Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part VIII

[hands11]

HoopsWorld's final consensus mock:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2013-nba-mock ... -consensus

3 out of 4 have the Wiz taking Porter.

And the other has us picking Noel.

One player who I don't understand why he's ranked so low is Withey - the highest he's ranked is 28th. Yes, he's light for a center and he's 23, but the guy is a fluid 7 footer who understands the game at both ends (higher bbiq than centers rated ahead of him). And I don't know why everyone that I've read assumes he'll never be starting material. Maybe the weight is the issue, but he's strong for his size and holds his ground. There aren't a lot of huge offensive centers in the NBA that are going to effectively bully him around, imo. And his shot-blocking ability is almost uncanny.

And with the 28th pick, the SA Spur pick... Jeff Withey

[The Consiglieri]

Consiglieri, you do realize that Otto tested better than Kawhi athletically in every category save the 3/4 court sprint, right?

Zeller tested through the roof too. Sometimes athleticism shows up on the court, but not on the tests, sometimes it shows up in the tests but not on the court. The ability to apply athletic gifts to the field of play matters every bit as much as the presence of said athleticism. I saw Leonard's athleticism at San Diego State, and in the NBA. I didn't see Barnes EVER at UNC, nor Zeller's at Indiana, nor Otto's at Georgetown. Could be system, could be player. There are limits to pure numbers based analysis as well as the eye test. Again, if this were easy and as simple as plugging in numbers, or plugging in eye test interpretations, GM's would never get fired, and the draft would be cake, and not as difficult and as fraught with problems as it is.

I think Burke is going to be the most overlooked top pick in the draft. The way he keeps he dribble alive and chances speeds are polished NBA skills. And he is a leader. Those skills will translate well to the NBA. And no packed zones will open the floor for him.

I LOVE Burke. I think he's gonna drop a good bit on draft day, if he doesn't go at 5 or 6, he could drop quite a bit. There have been PG's a bit like him in the past that I loved, that simply couldn't overcome their height/athleticism issues, but his vision, and his pass first/shoot first confidence (the shoot first resume he's been given is blatantly inaccurate to me, perhaps I didn't see enough Michigan games, but observing him, it always seemed as if he was always looking for the highest percentage play. He was and is an outstanding passer and decision maker, and an absolute clutch shooter not afraid of the moment, but also not afraid to make the smart play with the clock reading :01, if it makes more sense). There are a few guys I think will make people look foolish in a few years, and the top guys on my list for now are Burke, Muhammad, McCollum, Karasev, possibly Ledo and Mitchell.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I want really hope they take Porter.

I have a growing belief the pick is gonna be Bennett though.

I just keep thinking about the report about Bennett going out to dinner with Grunfeld and Wittman. I can just imagine Ernie having such a great time, laying out his plan, and the easily impressed Bennett telling them he's their guy. Ernie having visions of grandeur while gulping down lasagna.

[hands11]

Beal wasn't a no brainer. A lot of people wanted other players at that spot, Drummond, MKG, TRob, etc.

Wall also wasn't necessarily the no brainer people think he was today. A lot of people loved Evan Turner.

Anyway, I found it interesting that Beal has been kind of an ambassador for the team to young players in the class. He has connections to both McLemore and Porter and Bennett said Beal reached out to him and told him about how much he loves playing here. It was cool to hear about Beal being proactive and pursuing a personal relationship with these guys. I think he's an amazing teammate.

A lot of young players already want to play with Wall, he's been mentioned as the reason these guys want to play here since 2011. Beal can be another guy who helps ease the transition of whomever we draft.

We've got a nice thing brewing.

The last three posts eco my view. This is how you get better player development. Beal was the first to benefit except things were a bit of a mess to start the season.

The next to arrive will have it even better.

That said, Otto clearly will take less hand holding then Bennett. Same with Otto, Zeller and Burke.

[wake20]

24 hours until the draft and I got

(1) Draft Porter. Keep it simple, stupid.

(2) Draft Oladipo. If someone we like (Bennett, Len, Zeller) falls to 9, offer MIN Oladipo for DWill, #9, and #26. If not, keep the pick. Oladipo is going to be a really, really good player even if it doesn't make sense for our roster.

(3) Draft Bennett. Pray for the best.

That's pretty much it, unless Noel falls. 100% against drafting anyone else at 3.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Aldridge says Denver looking to sell their pick (27).

[popper]

Aldridge says Denver looking to sell their pick (27).

Damnit Ernie .............. we need that pick.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Porter at 3 and Murphy at 38.

Porter is such a great fit with Wall and Beal. They actually moved up to 3... almost seems meant to be.

Murphy is ideal as a shooter off the bench (along with Webster) to spot up for Wall kickouts, former teammate of Beal and says he still talks with him, stretch 4.

