Raptors NBA Draft Thread: 2nd Round Draft Picks

[nelabai]

we could try to gamble on a Euro with our Indiana pick

[BillyGM]

Looking forward, Khris Middleton (SF) possesses a fairly unique skill set for his position, and is an interesting player trying to project to the next level. While his ability and feel scoring the ball in isolation situations is certainly attractive, his shortcomings in most areas traditional role players excel in pose some questions for how his game will translate and what types of adjustments he'll need to make.

However, 6'8 players with his level of shot-creating ability are not a common commodity, and that could certainly lead someone to feel he's a player worth investing the time in to try and develop.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz1tyhZwTK2
http://www.draftexpress.com

Strengths: Middleton is a late blooming prospect with solid size for a SG/SF at 6’7 210, and he’s still growing into his body … An underrated athlete ... Silky smooth operator on offense, and can score effectively at all 3 levels … Has a sweet jump shot … Soft touch, and is consistent out to about 22 feet, and shows raw NBA range … Able to make shots off screens, spotting up or off the dribble … Functional in the triple threat … Likes to operate in the mid-range area, most comfortable from 15-18 feet, and utilizes a nice pull-up game and an interesting blend of runners in his arsenal … Middleton can stick the 3 ball with his feet set, and he has the release speed and form to get his shot off against contests effectively … Plays the game at his own pace, and has a very unique and unorthodox style of play … Very unselfish and won’t go outside of the offense to get his own shots or production very often, which will benefit his eventual transition to the pros … Doesn’t need to dominate the ball at all to make his presence felt on the court … Nice passing skills … Will contribute some on the glass … Appears to be very coachable, team player, and he still has upside remaining as he get stronger and fills out his frame …

Weaknesses: Middleton right now needs to work on getting stronger to maximize his athleticism and ability to withstand tough defense … There are times when he can get pushed around on both ends by physical play … Middleton also would be well-served to continue to work on his ball-handling some more, were he’s currently mediocre … He does sporadically make moves with the ball that show his potential, but he’s not consistent with it yet and he’s not a guy who operates all that effectively in pure isolation sets … Doesn’t handle double-teams or extra defensive attention all that well … Can struggle to finish around the rim at times due to a lack of explosiveness and strength ... Could stand to get more aggressive and play with more urgency … Middleton is a middle-of-the-road defensive player, and he can struggle with on-ball defense at times … A bit upright in his stance and middling lateral quickness …

Overall: Middleton’s late blooming status and promising Soph. season making him a prospect worth keeping an eye on … He’s a good shooter with a smooth, unselfish floor game and the tools that project well to the next level as a complementary piece … He isn’t the best defender, but as he grows into his body he can be an even better player and prospect, as it looks like he hasn’t peaked physically or athletically yet … He’s be a shortlist Big XII Player of the Year candidate and a possible 2012 lottery pick ...

Jorrye Nixon 7/14/11

Notes: Measured 6'7.5 (in shoes) 211 lbs, with a 6'10 wingspan at the 2011 Kevin Durant Skills Academy.
http://www.nbadraft.net

I love how deep this draft is in SF position: Harrison Barnes, Jae Crowder, Terrence Jones, Quincy Miller, Terrence Ross, Khris Middleton, Jeffery Taylor, Kris Joseph, Hollis Thompson, Draymond Green, Will Barton, Darius Miller...

[BillyGM]

Value Picks in 2012 NBA Draft
John JenkinsJohn JenkinsBradley Beal (top 5) - John Jenkins (late first to early second)

Both are 6’4” SEC shooting guards who aren’t tremendous athletes and whose best skill is shooting. But Beal is likely going to go in the top 5, while Jenkins might be a second rounder. Oh I forgot to mention, Jenkins is the better shooter of the two. Jenkins shot a full 10 percentage points better behind the arc last season (.439 compared to Beal’s .339).

Thomas Robinson (top 5) - Andrew Nicholson (late first)

The difference between Robinson and Nicholson comes from the eye test. Robinson simply looks so much more imposing than Nicholson (also people have had more chances to see Robinson as Kansas plays a few more national TV games than St. Bonaventure). But for a team seeking a value version of the Player of the Year finalist, should give the less heralded Bonnie a look. He has the same offensive skillset and the only skill where he significantly trails Robinson is rebounding.

Harrison Barnes (top 10) - Jeffrey Taylor (late first) or Kris Joseph (likely second)

While Harrison Barnes has been criticized a bit too hard following UNC’s tourney failure, even with his stock slipping there are very good players that could be better values. Both Taylor and Kris Joseph offer a similar balanced skillset at the SF position. The vast difference the draft projection between them and Barnes comes from Barnes being a much better shooter.

Austin Rivers (lottery) - Doron Lamb (late first)

This one is a bit team specific. There’s an obvious perception that the Celtics would like to pick up Austin Rivers so he could be coached by his pops, Doc Rivers. If a lottery team seeking a SG (Phoenix at 13 for instance) could work a deal that would land them both of Boston’s late first round picks (possibly the lotto pick + a second rounder), they should jump on that immediately. Picking up Doron Lamb would give that team a shooter/combo guard on par with Rivers and the chance to snag another talent in this deep draft class.

