Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part IV

[hands11]

http://asubstituteforwar.wordpress.com/ ... 009-draft/

Ball handing skills, shooting and BBIQ kills. Keep this in mind when looking a CJM and Burke.

I like how he points out how being really athletic doesn't always translate because of other shortcoming.

As for Harden, just go back and read the draftx on him. There were concerns. Very left hand dominate. "In fact, the 27% he shot from the field off the dribble is the lowest of any of the nineteen players in our sample. " Harden turns the ball over at a fairly high rate, and isn't as effective driving right (39% FG) as he is going left (44% FG) per draftx

But reading the rest of the profile, it sounds pretty much like the player he is. It just seems people questioned if he would be able to drive like he did in college against NBA talent because he wasn't viewed as being athletic enough to do it. But Harden has amazing leverage and body control.

This video was a flash back. James Harden talking about coming to the Wizards and how he could help Gil and AJ.

[YouTube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JCOyF4zdah4[/YouTube]

[SUPERBALLMAN]

But I'm concerned that we're going to be left with a paper thin back court rotation with no suitable backups after we draft a SF/PF/C with the 8th pick and use the MLE on Webster. Maybe we don't need to solve every hole in our roster this offseason, and we could address the back court depth issue next offseason through the draft and free agency. But I'm impatient, so I want a back court upgrade! hahaha

But if we use the MLE to address the combo-guard hole, we would merely be generating a depth problem at the SF position.

Essentially, excluding free agency this summer, we are just one man deep at the PG, SG and SF positions. We have only Wall, Beal and Ariza. We need to use the MLE to address depth at one of the spots.

The way I see things, at least Wall and Beal will be around for the next 5-7 years so we know that at least two of the starting roles are locked up. Ariza is gone in just one year, so by addressing the SF depth problem first, we also address the SF starter problem that will manifest in 2014.

There are so many directions they could go in as far as position-wise in this draft. I mean, is Ariza going to be here long term? It doesn't seem like it. Will Webster return? If we sign Webster to a long term contract, is he viewed as our starting SF, and move Ariza for another piece?

If the Wizards draft Porter in the 1st, his skills allow for a pretty comparable replacement for Ariza. If Porter is drafted that high, he would have to be seen as our long term starting sf. Then Webster is resigned as a long term 6th man. Ariza dealt? Maybe we let Webster walk?

If we don't draft a SF in the 1st, does Webster become the long term starter at SF. Is he starting quality? Since preseason I was questioning why he wasn't starting, when he seemed to be playing as well as anyone on the team. Do we decide to keep Ariza long term? Do we move forward with Webster as the starting SF, and maybe draft someone like Bullock in the 2nd round as a backup for Webster. Bullock can come off the bench and give a similar style of play to Webster, so no big adjustments needed, just keep thing going when Webster comes out of the game. Or maybe we draft Bullock and let Webster walk, keep Ariza long term?

If we draft a center with the top pick, what do we do in round 2? For example if we drafted Adams at 8, he can become Okafor's backup and eventual replacement. Maybe we then draft Muscala in round 2 as a PF, Nene backup and eventual replacement? We have potential eventual replacements for our 2 oldest and most expensive players. That may not be a bad stategy. Maybe we take a guy like Green to add to our guard depth and bench scoring.

I think we should take a center with the top pick. It is the most value in terms of adding an asset, and it fills a need. It is really hard to get a good center in free agency. Adams is my top choice, followed by Len. Adams IMO would be an ideal guy to come in and learn under Okafor. Then I would follow it with our top 2nd rounder on a more offensive player. Muscala, Green, Bullock, Murphy would be my top choices. But I would love to replace Vesely and Singleton on the roster with Adams and Muscala. But maybe we should add Green to the backcourt? Maybe we should take Bullock, groom a Webster/Bullock SF rotation, and deal Ariza for a vet guard? Maybe we take Porter, and then Green in the 2nd round? Either of Porter or Bullock would allow us to deal Ariza. If instead we do something like Len and Green, maybe we try to keep Ariza long term?

