Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part VIII

[payitforward]

SA got Livio Jean-Charles -- he'll probably turn into a star! And they got Deshaun Thomas -- he'll probably wind up a rotation player for a decade. They seem to do it every year!

[sfam]

3. Noel dropped, but dropped past PHX which as far as I'm concerned means I have fewer qualms about missing him. Detroit and Pheonix have the best medical/training staff in the league, if either or both think he's a risk for future problems then I'm happy our staff is not given this problem to examine. Our injury record is the bar none worst in the league over the past 10 years as far as games lost to injury. My conscience wouldn't wish the questionable Wiz medical team on that poor kid.

This is a great point, and perhaps the reason he fell. If everyone heard that Phoenix redflagged the knee, teams like the Wizards would probably have stayed away. In this case, perhaps it made sense to take the Battier type, especially because he fits in to what we're doing. I'm disapointed that Bennett was off the board, but hey, such is life.

[montestewart]

The undrafted guy I'd most like to see on our SL team and in camp is D.J. Stephens.

Me too, I think. Other than his amazing predraft feats, I don't know too much about him. He's listed as PF, and with his leaping ability, I can see that working in NCAA, but up in the NBA, I'd like to know more about his ability to cover wings/guards, his handle, and his shot (hit over 1/3 of his 3s, limited sample sizes).

Maybe Kabongo also. I was hoping they'd make a move for a 3rd (or 2nd) PG or just a serious 3rd guard. Wolters was generally my top choice at 38, although I didn't really see GRJ coming and I don't know enough about either one, so I can't really say that was a worse move. Guess I'll find out.

[sfam]

Very hard to pass on the potential Noel has shown, but I'm happy w/ the pick of Porter who is likely to be a good player for a dozen years (barring injury) and maybe better than "good."

The only other question about the pick is whether taking Noel and then trading down w/ him would have been better. OTOH I'm not a big Jrue Holiday fan (and think he's overpaid too), so that's not the path I'd have taken.

I don't know why I should think Rice is a better prospect than Wolters; Ernie has no interest in late round 2 guys and didn't want 3 rookies, so in his mind he didn't give anything up to get the guy he preferred. But, in fact he gave up Arselan Kazemi, the best rebounding PF in the NCAA last year (and a 60% shooter too). Lets see whether he makes the league.

The undrafted guy I'd most like to see on our SL team and in camp is D.J. Stephens.

Not a disastrous draft like 2011. Not a demonstration of great GM skills either.

Maybe we can say EG played within himself then, as he clearly isn't destined for greatness, nor does he have stellar GM skills. I think this was a serviceable, if safe draft. Its hard to hate it. Glenn Rice Jr. probably makes the team and is a far far better sub than Temple. I gotta be happy with that.

And Porter is just someone you can't hate. He may not be an elite athlete but he has everything else. He will work his butt off to maximize his talents. I don't see all-star here (I'd be happy to be wrong), but I do see a productive starter for 10 years at a less than Max contract. Bottom line, he's a nice supporting block.

I still think we need another core piece thought, hence my wish for either Bennett or Noel. But if Noel's knee was problematic (I would trust Phoenix with this over us), than Porter is probably the right pick. I just hope Zeller doesn't go off!

[stevemcqueen1]

OK, if Rice works as a SG, I don't hate the pick. But, um, "Goodbye Webster. I really loved what do did here. Hope you have a great career on another team..."

I don't think its that, I think the team views him as a 2/3.

I suspect they envision, if they can pull it off:

PG: Wall, random scrub off the scrap heap
SG: Beal, Rice Jr
SF: Webster, Porter, Ariza, Rice Jr

and a year from now, Webster, Porter, Rice Jr.

I think the thought is that PG/SG/SF will be manned by Wall, Beal, Porter, Webster, Rice Jr and a mystery guy or two by winter '14-'15.

I think Satoransky comes over now. But if I'm Webster, I'm asking my agent to find me a place where I have a chance at starting. I don't see if with Porter and Ariza, and then no backup minutes at the 2 guard, assuming Rice gets some play.

Rice isn't going to displace Webster. He's a long shot to make the team and would have the least secure position of anyone.

Personally, I would prefer to deal Ariza and roll with Webster, Beal, and Porter as my primary wings. I'd probably go with Temple in that two guard rotation somewhere because he can also play PG. Price as the primary back up PG for now. Don't know if Sato is ready to handle that role, and if he's not, I would leave him in Europe probably. GRJR would be an end of the bench type guy early in his career and earn his way onto the court in time. Or if Porter or Webster get hurt, then he's got a decent opportunity to earn minutes early in his career.

I like that our roster finally has enough quality players that playing time will be earned. Like a real team. Getting on the court won't be on the job training any more.

I hope Porter earn's the starting SF job right away though. Like Beal did. Webster is fine coming off the bench as the 6th man and would be our second line leader and shooter.

The situation at PF and C is harder to figure out. I'd guess Booker and Seraphin are the primary backups. Singleton and Vesely aren't going to get any burn. Seems like it's time to move one or both.

