'14 Draft Thread - Parker Declares. List your top 4

[mattg]

So much more Embiid love here than last time we had a thread. Which is amazing to me. Has his back been cleared that I don't know about? He has missed enormous time in the last two years due to a bad back, has STRESS FRACTURE in his back this year and played a total of 647 min on the season and probably ~1000 total the past two. He will be expected to play 2000+ min a season for the next 7 seasons to validate a top pick. He has to add 40 pounds to his frame over the next several years and that is going to worsen his back further. We are talking about a chronic issue and while I agree that he is at least 1b if he is healthy, its a non-starter. Because he never has been.

You think he has to add 40 pounds to his frame? You want him playing at 290 pounds?

I think 40lbs is a big exaggeration but he definitely needs to add weight and strength. It's obvious his base is pretty damn weak right now and his core strength improving will also be paramount to make sure his back doesn't become a major issue going forward. He probably needs a solid 20 pounds of muscle all around.

[Ron Swanson]

Watching more tape now that the season is done, Embiid is still my guy at #1. 7'0 Centers that move like he does don't come around too often, and I just can't see how you pass on a talent like that. The back issues are a legitimate concern, but unless it comes out that it is/was a recurring or degenerative bone issue, that isn't enough of a red flag for me to drop him below the other 3 guys.

I really think people are overreacting to the back thing (not saying you, just people in general who keep bringing it up). If doctors look at him and they determine that it is caused by him just getting into basketball three years ago, the solution seems simple... just take it easy on him and let his body adjust for the first couple of years while he is in the league. Have him focus on strength and conditioning drills, have him working on his body and only play him 20-25 minutes a night. Even if he is healthy, then only play him 60-65 games for his first couple of years.

He definitely has the frame to add more muscle and core strength. The stress fracture is a bit troubling though. Bone injuries are much more serious than muscle and ligament tears for a player's long term prognosis. If the doctors come out and say his issues are directly related to lack of conditioning, that's correctable.

That being said, you're right. You can't pass on a guy who, in my opinion, has top-10 NBA player potential based on injury concerns unless a physician basically comes out and says this is going to be a recurring problem.

[Newz]

So much more Embiid love here than last time we had a thread. Which is amazing to me. Has his back been cleared that I don't know about? He has missed enormous time in the last two years due to a bad back, has STRESS FRACTURE in his back this year and played a total of 647 min on the season and probably ~1000 total the past two. He will be expected to play 2000+ min a season for the next 7 seasons to validate a top pick. He has to add 40 pounds to his frame over the next several years and that is going to worsen his back further. We are talking about a chronic issue and while I agree that he is at least 1b if he is healthy, its a non-starter. Because he never has been.

You think he has to add 40 pounds to his frame? You want him playing at 290 pounds?

I think 40lbs is a big exaggeration but he definitely needs to add weight and strength. It's obvious his base is pretty damn weak right now and his core strength improving will also be paramount to make sure his back doesn't become a major issue going forward. He probably needs a solid 20 pounds of muscle all around.

If I were him I wouldn't be focused on adding 20 pounds of muscle. I would just be focusing on getting stronger and stabilizing my body. I do agree that his core probably needs work. He is also likely going to have to strengthen his legs as well.

But you don't have to add a significant amount of muscle to get stronger or stabilize yourself. David Robinson only played at around 240-250 and Hakeem only played at around 250-260. This kid is already 250 pounds... he doesn't need to look like Dwight Howard to be a super effective player, that isn't his game at all and it wouldn't fit him. He should stay lean and athletic, he just needs to get stronger.

[LUKE23]

I agree he doesn't need to add a ton of weight, but I'll also be surprised if he tips the scales at 250 at the combine as well.

[ChuckBros4Life]

I agree he doesn't need to add a ton of weight, but I'll also be surprised if he tips the scales at 250 at the combine as well.

Yah those listed weights are pretty bogus. Like how they claim the 6'7 (maybe) Nigel Hayes weighs 250

[skones]

Anyone see this pic of Exum on realgm? The dude looks ripped to the core.

Pretty sure that's Wiggins in the background for comparison. Not that being ripped is going to make him a great player but it should certainly help. Not bad for an 18 year old guy

That's pretty racist.

It's Vonleh. Wiggins played on the international squad with Exum.

[Newz]

I agree he doesn't need to add a ton of weight, but I'll also be surprised if he tips the scales at 250 at the combine as well.

Yeah, maybe he isn't already 250.

Point is I watch him play and look at his body and I personally don't see a guy who has to bulk up a lot. He already has an NBA body and NBA athletic ability. He needs to focus on getting stronger and doing what he can to prevent injuries... not to get bigger and bulkier, which goes against his skillset.

[paulpressey25]

So much more Embiid love here than last time we had a thread. Which is amazing to me. Has his back been cleared that I don't know about? .

Parker and Wiggins showed pretty badly in the NCAA tournament. That was a significant factor in things IMO.

[crkone]

if we get the 1st pick I think we should take Parker, he may be limited defensively right now but I think he has the physical attributes to become a good defender. His offense is just so versatile and I would love to see him and Giannis play together. I think he plays PF for us and i would love to see a core of:

PG Brandon Knight
SG Khris Middleton (reminds me alot of Michael Redd when he was just getting into the NBA)
SF Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF Jabari Parker
C John Henson or Larry Sanders (Trade one of them)

Thats a great core young core to start off the new franchise with!

