2012 NBA Draft

[fishercob]

jeremy lamb and bradley beal are the sg prospects of note and both are projected borderline top 10 picks. i don't think we can trade up that high without making some major concessions, like offering booker and/or future picks.

dealing only the spare parts and 2nd round picks, i think we have to set our sights lower like drafting austin rivers or the kentucky lamb.

(i really have a bad feeling about harrison barnes. he's going to be productive but not earthshattering. marvin williams-esque)

I agree that trading up likely isn't an option. But depending how the lotto shakes out, maybe trading down is. Maybe we trade our 3rd or 4th overall pick to someone who wants to move up for Barnes or PJ3. Move down to somewhere in the 6-9 range for Beal or Lamb, and get a good player or a first next year for our trouble.

[Dat2U]

If were drafting #1:

Anthony Davis. Book it.

If were drafting #2

Pray Davis falls but otherwise I'm leaning MKG

If were drafting #3

MKG or Drummond

If were drafting #4

I'm praying for MKG otherwise I'm considering Henson, Sullinger, Robinson & PJIII

If were drafting #5, #6 or #7

Whoever is left from above.

If were drafting #8

FML! Lamb, Barnes, Leonard, etc, etc.


I'm totally against drafting for need. We don't have enough talent to do that yet. We need BPA regardless of position. Regardless of skill set. Davis & MKG look like future stars to me even if they aren't elite scorers yet. MKG is 100% a SF IMO. He doesn't have enough skill to play the 2 but he's going to be one of the best SFs in the league in a few short years. I don't let Singleton's presence influence my choice there.

Sully showed me some real nice offensive versatility last night, nailing Js with range. I still have the same questions I had before but certainly I don't think he's going to be a bust as a mid lotto pick.

I didn't see Beal last night but I think he's a bit overrated IMO.

[Ruzious]

Wroten and Beall and Rivers seem to be legit wildcards. It all depends on how they play the rest of the season and if they even decide to go in the 2012 draft. And there's another slightly less likely player named Steven Adams - a raw legit 7 footer (probably 7'1) from New Zealand. I've seen videos of him playing in a Nike camp - and the kid is really gifted, but he's got a longggg way to go. It's not clear whether or not he'll be eligible for the draft. Foreignors are eligible if they turn 19 in time - and he'll turn 19 in July - which is in time, but... he might have lost his elgibility because he enrolled in a US HS or prep school - and US players have to be a year removed from HS. So, does he fall under the int'l player rules, or does he fall under the US player rules? It's probably likely that he'll be playing for Pitt next season, but Draftexpress has him in their 2012 mock right now.

[Ruzious]

jeremy lamb and bradley beal are the sg prospects of note and both are projected borderline top 10 picks. i don't think we can trade up that high without making some major concessions, like offering booker and/or future picks.

dealing only the spare parts and 2nd round picks, i think we have to set our sights lower like drafting austin rivers or the kentucky lamb.

(i really have a bad feeling about harrison barnes. he's going to be productive but not earthshattering. marvin williams-esque)

I agree that trading up likely isn't an option. But depending how the lotto shakes out, maybe trading down is. Maybe we trade our 3rd or 4th overall pick to someone who wants to move up for Barnes or PJ3. Move down to somewhere in the 6-9 range for Beal or Lamb, and get a good player or a first next year for our trouble.

If we trade a few picks down in order to pick up a mid first rounder, a player I'd target would be the overlooked UNC frontcourt player - Tyler Zeller. I think he can put up good per minute numbers in the NBA right away. He can score in bunches and his rebounding has picked up this season - he's putting up good scoring and rebounding numbers even with teammates who command the ball and rebound - and with the Wiz he'd be another 7 footer who can run the court - only he's very skilled offensively. The only question - is he strong enough?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I love Tyler Zeller's offensive game, Ruz.

Zeller is strong enough on offense. He will be real bad defensively, IMO. Zeller IMO will score more efficiently than Andray Blatche because he's quicker, longer, and more athletic. He's a great mid-round pick.

That said, I think there will probably be better picks available mid-first round.

[Benjammin]

If were drafting #1:

Anthony Davis. Book it.

If were drafting #2

Pray Davis falls but otherwise I'm leaning MKG

If were drafting #3

MKG or Drummond

If were drafting #4

I'm praying for MKG otherwise I'm considering Henson, Sullinger & PJIII

If were drafting #5 or #6

Whoever is left from above.

If were drafting #7

FML! Lamb, Barnes, Leonard, etc, etc.


I'm totally against drafting for need. We don't have enough talent to do that yet. We need BPA regardless of position. Regardless of skill set. Davis & MKG look like future stars to me even if they aren't elite scorers yet. MKG is 100% a SF IMO. He doesn't have enough skill to play the 2 but he's going to be one of the best SFs in the league in a few short years. I don't let Singleton's presence influence my choice there.

Sully showed me some real nice offensive versatility last night, nailing Js with range. I still have the same questions I had before but certainly I don't think he's going to be a bust as a mid lotto pick.

I didn't see Beal last night but I think he's a bit overrated IMO.

Dat, I think you're sleeping on Thomas Robinson. I want to see how he plays the rest of the season. It would be great if Harrison Barnes really showed he can be better than Danny Granger, but I don't know if that will happen or not.

Davis--no brainer
Drummond---hopefully to trade for a young veteran or back a few spots in the draft
Barnes/MKG--
Then the PF group Sullinger/Robinson/PJ3/Henson along with Lamb

I totally agree with Dat that no one on our roster should keep us from selecting the best player.

[Dat2U]

Ben, thanks. I knew I was forgetting someone, lol. Robinson is right in the mix with Sully & Henson & PJ III.

So my rankings at the moment.

TIER ONE

Anthony Davis
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Andre Drummond

TIER TWO

John Henson
Thomas Robinson
Jared Sullinger
Perry Jones III

TIER THREE

Jeremy Lamb
Harrison Barnes
Quincy Miller
Austin Rivers
Terrence Ross
Meyers Leonard
Kendall Marshall

TIER FOUR

Mason Plumlee
Terrence Jones
Bradley Beal
Festus Ezeli
Tyler Zeller
Mike Moser
Patric Young
Kevin Jones
???

[Black Eyed Sooz]

Wroten and Beall and Rivers seem to be legit wildcards. It all depends on how they play the rest of the season and if they even decide to go in the 2012 draft. And there's another slightly less likely player named Steven Adams - a raw legit 7 footer (probably 7'1) from New Zealand. I've seen videos of him playing in a Nike camp - and the kid is really gifted, but he's got a longggg way to go. It's not clear whether or not he'll be eligible for the draft. Foreignors are eligible if they turn 19 in time - and he'll turn 19 in July - which is in time, but... he might have lost his elgibility because he enrolled in a US HS or prep school - and US players have to be a year removed from HS. So, does he fall under the int'l player rules, or does he fall under the US player rules? It's probably likely that he'll be playing for Pitt next season, but Draftexpress has him in their 2012 mock right now.

I agree on Adams- there are a lot of things to like about him, he's a good and rugged athlete with great bloodlines (sister is Olympic shot put champion) who likes physical basketball, and seems to be a good kid with a lot of humility and willingness to work and improve his game.

A lot of things we could use on this team.

[fishercob]

Dat, I think you're way too low on Beal. Even with his shaky shooting he should be solidly in Tier 3, with reasonable potential to move him up to tier 2. I'd take him over Perry Jones today.

[MDStar]

I love Davis and have seem him play 2 or 3 times but can someone explain to me how he plays with McGee? In my opinion, after Wall, Mcgee is the most surest thing we have on the roster to becoming Top 5 at his position. Wouldn't drafting Davis (again, who I love) hinder that? I just dont see the PF skills that Hoopshype and NBADraft.net says that he has and Im pretty sure he's still growing.

Marcus

[Severn Hoos]

I knew I typed too quickly....

First, pancakes - I was talking about Doron, as I referred to "the other Lamb". We should have picks somewhere around 31-32 & 40-45. Add in a bit more sweetener, could we move up to 20? If D. Lamb is there, I'd pull the trigger.

Of course, I'd rather move all the way up to get a second top 10 pick and take the better Lamb, Jeremy. That would probably mean moving from 31 up to the teens, then flipping that pick, taking on a horrific contract, AND offering a future 1st. Still, I'd do it to get J. Lamb. If it were possible (teams would probably just use the amnesty provision rather than end up like the Clippers from last year's Baron Davis trade), it would be a better use of cap space IMO than to overpay for a veteran that will underperform after getting the big payday.

And I'm not advocating drafting purely for need. That will indeed get you into trouble most times. My point is, first, that you should take the current makeup of your team into account when making the pick - unless the selection is so blindingly obvious that you take that guy and worry about the rest later.

For example, say you have Henson rated as an 89 on your prospect scale, and Sullinger is an 87. Do you take the guy who's the BPA - by a hair - or the guy who's a better fit for your team? (Granted, if you believe Henson's the better overall prospect AND a better fit, then of course you take him.) I don't consider that "drafting for need," I look at that as maximizing your assets.

I like Dat's approach (and many others, of course) of having tiers. In general, you never drop a tier for need, but you can consider need/fit if there are multiple options within a tier. It just seems like a waste to me to be wedded to the BPA, when the guy you take may duplicate some of the things you already have.

Finally, I am still open to MKG being the type of guy to throw "Fit" out the window and take him no matter what. Fortunately, the Conference schedule is just heating up, and UK will probably go far in the tourney, so we'll get lots of chances to see him under pressure.

[Ruzious]

I love Davis and have seem him play 2 or 3 times but can someone explain to me how he plays with McGee? In my opinion, after Wall, Mcgee is the most surest thing we have on the roster to becoming Top 5 at his position. Wouldn't drafting Davis (again, who I love) hinder that? I just dont see the PF skills that Hoopshype and NBADraft.net says that he has and Im pretty sure he's still growing.

Marcus

Picture a mild-mannered Kevin Garnett - though not quite as good but still really good - that style player - playing next to Javale. How does that work for you?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I love Davis and have seem him play 2 or 3 times but can someone explain to me how he plays with McGee? In my opinion, after Wall, Mcgee is the most surest thing we have on the roster to becoming Top 5 at his position. Wouldn't drafting Davis (again, who I love) hinder that? I just dont see the PF skills that Hoopshype and NBADraft.net says that he has and Im pretty sure he's still growing.

Marcus

Consider this, MDStar: Anthony Davis is 5 years younger than Javale McGee and he's already better, arguably.

When I see Davis I think he's farther along than Dwight Howard was at 18 and he's every bit as good as Tim Duncan. Davis has terrific poise, great body control, and he is putting up great stats despite playing with several talented players alongside him.

Anthony Davis handles the ball like a guard. He runs the floor like a guard. He blocks shots like Bill Russell--often keeping them inbound. He finishes extraordinarily well. Davis probably is not as athletic, perhaps, as Derrick Favors; but Davis is a fundamentally sound basketball player. He plays under control.

Anthony Davis will be a superstar in the NBA.

I like Kidd-Gilchrist a ton, but I think Davis is a significantly better talent. Literally, it is like comparing Charles Barkley or Clyde Drexler to Tim Duncan. I feel that strongly about how much better Davis is than the next best pick.

Drummond has a better body but I already see some Darryl Dawkins in him. Then again, I didn't think Shaq was as good coming out of LSU as all said. Drummond is huge but doesn't seem like a highly motivated player.

One player I don't like that much is Perry Jones III. I think he's got 3 other very good teammates. Jones doesn't distinguish himself on the court from Quincy Miller or Quincy Early IMO. Jones may be a very good teammate and a good all around big, but I don't want him for Washington.

The Wizards need Davis, Kidd-Gilchrist (but I would prefer Lamb for need), Robinson, or maybe to trade down and get shooting specialists if they don't get a stud. They must get one rebounder as well.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I love Davis and have seem him play 2 or 3 times but can someone explain to me how he plays with McGee? In my opinion, after Wall, Mcgee is the most surest thing we have on the roster to becoming Top 5 at his position. Wouldn't drafting Davis (again, who I love) hinder that? I just dont see the PF skills that Hoopshype and NBADraft.net says that he has and Im pretty sure he's still growing.

Marcus

Picture a mild-mannered Kevin Garnett - though not quite as good but still really good - that style player - playing next to Javale. How does that work for you?

Won't shock me if Anthony Davis turns out to be better than KG, if you can fathom that. I feel nervous saying it, but Davis is stout and intimidating. Between his shot blocking and his unibrow, it's over for anybody going up against him.

[Ruzious]

I knew I typed too quickly....

First, pancakes - I was talking about Doron, as I referred to "the other Lamb". We should have picks somewhere around 31-32 & 40-45. Add in a bit more sweetener, could we move up to 20? If D. Lamb is there, I'd pull the trigger.

Of course, I'd rather move all the way up to get a second top 10 pick and take the better Lamb, Jeremy. That would probably mean moving from 31 up to the teens, then flipping that pick, taking on a horrific contract, AND offering a future 1st. Still, I'd do it to get J. Lamb. If it were possible (teams would probably just use the amnesty provision rather than end up like the Clippers from last year's Baron Davis trade), it would be a better use of cap space IMO than to overpay for a veteran that will underperform after getting the big payday.

I like Doron Lamb and Sullinger's sidekick - Buford - as early 2nd rounders SG's for the Wiz who can stroke 3's and aren't completely 1 dimentional. Lamb's got the better 3 ball right now, and I thought Buford would be a little better by now. I think this Lamb is underrated, while Jeremy has gotten overrated. Don't get me wrong, I like Jeremy, but he's not the difference-maker that he's being made out to be, imo.

[Rafael122]

Lamb looks like another Nick Young. I'd like a shooting guard in the Beal mode, he can score his 16 points, but also grab 3 or 4 rebounds and a couple of assists.

[The Consiglieri]

The more I think about our team going forward and this draft, the more I think we need to acquire another top 10 pick. However, as stated in previous threads, this is not going to be likely as everyone knows this is such a strong draft.

What would people think about the following scenario?

We luck out and get a top 2 pick. Another team pulls a cleveland and lands two top 8 picks. Would you consider trading the top pick for two top 8 picks in this draft?

Most people agree that Davis/Drummond are the top two prospects. However, are the next 6 prospects close enough in potential that they'd be worth taking over one great prospect? Davis is more appealing as he'll likely be a great two way player. However, would one of Lamb/Kidd-Gilchrist/Barnes and one of Sullinger/Robinson/Henson be better?

I guess it depends on exactly how high the picks are because i'd really only want Sullinger mixed with Lamb or Kidd-Gilchrist. Thoughts?

There are always some stupid teams willing to trade #1's for quick help on a playoff run, especially teams making a run after not being involved in a playoff run forever. We should be dangling Young, and Blatche at the deadline as quick help for teams like that (and almost anyone else for that matter). We probably can't get a pick in the top 10, but probably a pick in the 12-20 zone, then we try to package the 12-20 pick, and the 2 seconds to inch into the top 10, if necessary with a player. I am all in on doing some sort of trade to get a second top 10 pick, I freaking love this draft, and think with two top 10 picks, we could actually have potentially 3-4 special players on the roster by 2013-2014 or 2014-2015 in Wall, Vesely, 2 mystery draft picks from this draft (plus a free agent signing, and/or potentially high pick in '13).

It's a must to do that if its possible, I imagine they'd deal NY considering they only have him on a one and done deal, definitely dangle him to a team needing a score first 2 guard for offense at the deadline. Even a top 15 or so pick with no one biting in a trade down scenario could still get us a damn good prospect, there are guys i like plenty in the 11-20 zone as well.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Stats say this player will have a great shot to contribute in the NBA:



He reminds me of the guy in that commercial who arm wrestles a muscle-bound biker. Can't remember the product, just that the guy says tonight is gonna be his night. He looks wild eyed at the end.

Standing 6-7 and weighing a slight 210 pounds, McDermott plays primarily the power forward spot for Creighton. Despite his slender build, McDermott has expanded his post game to become an inside-outside threat. Through the early parts of the season, McDermott has shouldered an increased scoring load, seeing his scoring average increase from 20.5 points per 40 minutes to 33.4, which ranks #1 in our database thus far. He has been doing so at an astounding 71% true shooting percentage, a number that is unsustainable once his team starts playing actual competition, but provides a glimpse of the skill-level he possesses and the matchup problem he has become for defenders.

McDermott does a solid job on the glass, as both his 3.8 and 8.8 offensive and defensive rebounds per 40 minutes are very good for a power forward. He once again overcomes his lack of size and explosiveness with good instincts on the glass and a very good effort level.

The son of Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, Doug McDermott plays the role of a coach's son. His excellent feel for the game and consistently high effort level allow him to maximize his physical attributes, qualities that are valuable when projecting a potential change in role from focal point of a team to role player at the next level. His excellent catch and shoot ability forms the basis of a good skill set for a role player, but he'll likely have to improve his defense considerably if he hopes to successfully make the transition to the NBA.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz1jCMpNjcF
http://www.draftexpress.com

The Wizards need role players who can shoot. McDermott can do that and he's a smart player. I don't care about terrible defense if the guy is a situational substitution. I remember Kyle Korver's game when he was at Creighton. He was terrific and I thought he'd make the NBA. McDermott might have a chance to move down to an NBA SF or even play some SG. He can post up and score in the NBA.

If a guy is a catch and shoot player and he can also post up, Wall is the PG to get that player the ball.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

he even looks kind of like Korver.

Doug McDermott, Kyle Korver, and Ashton Kutcher are all Iowa boys. It would be stereotyping to say they look alike ... but they do look somewhat similar IMO.

Here's a fact I just found out about McDermott: He was Harrison Barnes' HS teammate and his dad was their coach.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball ... aab,wp6693

"In some ways, I feel like I'm proving people wrong, but that's not my focus," McDermott said. "A lot of the attention in high school went to Harrison, as it should have. He's a really good player and it was a pleasure playing with him. I was under the radar a little bit, but I'm happy where I am right now and I couldn't be more thankful."

It was difficult to envision McDermott blossoming into one of college basketball's most prolific scorers when he arrived at Ames High School as a scrawny 6-foot freshman more than five years ago. Ames coach Vance Downs recalls chuckling after 6-foot-8 Greg McDermott suggested Doug might one day grow to be as tall as his father.

"Greg said Doug was exactly like Greg was at that age, maybe a little bigger than him," Downs recalled. "I just kind of thought it was dad talk. Yeah, OK, that sounds great. Doug was just tiny, but he kept growing and growing."

The younger McDermott's emergence as a college-level prospect began at the start of his junior year when he replaced an injured Ames teammate in the starting lineup and quickly developed into the team's second option behind Barnes. Although Downs eventually put McDermott back in the sixth man role because he felt a coach's son would be mature enough to handle coming off the bench, McDermott still contributed enough to earn all-state honors and help lead Ames to the first of two straight undefeated seasons.

[The Consiglieri]

Some comments worth noting from Chad Ford:

Link:

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/ ... -chad-ford

Barry (Jacksonville)



2012 draft... who do you have as the top 5 players? And do you see the Cavs skipping on a PF like Drummond or Davis for a SF like Barnes if they get the top pick?

Chad Ford
(1:39 PM)



1. Anthony Davis 2. Perry Jones 3. Harrison Barnes 4. Andre Drummond 5. Thomas Robinson. I think picks 2-4 are pretty fluid right now. If Drummond starts playing every night like he did against West Virginia, he'll be the No. 2 pick.


Andrew (Lexington, Ky)



Which team do you think could really use Michael Kidd-Gilchrist?

Chad Ford
(1:46 PM)

All 30. He's so tough, is a great leader and will be a lock down defender at the next level. Doesn't need the ball to impact the game. Getting a high quality kid like him on a team like the Kings, Wizards or Warriors makes some sense.


Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)



Chad, Who is going to be the most underated player in the draft?

Chad Ford
(1:41 PM)



Might be Weber State's Damian Lillard.


Clint (Utah)



Best NBA point guard in the '12 draft?

Chad Ford
(1:44 PM)



Tough, tough question. The draft is VERY weak at the PG position. Right now I have Washington's Tony Wroten Jr No. 1 ... though he's at No. 16 on our Big Board. Lillard is No. 2, though he's more of a combo guard. Kendall Marshall, Myck Kabongo, Marquis Teague, Scott Machado, Tu Holloway and B.J. Young are all potential late first rounders.


Paul (Vermont)



Meyers Leonard's draft range? Ceiling?

Chad Ford
(1:46 PM)



10-20. Has the athletic ability to be a very good NBA center thanks to his mobility and defense. But lots of questions about his basketball IQ and focus.


Matt (Bloomington, IN)



Any chance Zeller could leave early if he's a top 10 pick?

Chad Ford
(1:47 PM)



Possible, but I hear he's strongly leaning toward returning for his sophomore year. Indiana has a great incoming class next year.


Norman (NY)



How good is Harrison Barnes? Is he worth tanking what would be a mediocre season for or is he too one dimensional?

Chad Ford
(1:53 PM)



He's a NBA scorer all the way. The way he plays right now, he's got a lot of Danny Granger in him. At his age, he's already a better shooter. The lack of versatility concerns a lot of scouts, but may be a product of playing on a loaded team with NBA Draft prospects at every position.


marc (toronto)



Do you agree that Perry Jones is not an NBA SF?

Chad Ford
(1:54 PM)



Actually, I think we might thrive at that position at the pros. If he gets the right coach and the right system ... he could be monster in the NBA. Wrong coach, wrong system? A bust.


Mike (DC)



Will Sullinger slide to a position where the Cavs could be able to take him?

Chad Ford
(1:56 PM)



Teams are really split on him. His comp at the next level is probably Zach Randolph. He's a lot more grounded than Randolph, though a bit smaller. If he was two inches taller or played above the rim, he might be the No. 1 pick. But those are the concerns. He'll go somewhere between 5 and 10.


Matt (West Valley, UT)



Would the Jazz pass on Anthony Davis for Harrison Barnes if they won the lottery?

Chad Ford
(1:58 PM)



No. Right now I don't think any team in the league would pass on Davis if they landed the No. 1 pick. That can change (we're only halfway through the college season) but I talk to a lot of scouts and GMs and ALL of them have Davis No. 1.