Lather me with blather -- DRAFT thread 4

[closg00]

Per the earlier discussion about Davis Bertans and Nikola Mirotic...

While losing Nogueira was disappointing to the D-League aficionado in me, Davis Bertans ended up deciding to stay in the draft after previously indicating otherwise according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. Bertans wasn't one of the European prospects getting much buzz up to this point, but after watching a quick video of him working out over the weekend and seeing his worst-case comparison is Steve Novak, I'm delightfully intrigued.

The one that does scare me, considering Novak's quick call-up from the D-League to the Spurs last season, is that Bertans is probably headed to San Antonio as well according to Ford.

Shocker, the Spurs are getting their dibbs in on a stasher

[Rafael122]

Per the earlier discussion about Davis Bertans and Nikola Mirotic...

While losing Nogueira was disappointing to the D-League aficionado in

me, Davis Bertans ended up deciding to stay in the draft after previously indicating otherwise according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. Bertans wasn't one of the European prospects getting much buzz up to this point, but after watching a quick video of him working out over the weekend and seeing his worst-case comparison is Steve Novak, I'm delightfully intrigued.

The one that does scare me, considering Novak's quick call-up from the D-League to the Spurs last season, is that Bertans is probably headed to San Antonio as well according to Ford.

Shocker, the Spurs are getting their dibbs in on a stasher

I think the Spurs model is getting slightly overrated (as is the OKC model but that's another point for another day). Spurs got Parker-Manu-Duncan, 3 hall of famers most likely but other than that, who have they really drafted that made you go "great pick!?" Dajuan Blair, hindsight is 50/50 on that, by the end of last season it looked like he weighed over 300 pounds (uniform was skin tight) so he's got issues to work on...and the book still isn't out on Splitter. It's not like they've knocked any other picks out of the park.

[Ruzious]

Per the earlier discussion about Davis Bertans and Nikola Mirotic...

While losing Nogueira was disappointing to the D-League aficionado in

me, Davis Bertans ended up deciding to stay in the draft after previously indicating otherwise according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. Bertans wasn't one of the European prospects getting much buzz up to this point, but after watching a quick video of him working out over the weekend and seeing his worst-case comparison is Steve Novak, I'm delightfully intrigued.

The one that does scare me, considering Novak's quick call-up from the D-League to the Spurs last season, is that Bertans is probably headed to San Antonio as well according to Ford.

Shocker, the Spurs are getting their dibbs in on a stasher

I think the Spurs model is getting slightly overrated (as is the OKC model but that's another point for another day). Spurs got Parker-Manu-Duncan, 3 hall of famers most likely but other than that, who have they really drafted that made you go "great pick!?" Dajuan Blair, hindsight is 50/50 on that, by the end of last season it looked like he weighed over 300 pounds (uniform was skin tight) so he's got issues to work on...and the book still isn't out on Splitter. It's not like they've knocked any other picks out of the park.

The Spurs had a GREAT phenominal run, but they're done as anything close to a championship contender. They need to make a decision - should we start the rebuild now, next year, the year after, or should we hang on as a contender for the final playoff spot? Dallas was able to build major pieces around old vets Dirk, Terry, and Kidd and won a championship - even with players injured. SA got some pieces - but not enough to make a run. Then again, Dallas had the money and resources that SA probably didn't. Unless they have some magic tricks up their sleeves, it's all downhill from here, imo.

[closg00]

The Spurs run is winding down, but their model for running a franchise (Sole ownership of their D-League franchise and aggressive foreign scouting), enabled them to score big-time on Parker & Ginobli - both 2nd rounders. How-many 2nd round all-stars have the Wizards drafted?

The Spurs work tirelessly to find the best players and build core-teams, Grundfeld's franchise-building was limited to mostly trades and selling draft picks up until last year.

[Ruzious]

The Spurs run is winding down, but their model for running a franchise (Sole ownership of their D-League franchise and aggressive foreign scouting), enabled them to score big-time on Parker & Ginobli - both 2nd rounders. How-many 2nd round all-stars have the Wizards drafted?

The Spurs work tirelessly to find the best players and build core-teams, Grundfeld's franchise-building was limited to mostly trades and selling draft picks up until last year.

They deserve all the credit for SELECTING and signing Parker and Ginobili. Other than that, I think any competent organization should have won big built around those 3. Then again, when you get a Parker and Ginobili to go with Duncan - who was the key piece and fell into their laps by pure luck - you've done a great job.

