Official Draft Thread: Prospects Watch

[blue and white]

Can a player improve his ball-handling in the NBA?

its not easy but there are players who do ex. jj redick. came in a pure shooter and now is a good team defender ball handler and passer

[dsg2021]

I agree with both sides of the issue in the Smart/Burke vs MCW debates but I got this theory that eventually we're going to have scoring-minded, high-potential prospects/players so will scoring PGs really be worth that if we get a max FA or two, or a Shabazz type, or a Wiggins type scorer, with a burgeoning Harkless, Nicholson, or Vucevic.

As all three are great PGs, it makes it doubly hard to wonder about this offensive overload, but I look at many other lottery teams in the recent years and I just don't see many offenses gelling into a good system.

Even now, the Magic's offense remains more of a system play, that is enjoyable to watch when its focused together (Jameer and JJ are brilliant players to watch play, Harkless is oozing so much potential, Vucevic is the best garbage big man in the NBA, and Nicholson and Afflalo can go get those buckets), over pretty much any other lotto team of younger prospects gunning and passing without a good system of offense. The Utah team has a lot of lotto talent that's not even franchise stars (yet) but they have a system going there, and these system and IQ based offenses really develop players better than a terrible mish mash of poor fitting lotto talents like Sacramento's team.

MCW should bring the passing and leadership, while also bringing an athletic and tall standing team with Harkless and Vucevic and another smart IQ player along with Nicholson, JJ. Thinking optimistically, a Wiggins/McLemore scoring type talent taken or deftly found by Magic drafting acumen in another lotto year, would really bring that roster more together in a perfect way (along with some more defensive players too). I don't follow college BBall enough though, so who knows, maybe Burke is the next CP3-Lite, or Smart is the next Lillard/Irving. I'm using mainly scouting profiles and clips like most of us.

[Tarot Magician]

What underrate players do you like?

Here is mine

Erick Green / Kevin Pangos
P.J. Hairston
Andre Roberson/ Adonis Thomas
Jarnell Stokes/ Deshaun Thomas/ Doug McDermot
Kelly Olynik

Victor Oladipo

Victor as a pick in the 20's might be nice. Not sure how long his 3-point accuracy will hold up throughout an 82-game season, but he's been shooting well this year. If he can get his FT's to 70%, he'd make a nice three's, free's and D guy.

[Skin]

Want nothing to do with Noel. No killer instinct. Never gonna be a superstar in the NBA. He might block shots, but that doesn't make up for his lack of offense. There are plenty of guys like that in the NBA that can be had without using a top pick on. You need someone with legit skills or you're just getting the next Ekpe Udoh or Bismack Biyombo. Screw that. Plus, there's no way I want him playing over Vucevic and there's no way I want him playing PF.

If we want a post player, then Anthony Bennett is the guy we need. If we go PG, then it's between Smart and MWC. ...and honestly, MWC has started to make me believe in him lately where I wasn't always a fan before.

Don't think Bennett has as much success in the NBA as a 6'7" PF. And what in the past few games impresses you about MWC? I've actually completely veered away from the kid the past few games.

Ah well, I don't really care about his height since his arm length is 7'1 and he has the bulk, strength and athleticism that shoot through the roof. His offensive abilities are extremely rare for a player with that size and bulk. He would give us something we have been sorely lacking for many years now. A "go to" scorer. Right now we are a team of complimentary scorers.

His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but you can find guys who play defense in the second round or reasonably affordable in FA. But you can't teach offense like this. At such a young age his game is so advanced. ...and you can teach defense. When you have the athleticism this guy has, the rest is just a mental commitment and understanding defensive concepts.

Too many people see the 6'7 and get turned off too easiliy. He's one guy who will succeed in the NBA and his bust factor is very very low.

As for MCW... NOT MWC, haha. All I saw of him was him being the reason they upset #1 Louisville, beat #21 Cincinnati and while they lost in OT to Villanova, he had another good game, especially attacking the basket.

[BrettC03]

Can a player improve his ball-handling in the NBA?

Sure. I mean, he's not going to go from Duhon to Iverson or anything, but ball-handling is one of those things that get better with practice. Like shooting.

