2013 NBA draft prospects chatter

[Snidely FC]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats

Good fits: Ben McLemore, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett

McLemore might be hard for the Bobcats to pass up if they get the No. 1 pick. While Henderson has been solid, McLemore is the type of player that could add some real scoring punch in the backcourt. He's an elite athlete, a terrific shooter, gets to the basket and can defend multiple positions.

Len will also be intriguing. The two guys they have anchoring the middle right now -- Biyombo and Brendan Haywood -- aren't getting it done. Byron Mullens (who actually spends most of his time at the 4) has been solid, but he's not an elite rebounder or shot blocker. Len is still a work in progress, but his size and overall skill around the basket just give the Bobcats a player they don't have.

Bennett should also get a long look here. The power forward spot might be the weakest for the Bobcats right now. Mullens, who's playing out of position, has been solid. Tyrus Thomas and Hakim Warrick just aren't cutting it. Bennett is a bit undersized for the position, but he's long, super athletic and can really score from anywhere on the floor. He also has a NBA-ready game and should be able to come and be an upgrade from day one.

Questionable fits: Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller

Noel has the chance to be a special defensive player. But unless the Bobcats are ready to give up on Biyombo, I'm not sure they can afford to have two offensively challenged big men on the court together.

Muhammad would be great, but he plays the same position as Kidd-Gilchrist, and I just don't think that's the position the Bobcats will try to fill.

Zeller is skilled and runs the floor well, but given their current personnel, I'm not sure he's a significant upgrade.

Best fit: I've heard the Bobcats are big Bennett fans. While I currently haven't had a team tell me he's atop its draft board, I could see the Bobcats being a team that leans in that direction. He's a good fit for their needs and can be an immediate impact player. Maybe he can resurrect the legacy of Larry Johnson (who is actually a pretty good comp for Bennett) not only in Vegas, but in Charlotte, too.

One player quality I would like to note is the ability to make teammates better, which we sure could use (Kemba is much improved himself this year but helping no one else). UCLA was a hot mess and then Shabazz showed up and they've now won 10 in a row. We could use that kind of impact.

[Liver_Pooty]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats

Good fits: Ben McLemore, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett

McLemore might be hard for the Bobcats to pass up if they get the No. 1 pick. While Henderson has been solid, McLemore is the type of player that could add some real scoring punch in the backcourt. He's an elite athlete, a terrific shooter, gets to the basket and can defend multiple positions.

Len will also be intriguing. The two guys they have anchoring the middle right now -- Biyombo and Brendan Haywood -- aren't getting it done. Byron Mullens (who actually spends most of his time at the 4) has been solid, but he's not an elite rebounder or shot blocker. Len is still a work in progress, but his size and overall skill around the basket just give the Bobcats a player they don't have.

Bennett should also get a long look here. The power forward spot might be the weakest for the Bobcats right now. Mullens, who's playing out of position, has been solid. Tyrus Thomas and Hakim Warrick just aren't cutting it. Bennett is a bit undersized for the position, but he's long, super athletic and can really score from anywhere on the floor. He also has a NBA-ready game and should be able to come and be an upgrade from day one.

Questionable fits: Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Cody Zeller

Noel has the chance to be a special defensive player. But unless the Bobcats are ready to give up on Biyombo, I'm not sure they can afford to have two offensively challenged big men on the court together.

Muhammad would be great, but he plays the same position as Kidd-Gilchrist, and I just don't think that's the position the Bobcats will try to fill.

Zeller is skilled and runs the floor well, but given their current personnel, I'm not sure he's a significant upgrade.

Best fit: I've heard the Bobcats are big Bennett fans. While I currently haven't had a team tell me he's atop its draft board, I could see the Bobcats being a team that leans in that direction. He's a good fit for their needs and can be an immediate impact player. Maybe he can resurrect the legacy of Larry Johnson (who is actually a pretty good comp for Bennett) not only in Vegas, but in Charlotte, too.