[closg00]

The Spurs run is winding down, but their model for running a franchise (Sole ownership of their D-League franchise and aggressive foreign scouting), enabled them to score big-time on Parker & Ginobli - both 2nd rounders. How-many 2nd round all-stars have the Wizards drafted?

The Spurs work tirelessly to find the best players and build core-teams, Grundfeld's franchise-building was limited to mostly trades and selling draft picks up until last year.

They deserve all the credit for SELECTING and signing Parker and Ginobili. Other than that, I think any competent organization should have won big built around those 3. Then again, when you get a Parker and Ginobili to go with Duncan - who was the key piece and fell into their laps by pure luck - you've done a great job.

Another indicator that the Spurs model is "The Model" is that other NBA teams are beginning to imitate it.
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/21 ... e_BayHawks

[thinker07]

You have to have assets to make a play for Vets that can contribute. Its the only reason Boston was able to get KG from Minny prior to the 08 season. And you wouldn't just draft a guy with the hope that some other team wants him in a trade, you would clearly have to have a deal in place already. It would just be dependent upon if the player the other team wants falls to 6

What if the player that the Wizards want is drafted at 7 or 8? (assuming they are trading down to 9) What if the team they are trading with backs out after the Wizards make the pick at 6?

1.)That's why you have a draft board, you always stick to your board first. You don't just go into the Draft with one target at each pick.

2.) I'm not sure that they could back out if the deal was entirely based on the premise that a certain player would be selected. Once the player is selected the deal would be effectively done. At least that's how the Chicago trade that got us Seraphin was reported last yr, it was based on the assumption that Chicago drafted him. Kind of like when a player must pass a physical for a trade to go through. Although I'm not 100% about that. If your right and a team can do that then it would be a problem. But I don't think a team should be allowed to do it... if they can

I think the way it works is that the team owning the earlier pick makes a pick for the second team. When the second team's pick comes up then the first team tells the second team what player to choose. If the first team's preferred guy has already been chosen, they they simply instruct the second team what other player to choose.

[Ruzious]

closg, I'm still trying to figure out why the D League wasn't set up that way when it was started - every team have their own minor league affiliate. Maybe they thought it would be too expensive, but I'd think if it's done well, it should pay for itself.

[Wizardspride]

Here's the disclaimer that doesn't get mentioned nearly enough: The executives themselves won't solidify their short-list opinions until the final week, if not days, before the draft. As a result, it's a toss-up whether the Wizards would opt for Vesely or Valanciunas. I'm opting for Valanciunas simply because I was told weeks ago that he was above Vesely on the Wizards' board. Sources say Washington is also very high on San Diego State small forward Kawhi Leonard.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1PHcH6c95

[nate33]

Here's the disclaimer that doesn't get mentioned nearly enough: The executives themselves won't solidify their short-list opinions until the final week, if not days, before the draft. As a result, it's a toss-up whether the Wizards would opt for Vesely or Valanciunas. I'm opting for Valanciunas simply because I was told weeks ago that he was above Vesely on the Wizards' board. Sources say Washington is also very high on San Diego State small forward Kawhi Leonard.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1PHcH6c95

This is good news. If it's true that Valanciunas is ranked ahead of Vesely, that's all we could really hope for. I assume that Kanter is ranked ahead of both of them, so basically, we're going to end up with Valanciunas or Kanter as long as Utah and Toronto go for PG's.

[W. Unseld]

Is it me or has the NBA done a terrible job of promoting the draft? I seem to remember "Path to the Draft" being on every other hour leading up to the NFL draft. I have yet to see a bonafide NBA channel draft special. I'm sure part of the problem is it comes so close to the finals, but still.

[jivelikenice]

Here's the disclaimer that doesn't get mentioned nearly enough: The executives themselves won't solidify their short-list opinions until the final week, if not days, before the draft. As a result, it's a toss-up whether the Wizards would opt for Vesely or Valanciunas. I'm opting for Valanciunas simply because I was told weeks ago that he was above Vesely on the Wizards' board. Sources say Washington is also very high on San Diego State small forward Kawhi Leonard.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1PHcH6c95

This is good news. If it's true that Valanciunas is ranked ahead of Vesely, that's all we could really hope for. I assume that Kanter is ranked ahead of both of them, so basically, we're going to end up with Valanciunas or Kanter as long as Utah and Toronto go for PG's.

Is Valanciunas a player that can come in and contribute right away? My problem with this pick is he's going to have to compete with McGee, Blatche, Seraphin, Booker, & Lewis for PT. Will he be anything more than and 11th man and can we afford that with the 6th pick?