[KillMonger]

Real Talk i'm becoming more interested in Anthony Bennett, Seems like he has a lot of skills and best of all he can create his own shot. He also says he wants to develop his game towards more of a SG and honestly i think he can get there with his great base of skills he has at only 19. We could have a crazy long with Bennett think about it lol

SG: Harkless 7" Wingspan
SF: Bennett 7"1 Wingspan
PF: Nicholson 7'4 Wingpan
C: Vucevic 7'4 Wingspan

Either way if we have a top 3 pick then Bennett has to be strongly considered, honestly i can't believe i haven't taken a closer look at him, he could be the real deal holyfield

[Cigamodnalro]

Real Talk i'm becoming more interested in Anthony Bennett, Seems like he has a lot of skills and best of all he can create his own shot. He also says he wants to develop his game towards more of a SG and honestly i think he can get there with his great base of skills he has at only 19. We could have a crazy long with Bennett think about it lol

SG: Harkless 7" Wingspan
SF: Bennett 7"1 Wingspan
PF: Nicholson 7'4 Wingpan
C: Vucevic 7'4 Wingspan

Either way if we have a top 3 pick then Bennett has to be strongly considered, honestly i can't believe i haven't taken a closer look at him, he could be the real deal holyfield

1) Harkless is a SF, not a SG. The guy played center in college, and does not have the shooting or the ball-handling to be a SG on offense. Not a knock, just an affirmation that players should play within the confines of their games.

2) Bennett is a PF, not a SF. He's 6'7, but his wingspan makes up for the height discrepancy. Bennett isn't quick enough to guard SF, and by forcing him to be a slow SF instead of a short-but-long PF, you're dooming him to a Derrick Williams-like career trajectory. You wouldn't play Millsap at SF. Don't do it to Bennett either.

[OrlChamps2030]

Real Talk i'm becoming more interested in Anthony Bennett, Seems like he has a lot of skills and best of all he can create his own shot. He also says he wants to develop his game towards more of a SG and honestly i think he can get there with his great base of skills he has at only 19. We could have a crazy long with Bennett think about it lol

SG: Harkless 7" Wingspan
SF: Bennett 7"1 Wingspan
PF: Nicholson 7'4 Wingpan
C: Vucevic 7'4 Wingspan

Either way if we have a top 3 pick then Bennett has to be strongly considered, honestly i can't believe i haven't taken a closer look at him, he could be the real deal holyfield

1) Harkless is a SF, not a SG. The guy played center in college, and does not have the shooting or the ball-handling to be a SG on offense. Not a knock, just an affirmation that players should play within the confines of their games.

2) Bennett is a PF, not a SF. He's 6'7, but his wingspan makes up for the height discrepancy. Bennett isn't quick enough to guard SF, and by forcing him to be a slow SF instead of a short-but-long PF, you're dooming him to a Derrick Williams-like career trajectory. You wouldn't play Millsap at SF. Don't do it to Bennett either.

Not that I would try and put Bennett at SF but as to the bolded.... Wut???

[magicman123]

Real Talk i'm becoming more interested in Anthony Bennett, Seems like he has a lot of skills and best of all he can create his own shot. He also says he wants to develop his game towards more of a SG and honestly i think he can get there with his great base of skills he has at only 19. We could have a crazy long with Bennett think about it lol

SG: Harkless 7" Wingspan
SF: Bennett 7"1 Wingspan
PF: Nicholson 7'4 Wingpan
C: Vucevic 7'4 Wingspan

Either way if we have a top 3 pick then Bennett has to be strongly considered, honestly i can't believe i haven't taken a closer look at him, he could be the real deal holyfield

1) Harkless is a SF, not a SG. The guy played center in college, and does not have the shooting or the ball-handling to be a SG on offense. Not a knock, just an affirmation that players should play within the confines of their games.

2) Bennett is a PF, not a SF. He's 6'7, but his wingspan makes up for the height discrepancy. Bennett isn't quick enough to guard SF, and by forcing him to be a slow SF instead of a short-but-long PF, you're dooming him to a Derrick Williams-like career trajectory. You wouldn't play Millsap at SF. Don't do it to Bennett either.

i agree, that is a dysfunctional lineup

[KillMonger]

Real Talk i'm becoming more interested in Anthony Bennett, Seems like he has a lot of skills and best of all he can create his own shot. He also says he wants to develop his game towards more of a SG and honestly i think he can get there with his great base of skills he has at only 19. We could have a crazy long with Bennett think about it lol

SG: Harkless 7" Wingspan
SF: Bennett 7"1 Wingspan
PF: Nicholson 7'4 Wingpan
C: Vucevic 7'4 Wingspan

Either way if we have a top 3 pick then Bennett has to be strongly considered, honestly i can't believe i haven't taken a closer look at him, he could be the real deal holyfield

1) Harkless is a SF, not a SG. The guy played center in college, and does not have the shooting or the ball-handling to be a SG on offense. Not a knock, just an affirmation that players should play within the confines of their games.

2) Bennett is a PF, not a SF. He's 6'7, but his wingspan makes up for the height discrepancy. Bennett isn't quick enough to guard SF, and by forcing him to be a slow SF instead of a short-but-long PF, you're dooming him to a Derrick Williams-like career trajectory. You wouldn't play Millsap at SF. Don't do it to Bennett either.

