Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part VII

[tontoz]

I'm pretty sure I want a guy to be a prolific scorer in at least two of three facets that are most important for a PF on the offensive side of the ball if he already has a terrible reputation as a defender tontoz.

Of course you do. Color me shocked.

Personally i would like a guy at the 4 who fits with Wall. I want a guy who can shoot with range, improving the spacing. A guy who can pick and pop as well as a guy who can roll to the basket and finish with authority. Not a huge fan of iso ball.

[Dark Faze]

Then that's where we differ, because I couldn't care less about pairing a perfect buddy for John Wall with our pick. We got that piece last year, his name is Bradley Beal.

Right now this team needs winning concepts and that starts with drafting two way players. Adding court spacing for Wall means nothing if Bennett is giving up as much as he's getting.

[Dark Faze]

For what its worth here's another article on Porter displaying some offensive concerns:

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Situational-Statistics-the-2013-Small-Forward-Crop-4278

As has been the case in recent years with top prospects at the small forward position, who often provide a number of layers of value on both ends the floor aside from their scoring, Otto Porter looks good but not great on paper.

Ranking just above the sample average in usage, Otto Porter's 14.7 possessions isn't terribly impressive, but his 1.06 points per-possession overall ranks fourth in this group, and his free throw rate of 18.5% is good for second. He used 87.3% of his possessions in the half court, the second highest percentage of any small forward prospect. Getting out in transition on a well below average 12.7% of his possessions playing for a very slow-paced Georgetown squad, he scored 1.45 points per-possession and got to the line almost 30% of the time on the break, leading this group in both categories, making you wonder how he'd fare on a team that was more committed to getting out in transition.

Seeing just 20% of his offense creating his own shot on the pick and roll, isolation situations, and post-ups, Porter's profile reflects the work he did in Georgetown's Princeton-style motion offense. Cuts alone account for roughly the same percentage of his total possessions as opportunities to create his own shot. A slightly below average finisher converting 1.13 points per-shot as a sophomore, Porter scored a tremendous 1.393 points per-shot as a freshman in an even more compact role. In contrast to his decline around the rim, Porter made progress as a set shooter this year, knocking down a top-three 42.3% of his catch and shoot jumpers, a significant jump from the 37.4% he made a year ago.

Porter's main weakness on paper aside from his lack of prolific isolation and pick and roll usage, is his pull up jump shot. Making just 25.6% of his 1.3 attempts per-game, it will be worth monitoring whether he can improve as a scorer off the dribble and recapture his efficiency around the rim. Lauded for his ability to help a team as a high-level complementary player, Porter's improved shooting and savvy off-ball movement certainly seem to support claims that he'll fit in on whatever roster he's drafted onto without constantly needing the ball in his hands.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz2Wt5Z3Xm1
http://www.draftexpress.com

Concerning. There are some shocking positives though that further illustrate how much getting away from Georgetown could help him though. Particularly this quote is exciting to read as a wiz fan:

Ranking just above the sample average in usage, Otto Porter's 14.7 possessions isn't terribly impressive, but his 1.06 points per-possession overall ranks fourth in this group, and his free throw rate of 18.5% is good for second. He used 87.3% of his possessions in the half court, the second highest percentage of any small forward prospect. Getting out in transition on a well below average 12.7% of his possessions playing for a very slow-paced Georgetown squad, he scored 1.45 points per-possession and got to the line almost 30% of the time on the break, leading this group in both categories, making you wonder how he'd fare on a team that was more committed to getting out in transition.

[nate33]

My main takeaway from that DX statistics article is that I now REALLY want to draft Ryan Kelly with our 2nd round pick. He's a great shooter; has a high pure point rating; and is one of the best shot blockers out of all the PFs in the draft class. IIRC, he had a very good standing reach at the combine.

It looks like he could be a great stretch four who could hold his own on defense. And I like that he did it all while being somewhat out of shape due to injury.

[Dark Faze]

I want Curry in the 2nd round.

Maybe we can get both? Seth Curry is very impressive in the two guard version of the article.