[hands11]

Breaking down Trey Burke, your consensus #1 come draft day.

If not #1, rookie of the year. He is going to have a really good rookie year. PER 18-20+

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Trey-Burke-36200/

The consensus national player of the year in every major award, even before leading Michigan on an exhilarating NCAA Tournament run to the national championship game, Trey Burke made tremendous strides in his sophomore season, upping his NBA draft stock significantly in the process.

Burke made a substantial statistical jump in many key areas this season, improving his scoring (+21%), assist (+40%) and steal (+75%) rates, upping his 2-point (+1%), 3-point (+3.5%), and free throw percentages (6.1%), while cutting down on his turnover rate (-35%) and nearly doubling his assist to turnover ratio. In addition, his pure point rating went from being ranked 57th amongst all NCAA point guards last season to second best this year.

The engine behind the #1 offense in college basketball, Burke was arguably the best pick and roll point guard in the NCAA this season, able to put incredible pressure on the defense thanks to the tremendous balance he brings between scoring and facilitating for others. The fact that he can make shots from anywhere on the floor, find the open man instantaneously, or get to the rim makes him extremely difficult to game-plan against.

A highly creative passer, Burke can make plays for teammates in a number of ways, using lobs, bounce passes, kick-outs or dump-offs to find the open man confidently in the half-court or in transition. He sees the floor well, and is not predictable at all with the way he decides to attack the defense on any given possession, thanks to his tremendous versatility.

A fantastic ball-handler with the ability to create offense with either hand and also change speeds at will, Burke has terrific timing and patience in the half-court, not being afraid to use his body to seek out contact in the lane or put a defender on his hip in the mid-range area to create an advantage. He is an expert at stopping and using an extra dribble or two to force the defense to react, and then subsequently reading what happens, either finding the open man or pulling up off the dribble himself.

His maturity as a playmaker came a long way this season, as he did a great job cutting down on turnovers this season, coughing the ball up on just 13% of his possessions, second best among DX Top-100 ranked point guards.

Kyrie
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kyrie-Irving-5735/

Kyrie Irving's measurements (6-1 ¾ without shoes, 6-4 wingspan, 8-3 standing reach, 191 pounds) didn't quite live up to the ridiculous standard set by John Wall (6-2 ¾ without shoes, 6-9 ¼ wingspan) last season, and falls a bit short of Derrick Rose (6-1 ½ without shoes, 6-8 wingspan) and Russell Westbrook (6-2 ¼ without shoes, 6-7 ¾ wingspan) in terms of wingspan. However, he has the same height and standing reach as Deron Williams (6' 1.75" without shoes, 8-2 standing reach, 6-6 ¼ wingspan) and the same length as

Chris Paul (5-11 ¾ without shoes, 6-4 ¼ wingspan, 7-9 standing reach 38"
Trey Burke (5-11 ¾ without shoes, 6-5 1/2 wingspan, 8 1/2 standing reach 36.5" max vert

You watch the video and everything he does is an NBA move. Change of pace. Tear drops. Shooting. Passing. Angles. He has it all.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqhtnEvjsf8&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]

[hands11]

But I'm concerned that we're going to be left with a paper thin back court rotation with no suitable backups after we draft a SF/PF/C with the 8th pick and use the MLE on Webster. Maybe we don't need to solve every hole in our roster this offseason, and we could address the back court depth issue next offseason through the draft and free agency. But I'm impatient, so I want a back court upgrade! hahaha

But if we use the MLE to address the combo-guard hole, we would merely be generating a depth problem at the SF position.

Essentially, excluding free agency this summer, we are just one man deep at the PG, SG and SF positions. We have only Wall, Beal and Ariza. We need to use the MLE to address depth at one of the spots.

