedly wins games despite defenses designed to deny him. Calm under fire. Scurry. Kid is something special.

Etc. for the next 280-something pages. And mostly because I can't find a cite from the 07/08 Draft thread.

But no, you're right, it could be you're more observant than everybody else if we'd only just pay attention to what you were writing... Nevermind the pot-kettle parable. No like I said, you're probably right, when people think 'dangerous tool', could be your name pops to mind first.

[AgentOvechkin08]

I am now saying I would draft Flynn over Curry in a heartbeat.

I am saying this because if Harden and Rubio are gone, and we have to keep the pick because there is no good trade available in EG's eyes than why draft Curry when you can draft a better PG in Flynn.

What is Curry better at than Flynn?

Flynn is WAY more athletic and has a pretty good Bball IQ, Curry has a great IQ and a terrific shot.

I would say overall, Flynn just has the better overall package, he can shoot pretty well and probably will improve that, he can penetrate with the best of them, posterize bigger guys, and is a nightmare to stay in front of. Yes he is 6'0 but he plays alot bigger.

I actually would not mind him in a trade down, maybe with NY so select Curry ship him to NY and dump salary (as much as possible) and get Flynn.

All this unless Harden is there than take him.

My wild card is Derozan.

[WizarDynasty]

Yes because having a highlight reel indicates how good of a player you are

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hufYu-nq8M

WOW. His handles are amazing for a guy that big. And he just explodes to the rim. He defense with so much energy, too!

Get this guy on the Wizards!!!

Right so clearly the trained eyes of realgm wizards poster see no difference between marvin williams and jared jeffries. Well let me school just since it appears you guys don't see a difference. first off, jared was always a great defender, which the highlight shows. You don't see Jared stroking threes and taking people off the dribble often because that's not what Jared does well. Marvin williams highlights show this small forward skill called an explosive first step. That's what Jeffries doesn't have. That's what Earl Clark does have.
Having a first explosive step and ability to attack the rim dribbling with both hands from the three point line and finishing is what makes both Marvin and Clark special. Jeffries doesn't have this ability and never did. Without a first explosive step, you can't burst past a defender after he bites on your pump fake, allowing you to easily drive by him and get fouled. hopefully that helps people see a little bit clearer.

[Kanyewest]

Mike D'Antoni is just holding Jared Jeffries back. Here are some of his highlights before the Knicks ruined him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAf6GtUT ... re=related

[hands11]

ubiquity ?

I guess all the shinny words in the world can't buy you basketball prediction instinct guessing ability.

As for my lemmings as you call them. Not a wet fur in the bunch.

Okay let me dumb it down a notch:

Re: The RealGM Wizards Board Draft Thread 2008/2009

New postby doclinkin on Sun Nov 02, 2008 1:41 pm
As far as potential point guards I like Greivis pretty well, despite flaws, but I'm most interested in the aborigine assassin Patrick Mills (St. Marys) and Del Curry's boy Stephen.

Both have big league quality skill, Patty Mills scorched the US olympicsquad for 20 points, Stephen Curry's jumper is slick as a silk jockstrap and despite puny size and babyface plays decent defense makes smart passes etc.

NIck Calathes of Florida has interesting stats, but I haven't seen enough to know if I like his play.

Here's hoping the Grizz steal a playoff spot.

Re: The RealGM Wizards Board Draft Thread 2008/2009

New postby doclinkin on Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:22 am
Maybe, but shoot I want Dell Curry's boy more than ever. By year's end I expect he'll be in contention for #1 overall. Kid can score, has game recognition, will demonstrate his Point skills this year. Plays biggest on the biggest stage. I'd tank the rest of the year if it meant we guaranteed pulling his name. That's the kid. His stat progression is impeccable, gets better every year in all the little intangibles you want to see in a guard. And come tournament time he singlehandedly wins games despite defenses designed to deny him. Calm under fire. Scurry. Kid is something special.

Etc. for the next 280-something pages. And mostly because I can't find a cite from the 07/08 Draft thread.

But no, you're right, it could be you're more observant than everybody else if we'd only just pay attention to what you were writing... Nevermind the pot-kettle parable. No like I said, you're probably right, when people think 'dangerous tool', could be your name pops to mind first.

Good eye.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Honestly, we probably talked about Stephen Curry back in March of 2008 when he torched the Terps in the NCAAs. It's not like we're just figuring out that kid's good.

I recall thinking the same about the last #5 pick the Wizards had, Devin Harris. He exploded on the Terps (more than once IIRC) when the teams met. I knew who he was. I knew he could play. Same with Curry and for some time now.

The parallels between the two players are pretty uncanny to me. Harris in the NCAAs didn't score as many as Curry but he was foremost a scorer who's transitioned to NBA PG.

[lurkingobeiscity]

* Former Bucks GM Ernie Grunfeld isn't afraid to pull the trade trigger, and that's why rumors about him dealing the Washington Wizards' No. 5 pick are gaining more credence.

