KB2011 MOCK: 17th Pick Knicks Select Donatas Motiejunas

[fresko024]

mac1 i get what youre saying but hes stil young and can polish his shot..it might not be a bad pick afterall is all im saying

I'll go with Jenkins before Selby and Morris...Voted for Faried tho..we NEED his presence inside

[GONYK]

mac1 i get what youre saying but hes stil young and can polish his shot..it might not be a bad pick afterall is all im saying

I'll go with Jenkins before Selby and Morris...Voted for Faried tho..we NEED his presence inside

He would never play. And he's a good rebounder, but I wouldn't call what he provides presence.

He's short, he can't score, and he doesn't provide interior defense.

[mrpoetryNmotion]

Not really sold on Brooks. As I said before, I don't think he is going to be as close to a prolific a scorer in the NBA as he was in college considering he's not quick, explosive, or gets much lift when finishing around the rim. It's cool he has long arms and tested well athletically but he has to play athletic as well and use those tools at the next level. He also needs to fill out.

With this current lot of players you can either look at Brooks...or Donatas because he's still a talent and can fill a role in our frontcourt, maybe. Not really a fan of Selby...I prefer Jenkin's mental intangibles but wouldn't pick either at 17. Not really a fan of Faried, really, for what it's worth...but he boards and brings energy.

I'm probably going Donatas just because...not really feeling any of the guys left on the board to be honest.

[moocow007]

Because he can't shoot and there are more talented players ahead of him.

Like I said before, if Morris can be a 6'5" Maynor, he's perfect to me.

Oh come on...a big, athletic near 6'6" starting caliber true point can have only one arm and hed still be a top draft pick, especially in this draft. Jason Kidd, who also couldnt shoot was taken how high in a much stronger draft.

What's your point? Kidd was undeniably better coming out of school.

I'm not saying take Morris with the 17. I'm not even saying take Morris as a starting PG in this league. I'm just saying the kid can run an offense.

Why are people acting as if my expectations are unrealistic when I'm saying if the kid can become ERIC MAYNOR I'll be happy?

My point is that Marcus Morris is no more an NBA caliber starting PG than Mardy Collins or Javaris Crittenton.

It's not just about assist numbers in college and looking athletic...it's about being able to mentally run a team and get that team to do well. Morris is a ho hum type personality that doesn't come off as a leader. And he certainly didn't make his teammates better. He dribbles too long, can't create his own shot effectively and doesn't have the alpha personality to be a lead NBA point.

I mean honestly workouts are supposed to be where he, at near 6'6", superbly athletic and (if we believe it) talented shine. He hasn't. When was the last time anyone said anything great about him that actually watched him go against the other top guys in this draft at his position (combo guard).

Eric Maynor is a backup PG in the NBA. Is that what you're looking for the Knicks to get with what likely will be their highest ranked 1st round pick in a long long time? A backup PG?

[stuporman]

I can honestly say I have no clue who I would want the Knicks to draft. I haven't really been following the draft reviews and other than a few players who probably won't be around at 17 for the Knicks to select I know very little about the rest of the guys.

Although I'll be sure to watch and probably say 'who?'...

[GONYK]

What's your point? Kidd was undeniably better coming out of school.

I'm not saying take Morris with the 17. I'm not even saying take Morris as a starting PG in this league. I'm just saying the kid can run an offense.

Why are people acting as if my expectations are unrealistic when I'm saying if the kid can become ERIC MAYNOR I'll be happy?

My point is that Marcus Morris is no more an NBA caliber starting PG than Mardy Collins or Javaris Crittenton.

It's not just about assist numbers in college and looking athletic...it's about being able to mentally run a team and get that team to do well. Morris is a ho hum type personality that doesn't come off as a leader. And he certainly didn't make his teammates better. He dribbles too long, can't create his own shot effectively and doesn't have the alpha personality to be a lead NBA point.

I mean honestly workouts are supposed to be where he, at near 6'6", superbly athletic and (if we believe it) talented shine. He hasn't. When was the last time anyone said anything great about him that actually watched him go against the other top guys in this draft at his position (combo guard).

Eric Maynor is a backup PG in the NBA. Is that what you're looking for the Knicks to get with what likely will be their highest ranked 1st round pick in a long long time? A backup PG?

Moo, read my post again, word for word, and see if your response still applies.

[GONYK]

Then read this post Moo, and see if your response still applies.

Here is every relevant post I have made in this thread

MARSHON BROOKS [with the 17th pick]

You guys are looking for the next Wade at the #17 pick in a weak draft. Its not going to happen. You have to go need before helplessly swinging for the fences at this pick. That's how championship teams are built. Darius Morris is exactly what this team needs. A big, pass first true point who can learn from Chauncey. You guys really need to watch him play. His playing style would even give GONYK an orgasm.