The way I see things, at least Wall and Beal will be around for the next 5-7 years so we know that at least two of the starting roles are locked up. Ariza is gone in just one year, so by addressing the SF depth problem first, we also address the SF starter problem that will manifest in 2014.

There are so many directions they could go in as far as position-wise in this draft. I mean, is Ariza going to be here long term? It doesn't seem like it. Will Webster return? If we sign Webster to a long term contract, is he viewed as our starting SF, and move Ariza for another piece?

If the Wizards draft Porter in the 1st, his skills allow for a pretty comparable replacement for Ariza. If Porter is drafted that high, he would have to be seen as our long term starting sf. Then Webster is resigned as a long term 6th man. Ariza dealt? Maybe we let Webster walk?

If we don't draft a SF in the 1st, does Webster become the long term starter at SF. Is he starting quality? Since preseason I was questioning why he wasn't starting, when he seemed to be playing as well as anyone on the team. Do we decide to keep Ariza long term? Do we move forward with Webster as the starting SF, and maybe draft someone like Bullock in the 2nd round as a backup for Webster. Bullock can come off the bench and give a similar style of play to Webster, so no big adjustments needed, just keep thing going when Webster comes out of the game. Or maybe we draft Bullock and let Webster walk, keep Ariza long term?

If we draft a center with the top pick, what do we do in round 2? For example if we drafted Adams at 8, he can become Okafor's backup and eventual replacement. Maybe we then draft Muscala in round 2 as a PF, Nene backup and eventual replacement? We have potential eventual replacements for our 2 oldest and most expensive players. That may not be a bad stategy. Maybe we take a guy like Green to add to our guard depth and bench scoring.

I think we should take a center with the top pick. It is the most value in terms of adding an asset, and it fills a need. It is really hard to get a good center in free agency. Adams is my top choice, followed by Len. Adams IMO would be an ideal guy to come in and learn under Okafor. Then I would follow it with our top 2nd rounder on a more offensive player. Muscala, Green, Bullock, Murphy would be my top choices. But I would love to replace Vesely and Singleton on the roster with Adams and Muscala. But maybe we should add Green to the backcourt? Maybe we should take Bullock, groom a Webster/Bullock SF rotation, and deal Ariza for a vet guard? Maybe we take Porter, and then Green in the 2nd round? Either of Porter or Bullock would allow us to deal Ariza. If instead we do something like Len and Green, maybe we try to keep Ariza long term?

Right. That is what I have been saying. Only Adams is a new twist to the story. I had us with Len if we go center.

I see no reason to concede Trevor A is gone after this year and he has already proven he can he a legit SF on a contending team. Only he and top management know what he or they may be thinking. I would imagine if they have a productive season next year and do something in the playoffs, he would want to stay.

I assume they also have a good feel for a number on Webster and if he is committed to staying. Sounded like he was. But I don't see Webster as the SG back up we need. We need someone with better handles. More a SG/PG. Webby is a SF who can play some SG.

[pancakes3]

I think the board having 3-4 first round guys and 3-4 second round guys targeted reinforces the idea that this year is a deep draft. I can only imagine next year's draft to be even more of the same, making draft picks all the more valuable. If there's anyway we can firesale our busts (Ves, Seraphin, Singleton) for even 2nd rounders in next year's draft it'll be worth it.

[sfam]

I think the board having 3-4 first round guys and 3-4 second round guys targeted reinforces the idea that this year is a deep draft. I can only imagine next year's draft to be even more of the same, making draft picks all the more valuable. If there's anyway we can firesale our busts (Ves, Seraphin, Singleton) for even 2nd rounders in next year's draft it'll be worth it.

More likely is we firesale our second round picks for cash.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Given the depth of roll players in this draft I'd really love to add a couple late 1st or early 2nd round picks. Maybe deal Vesely and cash for one, and Singleton with our late 2nd rounder for another.

Take Adams at 8, and use the other 3 picks on Muscala, Bullock, Green. Then retain Webster, Price, Barbosa, Temple. Starting 5 Okafor, Nene, Ariza, Beal, Wall. Bench Adams, Seraphin, Muscala, Booker, Webster, Bullock, Temple, Barbosa, Green, Price.