[DCZards]

He's an apologist. I've never heard one critical word said about EG or the organization for DCZards in all the years he's been here. EG could sh*t a turd on a dinner plate and sign it to a multi-million dollar contract and DCZards would likely complement how polished the turd looks.

You're right. I probably have never said anything critical about EG. But I challenge you to find a single post where I defended or spoke highly of EG. In fact, I haven't expressed an opinion about EG one way or the other. I'll let you and some of the other posters duke it out when it comes to the pros and cons of EG's reign.

Because we disagree on some things (in fact many things such as Beal vs MKG), and because I liked the trade for Okafor/Ariza (and still do) while you hated it...that doesn't make me an apologist for EG or the Zards. Just a fan with a different opinion and perspective than the one you have.

[Howard Cosell]

Gery Woelfel is the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Beat Writer

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
I'm hearing Cavs have moved Otto Porter to the top of their draft board.

So it may come down to picking Bennett or trading down for the Wizards...ahhemmm....

[TGW]

My main takeaway from that DX statistics article is that I now REALLY want to draft Ryan Kelly with our 2nd round pick. He's a great shooter; has a high pure point rating; and is one of the best shot blockers out of all the PFs in the draft class. IIRC, he had a very good standing reach at the combine.

It looks like he could be a great stretch four who could hold his own on defense. And I like that he did it all while being somewhat out of shape due to injury.

I like Ryan Kelly and Withey with our 2nd round picks.

Ryan Kelly is going to be a good player. He measured out well, he's a decent defender, and he can knock down shots. If it weren't for his injuries, he'd be higher on the draft board.

[TGW]

Gery Woelfel is the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Beat Writer

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
I'm hearing Cavs have moved Otto Porter to the top of their draft board.

So it may come down to picking Bennett or trading down for the Wizards...ahhemmm....

Please...everyone in the top 6 has moved up to #1 on the Cavs board. It's just a bunch of smokescreens...

[tontoz]

What the Cavs really want is to trade their pick but apparently there isn't a lot of interest.

[Knighthonor]

Then that's where we differ, because I couldn't care less about pairing a perfect buddy for John Wall with our pick. We got that piece last year, his name is Bradley Beal.

Right now this team needs winning concepts and that starts with drafting two way players. Adding court spacing for Wall means nothing if Bennett is giving up as much as he's getting.

I am confused. How is that a bad thing.

Wall opens up others around him with spacing to shoot.

If wall is drawing attention he can pass to others who are left open to shoot or drive. AB has both those skills. He a big that can drive, serious handles, and can shoot. His skills alone open up the floor for Wall to do his driving.

That's some serious defensive breakdowns. Combo Wall,Beal,AB would break down some serious defenses.

[Knighthonor]

Can VO play SF?
If porter gone i am stick between Noel VO and AB

[truwizfan4evr]

Can VO play SF?
If porter gone i am stick between Noel VO and AB

Noel is my pick!

[popper]

Can VO play SF?
If porter gone i am stick between Noel VO and AB

Not really. He's barely 6'4 with shoes but he could play a few minutes a game probably. Mac and VO won't be Wizards no matter what. If we choose them it's for a trade down scenario.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Prada on Bulletsforever has a new writeup in support of Porter...

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/6/21 ... ny-bennett




CCJ should like the new DX mock... has Wizards taking Porter and Wolters.

[queridiculo]

I'd be happy to get away with Noel, Porter and Len in precisely that order.

On the fence about Bennett, but his potential is hard to ignore despite his ugly defense. Wouldn't be enthused about the selection, but I could live with it.

Love Oladipo, but I don't see him as a small forward in this league. Other players I like are Marshall and Dieng, but I can't envision a realistic scenario that would have us with a pick draft either.

While the Dallas pick would be an option, we all know Ted is a cheap bastard and Grunfeld lacks the creativity to acquire that selection.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Ok, well I'm going to go ahead and give my official choice for the draft now with less than a week to go...

SUPERBALLMAN'S OFFICIAL DRAFT


While some of the trade scenarios out there are enticing, as is the upside of prospects such as Noel, Bennett, and Len.