I'm hearing a deal, which would revolve around Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire and the wizards' top pick, has a decent chance of going down.

http://my.journaltimes.com/post/woelfel-world-of-sports/draft_winds_change_for_bucks.html

Thought you guys might be interested in that. IF there is any truth to it I would guess that the Wiz are giving up significantly more.

[Kanyewest]

Honestly, we probably talked about Stephen Curry back in March of 2008 when he torched the Terps in the NCAAs. It's not like we're just figuring out that kid's good.

I recall thinking the same about the last #5 pick the Wizards had, Devin Harris. He exploded on the Terps (more than once IIRC) when the teams met. I knew who he was. I knew he could play. Same with Curry and for some time now.

The parallels between the two players are pretty uncanny to me. Harris in the NCAAs didn't score as many as Curry but he was foremost a scorer who's transitioned to NBA PG.

Curry faced off against the Terps in 2007. Harris proved he could play but it took him 5 seasons and another team to reap the benefits. I think Curry can make more of an immediate impact because of his shooting although to my knowledge is not as quick as Harris.

[Ruzious]

* Former Bucks GM Ernie Grunfeld isn't afraid to pull the trade trigger, and that's why rumors about him dealing the Washington Wizards' No. 5 pick are gaining more credence.

I'm hearing a deal, which would revolve around Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire and the wizards' top pick, has a decent chance of going down.

http://my.journaltimes.com/post/woelfel-world-of-sports/draft_winds_change_for_bucks.html

Thought you guys might be interested in that. IF there is any truth to it I would guess that the Wiz are giving up significantly more.

Whoa, that's written by a real sports writer - not an internet source that heard some random speculation from some radio guys. I'd call it the closest thing to a rumor we've gotten. Unfortunately, Woelfel's nickname in Milwaukee is Woeful, but frankly he's better than any writer in the major DC papers. And he gave a plug to one of my favorites:

Lawson's stock has suddenly soared as well, thanks to some impressive recent workouts. Once considered a mid first-round selection -- at best -- he now could be a top 10 selection as well.

I'm still confused as to how the best player in the NCAA tournament - on the championship team... gets underrated by virtually every draft guru.

[Rafael122]

Because he's short and he can't shoot. If he were 6'3, he'd be a top 5 pick.

[nate33]

I get the feeling doc really enjoys his "debates" with hands11.

[fishercob]

With 10 days to draft night, here's where I am on what to do with the pick:

1) Trade it for Rudy Fernandez if Portland will deal. It would be great to dump some salary in the deal, but frankly, I'd be willing to add some sweetener to get it done. Rudy may be the best player in the league when you measure production to salary/contract. With our salary structure, we desperately need a guy like that.

2) If Harden is still on the board, take him and be done with it. He fills a need and he'll be relatively cheap.

3) If Harden's gone, draft and keep Curry. We desperately need a competant backup to Gil. Sobering indications on Critt are that he's not a credible NBA point gaurd. If Curry's just too good to be "just a backup PG" than we'll adjust accordingly. But that's a good problem to have, not a bad one.

4) If Harden and Curry are gone, draft Rubio and hold his rights until the right deal comes along. It will.

My overall thinking is that the Wiz are going to be really good. We have a lot of depth -- especially up front -- and that's going to breed competition for minutes and some high quality play. Unless some sort of Kwame-Gasol type trade that is born out of another's team finanical vulnerability comes along, I don't think we need a big trade to have a big year. And as Dat points out, it would be unwise to make a big move on draft night out of panic/need to make a spalsh, as it would inhibit Ernie's ability to make a deal before the deadline. Luckily, that doesn't seem to be Ernie's style.

Eight days out and I'm revising my thinking a bit. Dat and Doc really have me thinking, and I currently inclined to flip 2 and 3 above -- draft Curry before Harden.

While Harden does fill a need better, I think where the Wiz are you have to draft who you think is the better player. I think that's Steph. Look at Portland with Roy and Rudy -- they play the same position, yet Portland found ways to get Rudy on the floor and they had a hell of a year. I don't think it's a stretch to come up with 25 MPG for Curry -- 10-12 MPG backing up Gil and 15 mins or so beside him. Maybe some of the time beside him features a frontcourt of McGuire, Blatche and Haywood to compensate for any defensive matchup problem in the perimeter.

I just think Curry is too good not to draft because of "fit." Think about who he played with in college, then think about him playing pick and roll with Javale McGee. How do you defend that? You can't even conceive of going under that screen with Curry's J. If you trail, he's deadly with a mid range quick J, and if you commit to that, you're essentially in jail b/c of the lob to McGee.

And I agree with Dat's general point that you have to keep the big picture in mind with this pick -- you can't take too myopic a view of the Wiz roster today. Don't just think about what fits, but what is most marketable down the road. I think Curry will be more sought after via trade (whether on draft night or in a year) than Harden.

