Chicken Littles: Sky done fell! Draft Thread 2011

[mhd]

To me, Kanter is the big mystery here. I think trying to acquire another high lotto pick is the way to go. Realistically, we are not going to attract FAs.

[dobrojim]

^ at the moment, FAs are not really part of the plan. They'd
have to be cheap and perfect fit type of guys before mgmt
would even look I would think.

I liked Barnes' calm demeanor in that breakout game. He seemed
relaxed and under control. At age 18, his athleticism figures to get
better and while some say players can learn to shoot, I'd rather
gamble on a guy that has demonstrated he already knows how
to stroke it. For the moment I'm sticking with Kanter/Barnes
as the guy to take with the top pick if possible.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Barnes performance in the ACC tourney really sold me on him. The way he came across in the post game interview was class & star written all over him. I think he's a perfect compliment to Wall. Until now I had been looking to T.Jones.

With the ATL pick, I'd follow Barnes with an inside player. Markieff Morris looks like he'd be a great fit here.

The 2nd round I like Washington SG Justin Holiday after watching him vs Wash state. He's Jrue Holiday's bro, perimeter D specialist & very fast.

Also worth a look is Zeller, Hansbrough, Patric Young.


Side question... anyone got scoop on Clemson's Grant? Son of Horace, looks decent what I've seen but not on any mocks or prospect lists I've seen. Is he just not any good?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Actually what I've seen, Clemson is fun to watch, tough D, that guard Stitt is good, they have Grant, and Booker's bro. They also got this 7-2 guy who hardly plays but looks like he may have some skill.

[dangermouse]

I hope we get a late lotto pick somehow, grab Jan Vesely, go after Micheal Beasley in FA, and then sign Ronald Weasley from Hogwarts U.

In a couple years we roll with Vesely, Beasley and Weasley.

[Ruzious]

I hope we get a late lotto pick somehow, grab Jan Vesely, go after Micheal Beasley in FA, and then sign Ronald Weasley from Hogwarts U.

In a couple years we roll with Vesely, Beasley and Weasley.

...playin' in the Phone Heasey?

[fishercob]

I hope we get a late lotto pick somehow, grab Jan Vesely, go after Micheal Beasley in FA, and then sign Ronald Weasley from Hogwarts U.

In a couple years we roll with Vesely, Beasley and Weasley.

I've heard it pronounced "vess-ell-ee," like Wesley with an extra syllable.

[fishercob]

Sullinger profile from Rivals. Compare his background and the commentary against the NYTimes article on Jones.

Fantastic read. He really comes off as the anti-Blatche. Humble, hard-working, team oriented, smart, physical, grounded, etc.

Once he develops his jumper -- and I expect him to -- he's going to be a really tough cover, maybe an 18 or 20 and 10 guy.

For seemingly ever, this team has needed a moose that they could dump the ball into and get and score and or a foul. Sullinger can be that guy. The offense would just improve off of the fatc that he'll set much better screens than either of our "starting" bigs.

I understand that he's not Blake Griffin, but I'd be very happy if he ended up the pick. I think he's just the type of young player we've been looking for.

[Zonkerbl]

WEIRD!!! I was JUST about to post that article, weeping about the depth of my man love for him.

Confused though -- is he 250 or 280?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

In the draft I'd like to see us add a low post player and a 3.

I can see going either Barnes/Markieff Morris OR Enes & Singleton.

As of now prefer the Barnes/Morris due to questions w/ 2nd option, but depends on how Enes checks out.

[Ruzious]

Sullinger profile from Rivals. Compare his background and the commentary against the NYTimes article on Jones.

Fantastic read. He really comes off as the anti-Blatche. Humble, hard-working, team oriented, smart, physical, grounded, etc.

Once he develops his jumper -- and I expect him to -- he's going to be a really tough cover, maybe an 18 or 20 and 10 guy.

For seemingly ever, this team has needed a moose that they could dump the ball into and get and score and or a foul. Sullinger can be that guy. The offense would just improve off of the fatc that he'll set much better screens than either of our "starting" bigs.