Im all over the Bennett bandwagon.

[countryboi]

Best fit: I've heard the Bobcats are big Bennett fans. While I currently haven't had a team tell me he's atop its draft board, I could see the Bobcats being a team that leans in that direction. He's a good fit for their needs and can be an immediate impact player. Maybe he can resurrect the legacy of Larry Johnson (who is actually a pretty good comp for Bennett) not only in Vegas, but in Charlotte, too.

how did he know i was a huge Bennett fan? While I am on the Bennett train I wouldnt be mad with Len or McLemore

[Eoghan]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats:...

My response to that article from where I saw it on Bobcat's Planet:

Thanks for the article but I'm not surprised this is from Ford, he is an idiot a lot. First, color me not surprised that Ford likes a slow, European white 7' guy *Darko, cough, cough* All Len needs to do is grow a beard and add -avic to his last name and he'll be Ford's surefire no. 1 pick. Why would Len's size (7'1", 225) and overall skill around the basket give the Bobcats a player they don't have when Zeller's arguably better size (7', 240) and definitively better overall skill around the basket wouldn't? You can fly a dirigible though the hole in that logic.

Secondly, Muhammad is NOT a bad fit for Charlotte. He can easily play the 2 in the NBA, especially alongside someone like MKG who can cover Muhammad's man on defense if the other team's 2 is a better scorer. Shabazz can score from all over the court, Gillie can defend like a mofo, it's arguably the best fit.

Bennett is definitely in the convo though.

Concerning the tank drift, I don't think we necessarily tanked too soon (our "prime" was being swept as a 7th seed), we just didn't get Anthony Davis. We definitely fumbled the ball on the Chandler trade and not using the Dust chip as well as how we handled Diaw.

[Liver_Pooty]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats:...

My response to that article from where I saw it on Bobcat's Planet:

Thanks for the article but I'm not surprised this is from Ford, he is an idiot a lot. First, color me not surprised that Ford likes a slow, European white 7' guy *Darko, cough, cough* All Len needs to do is grow a beard and add -avic to his last name and he'll be Ford's surefire no. 1 pick. Why would Len's size (7'1", 225) and overall skill around the basket give the Bobcats a player they don't have when Zeller's arguably better size (7', 240) and definitively better overall skill around the basket wouldn't? You can fly a dirigible though the hole in that logic.

Secondly, Muhammad is NOT a bad fit for Charlotte. He can easily play the 2 in the NBA, especially alongside someone like MKG who can cover Muhammad's man on defense if the other team's 2 is a better scorer. Shabazz can score from all over the court, Gillie can defend like a mofo, it's arguably the best fit.

Bennett is definitely in the convo though.

Concerning the tank drift, I don't think we necessarily tanked too soon (our "prime" was being swept as a 7th seed), we just didn't get Anthony Davis. We definitely fumbled the ball on the Chandler trade and not using the Dust chip as well as how we handled Diaw.

Im perplexed as to why all of a sudden Muhammed is being labeled a SF now. If anything hes the absolute perfect size for a SG

[countryboi]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats:...

My response to that article from where I saw it on Bobcat's Planet:

Thanks for the article but I'm not surprised this is from Ford, he is an idiot a lot. First, color me not surprised that Ford likes a slow, European white 7' guy *Darko, cough, cough* All Len needs to do is grow a beard and add -avic to his last name and he'll be Ford's surefire no. 1 pick. Why would Len's size (7'1", 225) and overall skill around the basket give the Bobcats a player they don't have when Zeller's arguably better size (7', 240) and definitively better overall skill around the basket wouldn't? You can fly a dirigible though the hole in that logic.

Secondly, Muhammad is NOT a bad fit for Charlotte. He can easily play the 2 in the NBA, especially alongside someone like MKG who can cover Muhammad's man on defense if the other team's 2 is a better scorer. Shabazz can score from all over the court, Gillie can defend like a mofo, it's arguably the best fit.

Bennett is definitely in the convo though.

