Ford Mock 6.0 #2 Embiid

[Willie Colon]

Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

Then how do you explain Paul Pierce developing into a pretty good defender?

[El Duderino]

If Parker even had the lateral quickness of Shane Battier, there is no doubt that he would be #1 on more board. To me he is Corliss Williamson with more upside and 3 pt shot

Mike, would it shock you if Parker went #1 overall? It wouldn't surprise me in the least. It's an Embiid/Parker draft man. Trust me.

Playing with Sanders behind him, teams will have to worry more about stopping Parker and keeping him off of the glass than the Bucks will have to worry about Parker being laterally quick enough...which he is...to stay in front of most 3's and 4's. Length, strength and technique help. He's got the length and strength. Technique can be taught.

Technique isn't going to help Parker if he's playing PF and having tp guard guys like Griffin, Randolph, Adlridge, Dirk, Bosh, West, Monroe, Boozer. Love, Jefferson, Duncan, Sullinger, Favors, etc etc who will all be able to abuse him in the post and/or shoot over him. That will force the Bucks to have to continually double team to protect Parker from getting eaten alive defensively from stronger and/or taller men.

As for Sanders being there to protect Parker in those cases. Offenses can just pull Sanders away from the side where Parker is being posted up, forcing us to double and protect Parker. Smart NBA coaches know how to isolate mismatches on defense.

[Max Green]

Calling out Wiggins for scoring 41 in a real basketball game against "inferior" competition all while showing off freakish athleticism and elite defense. Gushing over Jabari Parker practice video.

K.

This is the way I see it.....

Watching Wiggins game that he scored 41 vs watching Parker's games that he scored a lot has me coming away with this:

Wiggins scores in transition, with jumpers, and with putbacks. He also has a slow predictable spin move. Beyond that he doesn't have much in terms of 'moves' or footwork.

Parker scores every way imaginable. His skill level and footwork is better than most players in the NBA. He can react to the defense with proper footwork and has many moves. Wiggins seems to predetermine what he does while Parker seems to just be able to do what the defense gives him.

Wiggins is far superior defensively.

To me it is simple. Will Wiggins develop an offensive skill set with multiple moves and proper footwork? Will Parker improve defensively enough to be a positive and not a negative on that end of the floor? Whichever one can answer 'yes' will be the superior player. Hopefully the Bucks know the answer.

I'll always take the player that needs to develop their offensive game over the player that needs to develop their defense. Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

This is just not true. You don't have to be an elite athlete to be a good defender. Being an elite athlete just makes it easier. There is countless examples of guys who aren't elite athletes who are great defenders. Also Parkers lateral quickness will improve with NBA conditioning, he's apparently already slimmed down and looks quicker.

Saying Parker won't ever become an "average defender" because he didn't do it while he was 18 years old in College is ludicrous.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

Then how do you explain Paul Pierce developing into a pretty good defender?

Was he ever a liability like Parker is? I honestly don't know, I didn't follow the draft all that closely back then (I was 12). If he was then I'd say that he is probably the exception to the rule.

[Wise1]

It's Embiid or Parker for the Bucks. No amount of smokescreening is going to convince me otherwise leading up to the draft. Wiggins' defense is great, but the Bucks probably are confident in Sanders and Knight as anchors defensively on the interior and perimeter respectively. They desperately need a go to scorer to [b]wrest control of the offense from Brandon Knight. [/b]Parker will be their guy if he's there. It makes too much sense. I think Parker projects to be the best skill player at the top of this draft long term. The Bucks may feel that way as well.

Who gives a crap about who the Bucks draft meshing with Knight? I sure don't.

It's clear that Brandon Knight had control of the offense last year. It's clear that the Bucks like Brandon Knight. It's clear that if the Bucks don't draft or acquire a player that's better than Knight offensively, that Knight will again be the dominant personality on the offensive end of the court. Whether you give a crap or not is largely irrelevent.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

This is the way I see it.....

