Draft Results: Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard, Will Barton.

[Clarity]

While I agree that success in SL is in the end pretty meaningless, if you're awful in SL that has to be a huge red flag. Talent is talent, regardless of the system or lack thereof.

SL couldnt mean less as far as competition & stats. They dont run any plays, its basically an organized pick up game, Its basically no different than a player doing a 1 on 1 or 3 on 3 drill with coaches. Its just a better opponent for film. In Lillard's case, he showed in the first two games what his scouting report was literally to a tee. He is a great shooter, (even underrated how good of a shooter imo by some), he can score the basketball at a near elite level, hes quick but lacks elite lateral quickness. That was Damian Lillard in the first couple SL games. On another note, I am flabbergasted at anyone comparing Lillard to Bayless, they have literally nothing in common as prospects.

on another note, I was blown away with John Henson last night, I knew his offensive game was far ahead of where some have said but his footwork, patience & ball control blew me away. Hes gonna be very very very good in a couple years.

[PDXKnight]

While I agree that success in SL is in the end pretty meaningless, if you're awful in SL that has to be a huge red flag. Talent is talent, regardless of the system or lack thereof.

Plenty of the best players haven't had their best moments in summer league. I don't read anything into it whatsoever.

[lucky strike]

A nice writeup from Zach Lowe of SI after being at summer league and talking with scouts/GM's. Really hope Lillard comes through this season. Sucks that we won't get to see Nolan in the rest of the SL games. Looks like he could have transformed himself into a competent backup guard this offseason.

• Meyers Leonard, Portland Trail Blazers

Leonard has moments in every game during which he reminds you that he’s a far cry from the stiff that you might expect upon first seeing him. He jumped off screeners on a few pick-and-rolls to trap ball-handlers all the way out to midcourt, and he managed to scramble back to his original assignment in time to contain things in the interior. Plays like that, from a seven-footer, stand out. Leonard also runs the floor well for a guy his size and got to the free throw line 10 times in Portland’s first two games.

He also committed 13 fouls in those two games, however, and has occasionally found himself out of position after chasing blocks that he had no chance to make. Leonard hasn’t been nearly as polished as Cleveland’s Tyler Zeller, his frequent pre-draft workout partner, but there’s certainly an NBA player here somewhere.

• Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Lillard has drawn so many rave reviews that it almost makes you nervous. He’s averaging 26 points per game and has shot 7-of-17 from three-point range despite clearly having the green light to gun and stretch the limits of his game. He has appeared very comfortable in control of Portland’s offense, running pick-and-rolls, directing guys to their spots and fighting through contact with surprising strength. Lillard goes left a ton, and he’ll have to mix that up more when the real games start. But he has been very, very impressive — he’s the first name that most executives and coaches mention when picking their brains about the best players this week.

[GreenRiddler]

While I agree that success in SL is in the end pretty meaningless, if you're awful in SL that has to be a huge red flag. Talent is talent, regardless of the system or lack thereof.

Batum was amazingly awful in SL the year he was drafted. I remember watching Batum in SL and hoping he stays in France to develop more, he was that bad.

And now he has developed into what? An overpaid role player. I like Nic, but his SL was a good indication of his play to begin his career. He is becoming a useful player, but it's taking time and now ~20% of our salary. He's still developing, like he would be in France only he costs us more here. Not sure why he is your example.

Last time I checked he is a starter.

[Billy]

I am very pleased with what we've seen of Lillard so far. I guess I would be someone that should eat some crow on him. I never had anything against him as a player per-say, but I thought Portland could have drafted him a bit lower. I guess we'll never know, but I have doubts GS would have picked him, and I even have some doubt as to Toronto as well (supposedly they promised Ross like a week prior anyway).

When it comes down to it, a reach isn't a reach if the player becomes a stud. No one is screaming at OKC for arguably reaching 7 picks early to pick Westbrook at #4. When it comes to it, there is something to say about getting your guy a few spots early than trying to squeeze a little extra out and finding yourself without your guy.

[TBFan4Life]

The only player in ST that reminded me of Bayless was Austin Rivers, to be honest. I think New Orleans made a big mistake in drafting Rivers with the idea that he could be trained to play the point (as position he has NEVER played.) I'm very glad we didn't draft him as some of our fans wanted; much happier with the potential of Leonard.

Lillard has shown some serious game, but at the same time....point guard is arguably the most difficult position to play in the NBA, and I'm expecting to see some serious knowledge bumps coming for Lillard in the regular season. Time will tell....

[License2Lillard]

[quote="License2Lillard"]While I agree that success in SL is in the end pretty meaningless, if you're awful in SL that has to be a huge red flag. Talent is talent, regardless of the system or lack thereof.

Batum was amazingly awful in SL the year he was drafted. I remember watching Batum in SL and hoping he stays in France to develop more, he was that bad.

And now he has developed into what? An overpaid role player. I like Nic, but his SL was a good indication of his play to begin his career. He is becoming a useful player, but it's taking time and now ~20% of our salary. He's still developing, like he would be in France only he costs us more here. Not sure why he is your example.

Last time I checked he is a starter.[/quote]


I'm aware of that. Wes Johnson was also a starter...