Concerning the tank drift, I don't think we necessarily tanked too soon (our "prime" was being swept as a 7th seed), we just didn't get Anthony Davis. We definitely fumbled the ball on the Chandler trade and not using the Dust chip as well as how we handled Diaw.

Im perplexed as to why all of a sudden Muhammed is being labeled a SF now. If anything hes the absolute perfect size for a SG

I think its because he is kinda slow footed.

[catch20two]

Shabazz Muhammad is a smart and polished scorer that knows how to pick his spots. He scores 20 points a night almost effortlessly and if you're not paying attention you probably wouldn't notice. That's a sign of stardom if you ask me. I think his potential as a NBA superstar had suddenly and probably fortunately for us became underrated ever since the long drawn out NCAA eligibility issues. I wouldn't want to miss out on him in the draft.

[SWedd523]

Shabazz Muhammad is a smart and polished scorer that knows how to pick his spots. He scores 20 points a night almost effortlessly and if you're not paying attention you probably wouldn't notice. That's a sign of stardom if you ask me.

Just about word for word what I was saying a few years ago about another lefty from the PAC-whatever



fairly similar players too

[vorbis]

Shabazz Muhammad is a smart and polished scorer that knows how to pick his spots. He scores 20 points a night almost effortlessly and if you're not paying attention you probably wouldn't notice. That's a sign of stardom if you ask me.

Just about word for word what I was saying a few years ago about another lefty from the PAC-whatever



fairly similar players too

assuming you're referring to harden?

[Liver_Pooty]

I think he can become exactly the kind of player Harden is right now.

[TheKingofSting]

Never thought I'd hear you say that.

Me either but MKG is so likeable and McLemore arrived so close to Beal, it would be sick to have both.

[James Gatz]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

[Liver_Pooty]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

I compare them when they were both college freshman. I believe they're about even in that regard.

[SWedd523]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

Yeah, that seems to be the one big difference between the two. Harden has a much more rounded game than Shabazz, but as I've said before, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being

[Eoghan]

Note time. From 1-15-13

Noel vs Tennessee (12pts, 9 boards, 6 blocks, 4 steals)
- forced a pass (TO)
- missed a lefty hook
+ shotblocking machine
+ broke up pass
- stifled in paint
+ leads team in rebounds, blocks and steals
- <60% FT shooter
+ great strip in the corner
+ causes TOs
- has trouble banging w/ bigger guys (weight)

Poythress
+ hustle (floor burns)
+ good help defense
• stripped on drive but intercepted defender's attempt to keep it in play and scored
- stepped on baseline during post-up
- stripped on break (pocked picked at halfcourt)
+ nice pass (hit baseline cutter)
+ 3pt (made 2 that I saw)
+ pulls boards down with strength
- could be more assertive on offense
- airballed from righthand dribble drive

Cauley-Stein
+ lefty hook
+ goes into a move as soon as he gets it
- poor FT shooter (big hands)
+ alley oop dunk
+ took a charge
+ nice shot follow for put back
+ good instincts

Goodwin
- Rejected twice on one drive
- poor defense
- another drive blocked
- selfish (could've passed to a wide open Wiltjier or Noel but settled for tougher shot to get himself going)
- bricked 3
- blocked again
+ picked pocket after UK lost possession
- sloppy pass leads to TO
- selfish fastbreak again, misses contested dunk over defender instead of easy dish (nice hops though)
+ Euro-step draws foul
+ good at drawing fouls/contact
+ tear drop
- commits charge
- fouls out (8 pts)

Victor Oladipo vs Wisconsin
+ 3 pt
- drove right missed tough lay-up
+ steals pass & starts break
+ great on-ball defender
- got dunked on by Jared Berggren
+ drives right, absorbs contact & finishes And 1
+ catch & shoot mid-range curl
+ nice spin move in the lane