1) The lineups that i suggested was starting lineup that i personally would love should of made that clear, Also SG/SF is what i project Harkless to be when he's fully developed a lot like a Rudy Gay or Paul George type but that's just my opinion.

2) What i said about Bennett trying to mould his game towards more of SG/SF is not something i'm making up that is something he himself said so if he believes he can get to that point why not? To me it's not out of the realm of possibility especially with his offensive versatility. I mean the kid has great athleticism, he can shoot the ball from mid-range and from 3, he can handle the ball has a great left to right crossover. IDK maybe it's wishful thinking on my part but i'm willing to own it.

Don't see why those guys can't achieve what they want as in Harkless saying he wants to be a SG/SF and Bennett the same. I feel like they shouldn't be confined to whatever label they're given or people that say they can't do this or that, it just puts a limit on how far they can take their games. That lineup i suggested to me would be awesome if said players develop the way i see it but it's more or less a pipe dream.

[Cigamodnalro]

I'm just weary of tweener bigs trying to play small to compensate for their lacks of size. It didn't work for Derrick Williams, and I while I think Bennett is the better player (which is saying something, because Derrick Williams WAS amazing in college), I don't think it would maximize Bennett's game either.

Just because people tell you that you lack the height to effectively play one position doesn't mean that you don't also lack the speed to play the other. Bennett is unique in that he DOES have great ball control, but I still think it's a mistake to take a guy who has been compared to great bigs like Millsap and even Karl Malone and to force him to chase Kevin Durant or MKG or Kahwi Leonard around the perimeter. What Bennett lacks in height he more than makes up for in length. The guy will be a beast on offense if he is utilized correctly.

[Cigamodnalro]

#6 seed Syracuse about to lose to unranked Pitt. MCW is shooting 3-10 on the afternoon.

[OrlChamps2030]

I'm just weary of tweener bigs trying to play small to compensate for their lacks of size. It didn't work for Derrick Williams, and I while I think Bennett is the better player (which is saying something, because Derrick Williams WAS amazing in college), I don't think it would maximize Bennett's game either.

Just because people tell you that you lack the height to effectively play one position doesn't mean that you don't also lack the speed to play the other. Bennett is unique in that he DOES have great ball control, but I still think it's a mistake to take a guy who has been compared to great bigs like Millsap and even Karl Malone and to force him to chase Kevin Durant or MKG or Kahwi Leonard around the perimeter. What Bennett lacks in height he more than makes up for in length. The guy will be a beast on offense if he is utilized correctly.

Millsap plays a decent amount of small forward man, so I'm not sure why you keep repeatedly using him as your reason as to why Bennett shouldn't be on the wing. But Bennett will be a nice player; I think he would be a good fit on the Wizards. They need some post scoring.

[Def Swami]

Marcus Smart and Ben McLemore going head to head. Both having trouble shooting the ball today. However, Smart had a pretty impressive finish on the fast break. Don't really see him dunk much. Just assuring to know he can do that.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3f8rM9NNJU[/youtube]

[Noonskadoodle]

Anthony Bennett Scouting Report up at NBADraftnet

NBA Comparison: Larry Johnson/Jason Maxiell

Strengths: Bennett has expanded his game offensively and become almost unguardable during his first season of college ball ... Bennett's transition to the college game has been seamless ... What grabs your attention about Bennett is his focus and intensity ... Imposing physical specimen. Huge hands, wide shoulders and an enormous wingspan gives him great ability to dunk the ball with power ... He's very athletic, long, quick & fast. With a 7'1 wingspan & impressive inch vertical he poses nightmare problems in terms of mismatches ... Able to overpower smaller defenders & bigger defenders get outquicked and often dunked on ... Bennett is best at the power game in the paint, where at least 70 % of his scoring total comes from ... When charting his shots on the season he has literally scored from every power spot on the floor ... He favors the right side of the floor consisting of floaters, tip ins, reverse layups & dunks 60% of the time. Bennett's 42 dunks put him among the country's leaders. Bennett has made 23 3 pointers this season and averages 1 make per game. Bennett's sweet spot is the left perimeter where he's made 40% of his 3 pointers. His go to midrange move is his face up jumper from the right baseline ... Two words that bode well for Bennett's future are productivity and efficency ... He is so efficient that if he played 40 minutes per game he would average 26.2 points per game ... He has the innate ability to create spacing which helps him to score whether it's freezing a defender with a jab step or flaring off of a screen to catch & shoot or flat out blowing by a defender for a power dunk ... Bennett continually shows his versatility which raises his intrigue ... Bennett's footwork is excellent, especially for someone of his size. Along with his footwork, Bennett's shooting mechanics are very good. His form never changes on his shot. His shoulders are always squared and facing the basket. His release point is the same & even his misses look good ... Bennett is extremely adept at drawing fouls and goes to the stripe an average of 6 times per game, knocking down 75% of his free throws ... Bennett is an adept ball handler and has gone coast to coast 4 times this season. He maintains a low dribble and is rarely caught upright. Based upon playing 40 minutes, he averages only 2 turnovers. As stated earlier, with his tremendous skill set & ability to draw fouls he commands a great deal of attention defensively ...

