2010 NBA Draft Thread: Nets Select Derrick Favors

[enetric]

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Battle-In-Birmingham--DeMarcus-Cousins-vs-Derrick-Favors-3083/

Battle In Birmingham: DeMarcus Cousins vs Derrick Favors

by: Rodger Bohn - Director of Prep Scouting
January 16, 2009
The University of Alabama-Birmingham played host to a high school showdown between #7 ranked South Atlanta HS (GA) and #9 ranked LeFlore HS (AL). The game also pegged elite big men Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins against in a matchup to help decide who is the top big man in the class of 2009.

Favors proved to get the better end of this battle on the stat sheet, but it was Cousins who walked away with a convincing 78-66 victory. It was an impressive outing for both of these big men, though, forcing us to take a closer look at their performances and how they've progressed since AAU season.

Derrick Favors, 6'9, Power Forward, South Atlanta HS, 2009, Committed to Georgia Tech
36 Points, 19 Rebounds, 4 Blocks

Favors (#4 Rivals, #1 Scout, #2 ESPN) has already been covered quite in depth by DraftExpress over the years, so there is no reason to be redundant about the strengths that he already has. It's not hard to tell that you're looking at a very intriguing prospect when you see a player standing 6'9 with great length, terrific leaping ability, a promising frame, and a desire to defend. Rather than spend time on what we have already established about Favors, we opt to track the progress that he has made since we last evaluated him over the summer.

The most glaring change in Favors' game since we last saw him was certainly his ability to shoot the basketball from the perimeter. Always known as a player who strictly played within 8 feet of the basket, he has been working on expanding his game drastically over the last few months. Against Cousins and LeFlore, Favors showed off a gorgeous perimeter jumper that extended all the way out to the three point line. By our count, he drilled 6 jumpers from 15 feet and beyond, including one deep 3-pointer.

Favors also appears to have improved his ball-handling skills and even his footwork on the blocks. He displayed a nice right handed jump hook with a few counter moves, though it was still very clear that he preferred to go to his right instead of his left. The future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket still has a considerable amount of work to do on his passing skills however, given the double teams that he will likely face at the collegiate level.


Chris Williams/ Icon SMI


Favors was a force on the defensive end, rebounding the ball with great tenacity and blocking quite a few shots (certainly more than he was credited for) while staying out of foul trouble. He must improve upon his lateral foot-speed if he hopes to guard power forwards who like to face the basket, but there is unquestionably a significant amount of potential for the senior on this side of the ball.

Much of Favors’ role at Georgia Tech will depend upon whether star sophomore Gani Lawal declares for this year's NBA Draft. If Lawal sticks around, the Yellow Jackets will have a loaded frontline with Favors, Lawal, and the promising Alade Aminu. However if Lawal bolts to the NBA, there will be an immediate amount of playing time for Favors, including a significant role in the GT offense. Paul Hewitt has been known not to be shy about throwing his heralded freshman into the fire, starting with Chris Bosh and Jarrett Jack, as well as Javaris Crittenton, Thaddeus Young, and current freshman Iman Shumpert. Hewitt also has a reputation for developing players for the next level, which will bode well for Favors who appears to have a very solid work ethic. While it's a bit premature to say that Favors is a sure fire one and done player, he definitely has as good of a chance as any player in the class to bolt after his freshman campaign as long as he continues to develop at this rate.


DeMarcus Cousins, 6'10, Power Forward/Center, LeFlore HS, 2009, Considering UAB, Memphis, Washington, Kansas State, NC State, Wake Forest

21 Points, 12 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 5 Blocks, 1 Turnover, 9-13 FG

Cousins (#2 Rivals, #6 Scout, #4 ESPN) wasn't quite as dominant statistically as Favors, though he offered a vastly superior skill set during his performance. It was at times shocking to see a player of his stature move around the hardwood so gracefully while maintaining great body control and court presence. This game served as a reminder of how good Cousins can ultimately become if he exerts consistent effort and maximizes his talents.

The physical package is certainly there for DeMarcus, whether he opts to play power forward or center at the next level. Every bit of 6'10, he is already a massive 270 pounds and has a freakish wingspan that was measured at 7'6 at the 2008 LeBron James Skills Academy. Though carrying a bit of extra weight, he is surprisingly nimble and possesses solid quickness both laterally and off the dribble. Equally as impressive is his ability to get off of the ground, leaving some optimism as to how good of a leaper he could ultimately become if he toned his body. Cousins runs the floor well at times, but there are also instances when his sub-par conditioning and desire come into play, and he is one of the last players down the hardwood.
(Note GAINED an extra 26 pounds at Kentucky!)