Center: Okafor, Adams, Seraphin

PF: Nene, Muscala, Booker

SF: Ariza, Webster, Bullock

SG: Beal, Barbosa, Temple

PG: Wall, Price, Green


I really like that roster.

[mhd]

Maybe we could trade down to a team wanting Schroeder? It seems like he's the fastest rising guy in the draft.

[TGW]

Rather have Dieng than Adams...I'm not buying the Adams hype at all.

[jivelikenice]

I think the board having 3-4 first round guys and 3-4 second round guys targeted reinforces the idea that this year is a deep draft. I can only imagine next year's draft to be even more of the same, making draft picks all the more valuable. If there's anyway we can firesale our busts (Ves, Seraphin, Singleton) for even 2nd rounders in next year's draft it'll be worth it.

More likely is we firesale our second round picks for cash.

This team has never sold a pick for cash since Ted took over. I could see a Euro stash or a trade up into early Rd 2, possibly late 1st round if we include a Singleton/Booker type.

[Liverbird]

CJ McCollum would be such a good fit as our third guard. He'll contribute immediately, he's mature, and I've liked the positive reports about his personality at the combine. I imagine something like Chauncey Billups.

I wouldn't complain if we drafted Zeller but I'm less optimistic about his impact, but at 8, it's good value.

[nate33]

Rather have Dieng than Adams...I'm not buying the Adams hype at all.

I dunno. Their ages are a huge factor here. I love Dieng, but Adams is 19 and Dieng is 23.

[montestewart]

Rather have Dieng than Adams...I'm not buying the Adams hype at all.

I dunno. Their ages are a huge factor here. I love Dieng, but Adams is 19 and Dieng is 23.

I've never seen Adams play, but looking at their stats, the two look pretty similar, aside from the above difference.

[Deeptu McPullup]

Adams' showcases his lack of know how against Syracuse here:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfoA0-tDUmA[/youtube]

Adams is so young and so raw that it's really just a question of what sort of intelligence and drive he's got going; there's almost no point in dissecting game film. You could say "he has no feel for the game", but who would coming to the game from his situation? His coming to the game late combined with New Zealand's population of 4.5 million and geographic isolation is not just going to have given him much opportunity against top shelf ball players.

So, it's simple: drafting him is a pure play on his intangibles and competitiveness. The tools are obvious, so If he puts in the work, he'll grow rapidly and we can forget about his awkwardness as a Panther. If the intangibles aren't there, he's a guaranteed gargantuan bust.

Incidentally, David Aldridge's writeup on the centers just came out. Here's some quotes on Adams.

"He impressed everybody in his interviews," a Southeast Division executive said. "He was solid working with the bigs. I think people just liked his upside and his attitude. I think he impressed everybody with how hard he works. His best basketball is ahead of him. Character moves you up. I don't know if (becoming a Lottery pick) happens. If it would it would probably be closer to 15, somebody at the tail end of the Lottery who needs some size."

"He's big and strong, he's reasonably athletic, he is very physical," a Pacific Division scout said. "If this league can draft Daniel Orton in the first round, you can draft Steven Adams in the first round. I thought he was a first-round candidate when I saw him play against Georgetown a few months ago. I thought he was very aggressive and physical. He doesn't mind hitting people and he doesn't mind being hit. He's a big guy. He's got big hands. (But) he's not a skilled player."

"Is he a Lottery pick?," one GM asked over the weekend. "I don't know man. We were watching Synergy the other day and he bobbled so many balls. But in Chicago, he caught all of them."

They've got the other guys too:

http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/d ... f:nbahpt6c

[MikeTheKid]

It makes good sense to use our early 2nd on another guard. I doubt Shane Larkin lasts, but Wolters, Eric Green or the real Pierre will still be there. Bennett and a serviceable backup guard would be a nice get. I'd like Ryan Kelly as well but doubt we use the second #2.