Weaknesses: Somewhat of a tweener as he is slightly undersized for a full time PF (though that's likely his future position) and slow defesnively to play the SF position ... The major concern for Bennett going into this season was his health. His prep career was marred with injuries as he was not able to finish out either his junior or senior seasons. On the positive side he hasn't had any such problems in college having not missed a single practice much less game ... There are some questions about his toughness. He's got a massive frame with increible strength, but for as big and strong as he is, it doesn't always appear that he seeks out contact, or play with ferocity on the boards ... While averaging a team high 8 rebounds a game, at times he appears disinterested defensively. In Bennett's defense he spent the beginning of the season defending the opposition's Center until teammate Khem Birch became eligible, but defending is also about desire.

Notes: Measured 6'7 (in shoes) 242 lbs, with a 7'1 wingspan at the 2011 LeBron James Skills Academy ... Knocked down a clutch three pointer late to lift the International team to victory in the 2012 Hoop Summit ... Has been as productive as any freshman in the country causing some to wonder if he could go #1 overall in a weak draft ... At 6'7 & 240 lbs he could be a Defensive End for the Runnin Rebels football team ... His fast college ascent is partially attributable to the 11th & 12th grade years which were well spent at Findlay Prep ... In addition, Bennett spent those summers playing aau for CIA Bounce & Team Canada in International Competitions ...

[Cigamodnalro]

I'm just weary of tweener bigs trying to play small to compensate for their lacks of size. It didn't work for Derrick Williams, and I while I think Bennett is the better player (which is saying something, because Derrick Williams WAS amazing in college), I don't think it would maximize Bennett's game either.

Just because people tell you that you lack the height to effectively play one position doesn't mean that you don't also lack the speed to play the other. Bennett is unique in that he DOES have great ball control, but I still think it's a mistake to take a guy who has been compared to great bigs like Millsap and even Karl Malone and to force him to chase Kevin Durant or MKG or Kahwi Leonard around the perimeter. What Bennett lacks in height he more than makes up for in length. The guy will be a beast on offense if he is utilized correctly.

Millsap plays a decent amount of small forward man, so I'm not sure why you keep repeatedly using him as your reason as to why Bennett shouldn't be on the wing. But Bennett will be a nice player; I think he would be a good fit on the Wizards. They need some post scoring.

Oh, yeah, he can play it. It's just not his best position, and his minutes there are regulated. See e.g. viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1182413

[bigdogdylan5]

After watching the Kansas vs Oklahoma State i am 90% convinced we should draft Marcus Smart. I have always been a MCW guy but after watching him play for the first time he just seems like a great fit. He can play great defense he can finish at the rim. His shot needs work but that kind of stuff is fixable especially if you have the commitment and with this kids motor i think he can develop into a top10 PG in this league

[blue and white]

After watching the Kansas vs Oklahoma State i am 90% convinced we should draft Marcus Smart. I have always been a MCW guy but after watching him play for the first time he just seems like a great fit. He can play great defense he can finish at the rim. His shot needs work but that kind of stuff is fixable especially if you have the commitment and with this kids motor i think he can develop into a top10 PG in this league

welcome to the dark side. smarts a pest on defense and has a great motor. like you said his shot still needs work but compared to MCW he looks like ray allen. he has great size for pg and is a hard worker so i think he will live up to his potential.

[blue and white]

Watching Noel right now and I think hes the clear #1 this year, the others are gonna really have to have great workouts to pass him up. I think Noel is the most sure thing right now with his great defense and great athleticism, sure his offense needs work but offense is much easier to acquire then defense. noel knows what he good at and plays within himself very well

[MagicFan32]

Want nothing to do with Noel. No killer instinct. Never gonna be a superstar in the NBA. He might block shots, but that doesn't make up for his lack of offense. There are plenty of guys like that in the NBA that can be had without using a top pick on. You need someone with legit skills or you're just getting the next Ekpe Udoh or Bismack Biyombo. Screw that. Plus, there's no way I want him playing over Vucevic and there's no way I want him playing PF.

If we want a post player, then Anthony Bennett is the guy we need. If we go PG, then it's between Smart and MWC. ...and honestly, MWC has started to make me believe in him lately where I wasn't always a fan before.

yeah Dwight Howard was a pretty terrible player, who had a similar skillset to Noel at the same age