Official Raptors 2012 NBA Draft Thread, Part 10

[fredericklove]

T Rob is a beast but does he have much upside left?

With his phsyicality, athetlicism and explosiveness, and hard work ethic, its really hard to say he doesn't have upsets left. But I can see his work-horse style of game can help him achieve double double a game easily. Offensively he's got a nice foundation, really good inside game due to his quick hands, and nice spins/pivot moves, he can shoot midrange too, he can really thrive in p&r due to his explosiveness to the rim. I can see him with lots of upside.

P.S. you still hate me bro? lol.

[Ari_Emanuel]

You have to remember he's not a go to guy type of player yet, and also plays with 5 potential lottery picks so you can't always expect him to drop 20. He is a solid and consistent 2 way player, and plays within the game and at 17 he's got enough time to improve on the offensive end, that solid block he just had is as good as hitting a dagger on the offensive end, that block toke out Kansas out of the game pretty much.

That was a nice block at the end by MKG, but it doesn't take away the fact that he was practically a non-factor in the championship game tonight. I thought he played well in the first half on both ends of the floor, though disappeared for much of the second half save for that block. I mean, when MKG isn't bringing it on the defensive end what else does he do? And developing his offense isn't exactly easy either. I like him a prospect, but not to the degree where some people overhype him.

Couldn't agree more, I don't see an All-Star player there. If he was as good as he's being touted than I feel he should be able to dominate more often.

I hope he proves me wrong but I wouldn't pick him over Robinson, Beal, Drummond or Barnes. I think he goes 5-6 in the draft.

Robinson is 21 and a jr. You don't think MKG can develop substantially over 2 years, especially assuming he's gonna be drafted by a crappy team and will have plenty opportunity to take more shots?

*edit* this one and done era has really screwed up the whole talent evaluation process.

[JN]

Noel is down to Syracuse, UK, Georgetown.

I personally think he will go to UK.. and it will not be a dollar thing. Calipari, as much as I hate him, has delivered one and done prospects to the top half of the lotto over and over. Perhaps its a chicken and egg thing, but he has to get benefit of the doubt.

But it will be alot of pressure on him at UK. I still think the media will be on Cuse next year so its not an easy situation either. I think Georgetown would be a solid choice for him... its a system that allows a big to show his all around game.

[Marlo Stanfield]

Let's hope this does not repeat itself next year... come on Shabazz and Nerlens, DO NOT team up for PayPal Cal.

They should take all the money they can get. What if they suffer a career ending injuring, then what. The NCAA makes billions and college guys with no intention of pursing a education get squat.

It's like getting sex for free... mindblowing (no pun intended). No one gets sex for free, so how do these suits get billions for free? Such a broken system.

[U_Mad]

Davis is so good its not even funny...as deep as this draft is supposed to be there will be an huge drop from the #1 to the #2 pick

[sunny]

If I'm Noel I'm going to UK over Syracuse any day.

if Shabazz goes to UCLA like he is heavily rumored to and Kentucky is left with:

Goodwin, Poythress, Cauley, Wijlter. They will be merely average.

[baulderdash77]

T Rob is a beast but does he have much upside left?

No, but that just shows you how safe a pick he is. He's an automatic double double and if he improves, it'll be as a passer, leader and on the defensive end.


By far best risk-reward player available in the draft after Davis.

T-Rob is going to be similar to David West in the NBA IMO. In fact I think they're almost carbon copies. He has a chance to make an all-star or 2 but never a guy you'd build a team around. A career 16/7 guy who has a few 20-9 years as a second fiddle. In most drafts that's worth a #2 overall pick.

[Undefeated]

Calling a guy who shared defensive duties against the other team's best player, and going 4/7 with some timely blocks in a slow paced college game is hardly being a non-factor. That said, it would be very easy for a GM to justify not taking him in the top 5. Not saying it is the right move, but that's the optics. Still think it's a matter of him being either too selfish for his own good or having a mental block that he covers up really well. Remember: he's 18.