Cody Zeller
+ draws foul
+ finished w/ contact
+ spin left short J
+ drive across lane right-handed scoop
+ left-handed lay-up
+ brought ball up
? big tendency to go left
+ up & under reverse lay-up
• has speed and athleticism advantage against Berggren (looks all-world)
- fumbled away handle on would-be lay-up
+ catch, drop-step and emphatic slam
+ flawless first half (18pts on 8/8 shooting)
+ quick drop-step to Scola (under the backboard/baseline) lay-up (missed but a nice move)
- got schooled on up & under
- blocked
- went up weak in traffic
- turnover

[BigSlam]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

Yeah, that seems to be the one big difference between the two. Harden has a much more rounded game than Shabazz, but as I've said before, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being

Harden was a 2 year college player dont forget.

Not saying that Bazz is Harden like, just saying...

[BigSlam]

Chad Ford on Draft fits for the Cats:...

My response to that article from where I saw it on Bobcat's Planet:

Thanks for the article but I'm not surprised this is from Ford, he is an idiot a lot. First, color me not surprised that Ford likes a slow, European white 7' guy *Darko, cough, cough* All Len needs to do is grow a beard and add -avic to his last name and he'll be Ford's surefire no. 1 pick. Why would Len's size (7'1", 225) and overall skill around the basket give the Bobcats a player they don't have when Zeller's arguably better size (7', 240) and definitively better overall skill around the basket wouldn't? You can fly a dirigible though the hole in that logic.

Secondly, Muhammad is NOT a bad fit for Charlotte. He can easily play the 2 in the NBA, especially alongside someone like MKG who can cover Muhammad's man on defense if the other team's 2 is a better scorer. Shabazz can score from all over the court, Gillie can defend like a mofo, it's arguably the best fit.

Bennett is definitely in the convo though.

Concerning the tank drift, I don't think we necessarily tanked too soon (our "prime" was being swept as a 7th seed), we just didn't get Anthony Davis. We definitely fumbled the ball on the Chandler trade and not using the Dust chip as well as how we handled Diaw.

Plus, I REALLY see MKG as a solid point forward.

So long as we have passing/shot creation for others from one wing (MKG) and shot creation for them self from the other wing (Bazz) and neither are a spazz on D I am cool.

Oh, and one HAS to have range (Bazz).

[James Gatz]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

I compare them when they were both college freshman. I believe they're about even in that regard.

Harden was a 2 year college player dont forget.

Not saying that Bazz is Harden like, just saying...

Harden had 3.2 apg with 24.6 assist percentage while at Arizona in his freshmen year. Shabazz is currently averaging .8 apg with 5.6 assist percentage.

I'm not trying to diss the guy but he isn't a playmaker on a similar level as Harden. If he was he'd be a surefire number 1 pick.

[BigSlam]

Harden is much better playmaker than Shabazz.

I compare them when they were both college freshman. I believe they're about even in that regard.

Harden was a 2 year college player dont forget.

Not saying that Bazz is Harden like, just saying...

Harden had 3.2 apg with 24.6 assist percentage while at Arizona in his freshmen year. Shabazz is currently averaging .8 apg with 5.6 assist percentage.

I'm not trying to diss the guy but he isn't a playmaker on a similar level as Harden. If he was he'd be a surefire number 1 pick.

No, he wouldn't. Because if he did, Harden would have been a sure fire number 1 pick - and he wasn't.

My point was that Bazz can't be compared with a sophmore.

Dont get me wrong - I dont think he compares with Harden anyways, but you have to keep their experience in perspective.

I compare Bazz more with Tyreke - if Tyreke had better range and a much better head on his shoulders.

[James Gatz]

No, he wouldn't. Because if he did, Harden would have been a sure fire number 1 pick - and he wasn't.

Different scenarios. Harden went number 3 overall and was a part of what most people would consider to be a better draft class.Shabazz is already a consideration for number 1 overall. If he started averaging 3 more assits per game in addition to what he is already doing he would be going 1st.

My point was that Bazz can't be compared with a sophmore.

The stats I listed were from both of their freshmen years.