Watching Wiggins game that he scored 41 vs watching Parker's games that he scored a lot has me coming away with this:

Wiggins scores in transition, with jumpers, and with putbacks. He also has a slow predictable spin move. Beyond that he doesn't have much in terms of 'moves' or footwork.

Parker scores every way imaginable. His skill level and footwork is better than most players in the NBA. He can react to the defense with proper footwork and has many moves. Wiggins seems to predetermine what he does while Parker seems to just be able to do what the defense gives him.

Wiggins is far superior defensively.

To me it is simple. Will Wiggins develop an offensive skill set with multiple moves and proper footwork? Will Parker improve defensively enough to be a positive and not a negative on that end of the floor? Whichever one can answer 'yes' will be the superior player. Hopefully the Bucks know the answer.

I'll always take the player that needs to develop their offensive game over the player that needs to develop their defense. Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

This is just not true. You don't have to be an elite athlete to be a good defender. Being an elite athlete just makes it easier. There is countless examples of guys who aren't elite athletes who are great defenders. Also Parkers lateral quickness will improve with NBA conditioning, he's apparently already slimmed down and looks quicker.

Saying Parker won't ever become an "average defender" because he didn't do it while he was 18 years old in College is ludicrous.

I never said elite athleticism was required, I just said that is one of the aspects that that can lead to a player becoming a good defender. The most important aspect is commitment and effort. Not a lot of guys in the NBA are 100% committed to becoming a good defender, even some with elite athleticism.

[crkone]

I swear, Chad Ford is the John Gruden of basketball.

[El Duderino]

It's Embiid or Parker for the Bucks. No amount of smokescreening is going to convince me otherwise leading up to the draft. Wiggins' defense is great, but the Bucks probably are confident in Sanders and Knight as anchors defensively on the interior and perimeter respectively. They desperately need a go to scorer to wrest control of the offense from Brandon Knight. Parker will be their guy if he's there. It makes too much sense. I think Parker projects to be the best skill player at the top of this draft long term. The Bucks may feel that way as well.

Who gives a crap about who the Bucks draft meshing with Knight? I sure don't.

In a year or two Knight easily could end up being off the team. All i care about is who of the top picks ends up being the better NBA player long term so that guy can be built around, along with Giannis. Knight and all of the other players on the roster are mostly irrelevant to me except maybe Sanders. Since i see Wiggins having a better career, that's who i'd take and then build a roster around him and Giannis. Anyone else who doesn't fit can be shipped off.

Sanders is irrelevant as well, guessing he is gone when it makes sense.

No question that Sanders could end up being gone if he doesn't get his act together soon, but unlike everyone else on the roster besides Giannis, Sanders at least has a skillset to be a long term piece given his elite defensive abilities, Pretty much everyone else on the roster is a spare part talent besides those two.

We all know that the odds look 50/50 at best that Larry can behave like a professional and use his immense talent as a rim protector and rebounder to be a long term option, but if he actually does, to me he's a key cog in the rebuilding plan with Giannis and whoever else that gets drafted. If though Larry doesn't grow up, he'll be shipped out sooner than later.

[Frank Nova]

I'll always take the player that needs to develop their offensive game over the player that needs to develop their defense. Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

This is just not true. You don't have to be an elite athlete to be a good defender. Being an elite athlete just makes it easier. There is countless examples of guys who aren't elite athletes who are great defenders. Also Parkers lateral quickness will improve with NBA conditioning, he's apparently already slimmed down and looks quicker.

Saying Parker won't ever become an "average defender" because he didn't do it while he was 18 years old in College is ludicrous.

I never said elite athleticism was required, I just said that is one of the aspects that that can lead to a player becoming a good defender. The most important aspect is commitment and effort. Not a lot of guys in the NBA are 100% committed to becoming a good defender, even some with elite athleticism.

Ron Artest and Bruce Bowen were great athletes? That's surely not true at all. They sure were great defenders, though. Just sayin.

