09-10 WizFans Official Draft Thread

[dobrojim]

how 'bout that kid from Houston (Coleman) for later pick? The one with that truly
ugly looking scar or whatever it was on his neck.

[Ruzious]

Nate is basically right on Alibi, imo. He's a good defender, good shot-blocker but doesn't stop athletic players, disappointing rebounder, knows his vast limitations on offense (basically does what Haywood does - he's a good dunker). He's a decent player - a poor man's Haywood.

I guess only time will tell. This wouldn't be the first time people didn't fall in line with what I was saying when I said it.

He is currently #17. I think he will prove to be a better long term playing than that and people will be complaining about why they didn't take him sooner.

I see more than a shot blocker. His rebounding is going to come along as he learns the game more and develops his body. He was 6-11 two years ago. So he added two more inches in two years. And he missed a whole year I believe.

Did you watch the videos ?

The kid has the foundation of a post game already. Nice baby hook. Soft touch from 15. He even used the back board. He gets good position and makes a great target. Great person and hard worker.

I predict he will be better than Haywood and sooner.

I'll go on on a limb and say this kid is going to be talked as a good/great center by year 3-4 and will be contributing something solid by year 2. Much more consistent than McGee and ahead of Haywood after two years. Like any center in the NBA it may take a few years but I see him sticking around and being a starter for years to come.

Anyone else that sees what I'm seeing, chime in now.

Did I watch the videos? No. I did watch some games, though - including the 2 MD games. He was much better in the first. And I saw a late season game - I think against UNC - where he seemed much less energetic than in the MD games. I'm not bashing him - he's a solid prospect. He's very much improved as a FT shooter, so maybe he can develop a consistent 15 footer, but right now, he's got pretty much no offensive game. You said he's rated 17th? That sounds about where he should be, imo.

[Hoopalotta]

Best thing I saw of Alabi in the time or two I watched him was in an FSU-Georgia Tech game:

Late in the second half, the Seminoles went to something like a box-and-one defense with Alabi as the 'one', so he was out near the three point line harassing the Tech guards. He did a pretty nice job there and they couldn't take him off the dribble, though from the sounds of things, maybe they can't do that to anyone. But he showed nice lateral movement in what should have been a huge speed mismatch. He was calling for the ball a bit, but I didn't really see him get it and work any moves, so I can't speak to his offense, though my expectations would be low.

Picking him high would be a mistake, but he can play in the league. I also saw a student-interview and he was obviously a decent sort of bloke, so, that combined with his ability to improve, like with the free throws, is a good sign.

Speaking in general and never minding the actual spot of the pick, I will say that I would actually feel more comfortable with the team drafting drafting Alabi than Whiteside, though that's probably just because I've only ever seen Whiteside dog it and look soft in doing so. He has great fundamental.....flaws....and I've heard air raid sirens when I've watched him.

I will again voice my enthusiasm for just saying 'ah, Farouq it' and drafting Aminu at the fifth or sixth pick. This year he's playing at the same age that Wesley Johnson was as a freshman.

Aminu might not have legit small forward skills as of now or be able to shoot with efficiency, but he has some kind of base for these things and there's plenty of time to get there. As is, he can at least guard small forwards. If he fills out, we can mix in some small-ball lineups, but he just looks to me to be by far the most physically talented guy at that spot.

Major upside with Aminu.

[Ruzious]

Best thing I saw of Alabi in the time or two I watched him was in an FSU-Georgia Tech game:

Late in the second half, the Seminoles went to something like a box-and-one defense with Alabi as the 'one', so he was out near the three point line harassing the Tech guards. He did a pretty nice job there and they couldn't take him off the dribble, though from the sounds of things, maybe they can't do that to anyone. But he showed nice lateral movement in what should have been a huge speed mismatch. He was calling for the ball a bit, but I didn't really see him get it and work any moves, so I can't speak to his offense, though my expectations would be low.

Picking him high would be a mistake, but he can play in the league. I also saw a student-interview and he was obviously a decent sort of bloke, so, that combined with his ability to improve, like with the free throws, is a good sign.