I've gone back and forth on alot of these options over that past few months, but if I was making the decision, this is what I would do.


My "plan A" at picks 3 and 38 based on who I expect to be available at those picks...


At 3 draft SF Otto Porter.

At 38 draft PF Erik Murphy.


I envision Porter as a building block with Beal and Wall, eventual starting SF and Ariza replacement. Murphy is the stretch 4 off the bench we're seeking, and former teammate of Beal.


My "plan B" if Porter is gone before our pick at 3, which I don't expect...


At 3 draft PF Cody Zeller.

At 38 draft C Colton Iverson.


I would envision Zeller and Iverson potentially as eventual Nene and Okafor replacements at PF and C.

[stevemcqueen1]

Seems like an open question whether an undersized, if slightly so,
inside player will have the ability to finish at the same rate when
he's going against grown-ass men. Maybe he will. I don't think we
know that with the kind of certainty that would be nice to have.

Depends on how he's used, like anyone else. I think he could be really effective from the perimeter as the stretch four and as a roll man on PnRs. Catch the ball from around the key and get moving towards the basket.

As a downhill player, he would be scary because of how powerfully built and aggressive he is.

He does have some soft touch though, not just a dunker even though that's his favorite way to finish. So I think the touch to develop a post game could be there.

Early on, I think he'd be less effective finishing from catching the ball on the low block or high post with his back to the basket. The post game just isn't polished and natural yet. And he's not big enough to just shoot over top of bigs. He needs to face up with them and try and beat them to spots.

Early in his career, just use him for some basic things like pick and rolls and fades, perimeter drives, and spotting up in the corners and from the FT line extended. If he gets good at setting hard picks, then you could have the makings of a tremendous PnR game with him and Wall. And push the tempo as much as you can because where he's going to be devastating is in transition. He can score a lot of points that way. And in general, I think a Wall/Beal/Bennett lineup would be a really potent offensive line up. I'm not really worried about Bennett the scorer.

Defense is where the challenges will lie.

You've got to pair Bennett with a true seven footer and rim protector IMO. You have to take the Memphis approach, pairing ZBo with Gasol. You can't be playing Bennett at C like UNLV did. Our existing personnel aren't well suited to playing D with Bennett IMO. Kevin Seraphin is not a rangy rim protector, he's short for the position. Nene isn't a rim protector though he's got good size. Okafor is only on a one year deal and he's aging.

I think a Bennett pick needs to be complimented by moving back up into the draft and picking someone like Withey or Dieng.

[stevemcqueen1]

New outlook on Bennett: Can he be the next Kwahi Leonard?

Don't know if you're serious, but if you are, I'd say no. They are pretty different. Just from a body type and athletic perspective, they are very different. Bennett is burly and explosive, Leonard is strong but lean and smooth. Leonard is also a standout defender and a low usage offensive player that's more a complimentary piece on that end. Bennett is a weak defender and much more of a go to scorer.

[stevemcqueen1]

That's my question as well. Is he someone with a lot of credibility or a hack just trying to stir up a little local controversy since he's appearing on the home station of the Wizards? I'd like to know that before I jump all over EG based on a statement that might not be totally true.

Ryen Russillo works for ESPN. Does a radio show with Scott Van Pelt, worked the draft combine with Fran, Jay Williams, Chad Ford, and others. He'll be working draft night on the radio as well. Bill Simmons had him on his podcast Sunday to discuss the draft and he said we'd pass on Noel if he was available at 3 because of the red flags.

Thanks. Yeah, I did a little research myself and saw that he was an ESPN guy. Still not sure how well-informed he is though.

Rusillo is a clown. I've never liked him and I still don't understand how he got to where he is today. As far as I can tell, he got canned by the local Patriots owned network he worked for in Boston several years ago for some crap he started with another radio personality there... then suddenly got hired by ESPN and got on shows with Doug Gottlieb and SVP. Must have known somebody. I don't think he's well liked by his peers.

Needless to say, I don't think his information is reliable.