[Max Green]

If Parker even had the lateral quickness of Shane Battier, there is no doubt that he would be #1 on more board. To me he is Corliss Williamson with more upside and 3 pt shot

Mike, would it shock you if Parker went #1 overall? It wouldn't surprise me in the least. It's an Embiid/Parker draft man. Trust me.

Playing with Sanders behind him, teams will have to worry more about stopping Parker and keeping him off of the glass than the Bucks will have to worry about Parker being laterally quick enough...which he is...to stay in front of most 3's and 4's. Length, strength and technique help. He's got the length and strength. Technique can be taught.

Technique isn't going to help Parker if he's playing PF and having tp guard guys like Griffin, Randolph, Adlridge, Dirk, Bosh, West, Monroe, Boozer. Love, Jefferson, Duncan, Sullinger, Favors, etc etc who will all be able to abuse him in the post and/or shoot over him. That will force the Bucks to have to continually double team to protect Parker from getting eaten alive defensively from stronger and/or taller men.

As for Sanders being there to protect Parker in those cases. Offenses can just pull Sanders away from the side where Parker is being posted up, forcing us to double and protect Parker. Smart NBA coaches know how to isolate mismatches on defense.

Half of those guys you mentioned will be at the end of their careers or out of the league entirely by the time Parker enters his prime. A couple of guys you mentioned are Centers. Parker isn't even close to fully developing his body yet, comparing him at 19 to those guys who are all in their prime Physically isn't fair at all.

[DanoMac]

Getcha popcorn ready...

[tweet]https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/470642189341437953[/tweet]

Is this the same type of workout as Parker/Embiid? Hope video surfaces soon.

[bullox]

To everyone that says Parker is the perfect PF to play between Giannis and Sanders, sell me on it. I don't see how Parker can play (defend) PF at the next level. If your answer is, "Giannis can just defend the PF," what do we do when the other team has both an elite PF and SF/SG? For example, who guards who when we play Miami? Parker on Bosh? Parker on LeBron? Both are scary.

I still have Wiggins ahead of Parker because I am afraid of the prospect of having a tweener that is also a huge liability on defense. I just can't see how that isn't going to be a problem when we finally start playing games that matter.

I think we're a few years away from worrying about how we match up with the elite teams in the NBA. Let our guys season a bit.

[Max Green]

I'll always take the player that needs to develop their offensive game over the player that needs to develop their defense. Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

This is just not true. You don't have to be an elite athlete to be a good defender. Being an elite athlete just makes it easier. There is countless examples of guys who aren't elite athletes who are great defenders. Also Parkers lateral quickness will improve with NBA conditioning, he's apparently already slimmed down and looks quicker.

Saying Parker won't ever become an "average defender" because he didn't do it while he was 18 years old in College is ludicrous.

I never said elite athleticism was required, I just said that is one of the aspects that that can lead to a player becoming a good defender. The most important aspect is commitment and effort. Not a lot of guys in the NBA are 100% committed to becoming a good defender, even some with elite athleticism.

You said if a player "lacks elite athleticism then they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end". That's simply not true.

[El Duderino]

It's Embiid or Parker for the Bucks. No amount of smokescreening is going to convince me otherwise leading up to the draft. Wiggins' defense is great, but the Bucks probably are confident in Sanders and Knight as anchors defensively on the interior and perimeter respectively. They desperately need a go to scorer to [b]wrest control of the offense from Brandon Knight. [/b]Parker will be their guy if he's there. It makes too much sense. I think Parker projects to be the best skill player at the top of this draft long term. The Bucks may feel that way as well.

Who gives a crap about who the Bucks draft meshing with Knight? I sure don't.

It's clear that Brandon Knight had control of the offense last year. It's clear that the Bucks like Brandon Knight. It's clear that if the Bucks don't draft or acquire a player that's better than Knight offensively, that Knight will again be the dominant personality on the offensive end of the court. Whether you give a crap or not is largely irrelevent.

Get a better head coach who doesn't give Knight free reign to dominate the basketball and run the offensive like a competent PG which he isn't, then problem solved.