I do love me some Darius Morris. I'm PRAYING we get the Celtics pick and snap Morris up.

I never questioned his ability to be able to shoot the ball.

I am just pointing out that, in a workout setting, I am sure that Fields proved he could shoot too.

I do however have his issues with his shot selection and the fact that he likes to play with the ball in his hands.

If that's how he [Marshon] likes to play, he'll have to adjust, because the fact is the ball won't be in his hands.

We do need a player who can create his own offense though. Right now, we have a bunch of role players who need everything set up for them. A third scorer will help us alot.

Because he can't shoot and there are more talented players ahead of him.

Like I said before, if Morris can be a 6'5" Maynor, he's perfect to me.

Oh come on...a big, athletic near 6'6" starting caliber true point can have only one arm and hed still be a top draft pick, especially in this draft. Jason Kidd, who also couldnt shoot was taken how high in a much stronger draft.

What's your point? Kidd was undeniably better coming out of school.

I'm not saying take Morris with the 17. I'm not even saying take Morris as a starting PG in this league. I'm just saying the kid can run an offense.

Why are people acting as if my expectations are unrealistic when I'm saying if the kid can become ERIC MAYNOR I'll be happy?

Long story short, I want Marshon Brooks with this pick. I want a later pick for Morris, because I think he need a big PG who can run the offense. I don't see what is so controversial about that view.

[fresko024]

mac1 i get what youre saying but hes stil young and can polish his shot..it might not be a bad pick afterall is all im saying

I'll go with Jenkins before Selby and Morris...Voted for Faried tho..we NEED his presence inside

He would never play. And he's a good rebounder, but I wouldn't call what he provides presence.

He's short, he can't score, and he doesn't provide interior defense.

Obviously he'll be going against better players in the NBA but he did hold Sullinger to like 8 pts and about his height..he's an inch taller than Rodman also if u saw the combine results the dude has long arms and can jump--natural knack for rebounding...I'd take Jenkins or Singleton if hes not there tho

[el loco]

Reggie Jackson

Boston College PG Reggie Jackson had a minor procedure on his knee May 17th, a source tells ESPN's Chad Ford.
This explains why Jackson skipped the Chicago draft combine and hasn't worked out for anyone since. He's currently rehabbing and is expected to be cleared for workouts next week. Jackson is not expected to fall out of the first round.

Jun 1, 11:06 AM

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nba/1846/player?r=1

[ComboGuardCity]

I'm going to come out and say I think Darius Morris can be a starting guard for this team. The reason he's not a top 10 pick is because he's not a star athlete and is not what the new NBA PG represents. He's not an outstanding shooter like Curry and he's not an explosive leaper like Westbrook and Rose. He's a floor general, a pure point guard. Unless you have your legitimate offensive threats in place, you don't take a distributor. New York has both Amare and Melo to do the scoring. Is the immediate need really another scoring option? Honestly, why are people looking to take guys like Motie, Shumpert, Selby? What's the reason they're falling to the #17? If they're going to contribute to a contender, why are they not getting the same "he's obviously not good enough" tag? He's also a very aggressive player who plays with confidence. Not sure why some of you labeled him as not being a leader. He was a huge part of that Michigan team and he came up big in big games. He played excellent against Duke in the tourney and would've been talked up by the media alot if he had made that game tying floater at the end.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlHV9WS7PV0[/youtube]

I hate using youtube clips to explain my point, but watch from 2:40 to the end. He's got the best court vision of any prospect in the draft and is just crafty. He doesn't overpower with athleticism, but he uses his size and handles to get to the cup.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3JsyMctuv0[/youtube]

Watch 2:21-end. I'm sorry there aren't clips with pump-up hip hop songs to go along with dunks, but that doesn't make Morris any less of a player. In my eyes, Darius Morris is the 2nd best PG prospect in the draft and can one day be a top 7 PG in the league.

[moocow007]

And if you searched for clips on Javaris Crittenton and Mardy Collins you'd find very similar things. PG, especially a PG in the NBA and especially a starting PG in the NBA is probably the hardest position to hack. Morris has not been a PG up until he was forced into the role at Michigan. Its not his natural position. That he ran it in college isnt proof he is or can be since Collins and Crittenton both ran their respective teams. And absolutely you can find clips of both those guys exhibiting leadership characteristics as well...and those ended up doing little to justify why the would be considered NBA starting points. Its not the shooting (unless one views him as a combo guard...which..at the end of yhe day may be wghy hes ranked wheres he is). And at nearly 6'6" its most definitely not about any physical deficiencies...hes more than athletic enough to run a team IF he was actually a starting caliber NBA point (Kidd, Deron Williams, Andre Miller...none of those NBA caliber starting points have any more speed or athleticism than Morris does).

