Draft Thread Continued. 2011 part two...

[hands11]

http://espn.go.com/nba/lottery2011/mockdraft

This mock draft machine seems to have players slotted to some degree. At least at the top.

Depending on who wins the number 1, different players show up.

Here is how it has the Wizards picking depending on which pick they get. I also listed the other players and how they were ranked.

D Williams with the #1
D Williams with the #2
Barnes with the 3rd
Perry with the 4th
Enes with the 5th
Jonas with the 6th

Jan is listed 7/8th
Kemba 7/8th
Jones 9th
Kawhi 10th
B Knight 11th
Jimmer 12th
Jordan Hamilton 13th
Faried with getting listed 14th

I think if EG gets the 3rd, it will be hard to pass up on Perry. I'm sure the team will be doing a lot of research on that one. Are they will the mode to take a swing for the fences or not. Hopefully they are doing a lot of research.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

http://espn.go.com/nba/lottery2011/mockdraft

This mock draft machine seems to have players slotted to some degree. At least at the top.

Depending on who wins the number 1, different players show up.

Has up taking

D Williams with the #1
D Williams with the #2
Barnes with the 3rd
Perry with the 4th
Enes with the 5th
Jonas with the 6th

Jan is listed 7/8th
Kemba 7/8th
Jones 9th
Kawhi 10th
B Knight 11th
Jimmer 12th
Jordan Hamilton 13th
Faried with getting listed 14th

I think if EG gets the 3rd, it will be hard to past up on Perry. I'm sure the team will be doing a lot of research on that one. Are they will the mode to take a swing for the fences or not. Hopefully they are doing a lot of research.

At this point in my mind I am just hoping for Derrick Williams or Harrison Barnes. Williams is my first choice. He just blew me away in that Duke game, and I know it's just one game, but man what a game! So that did it for me. In much the same way Barnes won me over in the ACC tourney. In any case, I think either would be a welcome addition to the Wizards. Both can shoot the 3, both are clutch, both are competitors and winners, both defend, both play smart, and both carry themselves with class. In addition, I think both are more sure things than some of the others like PJones or Kanter, and IMO we cannot afford to take a chance with this pick and miss. But both of them impress me with their character as much as with their game, and IMO this team really is in need of that.

The ATL pick I am hoping for either Chris Singleton or Markieff Morris or Kenneth Faried. Goal to add some more toughness to the frontcourt.

The 2nd rounder I am looking guard either Nolan Smith (ACC POY) or Ben Hansbrough (Big East POY).


I also would love to see the Wizards move Blatche to a team looking for a more ready now player than drafting a young prospect, any 1st rounder 20-30 would be great!

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Btw, just did the espn draft machine... 10x Wizards got the #1 pick 4 times and took Derrick Williams. Twice got the #2 pick and took Williams. Twice got the 3rd pick and took Barnes. Twice got 4 and took PJones.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Also regarding DWilliams & Barnes... to me the biggest attraction is both would compliment Wall very well both on and off the court. Either of these guys teamed with Wall would truly provide a foundation for this team to build on. The ability of both players to hit shots and score for Wall to kick it to would add a new dimension to this team, as well as draw attention & spread the defense opening dunks and oops for McGee, Booker inside. Having a forward who attracts the defense's attention will open shots for Young and Crawford also.

But to me both (especially Williams) are perfect fits for this team. A team player, a will to win, pure basketball talent and smarts, class, effort.

[DMVleGeND]

OH NOES! Toronto is in danger of passing us in the tanking standings. We better lose next game.

[spaceman_E]

D Williams can come in and score 17+ ppg. If we improve into the 30+ wins range and make the playoffs he could be getting a lot of pub and the Wiz in general as a young, talented squad. This should make a Williams, Mcgee, mid teens 1st look pretty good in a D Howard S/T. That's as excited as I can get myself about DWill.

