Official Raptors 2011 NBA Draft Thread, Part 3

[Silk Wilkes]

I think if it's between Barnes or T. Jones you gotta choose Barnes especially if the decision is that close. Barnes is the one who would stretch the defense, whereas a DeRozan/Jones wing combo just allows the wing defenders to sag off and guard the paint. Of course a jump shot can be learned but it's not guaranteed. Plus, Barnes' work ethic has been praised and we see what that can do for you when we look at DeMar. If Harrison and DeRozan work hard on their games there's no telling how good they can get. Remember, these two guys were regarded as two of the prospects with humongous ceilings coming into college and if they can get even close to their peak abilities...well you can figure it out...

That being said, I wouldn't be mad if we pick Terrence. I prefer it like this, where we have a pick of prospects instead of putting our eggs into one basket and probably getting disappointed on draft night with someone like Bargnani.

That's my concern as well. Just pack the paint with that duo. Our current SFs - Kleiza, Wright, JJ, Weems - don't shoot the three. But whoever we draft probably won't start with Derozan.

T. Jones works hard too. We say how hard Barnes' works but other players work hard too. P. Jones is another story...

I see what you're saying but whoever we draft is eventually expected to start with DeMar. Who knows? By the end of the year we could be starting them just because our team is that young. I think you also have to include Ed Davis in the discussion since he's also a building block and the fact is his offense suffers as well. With Terrence we would definitely struggle putting a DeRozan/Jones/Davis combo on the court for what's likely to be years. It's frustrating that both Harrison and Terrence are missing key skills that we would need as a team. If only Barnes would focus a bit more on creation and defense, while Jones could focus more on shooting. I just feel like you have to go by what type of guy they each are. If you have a guy who's regarded as a hard worker you have to go with him, and if they both work hard bring them in for a couple of workouts with players similar to the Raptors and let them go at each other in a 5 on 5 setting. Hopefully the tournament can clear some of this up.

[5DOM]

Actually playing defense is the only thing Barnes has done consistently. I think he has a good chance of becoming a good defender in the league although it's really hard to say from just watching the college games.

[Silk Wilkes]

That puts Barnes over the top for me. Here's the thing about TJ that really worries me. From the games I've watched him in, he seems to struggle to get his shot off and this is just college competition. Imagine what NBA players will do to him. He seems like the only time he's comfortable shooting is when he's wide open. I think for him to be successful in the NBA his jumper is going to have to be a complete tear down and rebuild. It's gonna take an expert some time to fix that imo. In contrast to Barnes, who has that nice release point which will help him be a really nice shooter in the NBA with less work.

[God Squad]

I'd be happy with either Barnes/Tjones with Kanter as the wild card for wings. Leaning more towards Barnes just because of his shot mechanics. The one thing T.Jones lacks. But I love T.Jones defensive abilities. I love seeing him block shots.

[Uncle Jeff]

Can derrick williams play the 3?, if so I would love to draft him

[God Squad]

According to a lot of posters he should be more than able to play the 3. But I've yet to watch him play. He seems like a tweener. Like many others in this draft.

[Silk Wilkes]

I doubt Derrick can play the 3. I think if he could he'd be the undoubted #1 overall pick with Kyrie being hurt.

[God Squad]

Again. Maybe he can, maybe he can't. I'm interested to hear what are peoples thoughts with the Kanter vs Valanciunus?

If you were B.C and you were gonna draft our Wing who would it be and why. If you were gonna pick a Big who would it be and why.

[Mr.Raptorsingh]

^If it's a choice between Kanter and Valanciunas, I'm taking Valanciunas, no doubt about it.

As far as wings in this draft go, I still remain hopeful that Barnes shows a little more during tournament play. Plus, as of now, I'm still not sure that he enters this draft.

I like Vesely as well. The question is, is he worthy of a possible top-5 selection?

I'm leaning towards Valanciunas if, say, we end up with a selection from 3rd-to-5th. After him, it's up in the air.

[Micrew18]

TERRENCE JONES FTW!
Reminds me of a Gerald Wallace....
Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by coaches all around the league...
Averaging 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks a game while shooting a FG% of 44.7% and just under 30% from beyond the arc.

Pair this man among boys with DeRozan at the wing and we've got a 2-3 punch that can grow up and become a premier threat at both ends of the court night in and night out. Then add Ed Davis into the mix and (realistically) Bargnani with a scoring punch and there's one of the best young teams in the league.

Seriously I like Harrison Barnes but the dude dropped from being the top ranked prospect out of high school to the lower end of the lottery. That can NEVER be a good thing. EVER.

http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/bviewplayer.asp?sport=2&player=433095

[wanker]

TERRENCE JONES FTW!
Reminds me of a Gerald Wallace....
Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by coaches all around the league...

Ummm, Sam Muldrow was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Terrence Jones was named SEC Freshman of the Year.

[God Squad]

I might be considered crazy.But i'm starting to like Hensons game a little. He needs to bulk up a bit. But he looks like a decent center. Loves to change shots. If we somehow left the draft with either wing and Henson I'd be happy.

If we somehow left the draft with Jonas Valanciunas and Kawhi or Jordan Hamilton i'd be happy.

Basically I've read that Chicago and other teams are willing to part with there draft pick. Although this is a "weak" draft I hope B.C is going to get another draft pick. We need all the talent we can get in order to fill our teams glaring holes.

[rise of raptors]

^If it's a choice between Kanter and Valanciunas, I'm taking Valanciunas, no doubt about it.