The Alabama native's offensive game is largely based around his ability to face the basket, which can be frustrating at times. He showed off a very smooth, effortless jumper from the perimeter against South Atlanta's 2-3 zone, drilling one 3-pointer and a number of 17-19 foot jumpers. He exhibited the ability to take Favors off of the dribble with his nifty perimeter skills, exhibited by a gorgeous drive to the rim that finished with a spin move and power dunk. There were a number of other drives to the rim and instances of the big man handling the ball in the open court that were awfully impressive, though it made one ponder if that is really what they want a player of his size doing on a consistent basis.

Even more impressive though was Cousins’ ability to pass the ball. Constantly keeping his head up, he was able to find the open man on a regular basis when faced with a double team. The stat sheet reflected this based on his 5 assists with one lone turnover, and the senior could have had a handful more assists had his teammates done a better job of finishing. This ability is going to translate immediately at the collegiate level due to the fact that at all of the programs recruiting him (with the exception of Wake Forest and Louisville), he will likely be the focal point of the post offense and will certainly be faced with multiple defenders consistently.

It is often times frustrating to see Cousins hang out on the perimeter as frequently as he does, when he could really be a massive force in the pivot if he desired to do so. Granted South Atlanta's compacted zone forced him out on the perimeter more often this game, but he is a player who still feels more comfortable doing his damage outside then in the paint. Even in the other times we observed, he opted to go to turnaround jumpers out of the post rather than power moves, which needs to change if he wants to become the dominant big man he has the potential to be.

There is a considerable amount of potential in Cousins as a defender, with the natural gifts and size he was blessed with. Showing very nice timing, he is able to block (and alter) a large number of shots with his big body and long arms. Likewise, Cousins is able to take up a ton of space around the rim with that body for rebounding, though he tends to rely on his size a bit much at times instead of fundamental boxing out. His rotations were very good last night, as seen by the two charges that he drew against South Atlanta players. How good of a defender Cousins wants to be is going to eventually come down to what sort of effort he chooses to exert on this end.

Cousins will have the opportunity to immediately come in and make a considerable impact at any of the schools that he has listed, given his combination of size, length, and offensive skills. His effort lapses and conditioning must improve if he hopes to reach his maximum draft potential, but he is certainly a player who will be closely followed by NBA scouts next season. As for where the big man will actually play next year, much still depends on whether or not UAB retains Mike Davis for 09-10. If they keep the former Indiana coach around for another campaign, it would be tough to see him landing anywhere else. However, without any assurance that Davis will be in Birmingham next season, this big man could very well take his services elsewhere—maybe even to Europe.

[vincecarter4pres]

Well Kentucky does have some really good fried chicken I would imagine!

[enetric]

Well Kentucky does have some really good fried chicken I would imagine!

With as hard as you have to work at a division 1 program of that caliber...how many buckets per day would you have to eat with an 18 year old metabolism to add 26 pounds of body fat?

I am thinking he saved a couple of chains from chapter 11 in this tough economy. Well, I guess its good to know he such a Patriot.

[Krapinsky]

What I find interesting is that Favors is considered a C/PF and Favors a PF/C. To me that seems misinformed. Favors does not really have the offensive skill set of a PF at all. He's primarily a back to the basket player. Cousins, although too large at the moment, seems to have a skill set that better fits the PF spot.

[vincecarter4pres]

What I find interesting is that Favors is considered a C/PF and Favors a PF/C. To me that seems misinformed. Favors does not really have the offensive skill set of a PF at all. He's primarily a back to the basket player. Cousins, although too large at the moment, seems to have a skill set that better fits the PF spot.

I think it comes down to the fact that Favors looks to have the lateral quicks, agility, athleticism and stamina to guard quicker face up fours and switch onto guards on pick and rolls, where as Cousins looks as though he will have trouble guarding any power forwards altogether.

[Krapinsky]

What I find interesting is that Favors is considered a C/PF and Favors a PF/C. To me that seems misinformed. Favors does not really have the offensive skill set of a PF at all. He's primarily a back to the basket player. Cousins, although too large at the moment, seems to have a skill set that better fits the PF spot.