Speaking in general and never minding the actual spot of the pick, I will say that I would actually feel more comfortable with the team drafting drafting Alabi than Whiteside, though that's probably just because I've only ever seen Whiteside dog it and look soft in doing so. He has great fundamental.....flaws....and I've heard air raid sirens when I've watched him.

I will again voice my enthusiasm for just saying 'ah, Farouq it' and drafting Aminu at the fifth or sixth pick. This year he's playing at the same age that Wesley Johnson was as a freshman.

Aminu might not have legit small forward skills as of now or be able to shoot with efficiency, but he has some kind of base for these things and there's plenty of time to get there. As is, he can at least guard small forwards. If he fills out, we can mix in some small-ball lineups, but he just looks to me to be by far the most physically talented guy at that spot.

Major upside with Aminu.

That's a great line aboot Whiteside.

At 5 (which is where I'm guessing we pick), I alternate daily between Aminu and Johnson. I think Aminu is Josh Smith, but... I don't know what Josh Smith is, so... With Johnson, at least we know pretty much what we'd be getting. He fits a SF mold that works in the NBA. So, ultimately, I'd probably go with Johnson. Of course, if Whiteside really impresses me in interviews and workouts, I pick him over both of them.

[closg00]

My attempts at the mock. 4,5,3,5,1,2,6

[doclinkin]

At 5 (which is where I'm guessing we pick), I alternate daily between Aminu and Johnson. I think Aminu is Josh Smith, but... I don't know what Josh Smith is, so... With Johnson, at least we know pretty much what we'd be getting. He fits a SF mold that works in the NBA. So, ultimately, I'd probably go with Johnson. Of course, if Whiteside really impresses me in interviews and workouts, I pick him over both of them.

He also fits a role in Flip Saunders' offense, I suspect that's the way the front offense would go since GMEG's preference (assuming there's no radical front office change) is to select the guy who fits the system that his coach wants to run.

In that respect, it's not as much of a big deal if WesJon can't work a dribble drive attack so long as he can run off screens catch and hit the quick shot when open. It's also a positive that he has spent time in a dedicated zone defense.

Not saying I agree that a team should always select a system player (OPEC) just saying all else being equal I'd bet that's the way they'd go.

I like Wes, I can see where he'd fit, in part even better than Wall or Evans who, in Flip's offense would play the same position as Gil. Granted I would 100% select either Wall or Evans well before I even entertain the question of system, I'm just saying it's an interesting question.

And if you gave me a credibly good deal I might be willing to trade off that #2 spot if it meant I'd still get big Cousins. Kid has shown me something good. But I'd still take Wall overall numba one.

[verbal8]

And if you gave me a credibly good deal I might be willing to trade off that #2 spot if it meant I'd still get big Cousins. Kid has shown me something good. But I'd still take Wall overall numba one.

At 2 I think the Wizards would be wise to take Turner and listen to offers to trade up. If Cousins goes at 3, the Wizards are likely "stuck" with Turner. I think Turner could be the biggest impact player in the draft initially. He also has a fair amount of upside if he can develop a good 3 point shot.

[hands11]

Ruzious

If you get a free moment watch the videos. I know they are just highlights so they usually make a player look amazing but there is some really good stuff in there.

Not sure how consistently he can do it all but it does show you what he can do.


When I take everything about the kid into consideration, I get a good feeling he will be a productive NBA center. Someone is going to be happy they got him.

Looks like there are going to be more than 4 good players in this draft. And if more come out because of the new CBA in 2011/12, then it will only get deeper. What if Bledsoe comes out. He will go high.

[closg00]

Ruzious

If you get a free moment watch the videos. I know they are just highlights so they usually make a player look amazing but there is some really good stuff in there.

Not sure how consistently he can do it all but it does show you what he can do.


When I take everything about the kid into consideration, I get a good feeling he will be a productive NBA center. Someone is going to be happy they got him.

Looks like there are going to be more than 4 good players in this draft. And if more come out because of the new CBA in 2011/12, then it will only get deeper. What if Bledsoe comes out. He will go high.