I certainly wouldn't factor in who i draft at 2 based at all on what an incompetent head coach allows Brandon Knight to do or not do. It's dumb thinking like that why the Bucks have sucked for the better part of two decades.

[machu46]

Regarding Pierce, no idea if he was a poor defender coming out of Kansas, but he was FAR more athletic at the time. He played SG early in his career I believe.

[JustinCredible]

I'll always take the player that needs to develop their offensive game over the player that needs to develop their defense. Defense is all about pure athleticism, effort, and commitment. If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end. With offense, there is always motivation. Everyone wants to score, everyone wants to shoot, so motivation to work hard is less of an issue.

If Parker was ever going to become at least an average defender, you'd think it would have happened while he was playing for (arguably) the greatest basketball coach in the history of the game.

Someone gets it.

It is an interesting point. I've heard NBA Execs say the opposite. They'll always take offense over defense in todays game because defense is more about effort (coachable) and system. Individual defensive skills appear to be less and less important then how well you can plug into a defensive system. I believe offense is MUCH harder to teach than defense.

That said, I have no idea if Wiggins will improve his offense more or Parker will improve his defense more. Anyone on here that thinks they know the answer is simply guessing.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

This is just not true. You don't have to be an elite athlete to be a good defender. Being an elite athlete just makes it easier. There is countless examples of guys who aren't elite athletes who are great defenders. Also Parkers lateral quickness will improve with NBA conditioning, he's apparently already slimmed down and looks quicker.

Saying Parker won't ever become an "average defender" because he didn't do it while he was 18 years old in College is ludicrous.

I never said elite athleticism was required, I just said that is one of the aspects that that can lead to a player becoming a good defender. The most important aspect is commitment and effort. Not a lot of guys in the NBA are 100% committed to becoming a good defender, even some with elite athleticism.

You said if a player "lacks elite athleticism then they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end". That's simply not true.

Why use quotes when you don't actually quote what I said?

If a a player lacks elite athleticism (lateral quickness) and/or the effort and commitment, they'll probably always be a liability on the defensive end.

[Wise1]

Technique isn't going to help Parker if he's playing PF and having tp guard guys like Griffin, Randolph, Adlridge, Dirk, Bosh, West, Monroe, Boozer. Love, Jefferson, Duncan, Sullinger, Favors, etc etc who will all be able to abuse him in the post and/or shoot over him. That will force the Bucks to have to continually double team to protect Parker from getting eaten alive defensively from stronger and/or taller men.

As for Sanders being there to protect Parker in those cases. Offenses can just pull Sanders away from the side where Parker is being posted up, forcing us to double and protect Parker. Smart NBA coaches know how to isolate mismatches on defense.

Where do I start. Well, there are probably 5-10 pf's that no one can guard in the NBA one on one: Duncan, Griffin, Dirk, Aldridge, Z-Bo ect. Team defense is key against those players.

Parker is only 19 and won't have to worry about Dirk, Duncan, KG ect in the near future.

Boozer v Parker....I like my matchup...that's a 30 point night for Parker.

Al Jefferson plays center for the Hornets and is not likely to match up against Parker

How many long range shooting centers would be able to pull Sanders away from protecting the rim? Probably not enough for the Bucks to worry about in your scenario.

For every NBA coach that is smart enough to exploit a matchup, there is another that is smart enough to make an adjustment.

[JustinCredible]

Getcha popcorn ready...

[tweet]https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/470642189341437953[/tweet]

Is this the same type of workout as Parker/Embiid? Hope video surfaces soon.

No. There is a good chance we won't get a video like that on Wiggins/Exum. Those videos came out because all those guys were repped by the same agency. The agency group decided to showcase it.

[Wise1]

Half of those guys you mentioned will be at the end of their careers or out of the league entirely by the time Parker enters his prime. A couple of guys you mentioned are Centers. Parker isn't even close to fully developing his body yet, comparing him at 19 to those guys who are all in their prime Physically isn't fair at all.

Ha. You beat me to my argument.