I was just saying that he struggled in SL, and has had his struggles in the NBA. That's not to say he hasn't shown potential or even been really good in stretches. All I'm saying is that in my opinion struggles in SL are meaningful, if only slightly. Nic is still earning contracts based on his potential, that should be enough of an argument in itself.

[Goldbum]

I was wrong. I wanted Drummond over Lillard and I have. to admit Lillard has excelled beyond my hope for him. I think we may have a real superstar here. At the very leastbwe can stop all the PGOTF talk...

[Clarity]

I was wrong. I wanted Drummond over Lillard and I have. to admit Lillard has excelled beyond my hope for him. I think we may have a real superstar here. At the very leastbwe can stop all the PGOTF talk...

easy romeo *ja adande voice*

[Clarity]

I am very pleased with what we've seen of Lillard so far. I guess I would be someone that should eat some crow on him. I never had anything against him as a player per-say, but I thought Portland could have drafted him a bit lower. I guess we'll never know, but I have doubts GS would have picked him, and I even have some doubt as to Toronto as well (supposedly they promised Ross like a week prior anyway).

When it comes down to it, a reach isn't a reach if the player becomes a stud. No one is screaming at OKC for arguably reaching 7 picks early to pick Westbrook at #4. When it comes to it, there is something to say about getting your guy a few spots early than trying to squeeze a little extra out and finding yourself without your guy.

I must have missed where people were saying Lillard would suck?

It was pretty much a no brainer hed be a great scorer, just like hes shown.

I only saw arguments for taking Barnes (to avoid paying Batum 45 mill) & Drummond (because you dont pass on potential star 7 footers) but Lillard was right there as a top 8-10 talent.

[deanwoof]

makes you wonder who would have taken Lillard between 7 and 11.

[Blazinaway]

makes you wonder who would have taken Lillard between 7 and 11.

I bet Sac wishes they had taken him at 5, I am so glad Trob did not drop any further, wonder if the choice was Lillard or Trob who they would have chosen?

[Clarity]

I bet Sac wishes they had taken him at 5, I am so glad Trob did not drop any further, wonder if the choice was Lillard or Trob who they would have chosen?

they were beyond excited to get T Rob at 5, they didnt need a PG

[deanwoof]

so why did they just sign aaron brooks?

[Clarity]

so why did they just sign aaron brooks?

because he was someone they have always liked (Joe Maloof's own words) he was an absolute bargain, & they needed a backup PG & Brooks is an awesome scoring PG off the bench.

Lillard is a starting PG, Sac already has a starting PG.

[Blazinaway]

so why did they just sign aaron brooks?

because he was someone they have always liked (Joe Maloof's own words) he was an absolute bargain, & they needed a backup PG & Brooks is an awesome scoring PG off the bench.

Lillard is a starting PG, Sac already has a starting PG.

so Thomas is there answer? hmmmmm

[RoyalWun]

I think Sac made the better choice with Robinson @ 5 and signing Brooks.

They're 4-5 looked thin with only Cousins/Thompson/Hayes.

Thomas/Jimmer were their only point guards and Jimmer seems less like a point guard as the days go by.
Then they have Tyreke Evans (not even sure of his position), Marcus Thornton (backup 2 at best) and then Francisco Garcia, James Johnson, Travis Outlaw, and Tyler Honeycutt.

so why did they just sign aaron brooks?

because he was someone they have always liked (Joe Maloof's own words) he was an absolute bargain, & they needed a backup PG & Brooks is an awesome scoring PG off the bench.

Lillard is a starting PG, Sac already has a starting PG.

so Thomas is there answer? hmmmmm

I seen a couple Kings fans saying they like the idea of Thomas being the backup PG. So we just have to see how the battle between Brooks and Thomas comes out.

[kumquat]

I love how Leonard...can we call him Lenny yet lol got 0 turnovers in his next 2 games after a 5 turnover effort and only 1 foul in his last game.....quick learner.

I swear Will Barton is a reincarnation of Stephen Jackson, he brings a bit of badass attitude this team has needed for a long time. First guy off the bench in a brawl guaranteed

[kumquat]

When it comes down to it, a reach isn't a reach if the player becomes a stud. No one is screaming at OKC for arguably reaching 7 picks early to pick Westbrook at #4. When it comes to it, there is something to say about getting your guy a few spots early than trying to squeeze a little extra out and finding yourself without your guy.

Yup I was hoping Westbrook would fall to us that year, but when OKC picked him at 4, I was swearing he didn't drop. I knew he would be good, but not as good as he is. I thought Augustin, Baylessand Gordon would go higher.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I love how Leonard...can we call him Lenny yet lol got 0 turnovers in his next 2 games after a 5 turnover effort and only 1 foul in his last game.....quick learner.

I noticed this too. It's just a summer league, but it showed he can make adjustments.

I swear Will Barton is a reincarnation of Stephen Jackson, he brings a bit of badass attitude this team has needed for a long time. First guy off the bench in a brawl guaranteed

I like the ball-handling he brings. I think we should try and develop him into a Harden like player, try and run the offense through him a bit more. He's shown some decent court vision, he could probably work on going to his off-hand more, but he looks like there is a chance he could fill a role we need, as a playmaker on the wing. Definitely a project, but if he could help facilitate the bench offense that would be awesome - we are kind of weak in that regard.

I really want him to find his shot, at least from 3.