Middleton wasn't on Redd's level this season when Redd was in his 2nd year. Middleton needs to work on his handle this offseason and then maybe he'll get there. It's weird though, he was damn impressive in ISO situations in college. Sometimes it takes a bit to adjust...

[JBucks]

1. Embiid (provided Lasry and Edens bring in best doctors money can buy and he gets a clean bill of health)
2. Parker
3. Exum
4. Wiggins

[SupremeHustle]

Anyone see this pic of Exum on realgm? The dude looks ripped to the core.

Pretty sure that's Wiggins in the background for comparison. Not that being ripped is going to make him a great player but it should certainly help. Not bad for an 18 year old guy

That's pretty racist.

It's Vonleh. Wiggins played on the international squad with Exum.

Let's just agree that it's not Doug McDermott.

[RosinBag]

El Pooch Grande Pre-Lottery Big Board

1. Jabari Parker - As some others have noted, I just think he's the best fit for the franchise. Brings tremendous character, integrity, likeability, passion and "Alpha-Killer Instinct," plus he has the highest floor of the Top 4 (ie - he's the "Safest Pick"). Can you imagine this guy's personality with Giannis's? He also has a tremendous amount of room for growth. This kid was on the cover of SI billed as the best prospect since Lebron in 2012, least we not forget that. In addition to all his intangibles, he is a tremendous basketball player, who if, playing next to Sanders/Henson/Giannis, could likely hide any defensive deficiencies he would have at the NBA level.

Pretty much hit the nail on the head of what my thought of on Parker as well. Yes he may not have a true position but having Giannis and Larry would mask a ton of downside that others are seeing. Also if there is one area I want my rookie to improve it is defense. Defense is as much about desire as it is foot speed, will someone get it out of Jabari who knows.

[Fort Minor]

Just a general observation here: "Fit" is not an issue when you're the worst team in the league. The only guy that's a lock to remain with the team long term is Giannis, and he could fit next to any of the top 4. You take BPA and worry about fit later.

[Zeezprah]

dang brahs, i'm so excited. it's still pretty surreal we're guaranteed wiggins, parker, embiid, or exum.

even our worst case scenario is freaking amazing.

then we get the first pick in the 2nd round (along with 2 others, but those might be traded/euro stashers, will be interesting) in a loaded draft? my body trembles.


i'm on such a euphoric high from these past few days.

we're all gonna make it

[H2tObes]

1. Wiggins - I can't imagine him and Giannis not being great together.

2. Parker - Safest pick, dynamic scorer

3. Exum - Would be a great fit on our team, but question if he would leave town for a big market first opportunity he had

4. Embiid - Would be number 1 without the back concerns, we can't afford to waste this pick on an injury riddled player

[ChuckBros4Life]

Anyone see this pic of Exum on realgm? The dude looks ripped to the core.

Pretty sure that's Wiggins in the background for comparison. Not that being ripped is going to make him a great player but it should certainly help. Not bad for an 18 year old guy

That's pretty racist.

It's Vonleh. Wiggins played on the international squad with Exum.

Woah woah woah. I'm racist for thinking a face that actually does resemble Wiggins' and a similar arm motion on his sprint is Wiggins? The fact that he played for the international team slipped my mind.

[drew881]

1. Wiggins - I can't imagine him and Giannis not being great together.

2. Parker - Safest pick, dynamic scorer

3. Exum - Would be a great fit on our team, but question if he would leave town for a big market first opportunity he had

4. Embiid - Would be number 1 without the back concerns, we can't afford to waste this pick on an injury riddled player

I would think if anyone would leave for a big town team of those four, it would be Wiggins wanting to go to Toronto.

[sidney lanier]

My top 4:

1. Randle—unfairly pigeonholed as inside banger only; open-court skills will be on display in NBA
2. Parker—no Elgin Baylor, but a likely all-star
3. Smart—will come into the league with a physical edge over most opposing PGs
4. Nurkic—intriguing Bosnian big man

[A Diddy2231]

Did not watch him in college and do not watch the Bobcats, but how does Wiggins compare to MKG?

[mattg]

If I were him I wouldn't be focused on adding 20 pounds of muscle. I would just be focusing on getting stronger and stabilizing my body. I do agree that his core probably needs work. He is also likely going to have to strengthen his legs as well.

But you don't have to add a significant amount of muscle to get stronger or stabilize yourself. David Robinson only played at around 240-250 and Hakeem only played at around 250-260. This kid is already 250 pounds... he doesn't need to look like Dwight Howard to be a super effective player, that isn't his game at all and it wouldn't fit him. He should stay lean and athletic, he just needs to get stronger.

You basically just agreed with me haha. His base=his legs. They are skinny and weak right now which leads to him being easily pushed around. His core obviously needs work like we both said. I just think to do those things he'll end up adding 20 pounds.

I wouldn't compare him to Robinson or Hakeem athletically, he's got a very different body type. DRob was so naturally strong from the navy work he's not even comparable to embiid in that regard. Robinson was walking on his hands across the court while embiid has the stereotypical African big man frame and body. Very fluid, but not strong. Hakeem wasn't as tall as embiid and had much better legs. Obviously he was older though. That will be a big thing for Joel to improve upon. Right now he's falling all over the place when he posts up because his base is weak, guys push back and he loses balance, same if they pull the chair out from under him.

I'd also be surprised if he weighed at 250, he doesn't look it and is definitely thin. I think he'll add weight over time but functional strength will be very important.

Personally, I don't want us to draft embiid even if his back checks out. Even the best doctors are wrong about back injuries routinely and I don't view embiid as a superior prospect even if 100% healthy.