Can you really say that MKG wasn't invisible for many stretches before that timely blocked shot with a straight face? I know I can't. It's true MKG was a bit too passive, but when Kentucky went on a 7 minute drought without a field goal or when they had a 14 point lead throughout much of the game, he could had taken a shot considering UK was up large without repercussions from Coach Cal. His set shot isn't that bad as some make it out to be, though he's really got to improve his catch-and-shoot and one-two dribble pull up if he doesn't want his team to play 4-on-5.

[baulderdash77]

Davis is so good its not even funny...as deep as this draft is supposed to be there will be an huge drop from the #1 to the #2 pick

Davis has some risk to him. He's going to be strictly a weakside guy early in his career. Bigger PF's & C's can and will go straight at him & back him right under the basket. He will be a victim to star calls by wing players in the NBA and get some cheap foul calls.

His offense is pretty poor at this point against any NBA caliber opponents so there's work to do there too.

But his upside if he can fill out and put it all together is huge- DPOY huge.

[Ari_Emanuel]

T Rob is a beast but does he have much upside left?

No, but that just shows you how safe a pick he is. He's an automatic double double and if he improves, it'll be as a passer, leader and on the defensive end.


By far best risk-reward player available in the draft after Davis.

T-Rob is going to be similar to David West in the NBA IMO. In fact I think they're almost carbon copies. He has a chance to make an all-star or 2 but never a guy you'd build a team around. A career 16/7 guy who has a few 20-9 years as a second fiddle.

Comparing a freak athlete like Trob to a scrub like David West is ludicrous. Robinson's upside is a young Mcdyss. Not a superstar, but a damn good player that you take and run.

[KL78192020]

Let's hope this does not repeat itself next year... come on Shabazz and Nerlens, DO NOT team up for PayPal Cal.

They should take all the money they can get. What if they suffer a career ending injuring, then what. The NCAA makes billions and college guys with no intention of pursing a education get squat.

It's like getting sex for free... mindblowing (no pun intended). No one gets sex for free, so how do these suits get billions for free? Such a broken system.

That basically what it is, there is a movement that is trying to outlay the exploits...hopefully they have some success.

http://www.ncpanow.org/research?id=0024

[Sizzle]

That was a nice block at the end by MKG, but it doesn't take away the fact that he was practically a non-factor in the championship game tonight. I thought he played well in the first half on both ends of the floor, though disappeared for much of the second half save for that block. I mean, when MKG isn't bringing it on the defensive end what else does he do? And developing his offense isn't exactly easy either. I like him a prospect, but not to the degree where some people overhype him.[/quote]

Couldn't agree more, I don't see an All-Star player there. If he was as good as he's being touted than I feel he should be able to dominate more often.

I hope he proves me wrong but I wouldn't pick him over Robinson, Beal, Drummond or Barnes. I think he goes 5-6 in the draft.[/quote]

Robinson is 21 and a jr. You don't think MKG can develop substantially over 2 years, especially assuming he's gonna be drafted by a crappy team and will have plenty opportunity to take more shots?

*edit* this one and done era has really screwed up the whole talent evaluation process. [/quote]

Oh I'm not saying he CANT, I just don't see enough to warrant taking him ahead of any of those other players mentioned.

18, 19, 20 blah blah. Everyone in college is young enough to improve, including Robinson. Agreed on the one and done though, it makes it very tough to evaluate.

[baulderdash77]

Comparing a freak athlete like Trob to a scrub like David West is ludicrous. Robinson's upside is a young Mcdyss. Not a superstar, but a damn good player that you take and run.

I think you're looking at the 32 year old breaking down David West and forgetting about the 27 year old rock solid & powerful David West.

As a Sophmore in college David West averaged 17.8/10.9 with 2 blocks & a steal. It's a spot on comparison. They are also the same size.

[Ari_Emanuel]

Calling a guy who shared defensive duties against the other team's best player, and going 4/7 with some timely blocks in a slow paced college game is hardly being a non-factor. That said, it would be very easy for a GM to justify not taking him in the top 5. Not saying it is the right move, but that's the optics. Still think it's a matter of him being either too selfish for his own good or having a mental block that he covers up really well. Remember: he's 18.