Wall/Craw/Hansborough
Young/Craw
Lewis/Singleton
Blatche/Booker
Howard/KS/FA vet

Yum Yum.

[Benjammin]

Minnesota and Toronto both lose tonight. The Wiz better get their tank in gear for the last seven games.

[hands11]

D Williams can come in and score 17+ ppg. If we improve into the 30+ wins range and make the playoffs he could be getting a lot of pub and the Wiz in general as a young, talented squad. This should make a Williams, Mcgee, mid teens 1st look pretty good in a D Howard S/T. That's as excited as I can get myself about DWill.

Wall/Craw/Hansborough
Young/Craw
Lewis/Singleton
Blatche/Booker
Howard/KS/FA vet

Yum Yum.

Why yes. There are scenarios in which Howard could end up here. Now that people are warming up to that idea, may as well push the boundaries. What if the Wizards dont want him because McGee is to good to move and cost way less. You like that one CCJ ?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I actually had the thought today, hands. People forget the price of obtaining Howard could be like New York paid to get Carmelo (EDITED, not Amare), only worse in that McGee and other bigs with promise will be giving along with picks and salary.

Might be better to surround McGee with a bunch of skill and talent and to go get guys like Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Varejao, etc. to bother Howard. A better player to pursue might be Lamar Odom, once OKC knocks the Lakers off the top of the heap. He might have 3-5 more good years. He's not Dwight Howard, but if you add a superstar to the Wizards in this draft the next step is to get good veterans that win games, but do so economically.

Odom would be a guy to pursue. Dwight's going to cost the moon and the stars.

Horford would be a guy to target after next season, because you just KNOW the Hawks are caving.

[doclinkin]

Most talented player in the draft may be debatable, but there's no doubt in my mind the most complete capital P player available at his position, whenever he's picked, will be Kemba Walker.

If I'm picking PGs I'd take him over Kyrie Irving and never have to worry about a learning curve. YOu may You may gain better individual upside with Kyrie, but will get better team results with Kemba. Kyrie scores, has phenomenal feel, but will still need to develop his floor generalship. Has Chris Paul ever won a championship yet? Kyrie Irving ain't quite Chris Paul. Quite often the PG of a winning team has an ability to keep a low-profile to put the team in position to win, taking over only when the team needs a pick-up. Kemba has that skill set, earned by effort and experience. Coming in the league he already manages his team like a veteran, makes his entire squad better, makes the smart play time and again, maximizes his strengths and minimizes his shortfalls. Clutch, determined, good attitude, more feisty than cool in temperament but with the good humor that wins over refs, he'll laugh midgame when an opponent makes a nice play, but will put his grim face on and make it up at the other end.

I always said, regardless of upside, teams do well to pick the keystone player on a championship squad, to teach the players on their roster the value and importance of clutch play, steel will when it matters most. Win the title or no, Kemba is this draft's best bet as far as that is concerned. I like talented players who had to learn to become winners, since they value effort more than natural talents who never had to work much to succeed.

[closg00]

Most talented player in the draft may be debatable, but there's no doubt in my mind the most complete capital P player available at his position, whenever he's picked, will be Kemba Walker.

If I'm picking PGs I'd take him over Kyrie Irving and never have to worry about a learning curve. YOu may You may gain better individual upside with Kyrie, but will get better team results with Kemba. Kyrie scores, has phenomenal feel, but will still need to develop his floor generalship. Has Chris Paul ever won a championship yet? Kyrie Irving ain't quite Chris Paul. Quite often the PG of a winning team has an ability to keep a low-profile to put the team in position to win, taking over only when the team needs a pick-up. Kemba has that skill set, earned by effort and experience. Coming in the league he already manages his team like a veteran, makes his entire squad better, makes the smart play time and again, maximizes his strengths and minimizes his shortfalls. Clutch, determined, good attitude, more feisty than cool in temperament but with the good humor that wins over refs, he'll laugh midgame when an opponent makes a nice play, but will put his grim face on and make it up at the other end.