Knox (Conroe)


Eric Bledsoe is shadowed by Wall, I personally like Eric Bledsoe better. He is not as careless with the ball. Do you picture him like Johnny Flynn?

Chad Ford (1:40 PM)


Yeah, he's that type of player. He's now in our lottery for the first time all year. The draft has no point guards after John Wall. A lot of NBA GMs love him.

[Ruzious]

Ruzious

If you get a free moment watch the videos. I know they are just highlights so they usually make a player look amazing but there is some really good stuff in there.

Not sure how consistently he can do it all but it does show you what he can do.


When I take everything about the kid into consideration, I get a good feeling he will be a productive NBA center. Someone is going to be happy they got him.

Looks like there are going to be more than 4 good players in this draft. And if more come out because of the new CBA in 2011/12, then it will only get deeper. What if Bledsoe comes out. He will go high.

You could be right - He is an athletic 7 footer, so there's always hope - but the guy who runs this website http://nbadraftguru.blogspot.com/2010/0 ... ition.html is a Florida State fan, and he's got him at 21.

[dobrojim]

Ruzious

If you get a free moment watch the videos. I know they are just highlights so they usually make a player look amazing but there is some really good stuff in there.

Not sure how consistently he can do it all but it does show you what he can do.


When I take everything about the kid into consideration, I get a good feeling he will be a productive NBA center. Someone is going to be happy they got him.

Looks like there are going to be more than 4 good players in this draft. And if more come out because of the new CBA in 2011/12, then it will only get deeper. What if Bledsoe comes out. He will go high.

You could be right - He is an athletic 7 footer, so there's always hope - but the guy who runs this website http://nbadraftguru.blogspot.com/2010/0 ... ition.html is a Florida State fan, and he's got him at 21.

interesting note in this guys mock

He has Scottie Reynolds at 49, Aubrey Coleman at 60.

Even though I am a Herndon HS alum, I'm not sure about SR's
pro prospects. I may be completely wrong about him but I'm
not seeing exactly what he does as a pro to be a good player.
Granted 49th ain't very high, but I think Coleman's gotta go
before Reynolds.

He also has Vasquez going a bit higher than I would expect
but in a way that makes sense, to MIA.

[fishercob]

I really should go to the lotto with Ted. My latest foray, with Chad Ford's pick:

2 (Turner)
2 (Turner)
4 (Cousins)
3 (Cousins)
5 (Wes Johnson)
6 (Ed Davis)
4 (Cousins)
2 (Turner)
2 (Turner)
2 (Turner)

Turner or Cousins 80% of the time!

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

6'10" about 270.

I know that's what he's listed at but there's no friggin way he's 6-10. He's 6-8 at best.

I do believe the 270 though.

I agree.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I have to disagree on the comment that Patterson is a poor rebounder. He's a very good rebounder who blocks out well. His numbers aren't as high this season, but I would suggest looking at how well his team does - realizing that he's a reason for that.

I agree with this. Patterson's rebounding is down because Cousins is stealing a lot of his rebounds (something BF's prospect guru Rook6980 pointed out today in his Cousins breakdown). Patterson's rebounding was much better last year, though it still wasn't great.

Patterson honestly reminds me a bit of Jeff Green, in that it's hard to really quantify what he's doing well, but you know he's helping his team.

Patterson's a better rebounder than what it seems this season because of what you say.

That said, the reason I think Cousins will be a real monster in the pros is he's a supreme rebounder. Once he learns to shoot FTs nothing at all will stop him from being a 25/12 type player in the NBA IMO.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I still think johnson could be a solid player, but if hes who we end up taking with our top pick I will be disappointed. I know Ive been down on wes johnson a lot in this thread, even after he was impressive in the very first game of the season (preseason NIT?), but thats just because I havent seen him do anything that would be THAT special in the NBA. Yes he's really long. Yes he's a dead eye shooter. Yeah he's athletic and has a good step back move. So do 40-50 other guys in the league. A wing who can shoot, and who doesnt really create is not such a hot commodity in the NBA even if he lights up the NCAA. See donte greene, or countless others.