Looks like that might stick

TRP

As for Ryan Kelly. Did you catch his body fat index ? Dude needs to get a dietician.
I thought he would be a candidate for S4, but not if he is going to be so lazy he can't get in shape.

As for who is get in the 2nd, there are so many role players in this draft. Just depends on what they want.

There are shooters, rebounders, S4s, some project athletic types. I actually really like this draft for its depth. And there will be a few studs that come out of it closer to the top.

Taking Kelly with our late 2nd makes sense. His body fat will drop his value, but if he gets his weight together, he might be a decent stretch 4 off the bench in a few years.

Pause Guys remember Ryan Kelly was out 2 months with the foot injury during the season and played injured on it from March til the end of the season and he had surgery in early April. He's probably not fully training on it

[mhd]

Looks like EG has no plans on drafting 3 players:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wi ... story.html

"“I don’t think we want to have three rookies on the roster next year. We’ll see what we do with those second-round picks and how they could become an asset. Maybe package them to move up a little bit,” Grunfeld said. “Most years there is some movement. I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion, a lot of speculation, a lot of rumors flying, but we feel comfortable wherever we end up that we’ll be able to find somebody to help us and do some things for us.”"

So, he'll hang onto Vesely, but won't take a flyer on potential contributors with the 2nd round picks?

[hands11]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jac ... ael-19449/

Man, I wish Kevin S would play like this.

[hands11]

Looks like EG has no plans on drafting 3 players:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wi ... story.html

"“I don’t think we want to have three rookies on the roster next year. We’ll see what we do with those second-round picks and how they could become an asset. Maybe package them to move up a little bit,” Grunfeld said. “Most years there is some movement. I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion, a lot of speculation, a lot of rumors flying, but we feel comfortable wherever we end up that we’ll be able to find somebody to help us and do some things for us.”"

So, he'll hang onto Vesely, but won't take a flyer on potential contributors with the 2nd round picks?

It didn't say they wouldn't use a 2nd round pick, it said they didn't want to use both of them so they may package them and move up. Not that hasn't been suggested here already. Maybe even packaged with a player like Singleton.

[Deeptu McPullup]

Looks like EG has no plans on drafting 3 players:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wi ... story.html

"“I don’t think we want to have three rookies on the roster next year. We’ll see what we do with those second-round picks and how they could become an asset. Maybe package them to move up a little bit,” Grunfeld said. “Most years there is some movement. I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion, a lot of speculation, a lot of rumors flying, but we feel comfortable wherever we end up that we’ll be able to find somebody to help us and do some things for us.”"

So, he'll hang onto Vesely, but won't take a flyer on potential contributors with the 2nd round picks?

I'll be pleased as punch if we package the second rounders to move up into the late first. Ernie seems to be suggesting that we're open to having two rookies come in, which is better than I would have expected, actually.

If we don't plan to try and use a max slot in 2014, trading one or more of of Ernie's Kids® with the two seconds for a semi-useful guy who expires in 2015 might get us flirting with the mid round. Boston?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I hate to keep pumping Dukees, but I think Ryan Kelly is a much better prospect than Murphy - and his 9'2 standing reach (same as Nerlens Noel) has to help. He needs to see a strength and conditioning coach and perhaps a nutrionist - considering his 14.5% body fat. But that high body fat % might indicate there's more potential improvement.

I don't have all the combine stuff entered yet, but YODA doesn't seem to like Kelly all that much. He has a lower overall rating than Muhammad. He can shoot it, but I was really surprised to see how little he rebounds.

Who's a better prospect between Ryan Kelly and Kenny Kadji?

Kadji's 45 or 46 years old (j/k--he's 24 already and Kelly is 22), but he strikes me as a better basketball player than Kelly. Kadji rebounds better, blocks more shots, can hit the three almost as well, and is a much better athlete at about the same size as Kelly.