I think our top priority from here on out is to find a long term starting C, or, failing that, a PF that can shoot. Nene is going to move into a diminished minutes role sooner than later I bet. Who knows what Okafor is planning? Is he even picking up his option next season? Booker and Porter getting a ton of minutes at PF is a risk. Seraphin getting a ton of minutes at C makes me uncomfortable.

Everything would be so much easier for us if the lightbulb turns on for Vesely and he comes back from this summer 250 pounds and swole and confident and becomes a rim protecting, floor running 5 like Serge Ibaka.

As that has a 2% chance of happening, I think you have to try and figure out how to cobble assets like Ariza into a trade package for a credible C. Maybe someone out there is desperate to dump good players for 2014 draft positioning?

[tontoz]

I am glad to see that the Wiz didn't take the Ariza/Webster combo into account when making their picks. You don't draft around guys like that, you draft around Wall/Beal.

[Dark Faze]

We made a mistake passing on Noel, but most advanced metrics had Porter as the second best prospect, so I'm slightly less salty about it.

I'm completely shocked by the Zeller pick. His upside as a poor mans Blake Griffin is such a ridiculous choice over Noel who is one of the most interesting defensive prospects of the last 10 years.

[tontoz]

We made a mistake passing on Noel, but most advanced metrics had Porter as the second best prospect, so I'm slightly less salty about it.

I'm completely shocked by the Zeller pick. His upside as a poor mans Blake Griffin is such a ridiculous choice over Noel who is one of the most interesting defensive prospects of the last 10 years.

Len, Zeller and Bennett were all drafted before Noel. That should tell you that Noel didn't check out medically. He could be the next Oden/Roy.

[Dark Faze]

We made a mistake passing on Noel, but most advanced metrics had Porter as the second best prospect, so I'm slightly less salty about it.

I'm completely shocked by the Zeller pick. His upside as a poor mans Blake Griffin is such a ridiculous choice over Noel who is one of the most interesting defensive prospects of the last 10 years.

Len, Zeller and Bennett were all drafted before Noel. That should tell you that Noel didn't check out medically. He could be the next Oden/Roy.

It's already been confirmed that he was glossed over for talent evaluation reasons, not health. His knee was said to be pristine and there have been zero reports after the draft that say otherwise.

It was always rumored that the Magic were taking Oladipo or someone else over Noel anyway.

The Wiz? Whatever, we have a terribad, fish eyed FO that once locked in on a target can't possibly veer away from it, so we took Porter.

Bobcats are the Bobcats and there were rumors of Cho loving Zeller.

And the Suns simply thought Len was the better prospect, which is fine because he has a chance of being Hibbert good, but I think they made a mistake.

[rockymac52]

We made a mistake passing on Noel, but most advanced metrics had Porter as the second best prospect, so I'm slightly less salty about it.

I'm completely shocked by the Zeller pick. His upside as a poor mans Blake Griffin is such a ridiculous choice over Noel who is one of the most interesting defensive prospects of the last 10 years.

Len, Zeller and Bennett were all drafted before Noel. That should tell you that Noel didn't check out medically. He could be the next Oden/Roy.

It's already been confirmed that he was glossed over for talent evaluation reasons, not health. His knee was said to be pristine and there have been zero reports after the draft that say otherwise.

It was always rumored that the Magic were taking Oladipo or someone else over Noel anyway.

The Wiz? Whatever, we have a terribad, fish eyed FO that once locked in on a target can't possibly veer away from it, so we took Porter.

Bobcats are the Bobcats and there were rumors of Cho loving Zeller.

And the Suns simply thought Len was the better prospect, which is fine because he has a chance of being Hibbert good, but I think they made a mistake.

Your posts really amuse me sometimes. You basically just said that all of the other teams that passed on Noel did so because they thought there was a better player available, but when the Wizards do the same thing, it's because we get locked in on certain prospects and refuse to veer away from them. Come on man, you're trying way too hard to hate the Wizards front office. Ease up.

[Rafael122]

I don't even know what half the teams dude because there were so many trades. Wizards have gotten A's across the board from the draft gurus. I'm happy with the draft.

[DCZards]

Grunfeld takes talent but I suspect is devoid of depth of character himself. Rice if good is perhaps an Aaron Hernandez waiting to happen. I don't think Glen Rice is a great role model.

That's a cheap shot, ccj. (Actually toward both EG and GRII). Comparing the kid to a a suspected murderer is flat-out wrong. I know you are frustrated because the Zards didn't keep Wolters but you don't need to go there. You know as well as I do that there are 18 and 19 year olds who do wild and stupid stuff (I know I did) who turn out to be solid characters by the time they're 22-23.

[Dark Faze]

Len, Zeller and Bennett were all drafted before Noel. That should tell you that Noel didn't check out medically. He could be the next Oden/Roy.

It's already been confirmed that he was glossed over for talent evaluation reasons, not health. His knee was said to be pristine and there have been zero reports after the draft that say otherwise.

It was always rumored that the Magic were taking Oladipo or someone else over Noel anyway.