As far as wings in this draft go, I still remain hopeful that Barnes shows a little more during tournament play. Plus, as of now, I'm still not sure that he enters this draft.

I like Vesely as well. The question is, is he worthy of a possible top-5 selection?

I'm leaning towards Valanciunas if, say, we end up with a selection from 3rd-to-5th. After him, it's up in the air.

Initially, I had been leaning towards Kanter because taking the big body with a low-post scoring threat seemed like the safer bet than a skinny big. But I must say, Valanciunas is winning me over. His ceiling just looks much higher, and especially when neither of them are sure bets.

As for the wings, that's a tough call. I would presume that BC (if still around) would pick T. Jones as he does a bit of everything and could be more as a facilitator. I think that's something BC values. If Barnes could be more aggressive and not settle too much, then it'll make the decision easier.

[bboyskinnylegs]

Again. Maybe he can, maybe he can't. I'm interested to hear what are peoples thoughts with the Kanter vs Valanciunus?

Kanter is a skilled go-to scorer in the post, and can face up and knock down jumpers as well. At 260 lbs, he's got great size, although he doesn't seem to be very long--he measured out at 6'10" in shoes, with a 7'1" wingspan a year ago at the Hoop Summit. He's also an excellent rebounder, and won't get pushed around in the post (Sullinger couldn't handle him when they faced each other at the Hoop Summit). He doesn't have the athleticism to be a big-time shotblocker, but I think he can be a solid team defender. I've read that he has some potential knee concerns, although I couldn't find any specifics.

Valanciunas has got excellent length, he's apparently 6'11" with a 7'6" wingspan (at 240lbs he's going to need to gain some weight, but he is just 18 so that shouldn't be a big issue with his frame). On offense, he works hard to establish post position, sets good screens and rolls to the basket, and is an excellent rebounder. On defense, he is always active--he's quick to rotate and help, switch on screens, and works to seal off his man when a shot goes up. His speed and length let him block/alter a lot of shots, although he can be a bit too aggressive at times which can lead to unnecessary fouls. He's an excellent finisher (his hook shot looks pretty effective), and a great free throw shooter. He really seems like the center version of Amir/Ed, very productive and brings a lot of energy/hustle when he's on the floor. Needs to improve his fouling (much like Amir), but he can definitely be a solid contributor for us.

I'd be pretty happy if we drafted either, but right now I think I'd give the slight edge to Valanciunas. If he can fill out and improve on his fouling, I think he's got better defensive upside.

[Kevin Willis]

TJ vs. Barnes - TJ is more nba ready.
Kanter vs. Valanciunas - Kanter is more nba ready.

Rebounding is a skill that translates and both TJ and Kanter are better rebounders.

Barnes and Jonas have more potential. If they reach it you have an athletic rebounding center and a well-rounded swingman. It's just a matter of flavour at this point until someone seperates himself from the other.

[bloojoo]

Id take barnes over terrence jones. Barnes has really stepped up in the second half of the season and is one of the main reasons for UNC's resurgence. The guy has been absolutely clutch. T.Jones looks like another tweener with no real position in the nba.

[McFurious1]

I'm starting to think we should move Davis for someone in the draft. For example: If we fall down to 7 take Kanter(C) with the 7th pick and trade Davis for a lower pick and take Jordan Hamilton(SF).

Calderon
DeRozan
Hamilton
Bargnani
Kanter

If we get a top 5 pick lets say Barnes/Irving move Davis for a lower pick and try to take Kanter or Jonas Valanciunas. This way we can fill the holes on this team better. I like Davis but with Amir and Bargnani on this team he seems like the odd man out, and more likely one we can fetch a lotto pick with.

Irving
DeRozan
Johnson
Bargnani
Kanter/Valanciunas

[God Squad]

I'm starting to think we should move Davis for someone in the draft. For example: If we fall down to 7 take Kanter(C) with the 7th pick and trade Davis for a lower pick and take Jordan Hamilton(SF).

Calderon
DeRozan
Hamilton
Bargnani
Kanter

If we get a top 5 pick lets say Barnes/Irving move Davis for a lower pick and try to take Kanter or Jonas Valanciunas. This way we can fill the holes on this team better. I like Davis but with Amir and Bargnani on this team he seems like the odd man out, and more likely one we can fetch a lotto pick with.

Irving
DeRozan
Johnson
Bargnani
Kanter/Valanciunas

See I thought about this yesterday. I'm still high on Davis because of what he's been able to do in the limited mins. But i'm starting to warm up to the idea of getting a early to mid lotto for him.

[karolis1221]

I'm starting to think we should move Davis for someone in the draft. For example: If we fall down to 7 take Kanter(C) with the 7th pick and trade Davis for a lower pick and take Jordan Hamilton(SF).

Calderon
DeRozan
Hamilton
Bargnani
Kanter

If we get a top 5 pick lets say Barnes/Irving move Davis for a lower pick and try to take Kanter or Jonas Valanciunas. This way we can fill the holes on this team better. I like Davis but with Amir and Bargnani on this team he seems like the odd man out, and more likely one we can fetch a lotto pick with.

Irving
DeRozan
Johnson
Bargnani
Kanter/Valanciunas

First 5 is very weak because of calderon,bargnani,derozan on the floor its huge black hole in defence. Second option is way better if irwing can play D, and if raps can get iguadala at sf mmm...

[Rhettmatic]

Not sure if this was posted already but the New York Times ran a huge feature on Perry Jones:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/magaz ... wanted=all