[Thorn]

And so it has come down to our heroes. With the additions of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups the Knicks have a superb trio of players that helped the Knicks get to the playoffs for the first time since the Bush Clinton Administration (or at least it seems that way). Acquiring Carmelo, however, cost the Knicks a boatload of young talent and depth and left the cupboards pretty barren with only 5 other guys (Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, Ronny Turiaf, Bill Walker and Renaldo Balkman) under contract for the 2011-2012 season. The forward positions are fine and with Billups and Douglas PG seems to be ok enough so that it need not be the most immediate area of focus. C and SG are their more pressing positional needs with defense and shooting a premium. Plenty of guys to choose from but none that necessarily fill a need to a tee. So have at it.

PS: I made some changes, took out Tobias Harris and added Jeremy Tyler who appear to be shooting up several mocks (including NBA.COM's mock). Tyler is more likely a choice than Harris for NY. And of course added Josh Selby. I'd say that this would most likely be the group of guys the Knicks will be choosing from.

Selected already can be found by here



With the 17th Pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...

If Mike D is around and can influence the draft Nikola Mirotic, but if someone with a brain is around... hard to say. I know I do not want to see us pick Joshua Smith (read: E. Curry 2.0 or Oliver Miller 3.0)

It is tough where we sit there are not many players available we need.

I guess Tyler Zeller (despite earlier injury issues), he would work in this system. Again it would depend on if we plan to change coaches or not. Also I would support Marshon Brooks if available, I just feel centers are hard to find and we need one desperately.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQZS7nBp8Q[/youtube]

[SonOfMars]

And so it has come down to our heroes. With the additions of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups the Knicks have a superb trio of players that helped the Knicks get to the playoffs for the first time since the Bush Clinton Administration (or at least it seems that way). Acquiring Carmelo, however, cost the Knicks a boatload of young talent and depth and left the cupboards pretty barren with only 5 other guys (Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, Ronny Turiaf, Bill Walker and Renaldo Balkman) under contract for the 2011-2012 season. The forward positions are fine and with Billups and Douglas PG seems to be ok enough so that it need not be the most immediate area of focus. C and SG are their more pressing positional needs with defense and shooting a premium. Plenty of guys to choose from but none that necessarily fill a need to a tee. So have at it.

PS: I made some changes, took out Tobias Harris and added Jeremy Tyler who appear to be shooting up several mocks (including NBA.COM's mock). Tyler is more likely a choice than Harris for NY. And of course added Josh Selby. I'd say that this would most likely be the group of guys the Knicks will be choosing from.

Selected already can be found by here



With the 17th Pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...

If Mike D is around and can influence the draft Nikola Mirotic, but if someone with a brain is around... hard to say. I know I do not want to see us pick Joshua Smith (read: E. Curry 2.0 or Oliver Miller 3.0)

It is tough where we sit there are not many players available we need.

I guess Tyler Zeller (despite earlier injury issues), he would work in this system. Again it would depend on if we plan to change coaches or not. Also I would support Marshon Brooks if available, I just feel centers are hard to find and we need one desperately.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQZS7nBp8Q[/youtube]

Except the fact that Zeller, Smith, and Mirotic arent even in this draft..

[moocow007]

If Mike D is around and can influence the draft Nikola Mirotic, but if someone with a brain is around... hard to say. I know I do not want to see us pick Joshua Smith (read: E. Curry 2.0 or Oliver Miller 3.0)

It is tough where we sit there are not many players available we need.

I guess Tyler Zeller (despite earlier injury issues), he would work in this system. Again it would depend on if we plan to change coaches or not. Also I would support Marshon Brooks if available, I just feel centers are hard to find and we need one desperately.

Mirotic from what I've heard has not impressed at all.

I mentioned it before but it really did look like Donatas Motiejunas was deliberately tanking it his recent workout for NBA scouts and execs in europe. I would not be surprised if the Knicks are the one that gave him a promise. Motiejunas is not a C by most teams POV but for the Knicks? For D'Antoni? Sure...especially considering how much more muscular and thicker he looked during the recent workout. He also passes real well and shoots (two ideal attributes for a player under D'Antoni's system). I do believe that Motiejunas has a guarantee from someone in the middle of the 1st round. Whether it's Indy, Philly, NY, who knows...but I think one of them gave him a guarantee.

