Prospect Watch Thread

[shangrila]

I think Wes is more of a three than a two, but he seems to be doing alright so far at shooting guard. I still think a defensive center is important enough for us that I wouldn't draft a center high unless I thought he was better defensively than Darko. I think we need a 2nd guy that can create his own shot in the starting lineup, although Flynn could be that guy or maybe Rubio could make Johnson look like that guy.
I wouln't trade Love for Favors, we need Love's production.

I agree we need someone else who can create their own shot, but what kind? A big that can create in the post or another player that can create on the perimeter?

I guess to put it in draft perspective, Burks and Barnes or Sullinger and Jones?

[Worm Guts]

I may be remembering incorrectly, but I think he's said that he doesn't mind coming off of the bench as long as he has a defined role and he still gets minutes. As a supersub, he'd be getting starter minutes (30-35 mpg) while coming off of the bench.

Of course, he might have just been diplomatic and saying what fans want to hear.

I think it's all good to talk about him getting 30-35mpg, but where does it come from? There's no exactly an incredible amount of minutes if we're throwing another high minutes guy into a front court already with Darko, Pek, Love, Tolliver, Beasley and Webster/Johnson.

Ever since the 30-30 game, Love has been getting 35 minutes per game. Pek and Tolliver are guys that can have their minutes cut.

[cpfsf]

I want to wait a few more weeks before really focusing on most prospects (with the exception of a few guys). I don't care about college basketball at all, and I'm just waiting to find out which guys are legit so I can watch the important games.

[Klomp]

Probably won't declare this year, but Mbakwe could be the next stud undersized PF.

[shangrila]

I may be remembering incorrectly, but I think he's said that he doesn't mind coming off of the bench as long as he has a defined role and he still gets minutes. As a supersub, he'd be getting starter minutes (30-35 mpg) while coming off of the bench.

Of course, he might have just been diplomatic and saying what fans want to hear.

I think it's all good to talk about him getting 30-35mpg, but where does it come from? There's no exactly an incredible amount of minutes if we're throwing another high minutes guy into a front court already with Darko, Pek, Love, Tolliver, Beasley and Webster/Johnson.

Ever since the 30-30 game, Love has been getting 35 minutes per game. Pek and Tolliver are guys that can have their minutes cut.

True, but I think you missed my point. If we're adding another athletic PF that deserves big minutes then it means that either this player or Love will have to get decent minutes at centre, which isn't a great option.

[Twolves98]

I like both Sampson and Mbakwe as pro prospects. Obviously 2nd rounders but Mbakwe reminds me of a craig smith and Sampson a very very poor man's Tim Duncan.

Also watching UNC game they said Barnes is like Hansbrough in wanting an education... wonder if that means he will this stay this year with the possible lockout.

[shangrila]

Also watching UNC game they said Barnes is like Hansbrough in wanting an education... wonder if that means he will this stay this year with the possible lockout.

I doubt it. He's had some rough games lately but it should improve and, even if it doesn't, he's a lock for the top 3.

Besides, leaving for the NBA doesn't mean you can't get an education. I remember Horford went back and finished his degree after being drafted.

[AQuintus]

[
True, but I think you missed my point. If we're adding another athletic PF that deserves big minutes then it means that either this player or Love will have to get decent minutes at centre, which isn't a great option.

My thinking was to have Love as the primary backup at the C spot. Playing there would mask is lack of quickness quite a bit, and having a Perry Jones protecting the rim and playing help D would also help. Watching Love this year makes me think that he might be better off long term at the C spot. He wouldn't be overmatched as much athletically, and the entire position has gotten quite a bit smaller over the past decade, so his lack of height and length wouldn't be overly exposed (especially with a 6'11 PF with great length in P. Jones next to him). Plus, it would allow him to stay near the basket more without getting beat.

[horaceworthy]

Also watching UNC game they said Barnes is like Hansbrough in wanting an education... wonder if that means he will this stay this year with the possible lockout.

I doubt it. He's had some rough games lately but it should improve and, even if it doesn't, he's a lock for the top 3.

Besides, leaving for the NBA doesn't mean you can't get an education. I remember Horford went back and finished his degree after being drafted.

Little easier to do that when you stay in school for 3 years rather than 1.

