Official Raptors 2012 NBA Draft Thread, Part 9

[fredericklove]

If u say it is not lottery deep then fine, but this is more like a first round deep especially 14-25 range. Lottery wise, it's still deep as hell from 2-8. Hell, on a normal draft river and PJ3 both would be picked in 5-8 but now they are projected to go 8-12. It is a deep draft, man.

[JamesNaismith]

Would anyone else be interested in moving down in the draft, if say the Raps don't get a top 3 pick?

I don't think there's too much separation between some of the players that will fall between the 3rd and 15th pick.

Let's say the Raps end up drafting 4th. Would you trade that pick to the Jazz for the 9th and 13th picks (if those are the two picks the Jazz end up with)? (Would the Jazz be interested?)

This way, the Raps could likely pick 2 players from a list that includes: Marshall, Rivers, Sullinger, Jones, Jones, Zeller.

I actually DO think there is a seperation between picks 3-8 and 9-15

In 3-8: Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb and TRob
In 9-15: Zeller, Henson, Lillard, Rivers

One group has potential to be high level impact players (borderline all-stars) the other are just role players....the first group makes the tank bareable, the second would make me want to off myself. So no fìng thanks; just my 2c.

[grayplay]

I actually DO think there is a seperation between picks 3-8 and 9-15

In 3-8: Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb and TRob
In 9-15: Zeller, Henson, Lillard, Rivers

One group has potential to be high level impact players (borderline all-stars) the other are just role players....the first group makes the tank bareable, the second would make me want to off myself. So no fìng thanks; just my 2c.[/quote]

So if one of Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb or TRob dropped to the Jazz' first pick, would you do it?

To me, it'd make the tank-a-pa-looza more bearable, as we'd have a greater chance of hitting on 2 guys, than just one.

[fredericklove]

Where do people get that drummond has attitude problems, the kid gave away his scholarship to a friend so he could go to uconn as well, and there he hasn't said anything bad or shown in any way that he is a t-mac vc cousins type person. If I am mistaken please show me the evidence.

I think you misunderstand the definition of attitude problems in relation to Andre Drummond. I'm sure he's a great guy and from all accounts I've heard, he is. "Attitude" means in relation to his game. I like him but have no problem admitting that he's not assertive enough, can disappear down the stretch when you need him, doesn't look to establish himself on the offensive end of the ball and can appear disinterested and disengaged at times.

If this kid was selfish on the floor, he would be superstar already. Think about him demanding touches, think highly of his skills and dominate with a high ego.

[PdiC]

Interesting take on Barnes at Grantland:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7737280/harrison-barnes-two-years-north-carolina-tar-heels

Here's the other problem, particularly for whatever NBA team drafts Barnes. It's possible that the reason why he didn't improve is that there just isn't much ceiling left.

[Saciid11]

This draft might not have Dwight Howard, Lebron, Wade, Durant... but it's deep deep deep draft. You can really get a decent starter or role player late 1rd or even 2nd round in this draft.

[MEDIC]

This draft might not have Dwight Howard, Lebron, Wade, Durant... but it's deep deep deep draft. You can really get a decent starter or role player late 1rd or even 2nd round in this draft.

Exactly. That's why I'd love to be in Utah's situation (2 late lottery picks) rather than having one top 10 pick.

[Waylon Mercy]

I think this draft will produce 1 HOF and 3-5 All-Stars I think its top 7 heavy

Better then 2010 and 2011 drafts

[fredericklove]

So if one of Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb or TRob dropped to the Jazz' first pick, would you do it?

To me, it'd make the tank-a-pa-looza more bearable, as we'd have a greater chance of hitting on 2 guys, than just one.

Realistically none of these guys drop out of top 8 but if unrealistically lamb drops to 9 then I trade it for him and get one of liiard or marshall.

[MEDIC]

Interesting take on Barnes at Grantland:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7737280/harrison-barnes-two-years-north-carolina-tar-heels

Here's the other problem, particularly for whatever NBA team drafts Barnes. It's possible that the reason why he didn't improve is that there just isn't much ceiling left.

OMG. Seriously? Chris Bosh all over again. This article makes me completely sour on this kid. The people in his life have completely tainted him.

Barnes, who in a recent Atlantic article admitted that one reason he returned to North Carolina for his sophomore season was to enhance his "brand," certainly proved himself to be the showman. After a long speech thanking every good thing in God's academic world, Barnes announced, "The school that I choose to be my alma mater, indeed, the place where I will leave my legacy, had the right balance of both academics and basketball that which I thought I could achieve the goals I wanted to pursue.

Barnes admitted his reluctance to talk about his faith or his political leanings because he didn't want to polarize the public. There's certainly nothing logically wrong with this thinking — Jordan and Jeter built their brands using a similar line of thought. The difference, of course, is that Jordan didn't say, "Republicans buy shoes, too" when he was still living in a dorm room in Chapel Hill. This is where the flattening logic of business turns into insanity. It's crazy that Barnes was thinking about his brand before he played a minute of college basketball

I actually think this article desrves it's own thread.

[grayplay]

[quote="grayplay"
So if one of Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb or TRob dropped to the Jazz' first pick, would you do it?

To me, it'd make the tank-a-pa-looza more bearable, as we'd have a greater chance of hitting on 2 guys, than just one.