I always said, regardless of upside, teams do well to pick the keystone player on a championship squad, to teach the players on their roster the value and importance of clutch play, steel will when it matters most. Win the title or no, Kemba is this draft's best bet as far as that is concerned. I like talented players who had to learn to become winners, since they value effort more than natural talents who never had to work much to succeed.

Finally got to see Kemba play more during this tournament and he is definitely another player I would put in the "winner" category along with Williams. Totally agree on what you wrote, I would be very happy if I'm the Cav's GM and I take Williams at 1 and Walker at 8, what a haul that would be.

[Ruzious]

What really impressed me about Kemba is that his point guard instincts showed up. He's been controlling games - looking for whatever's best for his team. He's not just a feaux PG who's looking to score a ton of points. Calhoun hasn't damaged him, afterall, because cream always rises to the top. Btw, the better Lamb one. Doron's a fine 2 - and the purer shooter, but Jeremy Lamb could be something special - if he gets a little more aggressive. He is the Pippen to Kemba's... Kemba.

[theboomking]

Yeah, let's keep JaVale McGee, because Dwight Howard would be too expensive If there is a single player in the league worth a max contract, it is Dwight Howard. He is going to be the best big man of this generation, is still young, has no health concerns, and is dominant on offense, defense, and the boards. Call me when you guys get an NBA GM job.

Regarding the draft, has anyone looked ahead much to next year? I'd like to avoid Quincy Miller due to his ACL history, and we are unlikely to get the first overall pick, so Anthony Davis may be out. I've really had my eye on Michael Gilchrist, who is likely to be a top 3 pick. Here is his scouting report from ESPN:

Strengths:
Gilchrist possesses the dangerous combination of world-class athletic ability and a thoroughbred's competitive drive. He brings a certain type of toughness to the floor and is able to impose his will on both his teammates and opponents. He is a consistent producer that leads his team in points, rebounds and blocked shots, but what stands out about Gilchrist is his ability to rebound the ball and defend. Most superstar players are content to put up big scoring numbers and leave the heavy lifting to the supporting cast. Gilchrist takes defending and rebounding personally and wants to be the dominant player on the floor in all areas.

Weaknesses:
Superman had kryptonite so it's no surprise that Gilchrist has a few weaknesses also. He is able to get by at the high school level with limited ability from the 3-point arc, at the collegiate and professional levels he will face better athletes and more detailed scouting reports. His release/shooting technique needs to be refined to help improve his consistency. Opponents usually choose to concede the perimeter jump shot as opposed to the drive to the rim. With hard work and repetition he has improved his mid-range jump shot from the 12-15' range, there is no doubt in my mind that he will improve from behind the arc as well.

Bottom Line:
Gilchrist, who is always under the evaluation microscope, has had the No. 1 rated player target on his back for some time and always seems to rise to the occasion when challenged. The kid is a winner with the disposition to dominate and does the dirty work that leads to championships.

Notes
Travel Team: Team Final (Pa.)...Louisiana State, North Carolina, Duke, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Rutgers and Southern Cal were involved....2009 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey...Averaged 14.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 3.0 blocks as a sophomore...Wingspan: 84.5...Committed to Kentucky in April, 2010...2011 McDonald's All American...2011 Jordan Brand All American...Averaged 19.4 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 6.3 apg, 5.2 blocks and 3.5 steals as a senior...2011 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey...

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketb ... -gilchrist

Looking at the video below, I can't help but wonder whether he could play at SG. He doesn't have a great shot, but he looks to have the quickness and handle, and would give us an elite defender and athlete at the position.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Kos6sDZpg[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Kos6sDZpg

Here is my hope. We draft Kanter and Singleton this year. Next season is cancelled and we have a top 3 pick in 2012, and draft Gilchrist. We'd start the 2012 season with:

1- Wall, Cawford
2- NY, crawford
3- Gilchrist, Singleton
4- Kanter, Blatche, Blatche
5- McGee, Seraphin

That is a long, athletic, balanced team that can score, defend, and rebound, and could compete for a top 4 seed in the East.