Can you really say that MKG wasn't invisible for many stretches before that timely blocked shot with a straight face? I know I can't. It's true MKG was a bit too passive, but when Kentucky went on a 7 minute drought without a field goal or when they had a 14 point lead throughout much of the game, he could had taken a shot considering UK was up large without repercussions from Coach Cal. His set shot isn't that bad as some make it out to be, though he's really got to improve his catch-and-shoot and one-two dribble pull up if he doesn't want his team to play 4-on-5.

OK OK. To be honest, maybe you're right. If a few of robinson's misses were makes, MKG would get a lot of heat for not creating something during that drought. With MKG, it is clearly a mental thing and not an ability thing because he can clearly get to the basket nearly at will with his athleticism, size and strength. Unfortunately mental development is the hardest thing to project. Quite a conundrum for scouts because an extra year would serve Michael immensely but he's obv too talented not to enter the draft this year.

[Ari_Emanuel]

Comparing a freak athlete like Trob to a scrub like David West is ludicrous. Robinson's upside is a young Mcdyss. Not a superstar, but a damn good player that you take and run.

I think you're looking at the 32 year old breaking down David West and forgetting about the 27 year old rock solid & powerful David West.

As a Sophmore in college David West averaged 17.8/10.9 with 2 blocks & a steal. It's a spot on comparison. They are also the same size.

Davis West is physically different. He's a "stout" type of powerful, where as Trob has fast twitch muscles and is quicker and a better leaper as a result.

[Marlo Stanfield]

Comparing a freak athlete like Trob to a scrub like David West is ludicrous. Robinson's upside is a young Mcdyss. Not a superstar, but a damn good player that you take and run.

I think you're looking at the 32 year old breaking down David West and forgetting about the 27 year old rock solid & powerful David West.

As a Sophmore in college David West averaged 17.8/10.9 with 2 blocks & a steal. It's a spot on comparison. They are also the same size.

Davis West is physically different. He's a "stout" type of powerful, where as Trob has fast twitch muscles and is quicker and a better leaper as a result.

T-Rob was guarding small forwards in the most important game of his life. The guy can only be defined as an athletic freak. He has both lateral and vertical quickness, leaping ability, and a chiseled frame. The guy is like the LeBron James of Power Forwards in terms of physical make up.

[Ari_Emanuel]

Thank you Marlo. I will only add that a better comparison is honestly Blake Griffin. Slightly less explosive, but probably has better lateral quickness and will measure out to be a bit taller and a bit longer.

[fredericklove]

I think its amusing that alot of us want Beal or T-Rob cos of the playmaking/shot-creating ability (Beal) and rebounding/toughness (T-Rob) needed for this team..., Bargs and Demar are definitely the reasons why.

[JN]

That basically what it is, there is a movement that is trying to outlay the exploits...hopefully they have some success.

http://www.ncpanow.org/research?id=0024

Are the players forced to go to the NCAA. They can go play in a minor league and earn very little or go to Europe.

Similar to when an inactive owner, who found or built a product, is still the major financial benefactor from a company's success.... if you don't like it, you can test your market value from other alternatives... they might not all that attractive.

Personally I do hope the NCAA makes some major changes to be fairer -- with respect to transfers, some expenses, protection against injury, removal of one year schollies. But these major changes do not need to involve significant compensation.

The thing is for many schools its almost a communist system. Such schools are not making any net income from its athletic programs, and they treat all athletes the same, no matter how much revenue their sport generates.

Remember that Title 9 makes it extremely difficult to pay certain athletes more then others. Title 9 says all female athletes must be entitled to the same benefits as male athletes at an academic institution. Title 9 is not an NCAA rule, its the Law. I don't really see legislators going against Title 9 to ensure football or basketball players get paid.

[Marlo Stanfield]

Thank you Marlo. I will only add that a better comparison is honestly Blake Griffin. Slightly less explosive, but probably has better lateral quickness and will measure out to be a bit taller and a bit longer.

Yeah he's definitely more laterally quick than Blake, although like you said, Blake has much better hops. Everything else is eerily similar to Blake with T-Rob having the advantage length wise, and man-wise since Blake is a straight b**ch! But they both go HAM every second and that ain't not half bad