Realistically none of these guys drop out of top 8 but if unrealistically lamb drops to 9 then I trade it for him and get one of liiard or marshall.[/quote]

Maybe not totally realistic, but it seems to me like there's always one guy (sometimes more) who drops several slots from Mock Draft projections. Brandon Knight is an example from last year. Not sure who this year's guy will be (Barnes?), but I could see one from that group falling.

[Dr Positivity]

It's very deep, it's just not top heavy

[fredericklove]

So if one of Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb or TRob dropped to the Jazz' first pick, would you do it?

To me, it'd make the tank-a-pa-looza more bearable, as we'd have a greater chance of hitting on 2 guys, than just one.

Realistically none of these guys drop out of top 8 but if unrealistically lamb drops to 9 then I trade it for him and get one of liiard or marshall.

Maybe not totally realistic, but it seems to me like there's always one guy (sometimes more) who drops several slots from Mock Draft projections. Brandon Knight is an example from last year. Not sure who this year's guy will be (Barnes?), but I could see one from that group falling.

Either way, if we're slated to draft at 5-6 (current projection), I feel pretty confident with whoever we pick (one of the wings), then its good. Barnes will be drafted at least top 5 due to his size and 2 way ability, despite a poor tourney I can't see him really drop. Knight drops due to his undefined position, scouts think he's a combo guard. Otherwise, Barnes has a legit position. Its likely Barnes not a top 3, but he's definitely will be drafted in 4-7.

[grayplay]

This draft might not have Dwight Howard, Lebron, Wade, Durant... but it's deep deep deep draft. You can really get a decent starter or role player late 1rd or even 2nd round in this draft.

Exactly. That's why I'd love to be in Utah's situation (2 late lottery picks) rather than having one top 10 pick.

Ditto.

[grayplay]

Either way, if we're slated to draft at 5-6 (current projection), I feel pretty confident with whoever we pick (one of the wings), then its good. Barnes will be drafted at least top 5 due to his size and 2 way ability, despite a poor tourney I can't see him really drop. Knight drops due to his undefined position, scouts think he's a combo guard. Otherwise, Barnes has a legit position. Its likely Barnes not a top 3, but he's definitely will be drafted in 4-7.

That's fair, although I think people said the same thing about Rudy Gay, and he dropped to 8th pick (I think).

Anyways, I'm envious of Utah's position, and would like to see the Raps pick up another 1st round pick because I think it's a deep draft.

[Rhettmatic]

I'm still very, very high on this draft. Every year it seems the collective enthusiasm about the next draft class dims a bit as everyone obsesses over scouting reports and every player's perceived flaws.

I do think there's a significant dropoff in talent after Anthony Davis, but that's only because I'm a massive fan of his. I think there will ultimately prove to be more star power in the top 10 of this draft than people realize right now.

[Kevin Willis]

It's very deep, it's just not top heavy

That's what he said.

[bballsparkin]

Would anyone else be interested in moving down in the draft, if say the Raps don't get a top 3 pick?

I don't think there's too much separation between some of the players that will fall between the 3rd and 15th pick.

Let's say the Raps end up drafting 4th. Would you trade that pick to the Jazz for the 9th and 13th picks (if those are the two picks the Jazz end up with)? (Would the Jazz be interested?)

This way, the Raps could likely pick 2 players from a list that includes: Marshall, Rivers, Sullinger, Jones, Jones, Zeller.

I actually DO think there is a seperation between picks 3-8 and 9-15

In 3-8: Beal, Drummond, Barnes, MKG, Sullinger, Lamb and TRob
In 9-15: Zeller, Henson, Lillard, Rivers

One group has potential to be high level impact players (borderline all-stars) the other are just role players....the first group makes the tank bareable, the second would make me want to off myself. So no fìng thanks; just my 2c.

Well said, the difference is getting the player you want. Raps need a shot at a game changer.

Speaking of TRob, I like his hustle but he seems undersized. I haven't seen much but he was great on Sunday. What's people's feelings on him? At only 6' 8 thats too short to likely be a meaningful PF. Although his physique is impressive. Any chance he can play a role like Josh Smith. Sliding between SF and PF?

[sunny]

this is a great and very deep draft. 8 legit prospects followed by a lot of great mid tier guys. Last year there was Kyrie, Dwill and Jonas and everyone else sucked.
fyi next years draft is awful

[Wasp]

I'm still very, very high on this draft. Every year it seems the collective enthusiasm about the next draft class dims a bit as everyone obsesses over scouting reports and every player's perceived flaws.

I do think there's a significant dropoff in talent after Anthony Davis, but that's only because I'm a massive fan of his. I think there will ultimately prove to be more star power in the top 10 of this draft than people realize right now.

Totally agree. AD is the best lottery prize since Rose imo, and the 2nd tier of MKG/Drummond/Barnes/Beal/TRob are very good prospects. Throw in the fact that Sullinger and PJ3 would've likely both gone top-5 last year, Terence Jones would've also been a lottery pick last year, Lamb is an intriguing wing prospect, and the quality late-lottery bigs of the Zellers and Henson, and you've got a pretty strong draft if you ask me.

People just need to stop looking at the 2003 draft as the example of what a "good draft" is - that was a once in a lifetime draft with a generational #1 pick and three perennial All-NBA players going behind him in the top-5. Those kind of drafts literally NEVER happen except for that one year, so we need to just be happy with this year's crop and be glad it's not something like the Bargnani draft all over again.