Amaretotheline wrote:nevetsov wrote:Ghost of Kleine wrote:Back to back lottery picks in ’08 and ’09 were the only lottery picks the Thunder organization has ever had in it’s short existence, but judging on the way things are going, they won’t need another one for a while.
Umm.. Kevin Durant?
It doesn't sound as good if he adds Durant to the list as well.
I also like how added Jonas valanciunas to his list of busts without giving him a chance to play. Jonas is going to be a very good center in the nba. He has soft hands, a nice touch and good athleticism at the 5.
Agree about Jonas. Also, regarding the Sonics/Thunder....I read something about how if the Sonics had the #1 pick in the 2007 draft, they would have taken Oden, and if they had the #2 pick in the 2008 draft, they (or any team) would have taken Beasley.
So, everyone thinks of the Thunder when talking about how a couple of lottery picks can turn it around, but there is a TON of luck involved.
Also, the Blazers got the #1 pick one year (Oden) and Roy high in the draft the next year, and neither are playing any more.
The Suns have actually been pretty lucky the last couple of times they had top 10 picks in getting Marion (though that was a really good draft year) and Amare.
Another thing to consider....the higher pick might not always be better. Often times players who aren't ready to contribute yet are taken higher based on possible upside, but they end up being busts. They also take a larger chunk of your cap with a bigger salary and contract. (Not saying I wouldn't rather have a higher pick, but there are some positives)
Another thing worth mentioning is that Lance Blanks' background is as a scout. He was lead scout for the Spurs when they drafted Tony Parker and Luis Scola in successive years, both at #28. So he has been pretty good in the draft in the past. Kieff seemed like a decent pick at 13 as well.