I think it comes down to the fact that Favors looks to have the lateral quicks, agility, athleticism and stamina to guard quicker face up fours and switch onto guards on pick and rolls, where as Cousins looks as though he will have trouble guarding any power forwards altogether.

Oh no doubt, but I'm not sure if Favors is going to be able to guard out at the perimeter as well as some people think. I don't see a huge difference in that regard. Defensively I think they're both suited to play the 5, but who knows, I've been wrong before.

[enetric]

What I find interesting is that Favors is considered a C/PF and Favors a PF/C. To me that seems misinformed. Favors does not really have the offensive skill set of a PF at all. He's primarily a back to the basket player. Cousins, although too large at the moment, seems to have a skill set that better fits the PF spot.

there is no such thing as offensive skill set to play PF Vs. Center anymore. its more about D in the way the league has evolved. There are PLENTY of NBA PF's that are not go to offensive options in this league....and some more that are just that...back to the basket guys who can hit a short jumper if asked to...little more. The question comes down to....cna you GUARd today's quick bigs or not? Cant see Cousins guarding NBA PF's and i think that is why you are reading what you are reading.

[enetric]

I know I was having a conversation with VCP the other day in one of these threads where I raised the question...could we end up with Turner in the end? Could Philly strike out at getting a deal where they dump Brand? If so, what if in their workouts Favors or Cousins blows Philly away?

Could they A...just draft the guy they want? Or B, call us and say...look...3 for 4....and some interest? Obviously they can get more to swap for a lower pick. But what if they end up with a specific big they absolutely want?

Chad Ford's latest....he obviously doesnt think the idea of Philly wanting someone other than Turner is that far fetched.

Evan Turner

Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 214
Age: 21
School: Ohio State
Analysis: We still have Turner penciled in here as we continue to receive strong signals from inside the Sixers' organization that he is the guy they'll take at No. 2. However, while those signals certainly could be legit, I take them with a grain of salt.

Turner is the most polished player in the draft, but I'm not sure he has the upside (and he certainly doesn't have the size and athleticism) of Favors, and I continue to hear that head coach Doug Collins prefers Favors to Turner.

Because Turner is almost the consensus No. 2 pick, the Sixers want other teams that are contemplating trading up for him (the Wolves and Pacers seem to be the hottest suitors) to believe they're taking him. If teams think he'll slip past Philly, they'll begin dealing with New Jersey instead.

I do think it will take a blockbuster to convince Philly to move the No. 2 pick. Either someone is going to have to take Elton Brand off the Sixers' hands or offer them a young All-Star in return. If they don't get that offer, it's more a toss-up between Turner and Favors than some think.


PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


New Jersey


Derrick Favors

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 18
School: Georgia Tech
Analysis: While New Jersey would be happy if Turner were to slide to No. 3, the Nets also have a high level of interest in Favors and some interest in DeMarcus Cousins. The two are scheduled to go head-to-head in a workout for the Nets on Monday.

Favors has the type of athleticism and upside to complement Brook Lopez nicely in the middle. Cousins isn't as good of a fit next to Lopez defensively, but he's also more NBA-ready than Favors and the team has a mandate to win now.

Of course, the Nets are also targeting a number of veteran big men this summer, including Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer. With the amount of cap space they have, the Nets have the luxury of drafting the best player available as opposed to drafting to fill a need.

The team also is high on Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson. I'm told he's in the mix at the No. 3 spot as well. But for now, Favors has the edge.

[Preludepunk27]

Here is a real question:

Sixers just traded Dally for Hawes and Nocioni. Philly's SG/SF department just got a little crowded. Do you think they'll still go Turner and hope a Hawes/Speights front court develops? Or do you think they go for a Favors or Cousins to pair with Hawes. Both Iggy and Nocioni and Thad are locked up for a few years.

I'm just curious. Remember they have Lou Williams, Jrue and Jodie Meeks who can all play the 1 and 2 as well.

I'm just saying, I know it's quick to say, but our chances on Evan Turner being there at #3 may have just improved. Either that for Philly plans on moving down to 4 or 5 to take Cousins.

[enetric]

I dont know. When I first saw the trade...i thought...they swapped picks too? And for a sec I was happy because Cousins had that great workout for the Kings and they clearly wanted a big from all reports.