I understand that he's not Blake Griffin, but I'd be very happy if he ended up the pick. I think he's just the type of young player we've been looking for.

He's the one guy in this draft who's attitude, actions, and abilities (AAA) scream (in a totally non Charlie Sheen way) winner. He's also no longer chubby. Dude has really improved his body.

“Totally unsolicited,” Satch says, “Jared came to me and was like, ‘Dad, I’m going to be living off-campus next season. I don’t want to have to depend on people for rides to class. I’m going to need my own car. ‘”

The comment brought a smile to his father’s face.

“I’ll get you one, son,” Satch told Jared. “I’ll get you one.”

Nah Satch, he can take the subway to the Phone Booth next season.

[Halcyon]

New Harrison Barnes video on NBA Draft Express, featuring his skills.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Har ... rnes-5705/

[fishercob]

New Harrison Barnes video on NBA Draft Express, featuring his skills.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Har ... rnes-5705/

Very nice. He'll obviously get stronger because he's only 18, but I'm a little concerned by his lack of explosiveness. There was one dunk in the whole clip, and it wasn't during the "slashing" segment. he really seems to struggle to get all the way to -- and finish it -- the rim (against college defenders). Perhaps that's why he shoots so many jumpers. He really seems to have more of a SG's game, than a SF's despite his size.

Maybe he does grow into Paul Pierce, but he'll have to get a LOT better, IMHO.

[no D in Hibachi]

For seemingly ever, this team has needed a moose that they could dump the ball into and get and score and or a foul. Sullinger can be that guy. The offense would just improve off of the fatc that he'll set much better screens than either of our "starting" bigs.

A lot depends on his pre-draft measurements/workouts, but I think if the Wiz are going for a 'dump the ball into and get a score or a foul' type player I'd go with Kanter. Hopefully he'll measure around 6'11'' and if so he'll likely be a better defender. Based on scouting reports he's got a tremendous back to basket game and can play at a high level against quality competition. I know it's well documented, but against Sully he put up 34/13.

My ultimate fear of Sullinger is defense. He's an incredible ball player--especially offensively, but for all the Wiz problems defensively I'd hate to see them draft another player who will likely struggle defensively.

[pcbothwel]

I really love how the video isnt some youtube highlight reel. It quickly breaks down what he does well and what he doesnt. But this just sold me even more on a guy who plays like vet at 18. Its like watching David Lighty(a guy id love to get if we cant get Barnes) out there from a maturity stand point and Lighty is a 5th year senior.

Reading some of his quotes are just ridiculous. He has such a mature, long-term outlook on how to succeed and become better over the course of his career. I truly believe him and Wall would hit it off right away and push each other to be the best. I also think Nick Young(Even though him and Barnes have some overlap in skillset) would benefit from the pressure of the two younger guys putting in that much work and focus.

[fishercob]

For seemingly ever, this team has needed a moose that they could dump the ball into and get and score and or a foul. Sullinger can be that guy. The offense would just improve off of the fatc that he'll set much better screens than either of our "starting" bigs.

A lot depends on his pre-draft measurements/workouts, but I think if the Wiz are going for a 'dump the ball into and get a score or a foul' type player I'd go with Kanter. Hopefully he'll measure around 6'11'' and if so he'll likely be a better defender. Based on scouting reports he's got a tremendous back to basket game and can play at a high level against quality competition. I know it's well documented, but against Sully he put up 34/13.

My ultimate fear of Sullinger is defense. He's an incredible ball player--especially offensively, but for all the Wiz problems defensively I'd hate to see them draft another player who will likely struggle defensively.

While I share your concerns and your interest in Enes, I believe that one can be a great defender at almost any height -- especially with the strength and girth that Sullinger has. It is more a function of smarts, discipline, and intensity than it is just height and length. The Wizards start a 7'1' center who can jump out of the gym, and a long 6'11 PF yet they're 25th out of 30 teams in defense.

So while I'd take the taller guy if all else were equal, what I'm learning about Sullinger leads me to believe that he can indeed be a very good defender -- even if he's not a shotblocker.