[Dark Faze]

I actually had the thought today, hands. People forget the price of obtaining Howard could be like New York paid to get Amare, only worse in that McGee and other bigs with promise will be giving along with picks and salary.

Might be better to surround McGee with a bunch of skill and talent and to go get guys like Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Varejao, etc. to bother Howard. A better player to pursue might be Lamar Odom, once OKC knocks the Lakers off the top of the heap. He might have 3-5 more good years. He's not Dwight Howard, but if you add a superstar to the Wizards in this draft the next step is to get good veterans that win games, but do so economically.

Odom would be a guy to pursue. Dwight's going to cost the moon and the stars.

Horford would be a guy to target after next season, because you just KNOW the Hawks are caving.

No offense but you kind of sound like JaVale has already arrived or something. There's a 50% chance that we even extend him in a couple of years right now. Don't let the last 10 or so games of the season fool you, until the kid shows maximum effort for an entire season (and even next year is potentially fools gold given its a contract year) then talking about keeping him over a guy like Dwight is nuts.

Its impossible to tell what it would cost to get Dwight. I'm pretty sure the new CBA is going to allow for more flexibility as it concerns trades, so a salary match within 80% or whatever value it is isn't going to be necessary.

All of that is meaningless though if we don't surge though. If we don't win at least 30+ games next year then Dwight won't even consider this squad.

It would be hard for me to choose between Kanter and Perry Jones if we end up dropping badly in the draft. I'm not high on Kanter at all. I have more confidence in Zeller or Harrellson at this point for the simple fact that they played a season and we actually saw them playing. I'd hate to take a shot at a guy who even as a ceiling is not projected to be that dominant of a big man, let alone a guy who hasn't played for a year, isn't from the U.S and has had rumors about health issues.

I would rather just take a shot at Perry and call it a day on that one--even though Perry has a 60% chance to bust.

I've said before that if we don't get Derrick Williams then I'd go so far as to consider trading up to get him. I'm not saying I'd give up a ton, but if we can give up our ATL pick and 1st rounder to do it then I wouldn't be mad...we have a ton of depth on this team already and the potential for a Faried or Honeycutt isn't worth missing on a guy like Williams to me.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I actually had the thought today, hands. People forget the price of obtaining Howard could be like New York paid to get Amare, only worse in that McGee and other bigs with promise will be giving along with picks and salary.

Might be better to surround McGee with a bunch of skill and talent and to go get guys like Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Varejao, etc. to bother Howard. A better player to pursue might be Lamar Odom, once OKC knocks the Lakers off the top of the heap. He might have 3-5 more good years. He's not Dwight Howard, but if you add a superstar to the Wizards in this draft the next step is to get good veterans that win games, but do so economically.

Odom would be a guy to pursue. Dwight's going to cost the moon and the stars.

Horford would be a guy to target after next season, because you just KNOW the Hawks are caving.

No offense but you kind of sound like JaVale has already arrived or something. There's a 50% chance that we even extend him in a couple of years right now. Don't let the last 10 or so games of the season fool you, until the kid shows maximum effort for an entire season (and even next year is potentially fools gold given its a contract year) then talking about keeping him over a guy like Dwight is nuts.

Its impossible to tell what it would cost to get Dwight. I'm pretty sure the new CBA is going to allow for more flexibility as it concerns trades, so a salary match within 80% or whatever value it is isn't going to be necessary.

All of that is meaningless though if we don't surge though. If we don't win at least 30+ games next year then Dwight won't even consider this squad.