Both these guys are so logical, it couldn't get any easier.

Don't over think it.

[Knighthonor]

I want really hope they take Porter.

I have a growing belief the pick is gonna be Bennett though.

I just keep thinking about the report about Bennett going out to dinner with Grunfeld and Wittman. I can just imagine Ernie having such a great time, laying out his plan, and the easily impressed Bennett telling them he's their guy. Ernie having visions of grandeur while gulping down lasagna.

Like I said before. Wall knows what the team needs. He was right about getting shooters (got Beal and Webster). Now if he wants a stretch 4 in Bennett, there is good reason to trust his judgement. Especially when he will be the guy playing with him.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Did anyone see this article that shows the per rating against elite competition? I'm certainly not suggesting him anywhere near 3 but I'm shocked at how well the Gonzaga guy did:
http://t.basketball.realgm.com/realgm/# ... d9d0eacc72

I am surprised how low mocks are rating Olynyk.

[Knighthonor]

Porter at 3 and Murphy at 38.

Porter is such a great fit with Wall and Beal. They actually moved up to 3... almost seems meant to be.

Murphy is ideal as a shooter off the bench (along with Webster) to spot up for Wall kickouts, former teammate of Beal and says he still talks with him, stretch 4.

Both these guys are so logical, it couldn't get any easier.

Don't over think it.

Seem like you are emotionally attached to OP. how does he add? He will be taking mins away from Webster in the process. And like I asked, how is he a perfect player next to wall and beal? Not knocking him, just want reasonable answers, not attachment foley.

[theboomking]

With regards to Lamb vs Beal, the Thunder wanted to trade for Beal, after drafting Lamb. I think that says enough.

Secondarily, if the Thunder are interested in Len, maybe he wouldn't be such a bad choice. They tend to draft well, even if they don't retain talent.
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... igher-Pick

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Porter at 3 and Murphy at 38.

Porter is such a great fit with Wall and Beal. They actually moved up to 3... almost seems meant to be.

Murphy is ideal as a shooter off the bench (along with Webster) to spot up for Wall kickouts, former teammate of Beal and says he still talks with him, stretch 4.

Both these guys are so logical, it couldn't get any easier.

Don't over think it.

Seem like you are emotionally attached to OP. how does he add? He will be taking mins away from Webster in the process. And like I asked, how is he a perfect player next to wall and beal? Not knocking him, just want reasonable answers, not attachment foley.

I'm not emotionally attached. I'm a MD fan. I like them as a trio to build on, I like the mental approach. I like Wall as a dynamic pg who can penetrate and dish, Beal's shooting, and Porter adding his length and all-around game. I like the defense with Wall and Beal on the perimeter, with Porter's length and intuition getting steals behind them. I like Porter's ability to shoot the 3, pick n pop, and the way he constantly moves without the ball ala Rip Hamilton. I like the way he works, players won't like going against the Wizards with a guy like Otto who is always working, always moving, always defending.

[hands11]

CCJ, I absolutely agree with everything you said (although I'm not a fan of Zeller at all, and I don't think he has the measurements of a Gasol, who has very long arms).

Olynyk is going to be a very good player...his jumpshot his money and his IQ is excellent. He plays winning basketball.

Len is going to be the pick if he's there, even if Porter is available. The reason is because the Wizards FO loves Webster and they like Ariza as his backup. Ernie's kids are now an afterthought. They want a young 7 footer to groom, since there are no players above 6'11 on the team. This is how Ernie thinks...he's a very linear thinker. He needs outside shooting, so he drafts Beal. He wanted athleticism so he drafts Vesely. This year, I think he just wants size, and Len is the best mix of height/skill/athletic ability available at our spot.

So Len is the pick. Not my first choice at all, but that's what I think Grunfeld is going to do. I hope you guys are ready to be pissed tomorrow.

Personally, I'll be ecstatic.....

For me, it's not like last year when I really wanted Beal for such a long time, it was a big question if we would get him because he could have gone #2, then we got him. That was an awesome feeling.

This year, regardless of who we get, it going to take time to see how the pick works out. Only things I know while translate are.

Noel will block shots and pick pockets, once he gets on the floor
VO will play great D, steal the ball and make some nice break away dunks. And hit open mid range.
McLemore will hit open 3s and makes some some nice slashing cuts to the hoop for dunks on the pass
Otto will play good D, be a great teammate and do a little of everything
Burke will take care of the ball, distribute and be a team leader and hit from mid range off the dribble.
Zeller will run the floor great, get out on P&R and most likely hit from mid range very well.

Len and Bennett, I don't know. Both seem more like projects. Though Len should blocks some shots and hit some mid ranges. Bennett will offensive rebound and dunk. Both if groomed well should be good players down the road.