Agreed. I do think Wes Johnson will be a solid NBA player. But no matter how dominant he looks, he still can't create off the bounce, which means your a role player in the NBA if your on the perimeter. And, he's 22, so he's a far more finished product that many of the younger guys in the draft. So expecting him to develop some advanced handles at this stage would be a stretch.

So I guess drafting him is based on how good a role player do you think he will become?

And also, Xavier Henry is a SG/SF prospect who's 18 years old. How much better of a prospect is Johnson compared to Henry? Especially considering the 4 years age difference. I know projecting what Henry will look like in four years is a shot in the dark but would it be insane to suggest than Henry might become the better player within a few years?

The three SG/SFs whose worths I contemplate the most are Henry, Johnson, and James Anderson.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Xav ... 324/stats/

Henry's the youngest by three years than Johnson, but only one younger than Anderson. Henry's already got the best deep range. He will be a prolific NBA three point shooter. His stats remind of JR Smith IMO. Henry actively plays passing lanes and will get steals. At 220, he's the heaviest and is a big SG. On size and youth, Henry's potential should be factored in.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jam ... 106/stats/

James Anderson's only one year older than Henry and two years younger than Johnson. A big-time scorer, Anderson's game comes alot from getting to the line. What happens in the NBA if he's not given the same ability to get to the line? He's a scorer, but I'd say he's at best a Marcus Thornton. I wonder what other ways he'll impact a game--but I have no worries the dude will score.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Wes ... 215/stats/

Wesley Johnson by far is the most physically mature. Stats show him to be a very good rebounder, a good shotblocker (the only one of the three), and a guy who gets steals. In short, Johnson should be a very good defender in the NBA. Johnson, as you guys have mentioned doesn't score off the dribble. He will not score like Anderson but he's going to be solid offensively and much better defensively. I can't see Johnson missing.

Johnson's four years younger than Al Thornton. Anderson's going to be a good scorer, but defensive players who are not a liability on offense impact the game more IMO. If the Wizards don't get a top-5 pick, Johnson's the way to go IMO.

I'd wait and see on Henry, but in time he might be the best of the three.

[hands11]

Ruzious

If you get a free moment watch the videos. I know they are just highlights so they usually make a player look amazing but there is some really good stuff in there.

Not sure how consistently he can do it all but it does show you what he can do.


When I take everything about the kid into consideration, I get a good feeling he will be a productive NBA center. Someone is going to be happy they got him.

Looks like there are going to be more than 4 good players in this draft. And if more come out because of the new CBA in 2011/12, then it will only get deeper. What if Bledsoe comes out. He will go high.

You could be right - He is an athletic 7 footer, so there's always hope - but the guy who runs this website http://nbadraftguru.blogspot.com/2010/0 ... ition.html is a Florida State fan, and he's got him at 21.

Thanks for the link...

Well, we are all just posting our views and taking our best guess and sharing information.

Every year some people nail it and some miss.

The draft can be a group think experience.

MJ taken after Sam Bowie
Barkley after Perkins
Stockton was taken 16th - LOL

Every year there are big misses.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1984.html

No one gets it right. Well, except me

We will have to revisit this kid after he comes out and plays a few years. I could be wrong. Just saying I see something there and I like he chances of developing what I see.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

This year noone's talking about Kenneth Faried, but they will be after next season if he comes out.

[REDardWIZskin]

i think cousins lacks the athleticism and quickness to avg 25 ppg however i do think he will be the size, strength and defensive presence that the wizards could use right now. we have enough athleticism in the front court where his lack of it would be masked kind of.
I like either turner, johnson, or cousins with the lottery pick, and Vasquez, Sharron Collins, or Stanley Robinson with the later 1st and early second picks

[pancakes3]

a 25/12 guy would be hands down the best center in the league - better than dwight. even if cousins develops to be HALF that player - a 12/6 guy, he'd be a starting caliber center.

a sensible comparison would be Bynum. 16/11 on very good percentages. that's worth a top 3 pick, for sure, especially given the current weak pool of C's.

[dobrojim]

hope we don't need to replace AB now, that would suck