It would be hard for me to choose between Kanter and Perry Jones if we end up dropping badly in the draft. I'm not high on Kanter at all. I have more confidence in Zeller or Harrellson at this point for the simple fact that they played a season and we actually saw them playing. I'd hate to take a shot at a guy who even as a ceiling is not projected to be that dominant of a big man, let alone a guy who hasn't played for a year, isn't from the U.S and has had rumors about health issues.

I would rather just take a shot at Perry and call it a day on that one--even though Perry has a 60% chance to bust.

I've said before that if we don't get Derrick Williams then I'd go so far as to consider trading up to get him. I'm not saying I'd give up a ton, but if we can give up our ATL pick and 1st rounder to do it then I wouldn't be mad...we have a ton of depth on this team already and the potential for a Faried or Honeycutt isn't worth missing on a guy like Williams to me.

+1

I agree totally. I am just so convinced DWilliams is the one for this team. As I've said, I would settle for Barnes if Williams is gone and be ok with it. But outside of that if we miss on both, I would deal both 1st rounders for Williams absolutely.

Kanter worries me to, and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Grunfeld take him. At best he is a Bogut or Rony Seikaly, which we could certainly use don't get me wrong. But I am hoping for a top 3 pick and with that you'd like to do better. He's someone I'd be high on if we were looking at being slotted in the 8-12 range, not top 3.

And yeah... to not be interested in DHoward because our current collection of McGee, Blatche, Yi, Seraphin, N'Diaye is so amazingly promising is absolutely insane.

[DMVleGeND]

Yeah, let's keep JaVale McGee, because Dwight Howard would be too expensive If there is a single player in the league worth a max contract, it is Dwight Howard. He is going to be the best big man of this generation, is still young, has no health concerns, and is dominant on offense, defense, and the boards. Call me when you guys get an NBA GM job.

Regarding the draft, has anyone looked ahead much to next year? I'd like to avoid Quincy Miller due to his ACL history, and we are unlikely to get the first overall pick, so Anthony Davis may be out. I've really had my eye on Michael Gilchrist, who is likely to be a top 3 pick. Here is his scouting report from ESPN:

Strengths:
Gilchrist possesses the dangerous combination of world-class athletic ability and a thoroughbred's competitive drive. He brings a certain type of toughness to the floor and is able to impose his will on both his teammates and opponents. He is a consistent producer that leads his team in points, rebounds and blocked shots, but what stands out about Gilchrist is his ability to rebound the ball and defend. Most superstar players are content to put up big scoring numbers and leave the heavy lifting to the supporting cast. Gilchrist takes defending and rebounding personally and wants to be the dominant player on the floor in all areas.

Weaknesses:
Superman had kryptonite so it's no surprise that Gilchrist has a few weaknesses also. He is able to get by at the high school level with limited ability from the 3-point arc, at the collegiate and professional levels he will face better athletes and more detailed scouting reports. His release/shooting technique needs to be refined to help improve his consistency. Opponents usually choose to concede the perimeter jump shot as opposed to the drive to the rim. With hard work and repetition he has improved his mid-range jump shot from the 12-15' range, there is no doubt in my mind that he will improve from behind the arc as well.

Bottom Line:
Gilchrist, who is always under the evaluation microscope, has had the No. 1 rated player target on his back for some time and always seems to rise to the occasion when challenged. The kid is a winner with the disposition to dominate and does the dirty work that leads to championships.

Notes
Travel Team: Team Final (Pa.)...Louisiana State, North Carolina, Duke, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Rutgers and Southern Cal were involved....2009 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey...Averaged 14.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 3.0 blocks as a sophomore...Wingspan: 84.5...Committed to Kentucky in April, 2010...2011 McDonald's All American...2011 Jordan Brand All American...Averaged 19.4 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 6.3 apg, 5.2 blocks and 3.5 steals as a senior...2011 Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey...