Motiejunas is a big risk that could turn into a big reward, especially if he's trending to becoming bigger and stronger given his skillset, upside and near 7 foot height. But he has a greater flub factor than a lot of the other guys in the range that might peak the Knicks interest so it's not a no brainer by anymeans (I chose Brooks because I think he has upside and the skills/mentality to do real well in the NBA (even if it's not 25ppg like he did in college).

As far as Zeller goes, he would be around in the 2nd round so the Knicks can try to acquire a 2nd rounder for him if they really feel the love.

Chandler Parsons (one of the first guys I listed in my "sleeper" list way back at the beginning of all this draft talk) is another guy that I think teams will regret not taking when they had the chance in the 2nd round.

[moocow007]

I'm going to let this mock run a little longer than usual and close it tonight.

[Thorn]

And so it has come down to our heroes. With the additions of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups the Knicks have a superb trio of players that helped the Knicks get to the playoffs for the first time since the Bush Clinton Administration (or at least it seems that way). Acquiring Carmelo, however, cost the Knicks a boatload of young talent and depth and left the cupboards pretty barren with only 5 other guys (Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, Ronny Turiaf, Bill Walker and Renaldo Balkman) under contract for the 2011-2012 season. The forward positions are fine and with Billups and Douglas PG seems to be ok enough so that it need not be the most immediate area of focus. C and SG are their more pressing positional needs with defense and shooting a premium. Plenty of guys to choose from but none that necessarily fill a need to a tee. So have at it.

PS: I made some changes, took out Tobias Harris and added Jeremy Tyler who appear to be shooting up several mocks (including NBA.COM's mock). Tyler is more likely a choice than Harris for NY. And of course added Josh Selby. I'd say that this would most likely be the group of guys the Knicks will be choosing from.

Selected already can be found by here



With the 17th Pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...

If Mike D is around and can influence the draft Nikola Mirotic, but if someone with a brain is around... hard to say. I know I do not want to see us pick Joshua Smith (read: E. Curry 2.0 or Oliver Miller 3.0)

It is tough where we sit there are not many players available we need.

I guess Tyler Zeller (despite earlier injury issues), he would work in this system. Again it would depend on if we plan to change coaches or not. Also I would support Marshon Brooks if available, I just feel centers are hard to find and we need one desperately.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQZS7nBp8Q[/youtube]

Except the fact that Zeller, Smith, and Mirotic arent even in this draft..

Hmm has the deadline to declare intentions passed? Sorry I am a bit out of the loop this year work and house hunting post divorce has been murder.

If so give me Malcolm Lee I am pretty sure he declared his intentions.

[moocow007]

I think today's the deadline for none auto-qualified international players to pull out of the draft...so the field should clear shortly. I would guess that Valanciunas and Motiejunas will stay in (which for Motiejunas would be another sign he's got a guarantee) and Nogueira will withdraw.

[TrueWarrior]

Deadline was yesterday.

Bebe withdrew but everyone else stayed.

Moo you keep sayin Motie tanked the workout, but DX reported that he just had a heavy lifting sesh before it so that could explain that terrible performance. They watched him work out again yesterday and said he looked much better. I know the feeling of playin ball after lifting. IDK why he was doing it, and maybe it was just an excuse (his shirt was drenched in sweat though), but it makes sense.

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
He's really bulked up this year. Too much in my opinion. Jacked. RT @mhaubs: I'm skeptical that Motiejunas could do a heavy lifting session!
4 hours ago

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Word is Donatas Motiejunas did a heavy lifting session right before his workout Saturday, which is why he shot so poorly. Unfortunate error.
19 hours ago

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Watched Donatas Motiejunas work out again. Shot the ball much better. Showed his excellent agility & footwork. Left a much better impression
19 hours ago

[Import]

Donatas Motiejunas wins. Time to lock this up, moocow.

[Thorn]

Deadline was yesterday.

Bebe withdrew but everyone else stayed.

Moo you keep sayin Motie tanked the workout, but DX reported that he just had a heavy lifting sesh before it so that could explain that terrible performance. They watched him work out again yesterday and said he looked much better. I know the feeling of playin ball after lifting. IDK why he was doing it, and maybe it was just an excuse (his shirt was drenched in sweat though), but it makes sense.

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
He's really bulked up this year. Too much in my opinion. Jacked. RT @mhaubs: I'm skeptical that Motiejunas could do a heavy lifting session!
4 hours ago

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Word is Donatas Motiejunas did a heavy lifting session right before his workout Saturday, which is why he shot so poorly. Unfortunate error.
19 hours ago

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Watched Donatas Motiejunas work out again. Shot the ball much better. Showed his excellent agility & footwork. Left a much better impression
19 hours ago

Thanks True.