But, then...you see they didnt swap picks...and the Kings just got Daly.

So? Are the 76ers comfortable with Hawes? Did it resolve big man issues for Doug Collins? Noc is a role guy. No one is thinking we just got Noc...its too crowded for a rook perimieter talent if we think that kid has star potential....so I dont think it really changes anything there. I think the 76ers...if they keep the pick, only go big if one of the two bigs blows them away.

End of the day, they could take Turner and Iggy gets dumped mid year like the Kings did with Kevin Martin. If they look to rebuild on the fly, and Brand is unmoveable they will just work around him.

Now, if they deal the pick...and trade down as Prelude asked...does it help us getTurner? Well, if its a flip with us 2 for 3...obviously. But the Kings have #5 and that didnt get dont here. We think they could get together on another deal? Doubtful. If its Minny...that sucks..becaue Minny isnt trading up to get Favors or Cousins. They are rumored to take Wes at 4 assuming we take Favors and skipping Cousins...so the thinking out there is Minny trades up its for Turner.

I think the best chance we get Turner now, is either someone trades to two who loves a big...or Philly themselves falls in love with one of the bigs at their workouts, and then take him...or asks us for some interest on a pick flip. As I said before...they wont be talked into a deal like that if they flat out want Turner. They will only do it if they flat out want the big.

[vincecarter4pres]

I have this feeling...
Philly takes Favors at #2, then trades Thad Young and Speights for the 8th overall pick, drafts Paul George or Xavier Henry and puts Iggy back at his proper position of small forward...

[enetric]

That's a hell of a complicated feeling! Did you read a rumor some where?

[Preludepunk27]

But the real ramifications may come during the draft. The Sixers have been deciding between Evan Turner and Derrick Favors with the No. 2 pick. While Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski is a Turner fan, new coach Doug Collins is high on Favors. With Dalembert gone and Nocioni in, it could push them in the direction of Favors.

For the Kings, this could also change their draft equation. The team has been looking at drafting DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe, both centers. With this deal, it could allow them to address another need at the three. The Kings have been high on both Al-Farouq Aminu and Gordon Hayward.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5297829
This according to Chad Ford

[vincecarter4pres]

Nah, but I have been reading some of the same stuff you have that has Philly honestly thinking about taking Favors and if that is the case, coupled with this recent trade it is widely accepted right now that they maybe looking to deal Thad Young. They'll have a very crowded front court with all this stuff combined, so I think Speights becomes expendable and I don't see Young being worth the 8th pick on his own. Combine that with the fact they will almost desperately need a two guard after all this and I think it makes sense, along with the fact LAC really needs a small forward and some legitamate depth.

[Preludepunk27]

^^^^
I'm keeping my fingers crossed Ed gifts us Evan Turner and which will turn me into a giddy school girl getting ased to prom by the captain of the football team.

This is my guess:

Philly is gonna shop #2 to a team that wants Turner bad. They'll see if they can unload a bad contract or upgrade in another position as well in the process. I think they'll end up picking a player in the end instead of trading, but I believe they'll try.

As for us, Turner won't work out for us. Maybe that will change now because of this trade. If he's there at 3, I want him. You know though that if Minny is that high on him or in that bad of a need for a SF that they'd take Wes Johnson at #4, you HAVE to think it's not out of the realm of possibilities that we can get #3/filler (too lazy to think about it) for #4/Rights to Rubio.

Just a thought.

[vincecarter4pres]

But the real ramifications may come during the draft. The Sixers have been deciding between Evan Turner and Derrick Favors with the No. 2 pick. While Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski is a Turner fan, new coach Doug Collins is high on Favors. With Dalembert gone and Nocioni in, it could push them in the direction of Favors.

For the Kings, this could also change their draft equation. The team has been looking at drafting DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe, both centers. With this deal, it could allow them to address another need at the three. The Kings have been high on both Al-Farouq Aminu and Gordon Hayward.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5297829
This according to Chad Ford

The Philly part of Ford's logic makes sense, but the Kings part does not.
I think if anything, this makes it all the more important for them to draft a center.
Dalembert is an expiring and I doubt there is any mutual interest in him staying in Sacto after this season and more importantly they just admitted Hawes was not their future when they traded him.
Dally, Thompson, Landy and Cousins or Monroe forms a very formidable front line, with a mix of vet and youths that allows Thompson to further develop more comfortably and Cousins or Monroe an easier transition into the association.
Also, Landry is a free agent after this season, so who knows if he stays?
I think it's a lock Sacto drafts one of Cousins or Monroe at this point...