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketb ... -gilchrist

Looking at the video below, I can't help but wonder whether he could play at SG. He doesn't have a great shot, but he looks to have the quickness and handle, and would give us an elite defender and athlete at the position.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Kos6sDZpg[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Kos6sDZpg

Here is my hope. We draft Kanter and Singleton this year. Next season is cancelled and we have a top 3 pick in 2012, and draft Gilchrist. We'd start the 2012 season with:

1- Wall, Cawford
2- NY, crawford
3- Gilchrist, Singleton
4- Kanter, Blatche, Blatche
5- McGee, Seraphin

That is a long, athletic, balanced team that can score, defend, and rebound, and could compete for a top 4 seed in the East.

The 2012 draft class is very strong, and will be filled with blue-chip SFs. I wouldn't worry too much about Quincy Miller's ACL injury. He actually said that it was a good thing because he didn't always work hard, and the injury has motivated him and he knows that people will sleep on him. Here's the article: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Qui ... o-me-3607/

Anthony Davis IMO is the #1 prospect though and he reminds me of a young K.G. But I don't know if he will play SF or PF in the NBA.

I also love Gilchrist. He's a blue-collar player, that finds a way to score even though he doesn't have a great mid-range shot and isn't the best ball-handler. He's tough, good rebounder, and a good defender. I think he'd be the perfect fit for our roster.

LeBryan Nash is another one and is a freak athlete and reminds me of Ron Artest. There are many more wings that I didn't include either. And even though I think Harrison Barnes declares this year, there are some rumors of him staying in school, so that's another wing for 2012. That's why I'm in favor of drafting a big with our first pick in this year's draft because we can't go wrong with a wing in next year's draft.

And their are other great prospects like Austin Rivers and James McAdoo. The 2012 class is stacked.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere, but here's an article about the Wizards "The team of the future no one is talking about".

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6415 ... king-about

[thinker07]

It seems that people were mostly caught off guard by the trade FOR Hinrich. I don't think it was a surprise that Hinrich got traded but did anyone know that EG had so coveted Jordan? I'm guessing that many people here were surprised at the picks Seraphin, Booker, and Hamady. My sense it that a bunch of picks - McGee, NY, the #5 pick trade, Pecherov, weren't really expected. My question for the board is this: Everyone here talks about who they would pick -- What do you think EG's draft board looks like?

[SUPERBALLMAN]

It seems that people were mostly caught off guard by the trade FOR Hinrich. I don't think it was a surprise that Hinrich got traded but did anyone know that EG had so coveted Jordan? I'm guessing that many people here were surprised at the picks Seraphin, Booker, and Hamady. My sense it that a bunch of picks - McGee, NY, the #5 pick trade, Pecherov, weren't really expected. My question for the board is this: Everyone here talks about who they would pick -- What do you think EG's draft board looks like?

Ha! Good point! I could see Ernie's board looking something like... 1. Kanter 2. Valanciunas 3. Vesely 4. Motiejunas 5. Mirotic

[Ed Wood]

I am still puzzled by the Grunfeld Loves Euros meme, he drafted two European players in a single season and one Peter John Ramos in the remaining picks, plus Seraphin this year. That's a total of three players in fourteen picks, or about 21.5% of his picks, or around 28.5 if you count Ramos. That's not really very far off the overall percentage of foreign players in the NBA, which is probably somewhere between 21 and 25%.

But while we're talking about European prospects I am kinda digging Nikola Mirotic. A big guy with a solid (and efficient for a change) perimeter game, enough athletic ability to get by in the NBA and the same sort of crazy (based on what I've seen of him) as Danilo Gallinari when it comes to balls-out drives to the rim? That's a combination of attributes that would work very well alongside Wall and Crawford; Mirotic could serve as a destination for passes off of penetration and his attacking style might hopefully lead to a healthy rate of fouls drawn, which is a good thing in a guy who appears to be a dependable 80%+ foul shooter.

I dunno what's wrong with me, I like all of the European also-rans this year: Valanciunas and this guy.