I wouldn't put too much stock in the education comment, though, since it was uttered by Hubert Davis, who coincidentally, went to UNC and would love to see Barnes stick around.

I'm interested in using a later pick to bring in a PG or combo guard type that can play defense and stretch the floor, like Cory Joseph (if he gets his sea legs under him and plays well enough to declare this year), Demetri McCamey, or Beasley's buddy Nolan Smith. Darius Johnson-Odom as well, if he can repeat his shooting performance from last year (that one would be more in case the Wolves pick up a 2nd rounder).

[shangrila]

My thinking was to have Love as the primary backup at the C spot. Playing there would mask is lack of quickness quite a bit, and having a Perry Jones protecting the rim and playing help D would also help. Watching Love this year makes me think that he might be better off long term at the C spot. He wouldn't be overmatched as much athletically, and the entire position has gotten quite a bit smaller over the past decade, so his lack of height and length wouldn't be overly exposed (especially with a 6'11 PF with great length in P. Jones next to him). Plus, it would allow him to stay near the basket more without getting beat.

Hmm, that's true. I don't know if he's better off at the 5 but you're definitely right that he could be a 4/5 supersub assuming there's an athletic defender next him. I think it'd have to be a guy like Perry Jones though, there's no way it'd work with Terrence Jones or someone like Jared Sullinger.

[shangrila]

I'm interested in using a later pick to bring in a PG or combo guard type that can play defense and stretch the floor, like Cory Joseph (if he gets his sea legs under him and plays well enough to declare this year), Demetri McCamey, or Beasley's buddy Nolan Smith. Darius Johnson-Odom as well, if he can repeat his shooting performance from last year (that one would be more in case the Wolves pick up a 2nd rounder).

I like this idea as well, although I don't think McCamey fits exactly what you're after. I watched the entire Coaches vs Cancer tournament and he doesn't look athletic enough to be a lock down defender, however he's a good shooter and an incredibly nice player on the offensive end. He's a good passer, a level headed player but most importantly for this system, he moves really well without the ball.

I'd also like to add Iman Shumpert and Tyshawn Taylor to this list.

[Worm Guts]

We're not going to have a whole lot of point guard minutes available, but we could use a 3rd string PG/3rd string SG . Wouldn't get a whole lot of minutes, but it would be useful if one our PG has to miss a few games.

[Foye]

We're not going to have a whole lot of point guard minutes available, but we could use a 3rd string PG/3rd string SG . Wouldn't get a whole lot of minutes, but it would be useful if one our PG has to miss a few games.

His name is Gaines, Sundiata Gaines.

[SSUBluesman]

Perry Jones can jump really well so I like him. I'd crack a Tyrus Thomas joke, but Jones can actually dribble and doesn't have the body control of a drunk one-legged man trying to run on a frozen pond. I'm also sure he is not so stupid as to try and thrown an alley-oop to Ben Gordon on the break (yes, Tyrus did in fact do such a thing).

[shangrila]

After seeing some of the point guards in this class...well, I'm not as worried about Rubio coming over or not even though I really like him at this point.

Kyrie Irving has been impressive so far. So much so that if we were in the position to draft him, and his play continues to improve during the season, I honestly think we should take him and move Rubio. Right now he seems to be a much more complete player and looks like he can do more then pass and play the passing lanes.

Brandon Knight has also looked good, although he's not on the level of Irving. He's a very nice scorer, a tough defender and seems to make the right decisions. He kind of reminds me of Westbrook, although Knight has less athleticism but a much better shot.

While I'm talking about Knight, I have to mention Terrence Jones. The guy was amazing today. He was working hard on the boards, driving and posting up instead of settling for jumpers and it showed. If he's big enough to defend PFs in the NBA he could be a good mismatch threat.

[big3_8_19_21]

I heard there was a party up in here. Let's get stupid.

[big3_8_19_21]

This party sucks.

[cpfsf]

This party sucks.

I took my pants off. Lets get this party started.

[Devilzsidewalk]

sometimes I put on a spooky halloween monster mask, take my pants off, and scare school children. Man you should see the looks are their face when they see that monster mask just priceless. I'm like "hey, stop running, its just a mask!

[TheProdigy]

Keep your eyes on Mason Plumlee. He had 25 12 and 5 blocks against marquette last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvqBcCJyits