2012 NBA Draft

[hands11]

So was Brooks the steal of last draft seeing that he was taken 25th


http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/playe ... on/rookies

And look at the rebounds. The kid just hit the ground running. I can't wait to watching him in a game.

Click through the categories. Unless something dramatic changes, Brooks wins best value for lower pick potential star.

Kyrie is doing great but he was the number one.

[fishercob]

FWIW, I could see Harden growing into a second or first option on a great team. He screams Ginobili. I wonder what having KD and now Westbrook maxed out means for OKC's plans for Harden. If they don't think they can afford to keep him, I wonder what they would trade him for.

I don't think Harden has the killer instinct to be a #1st option. Now he's absolutely perfect as a 3rd option because of his willingness to defer, but I remember how he consistently disappeared in big games at Arizona because of his inability or refusal to be more aggressive.

Weren't you sure he lacked elite athleticism at ASU too? He seems to have proven the doubters wrong on that front. I remember Harden's lackluster postseason, but I really don't think it's applicable to the discussion. 21.5 PER, 635 TS% and he's 22 years old. I think he and Wall would be an elite backcourt tandem.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Dat2u - look I will agree he is a rare prospect and has more upside than griffin but in no way is he going to have the impact next year or year after that griffin or Duncan had their rookie year. Davis is still raw and learning to play the Pf/C position. He is still a year removed from high school and it will be at least 2-3 years before he can have that impact of putting up 20 pt/ 10 reb a night in NBA. He definitely has the goods to get there but it won't happen overnight. So yes, he has then potential makings of a future star but he won't be that in years 1 or 2 IMO. I doubt he will even win Roy his first year as there will be more nba ready players drafted later that will post better numbers initially.

And regarding Gordon, not being a star?!?! Dude averaged 22 pts in his 3rd year as 2nd option to griffin. After Kobe and wade, he is arguably the 3rd best sg in league and top 5 at worst. I'd classify anyone that is top 5 in their position as star quality so he fits this bill.

I think Anthony Davis will step right into the league and be fairly dominant right away.

If a player like Tristan Thompson can come in and average roughly 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 18 minutes; I can foresee Anthony Davis averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds with 2.5 blocked shots in 35 minutes as a rookie. He's going to start at PF for someone from day one.

[llcc25]

So was Brooks the steal of last draft seeing that he was taken 25th


http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/playe ... on/rookies

And look at the rebounds. The kid just hit the ground running. I can't wait to watching him in a game.

Click through the categories. Unless something dramatic changes, Brooks wins best value for lower pick potential star.

Kyrie is doing great but he was the number one.

I know its early but from the looks of it so far from what I've seen, I think so. I wouldn't be surprised if its him and Kyrie neck and neck for ROY. If there was a redo for the 2011 NBA Draft, I would think he'd go top 5. MIN and UTAH, could've definitely used him over Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter, respectively.

I'd trade any combo of Booker/Singleton/Vesely for him right now. He's that good.

[jivelikenice]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

[Dat2U]

We don't need a game elite changing, low post defender & rebounder?

I don't know about you, but I weigh low post defense/rebounding as significantly more important than low post scoring or being able to play with the back to the basket.

You want a guy with a back to the basket game, I'm sure Al Jefferson is available. His low post skill set is one of the best in the business. But low post offense doesn't necessarily translate into wins or postseason success.

And I certainly think Davis can expand his offensive game in time. Considering the talent on Kentucky, he's probably not able to show everything he can do offensively.

[llcc25]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

I'm watching the game and I sorta feel the same way. As you state, he is very much a project that needs to develop, but with so much upside potential he will be hard to pass up. With that said, as I've stated in previous posts he will not be an immediate impact like Duncan or Griffin. It will take him at least 2-3 years to develop. So for those who think he will come in an be an immediate impact alongside McGee in the front court, that is wishful thinking. If Davis is the route we go, then getting a legit Pf in FA or trade than can man the position while Davis develops will be key IMO.

[llcc25]

We don't need a game elite changing, low post defender & rebounder?

I don't know about you, but I weigh low post defense/rebounding as significantly more important than low post scoring or being able to play with the back to the basket.

You want a guy with a back to the basket game, I'm sure Al Jefferson is available. His low post skill set is one of the best in the business. But low post offense doesn't necessarily translate into wins or postseason success.

And I certainly think Davis can expand his offensive game in time. Considering the talent on Kentucky, he's probably not able to show everything he can do offensively.

How many nba teams without a low post scoring threat have been successful? Looking at all the top teams right now, (CHI, PHI, IND, MIA, OKC, DAL, POR, LAL, LAC, UTAH) with exception of OKC, all have a go to threat in the low post.

[Ruzious]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

I'm watching the game and I sorta feel the same way. As you state, he is very much a project that needs to develop, but with so much upside potential he will be hard to pass up. With that said, as I've stated in previous posts he will not be an immediate impact like Duncan or Griffin. It will take him at least 2-3 years to develop. So for those who think he will come in an be an immediate impact alongside McGee in the front court, that is wishful thinking. If Davis is the route we go, then getting a legit Pf in FA or trade than can man the position while Davis develops will be key IMO.

As impactful as Griffin's rookie year was, the Clippers went from 29 wins to 32 wins in his rookie year. San Antonio was turned around by the return of David Robinson. I rookie by himself isn't going to turn the Wiz around - in his rookie year.

The Wiz will get better by getting the best player. Davis is clearly and demonstrably the best player. I'm really surprised there seems to be several folks here who aren't convinced about him. I'd suggest looking at old videos of Wake Forest when Duncan was there - perhaps on ESPN Classics. Duncan was just as thin as Davis is. Davis has a very similar frame to what Duncan had at WF. He's going to be just fine as far as strength - and everything else - is concerned.

[sfam]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

Why is the expectation that we have to take a player that makes us contenders right away? If Davis takes 2-3 years to become an all-star, why do we have a problem with that?

I got bad news for you - we aren't gonna contend for the title next year, either. More likely, if we get a player like Davis, we'll be looking at 30 wins or so (assuming we get a good shooting guard in FA and our wee little ones continue to develop). We're looking at at least 3 years to contend, assuming we do things the right way. So yeah, Davis as an all-star in 2-3 years works just fine for me.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

I'm watching the game and I sorta feel the same way. As you state, he is very much a project that needs to develop, but with so much upside potential he will be hard to pass up. With that said, as I've stated in previous posts he will not be an immediate impact like Duncan or Griffin. It will take him at least 2-3 years to develop. So for those who think he will come in an be an immediate impact alongside McGee in the front court, that is wishful thinking. If Davis is the route we go, then getting a legit Pf in FA or trade than can man the position while Davis develops will be key IMO.

As impactful as Griffin's rookie year was, the Clippers went from 29 wins to 32 wins in his rookie year. San Antonio was turned around by the return of David Robinson. I rookie by himself isn't going to turn the Wiz around - in his rookie year.

The Wiz will get better by getting the best player. Davis is clearly and demonstrably the best player. I'm really surprised there seems to be several folks here who aren't convinced about him. I'd suggest looking at old videos of Wake Forest when Duncan was there - perhaps on ESPN Classics. Duncan was just as thin as Davis is. Davis has a very similar frame to what Duncan had at WF. He's going to be just fine as far as strength - and everything else - is concerned.

+1

[tontoz]

We don't need a game elite changing, low post defender & rebounder?

I don't know about you, but I weigh low post defense/rebounding as significantly more important than low post scoring or being able to play with the back to the basket.

You want a guy with a back to the basket game, I'm sure Al Jefferson is available. His low post skill set is one of the best in the business. But low post offense doesn't necessarily translate into wins or postseason success.

And I certainly think Davis can expand his offensive game in time. Considering the talent on Kentucky, he's probably not able to show everything he can do offensively.

How many nba teams without a low post scoring threat have been successful? Looking at all the top teams right now, (CHI, PHI, IND, MIA, OKC, DAL, POR, LAL, LAC, UTAH) with exception of OKC, all have a go to threat in the low post.

Dallas doesn't have a low post player. Miami only has Bosh who gets few touches in the post. No Chicago fan will tell you that Boozer has been a low post threat since he has been there. 70% of his shots are jumpers.

[jivelikenice]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

Why is the expectation that we have to take a player that makes us contenders right away? If Davis takes 2-3 years to become an all-star, why do we have a problem with that?

I got bad news for you - we aren't gonna contend for the title next year, either. More likely, if we get a player like Davis, we'll be looking at 30 wins or so (assuming we get a good shooting guard in FA and our wee little ones continue to develop). We're looking at at least 3 years to contend, assuming we do things the right way. So yeah, Davis as an all-star in 2-3 years works just fine for me.

The thought isn't being a title contender next year, the thought is becoming good enough to compete for a playoff spot. That has to be the goal. A never-ending rebuild is just that....never ending. By the time an unpolished player like Davis is read to contribute substantially, we'll have changes in personnel, coaches, and maybe even the FO. We can't just keep drafting projects. If we had players on this team that knew how to play the game then maybe I could support bringing in a player like Davis. But IMO the last thing this team needs is someone who we HOPE will be able to fill out and who we HOPE can develop a consistent NBA offensive game. We don't have any players who know how to play half court ball. How would adding yet another similar player to the equation change anything. For once this team needs to take a little less upside in terms of measurables in exchange for actual basketball players who have upside and can help right away. Robinson IMO has great athleticism, and evolving game, can play back to the basket, and is learning to face up. He would make everyone around him better and would contribute right away.

[jivelikenice]

We don't need a game elite changing, low post defender & rebounder?

I don't know about you, but I weigh low post defense/rebounding as significantly more important than low post scoring or being able to play with the back to the basket.

You want a guy with a back to the basket game, I'm sure Al Jefferson is available. His low post skill set is one of the best in the business. But low post offense doesn't necessarily translate into wins or postseason success.

And I certainly think Davis can expand his offensive game in time. Considering the talent on Kentucky, he's probably not able to show everything he can do offensively.

How many nba teams without a low post scoring threat have been successful? Looking at all the top teams right now, (CHI, PHI, IND, MIA, OKC, DAL, POR, LAL, LAC, UTAH) with exception of OKC, all have a go to threat in the low post.

Dallas doesn't have a low post player. Miami only has Bosh who gets few touches in the post. No Chicago fan will tell you that Boozer has been a low post threat since he has been there. 70% of his shots are jumpers.

Dallas didn't take the next step as a team until they had interior defense (Chandler) complimented by low post offense. Dirk still had an outside game but became a much more effective lost post player which made them a more difficult team to defend in the playoffs.

[tontoz]

Dallas didn't take the next step as a team until they had interior defense (Chandler) complimented by low post offense. Dirk still had an outside game but became a much more effective lost post player which made them a more difficult team to defend in the playoffs.

Dirk has never been a low post player and he wasn't last year either. Last year he attempted only 4 shots again inside 10 feet, but took 8.6 shots outside 15 feet. Blatche scored over twice as many points inside as Dirk.

http://www.hoopdata.com/player.aspx?nam ... 20Nowitzki

[7-Day Dray]

Just watched Baylor vs. Missouri. Perry Jones doesn't have the "it" factor. He was benched in crunch time for the final minutes of the game. Wizards should avoid him.

[jivelikenice]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

I'm watching the game and I sorta feel the same way. As you state, he is very much a project that needs to develop, but with so much upside potential he will be hard to pass up. With that said, as I've stated in previous posts he will not be an immediate impact like Duncan or Griffin. It will take him at least 2-3 years to develop. So for those who think he will come in an be an immediate impact alongside McGee in the front court, that is wishful thinking. If Davis is the route we go, then getting a legit Pf in FA or trade than can man the position while Davis develops will be key IMO.

As impactful as Griffin's rookie year was, the Clippers went from 29 wins to 32 wins in his rookie year. San Antonio was turned around by the return of David Robinson. I rookie by himself isn't going to turn the Wiz around - in his rookie year.

The Wiz will get better by getting the best player. Davis is clearly and demonstrably the best player. I'm really surprised there seems to be several folks here who aren't convinced about him. I'd suggest looking at old videos of Wake Forest when Duncan was there - perhaps on ESPN Classics. Duncan was just as thin as Davis is. Davis has a very similar frame to what Duncan had at WF. He's going to be just fine as far as strength - and everything else - is concerned.

I saw a lot of Tim Duncan in college and his game was far more advanced than Davis'. Now its not a fair comparison because by the time he came out he played 4 years but all I can compare is where they are when they enter the league. In 3 years Davis might be where Duncan was as a senior but he also may not. He is also 30 pounds lighter than Duncan was. He might be able to put on the weight, but he also might not be able to. There have been many instances where people have written/said, "if this guy puts on 15-20 pounds he'll be a beast" but the majority were never able to do so.

[7-Day Dray]

And on Davis, he lacks a refined offensive game, but I think he's more skilled than he's shown at UK. Coach Cal doesn't run any plays for him. Davis is used as a garbage-type player who'll set some PNR's and crash all the boards. I think he would have a bigger role on offense for most other schools.

I know this is just a HS highlight tape, but you can see some of the stuff he can do on offense.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OSxB2HZAKE[/youtube]

Not many players his size can do those things. I think he'll be able to develop a decent faceup game at least, and be able to run the break on occasion.

[llcc25]

Watching the UK game. I see the athletic ability that Davis has but don't see how he's what we need. Maybe I disagree on what we need but I think we need a 4 who can play with their back to the basket and face up....Davis looks like another offensive project who needs to fill out (high upside of course) but he won't help us in our half court offense and while he'll block shots, he'll be pushed around down low.

If everyone is that high on him & we get #1, move down a couple spots and pick up a piece to go along with a top 5 pick. I'll take Robinson over this guy.

I'm watching the game and I sorta feel the same way. As you state, he is very much a project that needs to develop, but with so much upside potential he will be hard to pass up. With that said, as I've stated in previous posts he will not be an immediate impact like Duncan or Griffin. It will take him at least 2-3 years to develop. So for those who think he will come in an be an immediate impact alongside McGee in the front court, that is wishful thinking. If Davis is the route we go, then getting a legit Pf in FA or trade than can man the position while Davis develops will be key IMO.

As impactful as Griffin's rookie year was, the Clippers went from 29 wins to 32 wins in his rookie year. San Antonio was turned around by the return of David Robinson. I rookie by himself isn't going to turn the Wiz around - in his rookie year.

The Wiz will get better by getting the best player. Davis is clearly and demonstrably the best player. I'm really surprised there seems to be several folks here who aren't convinced about him. I'd suggest looking at old videos of Wake Forest when Duncan was there - perhaps on ESPN Classics. Duncan was just as thin as Davis is. Davis has a very similar frame to what Duncan had at WF. He's going to be just fine as far as strength - and everything else - is concerned.

Ruzious- Just so its clear, I agree Wiz are best served by getting the best player who at this point appears to be Davis. All I'm saying is that watching him play now, its clearly evident that it will take time for him to develop at the NBA level which I'm fine with. We just need the right pieces around him that's all i'm trying to point out. As to your comparison to Duncan, if I'm not mistaken he was a 3-4 year college player and 21 his rookie year in NBA and more polished offensively playing the post. Davis, on the other hand is a year removed from HS and has only played at the PF/C position for 2 years given that huge growth spurt he had in jr year of HS. So to compare the two is not fair to Davis.

[sfam]

Watching UConn vs Ten - Drummond has been a non-factor. Lamb has been very good, but by far the best player is Jarnelle Stokes, who is making his first start. He has great post up moves, can hit the 10 footer, and looks really smooth on offense. The announcers are describing him as the mailman - I agree that there is a slight comparison to Malone's game. Regardless, this guy looks great. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stokes quickly move up the draft board.