Another thing, isn't he more of a center? If he doesn't show PF skills then why take him if he won't effectively be able to play with McGee?

[7-Day Dray]

Is it me or has the NBA done a terrible job of promoting the draft? I seem to remember "Path to the Draft" being on every other hour leading up to the NFL draft. I have yet to see a bonafide NBA channel draft special. I'm sure part of the problem is it comes so close to the finals, but still.

+1

They only start talking about the NBA draft like 2 days before it starts on ESPN.

[pancakes3]

Is Valanciunas a player that can come in and contribute right away? My problem with this pick is he's going to have to compete with McGee, Blatche, Seraphin, Booker, & Lewis for PT. Will he be anything more than and 11th man and can we afford that with the 6th pick?

Another thing, isn't he more of a center? If he doesn't show PF skills then why take him if he won't effectively be able to play with McGee?

i think you pseudo-answered your 2nd question with your 1st question. euro J-Val is more of a C and a better backup than blatche, seraphin, booker, and lewis for that position. even if he pans out to be... Gortat, he'll still be valuable for 15ish mpg.

i think we've got a Hawks-caliber team come 2013 or 14, hopefully by then we'll be able to move a few pieces like Booker/Seraphin/Blatche along with a 'Shard expiring for a marquee player we'll be in contention.

[dobrojim]

re Marcus Camby -

he was not a #1#1

Iverson was drafted first overall. Camby was second overall pick.

[closg00]

closg, I'm still trying to figure out why the D League wasn't set up that way when it was started - every team have their own minor league affiliate. Maybe they thought it would be too expensive, but I'd think if it's done well, it should pay for itself.

Yeah, but the entire point for this league is for player-development and warm-bodies for call-ups, not profit-making..... although certain affiliates (Main Red Claws) pack-em in.

[nate33]

This is good news. If it's true that Valanciunas is ranked ahead of Vesely, that's all we could really hope for. I assume that Kanter is ranked ahead of both of them, so basically, we're going to end up with Valanciunas or Kanter as long as Utah and Toronto go for PG's.

Is Valanciunas a player that can come in and contribute right away? My problem with this pick is he's going to have to compete with McGee, Blatche, Seraphin, Booker, & Lewis for PT. Will he be anything more than and 11th man and can we afford that with the 6th pick?

Another thing, isn't he more of a center? If he doesn't show PF skills then why take him if he won't effectively be able to play with McGee?

Why does he have to contribute right away? We're not trying to win a title next year. I don't even mind if he stays overseas for another year. Hell, I think I'd prefer it. He'd get another year of seasoning and we postpone the start of his rookie contract. Meanwhile, we give McGee and Seraphin more time to develop.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

If we miss out on Kanter, and do not deal McGee for Williams...

A scenario I've been mulling, and growing on me more and more is to deal Blatche to the Suns for Childress & 13. The Suns want to move Childress, and Blatche could be a good fit for them.

Then use the 6 & 13 on the Morris twins. They want to be drafted together. They both have starting talent, and they play well together. Wizards get fresh new start, and instantly are interesting and have a new identity.

Then follow with Vucevic at 18, and Nolan Smith at 34.

[nate33]

If we miss out on Kanter, and do not deal McGee for Williams...

A scenario I've been mulling, and growing on me more and more is to deal Blatche to the Suns for Childress & 13. The Suns want to move Childress, and Blatche could be a good fit for them.

Then use the 6 & 13 on the Morris twins. They want to be drafted together. They both have starting talent, and they play well together. Wizards get fresh new start, and instantly are interesting and have a new identity.

Then follow with Vucevic at 18, and Nolan Smith at 34.

That's a horrible plan. Childress' contract is worse than Blatche's so there's no money savings. Basically, you are arguing that the #13 pick will pan out to be better than Blatche. I seriously doubt it. Blatche has faults but he's a legit, rotation-caliber NBA big man. The #13 pick in this draft will be a rotation-caliber big man only if things break right. He might be a bust. I'd take the sure thing over the mere possibility of acquiring a decent player.

Besides, the guy whom we like at #13 might well be there at #18. Or at that the least, there is likely to be somebody there at #18 who is not measurably worse than the guy drafted at #13.

[Benjammin]

Morris and Morris has that Muggsy Bogues/Manute Bol quality to me. I'm sure La Souz would think it's a good marketing angle, though.

While I would certainly be willing to trade Blatche and the 13th pick would be nice to have, I really don't want Josh Childress. I doubt that Phoenix would make the deal either.