Fab Melo (late first) - Robert Sacre (late second to undrafted)

Any team that drafts Fab Melo is doing so to nab a defensive presence at center. That’s exactly what Sacre offers, but with less athleticism. Here’s the catch, Sacre has shown he can play man-to-man D while Melo hasn’t (thanks to the Syracuse system). The Gonzaga big man gave Kevin Jones fits in their NCAA tournament matchup, and would even guard PGs at times last season for the Zags. Even getting beyond D, Sacre has a more developed offensive game and teams can leave him in late in games as he’s an amazing FT shooter for a center.

Perry Jones (lottery) - Moe Harkless (mid-to-late first)

The biggest question marks with Jones concern his consistency, motor, and toughness. Those aren’t issues with Harkless. While there’s no denying the upside of Jones, the rawer Harkless could actually be a safer pick and a potential trade back candidate.

Quincy Miller (late first) - Darius Miller (early second)

Expect these two to be confused for one another a few times leading up to the draft. Both have a similar jump shot and while Quincy has more perceived upside, Darius has more experience (polish!) and strength. While they may not go terribly far apart, the contract structure difference between a first and second rounder could easily make getting Darius in the second round the superior pick.

Marquis Teague (late first) - Maalik Wayns (mid-to-late second)

Teague has more athletic tools, while Wayns is the better passer. Considering these are PGs we’re talking about here, this could end up being a wash in terms of overall talent. Since (hopefully) neither guy will be asked to step in and start from day one, Wayns might be just as good a backup PG as Teague (at least for the duration of their rookie deals).
http://www.nbadraft.net

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[Mehar]

If this team can not move both of its second round draft picks along with Ed Davis to move
from 8th to 4-5, might as well package both second round picks to get a player in the
25-30 range.

[chyau.00]

If this team can not move both of its second round draft picks along with Ed Davis to move
from 8th to 4-5, might as well package both second round picks to get a player in the
25-30 range.

no. u dont move 2nd round picks for late 1st round picks.

[Indeed]

If this team can not move both of its second round draft picks along with Ed Davis to move from 8th to 4-5, might as well package both second round picks to get a player in the
25-30 range.

no. u dont move 2nd round picks for late 1st round picks.

I am sure a lot of teams are interested, while we might be interested in getting less rookies in our system as well.

[DA_SCOUT]

Thoughts on Quincy Acy in a Casey system?

or is the log jam at 4 that bad, that we look for a player that doesn't play the 4?

[LittleOzzy]

I hope we are targeting Kris Joseph with one of our picks.

[S.W.A.N]

Kim English with late second round pick ?

A shooter and apparently looked good this weekend...

[bboyskinnylegs]

Thoughts on Quincy Acy in a Casey system?

or is the log jam at 4 that bad, that we look for a player that doesn't play the 4?

the log jam we have at the 4 makes it very unlikely we draft one with our 2nd rounders, unless a lot of other moves are being made. With a high lotto pick, you have to go with the BPA, with late 2nd round picks I think you have much more flexibility to look at positional needs more, unless if an absolute no-brainer pick is there. The only 4 I'd definitely take if he's still around in the 2nd round is Arnett Moultrie.

[OAKLEY_2]

I'm on the Jae Crowder bandwagon!

Yes for sure.

[Landomar]

Furkan Aldemir looks like an NBA player to me. If he's available at our pick, I'd like to see us take him.

Of course, if a clear first round talent slips to us (perhaps for medical reasons), then that's the guy we should take, whoever it is.

[BillyGM]

Evan Fournier, if he skips to 2nd round I'm on his bandwagon also.2nd rounders I also like: Crowder, Odom, Middleton, Thompson, Jenkins, D Lamb, D Green ....

[Unknownone]

I hope we are targeting Kris Joseph with one of our picks.

Why? The odds on him being the next in the line of Syracuse busts is pretty favorable; w/ the exception of Carmelo (who was a bigtime talent prior to heading to upstate NY) and maybe Rony Seikaly/Derrick Coleman, Jim Boeheim's track record of producing pro talent who successfully contribute is poor: Johnny Flynn, Hakim Warrick, John Wallace, Pearl Washington, Sherman Douglas, LEO RAUTINS, etc.

If we're talking Big East, angling to try and snare Moe Harkless (St. John's) w/ a later pick in the first round and then inviting Henry Sims (Georgetown) to training camp would be more inspired moves than wasting a pick on Joseph (and possibly only b/c he's Canadian).

[BillyGM]

Orlando Johnson got noticed he's now 29th pick on DX

Raptors will invite O'Quin to their training camp? What you think about that?

I would love to hear more from Darius Johnson-Odom. I think he can be solid role player.

[Raps Militia]

I WANT HIM.

[BillyGM]

I WANT HIM.

His teeth looks bad. So I don't know about that... He should try European basketball at first

[Raps Militia]

I WANT HIM.

His teeth looks bad. So I don't know about that... He should try European basketball at first

You prefer this?

[Morris_Shatford]

Thoughts on Quincy Acy in a Casey system?

or is the log jam at 4 that bad, that we look for a player that doesn't play the 4?

I can't imagine all of Gray, Magloire, Alabi, Davis and Amir will all be back next season.

Acy is a worker with a great motor who is undersized as all heck;
But if he is on the board @ 50 its worth some consideration.

[Raps Militia]

Thoughts on Quincy Acy in a Casey system?

or is the log jam at 4 that bad, that we look for a player that doesn't play the 4?

I can't imagine all of Gray, Magloire, Alabi, Davis and Amir will all be back next season.

Acy is a worker with a great motor who is undersized as all heck;
But if he is on the board @ 50 its worth some consideration.

Bye bye to these two....
While Gray and Davis remain, I see Amir out....maybe...