[Rich Rane]

Nah, but I have been reading some of the same stuff you have that has Philly honestly thinking about taking Favors and if that is the case, coupled with this recent trade it is widely accepted right now that they maybe looking to deal Thad Young. They'll have a very crowded front court with all this stuff combined, so I think Speights becomes expendable and I don't see Young being worth the 8th pick on his own. Combine that with the fact they will almost desperately need a two guard after all this and I think it makes sense, along with the fact LAC really needs a small forward and some legitamate depth.

The issue with a high lottery team is that will more than likely not compete for the playoffs next season is that position doesn't really matter, whether they're stockpiled in one position and/or bone dry in another and whether they'll trade after the draft or by the next deadline. They'll likely take the BPA (whether they believe that is Turner or Favors or someone else) regardless of position, especially considering they won't be a big player in free agency.

[demens]

I dont think getting Nocioni makes their back court crowded. Despite him still having a 2 years left on his deal, he is way past his prime and it does not mean he will even get minutes in Philly. Some Philly fans also mentioned that this deal puts them under lux tax, not sure if its true.

The bigger sign here is that they traded their starting Center. Whether they wanted to re-sign him next year doesn't matter, what matters is that he is gone. They did get Hawes in return who is still a solid prospect, but is he any more ready to start then Spreights?

Ford has been pushing this idea that Sixers love Favors for a while now. I gotta say that i dont buy it at all. I think its still 90% Turner with 5 and 5 to Favors and Cousins. I dont think Sixers are any more decisive about Favors/Cousins then the nets are.

I think this trade is not an indicator of who will be drafted, it opens a door for more trades to go down so the picture will probably change even more.

[Jersey Generals]

^^^^
I'm keeping my fingers crossed Ed gifts us Evan Turner and which will turn me into a giddy school girl getting ased to prom by the captain of the football team.

I don't know about that, but then again, I was a captain of the football team, .

This is my guess:

Philly is gonna shop #2 to a team that wants Turner bad. They'll see if they can unload a bad contract or upgrade in another position as well in the process. I think they'll end up picking a player in the end instead of trading, but I believe they'll try.

As for us, Turner won't work out for us. Maybe that will change now because of this trade. If he's there at 3, I want him. You know though that if Minny is that high on him or in that bad of a need for a SF that they'd take Wes Johnson at #4, you HAVE to think it's not out of the realm of possibilities that we can get #3/filler (too lazy to think about it) for #4/Rights to Rubio.

I don't see them giving up Rubio, in any trade, unless it was for John Wall. Their whole franchise is hanging in the balance with Rubio, and whether it's deserved or not, he's their franchise player, the person they're going to build around. I can't see them giving him up unless a true star is coming their way.

[enetric]

But the real ramifications may come during the draft. The Sixers have been deciding between Evan Turner and Derrick Favors with the No. 2 pick. While Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski is a Turner fan, new coach Doug Collins is high on Favors. With Dalembert gone and Nocioni in, it could push them in the direction of Favors.

For the Kings, this could also change their draft equation. The team has been looking at drafting DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe, both centers. With this deal, it could allow them to address another need at the three. The Kings have been high on both Al-Farouq Aminu and Gordon Hayward.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5297829
This according to Chad Ford

The Philly part of Ford's logic makes sense, but the Kings part does not.
I think if anything, this makes it all the more important for them to draft a center.
Dalembert is an expiring and I doubt there is any mutual interest in him staying in Sacto after this season and more importantly they just admitted Hawes was not their future when they traded him.
Dally, Thompson, Landy and Cousins or Monroe forms a very formidable front line, with a mix of vet and youths that allows Thompson to further develop more comfortably and Cousins or Monroe an easier transition into the association.
Also, Landry is a free agent after this season, so who knows if he stays?
I think it's a lock Sacto drafts one of Cousins or Monroe at this point...

They like Landry. They didnt make that deal not to try and keep him. I dont kow. I see your point...but I think the Kings take the guy they like best. They are building a core from scratch.