I like Harden, and I buy the Pierce/Roy comparison in that he may not be a sportscenter guy, but he just gets it done with sneaky athleticism, strength, tough to anticipate herky-jerkiness, etc. If he's he pick I'd be happy and would respect it. But as of today I prefer Curry.

Most of all, I'm reassured that Curry, Harden or Rubio will be on the board at 5. So somehow, some way, the Wiz are going to get a good upgrade to their squad.

[closg00]

Because he's short and he can't shoot. If he were 6'3, he'd be a top 5 pick.

Actually Lawson's shot has improved dramatically over the last two years. In-fact he shoots a very high% trey. I'm not surprised at all that his "stock" has gone up.

[Ruzious]

Because he's short and he can't shoot. If he were 6'3, he'd be a top 5 pick.

Actually Lawson's shot has improved dramatically over the last two years. In-fact he shoots a very high% trey. I'm not surprised at all that his "stock" has gone up.

QFT. I get the impression that people just assume he's basically the same as Felton. He's not. His efficiency stats at UNC were much better than Felton's.

[DCZards]

Actually Lawson's shot has improved dramatically over the last two years. In-fact he shoots a very high% trey. I'm not surprised at all that his "stock" has gone up.

Yes, Lawson's shooting has gotten a whole lot better. It was particulary good at crunch time througout the tourney. I think the main problem that some NBA teams have with Ty, other than his height, is the concern about injuries. He missed several games in both his soph and junior year.

[Ruzious]

Actually Lawson's shot has improved dramatically over the last two years. In-fact he shoots a very high% trey. I'm not surprised at all that his "stock" has gone up.

Yes, Lawson's shooting has gotten a whole lot better. It was particulary good at crunch time througout the tourney. I think the main problem that some NBA teams have with Ty, other than his height, is the concern about injuries. He missed several games in both his soph and junior year.

I really doubt that injuries are a concern. He only missed a few games and came back strong. Plus, he's built like a rugby player and does not look like the injury-prone type.

[DCZards]

I really doubt that injuries are a concern. He only missed a few games and came back strong. Plus, he's built like a rugby player and does not look like the injury-prone type.

I hope you're right because I like Lawson a lot and would like to see him do well at the next level. However, there have been reports that some GMs are worried about his health and, while he only missed a few games last season, Ty missed half the regular season the year before with an ankle injury.

[EddieJonesFan]

I am now saying I would draft Flynn over Curry in a heartbeat.

I am saying this because if Harden and Rubio are gone, and we have to keep the pick because there is no good trade available in EG's eyes than why draft Curry when you can draft a better PG in Flynn.

What is Curry better at than Flynn?

Flynn is WAY more athletic and has a pretty good Bball IQ, Curry has a great IQ and a terrific shot.

I would say overall, Flynn just has the better overall package, he can shoot pretty well and probably will improve that, he can penetrate with the best of them, posterize bigger guys, and is a nightmare to stay in front of. Yes he is 6'0 but he plays alot bigger.

I actually would not mind him in a trade down, maybe with NY so select Curry ship him to NY and dump salary (as much as possible) and get Flynn.

All this unless Harden is there than take him.

My wild card is Derozan.

Curry can play off the ball a lot better than Flynn.

[AgentOvechkin08]

I am now saying I would draft Flynn over Curry in a heartbeat.

I am saying this because if Harden and Rubio are gone, and we have to keep the pick because there is no good trade available in EG's eyes than why draft Curry when you can draft a better PG in Flynn.

What is Curry better at than Flynn?

Flynn is WAY more athletic and has a pretty good Bball IQ, Curry has a great IQ and a terrific shot.

I would say overall, Flynn just has the better overall package, he can shoot pretty well and probably will improve that, he can penetrate with the best of them, posterize bigger guys, and is a nightmare to stay in front of. Yes he is 6'0 but he plays alot bigger.

I actually would not mind him in a trade down, maybe with NY so select Curry ship him to NY and dump salary (as much as possible) and get Flynn.

All this unless Harden is there than take him.

My wild card is Derozan.

Curry can play off the ball a lot better than Flynn.

Ok, thats because Curry was Davidson's only scorer so they had a lot of plays where he would come of a lot of picks and curls and what not for shots. Flynn was always the guy that penetrated and dished to other guys as well as scored.

I think Curry will be a good player but Flynn will turn out to be the better PG running a team.

[closg00]

I think a trade for Amare has a pretty good chance of happening. Assuming we will get the Suns 14th pick, here are my picks for us this draft.

Pick #14 James Johnson
Solid pick and a guy that can play right away. 6-8 257 & strong.

Pick #32 Dionte Christmas
I was torn here because we really should upgrade at PG & Mills or Collison should be available. However, we do not help at SG, especially from 3-point land and Christmas can hit-it.
If we don't have the space, Calathes would be the perfect pick.