The Kawhi Leonard Bandwagon Thread

Post #81 » by **The Answer!** » Mon May 23, 2011 10:19 pm

This guy's my sleeper pick. I liked what I saw from those vids and the Shawn Marion-like intangibles he'd bring to our 3 spot. Conversely, at #5 would be a bit of a stretch, however, should BC entertain offers of trading down or acquiring a second lotto pick, he's someone I'd strongly consider.

Post #82 » by **FluLikeSymptoms** » Mon May 23, 2011 10:49 pm

I think everybody is bumped up 2-3 spots for Barnes, Sullinger and PJIII staying in. Kawhi looks like about a 6-10 to me, an NBA starter but not a star, so I think #5 for him is fine this year.

I just don't want to over-think this draft, no invention of potential or adjustments of odds because we think we deserve a better player in our range than we've actually seen. It's a bad draft.

As for fit, Leonard is not perfect next to Demar because Demar is not perfect at the 2. Choosing a player based on DD's flaws is called building around Demar Derozan, and F that.

J Dilla · Post #83 » by **J Dilla** » Tue May 24, 2011 12:07 am

fredericklove wrote:There's more SF next draft and they are all pretty darn good, no need to draft this guy.

We already learned not to rely much on tanking. And I don't expect anyone in this draft to be a star, so drafting someone who puts importance on defense and rebounding like Leonard will take this team into the right direction.

Drafting chuckers like Walker and Knight doesn't really help the team.

Strategist1 · Post #84 » by **Strategist1** » Tue May 24, 2011 12:13 am

I think this guy will be a solid role player.

I'd like to trade for Sac's 7th pick and pick Leonard. While at #5, I'd like to pick Biyombo.

Both Leonard and Biyombo in the same lineup would bring freakish physical attributes ; they'd have the length and defensive skill to truly annoy other teams.

DarkKnight · Post #85 » by **DarkKnight** » Tue May 24, 2011 3:52 am

J Dilla wrote:
fredericklove wrote:There's more SF next draft and they are all pretty darn good, no need to draft this guy.

We already learned not to rely much on tanking. And I don't expect anyone in this draft to be a star, so drafting someone who puts importance on defense and rebounding like Leonard will take this team into the right direction.

Drafting chuckers like Walker and Knight doesn't really help the team.

Pre-cise-ly. Leonard and Biyombo bring defense, Knight and walker bring chucking. This team has enough guys to throw shots up. Lets see some D.

Post #86 » by **gojoorange** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:55 am

McFurious1 wrote:Kawhi is going to be our pick. That is my prediction.

Is this based on anything or just a random thought? I think he would be a great fit on this team for sure.

Outlaos · Post #87 » by **Outlaos** » Tue May 24, 2011 8:58 am

I like Leonard...but not as our 5th pick. Yeah I can see that he's skyrocketing across the boards but we are going to have a weak ass shooting squad. Basically like someone already said, we have James Johnson doing what Leonard will be doing if he was drafted with the 5th.

McFurious1 · Post #88 » by **McFurious1** » Tue May 24, 2011 12:34 pm

gojoorange wrote:
McFurious1 wrote:Kawhi is going to be our pick. That is my prediction.

Is this based on anything or just a random thought? I think he would be a great fit on this team for sure.

Just a thought from what is coming out of the draft.

Pooh_Jeter · Post #89 » by **Pooh_Jeter** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:08 pm

The James Johnson comparison isn't a terrible one, but I think there are some important points to consider.

Firstly, Leonard is only 19, Johnson is 24.

Leonard isn't Ray Allen, but I think his stroke is probably already better than JJ's and he is only improving. I have my doubts that JJ becomes even above average in terms of his jumpshot and range.

JJ is a better ballhandler and playmaker at this point, but Leonard is certainly making steps in this aspect.

Both are great rebounders for their position. But, defensively, Leonard could be a lockdown defender at multiple positions, Johnson is a good defender, but I wouldn't call him a lock down defender. Also, he doesn't have the lateral quickness to stop elite 2 guards or PG's.

James Johnson with an improves jumper can be a starter in the league, but I think Leonard's ceiling projects to be a better player.

brownbobcat · Post #90 » by **brownbobcat** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:16 pm

DarkKnight wrote:Pre-cise-ly. Leonard and Biyombo bring defense, Knight and walker bring chucking. This team has enough guys to throw shots up. Lets see some D.

This team is terrible defensively, but don't lose sight of the fact that the Raptors don't have a single guy that can efficiently get his own shot and create for others.