The Wiz? Whatever, we have a terribad, fish eyed FO that once locked in on a target can't possibly veer away from it, so we took Porter.

Bobcats are the Bobcats and there were rumors of Cho loving Zeller.

And the Suns simply thought Len was the better prospect, which is fine because he has a chance of being Hibbert good, but I think they made a mistake.

Your posts really amuse me sometimes. You basically just said that all of the other teams that passed on Noel did so because they thought there was a better player available, but when the Wizards do the same thing, it's because we get locked in on certain prospects and refuse to veer away from them. Come on man, you're trying way too hard to hate the Wizards front office. Ease up.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Cavs, Magic, and Bobcats picks were tremendously worse than the Wiz.

I still love Porter, I'm a huge supporter.

[jivelikenice]

I really get the feeling EG knows Webster is not coming back and its getting pieces in place to replace him.

Not at all. He was adamant that the draft wouldn't affect him whatsoever. Ariza is the one it wil impact.

[Dark Faze]

I'd hate to lose Ariza. I think he's a big part of our defense. Would rather lose Webster any day of the week.

[jivelikenice]

Ariza is only here one more year. We're not re-signing him so if you could fill a need you might as well cash in now.

[hands11]

Cleveland has a lot of work to do, but I like their roster better than any other non playoff team in the East save ours. They're going to be a big rival once each of our respective cores mature. Philly could be good in a few years if their gambles pay off but they are a long ways away. And Charlotte is slowly, painstakingly turning themselves around. Indiana's ceiling was this year's finals appearance, their guards blow and they don't have the money or draft picks to get better here. Chicago is a beatable contender. Boston, Atlanta, and Milwaukee are done for. Toronto is a mess. Orlando still has a long way to go right now. Miami as we know it today has an expiration date. The Knicks and Nets are screwed--inflexible and not good enough to contend. Detroit's roster is a mess.

The East is a one to two team conference and it should be pretty open for the next few years. I think Cleveland and Washington fill the void sooner than later.

If Cleveland had taken Valunciunas instead of Thompson (as I said at the time), I would have regarded their foundation as the best in the east in terms of youth movements by a wide margin, as is, it's still better than ours, and they have plenty of booty for the amazing '14 draft as well. They will be in better position than us, and already have a better long term roster.

I disagree. I think Wall is better than Irving, Beal is better than Waiters, and Porter is at least as good as Bennett, if not better. We don't have a Tristan Thompson long term. But in the short term, Nene is better than him. And he's a true seven footer.

Cleveland is going to have size issues as currently constructed. Both Bennett and Thompson are a tad short for the 4 and 5 and Irving and Waiters is a smallish back court. They're very athletic, but they'll have defensive problems most likely. They need a big bodied 7 footer long term.

I think the Wizards as is would still struggle against athletic long front courts. That's more a problem in season then in post season but its something that needs addressed if they want a good in season record. If not, they will have problems against the not so good teams during the season.

I think at this point not completely evaluating the GRJ pick, Withey would have made me feel better. As is, they really need Ves to have a full recovery as a PF/C

So for those they were upset they designed a team that gave Ves no good chance to succeed, they seem have a wide open slot for him this year. And while there will be plenty here that don't like that, if it works out, they would be a huge pay off turning a #6 pick from a bust to a worth something.

I wonder how they would line them up with what they have. Something like this could keep Nene and Okafor rested while giving Trevor A a role on the team. Obviously they can do Nene and Okafor together when they need more size and power. And slide Ves in a PF with Nene at center could work pretty well also.

Wall/Temple
Beal/Price/GRJ
Webster/Otto
Trevor A/Ves/Kevin/Booker
Nene/Okafor

Singleton, ??, ??

Are we looking at something like this with a battle for starting PF ?

Keep in mind, they did not get a S4 Wall wanted and Trevor A is about a close to it as they have They would spread the floor for Wall. Otto and Okafor in the second unit gives them defense and rebounding. Price and GRJ provide some outside shooting. One of Ves, Kevin or Booker should fit at PF depending on what you need. Kevin if you need more points. Ves is you need length and scrapitude.

[GhostsOfGil]

The Wiz? Whatever, we have a terribad, fish eyed FO that once locked in on a target can't possibly veer away from it, so we took Porter.

I actually agree with this. It's the same way many of us felt about the Vesely pick. If Jonas would have fallen to 6, I'm fairly certain the Wiz would have still picked Jan. Bottom line is, we have an aging front court with no depth.

[DCZards]

The player I'd like to see the Zards bring to camp is NC State's Richard Howell. Not much of an offensive player, but a tough, team-oriented guy who rebounds like a beast and will leave it all on the floor.

[Dark Faze]

Yea, if we could have added a competent backup C I think I'd like us behind Indiana, Miami, and New Jersey in the East, with it being a toss up between us and the Bulls.

One thing I love about our team though--I think besides the Nets we have the smartest starting 5 in the league. There's a ton of upside for our starting lineup, if Nene can get healed up and show more of his Denver form we're going to be really good.