Off all those players, only Burke has handles and I think this team needs more handles in a big way. CJM would be the other. For bigs, Zeller has decent handles. His face up game should be effective. Zeller is going to play a totally difference game as a Pro at PF then he did as a center in college.

I think all of these players are going to be good. Just in different ways. Which rises beyond what I know they can do is the big question. Drive, hard work, and some luck and one or two may break out.

For me, Burke takes the first quarter mile. Otto and Zeller should be in that pack. Its anyones guess from there.

[W. Unseld]

Did anyone see this article that shows the per rating against elite competition? I'm certainly not suggesting him anywhere near 3 but I'm shocked at how well the Gonzaga guy did:
http://t.basketball.realgm.com/realgm/# ... d9d0eacc72

I am surprised how low mocks are rating Olynyk.

Yeah I just can't get excited about him but I keep coming across items like that.

[hands11]

Zeller tested through the roof too. Sometimes athleticism shows up on the court, but not on the tests, sometimes it shows up in the tests but not on the court. The ability to apply athletic gifts to the field of play matters every bit as much as the presence of said athleticism. I saw Leonard's athleticism at San Diego State, and in the NBA. I didn't see Barnes EVER at UNC, nor Zeller's at Indiana, nor Otto's at Georgetown. Could be system, could be player. There are limits to pure numbers based analysis as well as the eye test. Again, if this were easy and as simple as plugging in numbers, or plugging in eye test interpretations, GM's would never get fired, and the draft would be cake, and not as difficult and as fraught with problems as it is.

I think Burke is going to be the most overlooked top pick in the draft. The way he keeps he dribble alive and chances speeds are polished NBA skills. And he is a leader. Those skills will translate well to the NBA. And no packed zones will open the floor for him.

I LOVE Burke. I think he's gonna drop a good bit on draft day, if he doesn't go at 5 or 6, he could drop quite a bit. There have been PG's a bit like him in the past that I loved, that simply couldn't overcome their height/athleticism issues, but his vision, and his pass first/shoot first confidence (the shoot first resume he's been given is blatantly inaccurate to me, perhaps I didn't see enough Michigan games, but observing him, it always seemed as if he was always looking for the highest percentage play. He was and is an outstanding passer and decision maker, and an absolute clutch shooter not afraid of the moment, but also not afraid to make the smart play with the clock reading :01, if it makes more sense). There are a few guys I think will make people look foolish in a few years, and the top guys on my list for now are Burke, Muhammad, McCollum, Karasev, possibly Ledo and Mitchell.

He is a PG that does what is needed. When they needed him to take over, he did. If not, he is going to just run the offense. I just see him stepping in day one and running the team with confidence.

Not a Shabbazz fan. He has fallen so out of favor, its hard to imagine he doesn't do better then expected at this point. But I think its going to take him time to adjust.

Burke and Karasev are going to be great value. Karasev reminds me of a Manu type.

CJM was an early favorite of mine, but I have seen some film that showed him to be less eff then I would like. I think he will be a great 3rd guard with a little experience.

[TGW]

Did anyone see this article that shows the per rating against elite competition? I'm certainly not suggesting him anywhere near 3 but I'm shocked at how well the Gonzaga guy did:
http://t.basketball.realgm.com/realgm/# ... d9d0eacc72

I am surprised how low mocks are rating Olynyk.

He doesn't pass the eye test. He's white, kind of goofy looking, and not very athletic. That's it. You put Javale McGee next to Olynyk and people will take Javale 99 times out of 100. And then 5 on 5 starts, and Olynyk is schooling Javale all over the court. That's how Olynyk's career is going to be IMO.

[hands11]

With regards to Lamb vs Beal, the Thunder wanted to trade for Beal, after drafting Lamb. I think that says enough.

Secondarily, if the Thunder are interested in Len, maybe he wouldn't be such a bad choice. They tend to draft well, even if they don't retain talent.
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... igher-Pick

http://basketball.realgm.com/

Thunder Targeting Alex Len In Pursuit Of Higher Pick

Magic Working On Trading Down From No. 2

[tontoz]

Is it documented, or is it still people going off of two year old numbers from a skills academy?

Bennett was quoted recently as saying his standing reach was 8'9". That is the number than has many here (including me) concerned.

Ford dropped this little nugget about Bennett today

Quick fact: Bennett ranked eighth in the nation with 1.3 isolation points per play and did not commit a single turnover on such plays (min. 20 plays).

[Severn Hoos]

I want really hope they take Porter.

I have a growing belief the pick is gonna be Bennett though.

I just keep thinking about the report about Bennett going out to dinner with Grunfeld and Wittman. I can just imagine Ernie having such a great time, laying out his plan, and the easily impressed Bennett telling them he's their guy. Ernie having visions of grandeur while gulping down lasagna.

See, Ernie's responsible for Bennett's weight gain, too! Is there nothing that man can't bungle?