J Dilla · Post #91 » by **J Dilla** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:45 pm

brownbobcat wrote:
DarkKnight wrote:Pre-cise-ly. Leonard and Biyombo bring defense, Knight and walker bring chucking. This team has enough guys to throw shots up. Lets see some D.

This team is terrible defensively, but don't lose sight of the fact that the Raptors don't have a single guy that can efficiently get his own shot and create for others.

Barbo, Bayless, DeRozan, Johnson all showed they can do it.

plainballing · Post #92 » by **plainballing** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:47 pm

I think Leonard is a safe pick for mid-to-late first rounder so if I am drafting him I would first buy another pick.

brownbobcat · Post #93 » by **brownbobcat** » Wed May 25, 2011 9:52 pm

J Dilla wrote:
brownbobcat wrote:
DarkKnight wrote:Pre-cise-ly. Leonard and Biyombo bring defense, Knight and walker bring chucking. This team has enough guys to throw shots up. Lets see some D.

This team is terrible defensively, but don't lose sight of the fact that the Raptors don't have a single guy that can efficiently get his own shot and create for others.

Barbo, Bayless, DeRozan, Johnson all showed they can do it.

On a decent team, those guys would be no better than a 3rd ball handler. Bayless has the best chance to develop into a creator, but I have no hesitation standing by my claim.

Pooh_Jeter · Post #94 » by **Pooh_Jeter** » Thu May 26, 2011 2:11 am

plainballing wrote:I think Leonard is a safe pick for mid-to-late first rounder so if I am drafting him I would first buy another pick.

Unless he tears his ACL there is no way he drops out of lottery. He should impress in group workouts so I'd be pretty shocked if he isn't picked in the top 10.

Post #95 » by **FluLikeSymptoms** » Thu May 26, 2011 2:13 am

Pooh_Jeter wrote:
plainballing wrote:I think Leonard is a safe pick for mid-to-late first rounder so if I am drafting him I would first buy another pick.

Unless he tears his ACL there is no way he drops out of lottery. He should impress in group workouts so I'd be pretty shocked if he isn't picked in the top 10.

I bet he goes before Kemba Walker.

Post #96 » by **Undefeated** » Thu May 26, 2011 4:55 am

Pooh_Jeter wrote:The James Johnson comparison isn't a terrible one, but I think there are some important points to consider.

Firstly, Leonard is only 19, Johnson is 24.

Leonard isn't Ray Allen, but I think his stroke is probably already better than JJ's and he is only improving. I have my doubts that JJ becomes even above average in terms of his jumpshot and range.

JJ is a better ballhandler and playmaker at this point, but Leonard is certainly making steps in this aspect.

Both are great rebounders for their position. But, defensively, Leonard could be a lockdown defender at multiple positions, Johnson is a good defender, but I wouldn't call him a lock down defender. Also, he doesn't have the lateral quickness to stop elite 2 guards or PG's.

James Johnson with an improves jumper can be a starter in the league, but I think Leonard's ceiling projects to be a better player.

Agreed. The age difference is certainly something to consider.

While Kawhi Leonard's shot has a slow release, his mechanics seems to be good. He fully extends his arm when shooting from mid-range and at the foul line. It isn't necessary to fully extend that close, but it's good to build your form and range. That's key for shooting three-pointers eventually. James Johnson and DeMar DeRozan both have this problem which is why they can't fully extend their range out to the three-point line yet because they aren't accustom to fully extending. Shouldn't be a problem for Kawhi considering he's picking up this trait quickly.

The quality that's going to separate Kawhi Leonard and James Johnson is their basketball IQ. And at 24 years of age, I highly doubt James Johnson is going to improve his IQ as he has a knack for overdoing things on the floor which often doesn't turn out for the better.

Prestige · Post #97 » by **Prestige** » Sun May 29, 2011 3:27 am

Looks like Kawhi is working on his shot with Joe Abunassar..

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/aztecs-leona ... 46294.html

J Dilla · Post #98 » by **J Dilla** » Sun May 29, 2011 3:29 am

Serious work ethic this man has.

JayFerrari · Post #99 » by **JayFerrari** » Sun May 29, 2011 3:40 am

I heard he was very un-impressing at the draft combine...

Post #100 » by **gojoorange** » Sun May 29, 2011 4:07 am

JayFerrari wrote:I heard he was very un-impressing at the draft combine...

Yes, although apparently he hadn't warmed up prior to testing where as all the other players had. Not sure how much of a difference that would make though.