Deja Vu and Xaviar Henry

8305 · Post #1 » by **8305** » Sat Jun 5, 2010 2:40 pm

In 1987 there was a heralded Hoosier, hot off a huge NCAA run in the draft. There was also an even more heralded Ohio State wing player who was drafted in the top three. Steve Alford and Dennis Hobson had nondescript NBA careers and of course our pick Reggie Miller had a hall of fame career.

More proof of the crap shoot that is the NBA draft. This little history lesson does make me question the prevailing feeling that Indiana should package pick 10, expiring contracts and Brandon Rush and take back Elton Brand to acquire Evan Turner with pick 2. Not sure I wouldn't take Derrick Favors if I had the second pick but, that another discussion altogether. My main concern is after we make this trade where are the Pacers if Evan Turner's play doesn't match the hype. How good is he without the ball in his hands all the time or how good is Danny Granger with the ball in Evan Turner's hands all the time? Not saying it can't work but, something to think about.

Now the Xaviar Henry part. He's longer, at least as athletic and three years younger than Evan Turner. There's also a pretty good chance he's there at pick 10. His range is somewhere between Joe Johnson and Martel Webster. Although he scores better athletically than Webster. The guy I think he compares very favorably to is James Harden. Very similar size and athletic measurables both possessing a savy and developed game for players so young. Argueably, of the players discussed at pick 10 Henry is the lowest rick, high upside player. I don't think its a stretch to think in a couple of years he could become offensive option 1b and become the go to guy when Granger isn't up to that task any longer.

I know you would be adding to the team's deepest position but if its all about accumulating talent if Herny is there he's probably the best value pick that could be made.

basketballwacko2 · Post #2 » by **basketballwacko2** » Sat Jun 5, 2010 3:15 pm

If we could get that trade with Philly we should take it. Brand is a shadow of his former self but may still be a 13-15pts 8 rb guy and Turner is too good to pass up, if there is a chance we can get him. If we trade Murphy, Rush and the #10, we still have Foster $6.6 millon, TJ $8.5 million, and MDJr at $10.5 plus the Tinsley buyout ($5.4 millon) comes off after the coming season. That's $31 million Brand costs $16 million in 2010-11 and $17 million in 2011-12, then he's an $18 million expiring in 2013. Granted Brand is not the player he once was, but if Turner is as good as he seems it will make up for it.

That trade is not a make or break deal for the Pacers, if a deal of TJ and the #10 to Minny for Sessions and #16, and #24 could be done I might just do that. Take Henry at #16 and Patrick Patterson if he's there at 23.

If we are staying at #10 I say we are taking Udoh, he'd form a great defensive front line with Hibbert!

8305 · Post #3 » by **8305** » Sat Jun 5, 2010 4:47 pm

I will be surprised if either Patterson or Henry is there at 16 let alone both. Patterson available at 23? I see absolutely no way.

I like Udoh and will not be upset if that's who the Pacers take at 10. A long defensive rebounder is the perfect compliment to HIbbert and Hansbrough. I also like Turner and your point is a good one that the extra years on Brand's contract only total 35 mil. Still a pretty steep price in money alone to move up 8 spots in the draft.

glasket · Post #4 » by **glasket** » Sun Jun 6, 2010 12:27 am

I would take Henry at 10.

Moooose · Post #5 » by **Moooose** » Mon Jun 7, 2010 7:22 am

There are plenty of options to go for sure. Whether we trade up, trade down, or keep the pick, the most important thing is to be sure that we're not going to have another step back.
Turner is absolutely better than Henry and i believe the Pacers would be in a better position with him and Brand if ever the trade proposal with Philly pushes through.
Granger needs a scorer next to him, someone who can create shots. A scorer more than a shooter, that's what i don't see in Henry. Yes, he's a safe pick with the 10th but unless we move Rush, there'll be a logjam at the wing position. Mine's Udoh or Patterson over Henry at the 10th.
If we trade down, that's where i'd take Henry because he could be the best talent available at the mid-first round, just not with the 10th.

Wizop · Post #6 » by **Wizop** » Mon Jun 7, 2010 5:24 pm

the best way to be sure you are not stepping backwards is to trade for extra picks. no one pick is guaranteed. Hansbrough scored more points last year than Greg Oden.

DWCP2 · Post #7 » by **DWCP2** » Tue Jun 8, 2010 12:07 pm

Henry could very well be Turner, only 2-3 years behind, as far as basketball maturity is concerned.

Also keep in mind Granger is right handed and the first thing the Pacers did in their rebuilding efforts was draft Brandon Rush, who shoots left, much like Bird pressing to sign Chris Mullin and later Jalen Rose opposite Reggie, both of whom shoot left.

Post #8 » by **mizzoupacers** » Tue Jun 8, 2010 2:36 pm

DWCP2 wrote:Henry could very well be Turner, only 2-3 years behind, as far as basketball maturity is concerned.

I like Henry's potential and would not be disappointed if the Pacers took him at #10. But he ain't no Evan Turner. Turner has a much fuller range of guard skills; he could play some pg for you on occasion. Henry doesn't look to me like he'll ever have that element to his game. He's a good shooter, with good size for an NBA two guard. But he's not as skilled as Turner, or as athletic.

8305 · Post #9 » by **8305** » Tue Jun 8, 2010 5:38 pm

Agree that Henry is no Turner. Turner is a remarkable ball handler for a guy with wing size. And, at OSU they had the perfect complimentary players around him. Three excellent 3 point shooters kept the lane spaced out allowing Turner to play to his strengths.

Assuming he goes to Philly, that team's struggles with perimeter shooting will present challenges not experienced in college. I also have to wonder if any NBA team will allow Turner to dominate the ball the way he did in college and if they don't how effective will he be? The other great unkown with virtually everyone in the draft, how well will they adapt to seeing defense coming from someone just as big and athletic as they are?

There are situations where a great player off the ball (as Henry could be) can be more effective than someone who needs it.

Don't get me wrong given a choice I take Turner. Just saying things don't always turn out as projected before these guys start playing in the league.

fienX420 · Post #10 » by **fienX420** » Wed Jun 9, 2010 12:41 pm

'Logjam' is not a word that should ever be used in reference to the Pacers' backcourt... we don't have a single decent guard. Also, look at the teams in the finals... they are probably the two most hellaciously logjammed talent-ridden teams I've ever seen - it's sick. Thriftyness was a model of necessity - stockpiling is the most historically proven method to build contenders and champions. Bring in good players. Bring in more good players.

Starkiller · Post #11 » by **Starkiller** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:37 pm

fienX420 wrote:'Logjam' is not a word that should ever be used in reference to the Pacers' backcourt... we don't have a single decent guard. Also, look at the teams in the finals... they are probably the two most hellaciously logjammed talent-ridden teams I've ever seen - it's sick. Thriftyness was a model of necessity - stockpiling is the most historically proven method to build contenders and champions. Bring in good players. Bring in more good players.

This is one of the best posts I've read here in a LONG time. Thank you.