[nate33]

I think we're I'm at in the Barnes/Sully debate is this:

The max upside of Barnes is a high quality starter or maybe even a star on a championship team like Paul Pierce. The worst case scenario is a role player capable of starting on championship team like a Shane Battier. Either way, his game is going to fit on a good team.

The max upside of Sullinger is a high quality starter on a second-tier team like an Al Jefferson. He won't be a championship starter because he'll never be an above-average defender. The worst case scenario is that he's a Glen Davis type of backup.

I'd take Barnes.

[Dat2U]

For seemingly ever, this team has needed a moose that they could dump the ball into and get and score and or a foul. Sullinger can be that guy. The offense would just improve off of the fatc that he'll set much better screens than either of our "starting" bigs.

A lot depends on his pre-draft measurements/workouts, but I think if the Wiz are going for a 'dump the ball into and get a score or a foul' type player I'd go with Kanter. Hopefully he'll measure around 6'11'' and if so he'll likely be a better defender. Based on scouting reports he's got a tremendous back to basket game and can play at a high level against quality competition. I know it's well documented, but against Sully he put up 34/13.

My ultimate fear of Sullinger is defense. He's an incredible ball player--especially offensively, but for all the Wiz problems defensively I'd hate to see them draft another player who will likely struggle defensively.

While I share your concerns and your interest in Enes, I believe that one can be a great defender at almost any height -- especially with the strength and girth that Sullinger has. It is more a function of smarts, discipline, and intensity than it is just height and length. The Wizards start a 7'1' center who can jump out of the gym, and a long 6'11 PF yet they're 25th out of 30 teams in defense.

So while I'd take the taller guy if all else were equal, what I'm learning about Sullinger leads me to believe that he can indeed be a very good defender -- even if he's not a shotblocker.

I disagree. Especially when it comes to playing in the low post and challenging shots. Length is just as important as intelligence & work ethic. No one doubts Kevin Love's b-ball IQ or work ethic and he can't defend anyone. It's one thing not be an elite athlete. But its a huge problem if you don't have the ideal length AND athleticism. Darius Songaila didn't lack for smarts, discipline or intensity and while he could give a hard foul he couldn't stop anyone. Same for Michael Ruffin. Just b/c Sullinger is the exact opposite of Blatche or McGee in terms of the intangibles doesn't mean he's going to be a passable defender.

As the old saying goes. Size Matters!

[Dat2U]

I think we're I'm at in the Barnes/Sully debate is this:

The max upside of Barnes is a high quality starter or maybe even a star on a championship team like Paul Pierce. The worst case scenario is a role player capable of starting on championship team like a Shane Battier. Either way, his game is going to fit on a good team.

The max upside of Sullinger is a high quality starter on a second-tier team like an Al Jefferson. He won't be a championship starter because he'll never be an above-average defender. The worst case scenario is that he's a Glen Davis type of backup.

I'd take Barnes.

I agree in general but I absolutely don't see the Paul Pierce comparisons. Pierce's handle and ability to get to the rim where never in doubt. Barnes screams high quality role player to me. Maybe at best he'll be a 2nd/3rd option. As of now, I'd lean towards Barnes but its not by a lot. Honestly I need to see more of the Barnes that played in the ACC tourney to be totally sold on him as worthy of a top five pick.

The problem with this draft, a lot of these NCAA'ers (who aren't PGs) strike me as safe picks and solid NBA role players but honestly we need more than that. Sullinger, Williams, Barnes all have obvious pluses and minuses. The euro guys are a shot in the dark and P. Jones is the ultimate bust or boom type player.

I know it totally goes against Teddy's plan but trading out of this draft isn't the worst idea in the world. Remember the 2000 draft with KMart. The list of lottery picks that year reads like a Steven King novel.

[Halcyon]

The best part about that video was Barnes' defense, imo. He seems to give great effort and he looks very long, able to disrupt shots. As for his game overall, even if he is not a great slasher (as it seems like) I think he will know his role, whatever role he may grow into.