Countdown to NBA Draft: Prospect Talk

[ibraheim718]

Watching all this college basketball will at least have me prepared to fill out my bracket and I can at least feel like I'm not just guessing.

[ibraheim718]

Oh snap my man Angel Rodriguez is a Boricua... He was serving them two UMC looking scrubs.

[Manhattan Project]

What threat? They haven't been hitting their open looks.. and that goes for Sulemon also and Winslow.

It's been two games, there still shooting like 38% collectively. Sulaimon was dreadful tonight but he alone shouldn't have made Duke lost.

Where as Kentucky has only two shooters on their entire roster and the platoon system doesn't even allow them to get going in a game.

[ibraheim718]

What threat? They haven't been hitting their open looks.. and that goes for Sulemon also and Winslow.

It's been two games, there still shooting like 38% collectively. Sulaimon was dreadful tonight but he alone shouldn't have mad Duke lost.

Where as Kentucky has only two shooters on their entire roster and the platoon system doesn't even allow them to get going in a game.

Yeah it's been two games where they lost because the opposing team didn't have to adjust their game plan (Stopping Okafor at all costs) to stop their perimeter shooters because they weren't making any shots. If you want to make this yet another Okafor V. Towns debate go right ahead you can mention them by name. Because you're insinuating that Okafor is fortunate that he has perimeter shooting around him (who haven't been making shots yet Okafor is still getting his) and the luxury of playing time but none of it matters other than to try and make your guy look good for things he doesn't have or is not doing. All that matters to me is how I project them at the next level independent of what kind of teams they play with and how they project as Knicks. Me? I never mentioned Kentucky or Karl Towns once.

[Manhattan Project]

Yeah it's been two games where they lost because the opposing team didn't have to adjust their game plan (Stopping Okafor at all costs) to stop their perimeter shooters because they weren't making any shots. If you want to make this yet another Okafor V. Towns debate go right ahead you can mention them by name. Because you're insinuating that Okafor is fortunate that he has perimeter shooting around him (who haven't been making shots yet Okafor is still getting his) and the luxury of playing time but none of it matters other than to try and make your guy look good for things he doesn't have or is not doing. All that matters to me is how I project them at the next level independent of what kind of teams they play with and how they project as Knicks. Me? I never mentioned Kentucky or Karl Towns once.

It has nothing to do with Okafor vs Towns, it has to do with Kentucky vs Duke. There's no reason for a team like Duke to lose to NC State and Miami. Especially losing at home where it's been so historically tough to beat Duke. Is it not easier for a big man to look good when shots are falling? No one is knocking Okafor, dude is killing it.

Duke seems like it's letting the pressure of getting to a 1000 for Coach K get to them.

[ibraheim718]

Yeah it's been two games where they lost because the opposing team didn't have to adjust their game plan (Stopping Okafor at all costs) to stop their perimeter shooters because they weren't making any shots. If you want to make this yet another Okafor V. Towns debate go right ahead you can mention them by name. Because you're insinuating that Okafor is fortunate that he has perimeter shooting around him (who haven't been making shots yet Okafor is still getting his) and the luxury of playing time but none of it matters other than to try and make your guy look good for things he doesn't have or is not doing. All that matters to me is how I project them at the next level independent of what kind of teams they play with and how they project as Knicks. Me? I never mentioned Kentucky or Karl Towns once.

It has nothing to do with Okafor vs Towns, it has to do with Kentucky vs Duke. There's no reason for a team like Duke to lose to NC State and Miami. Especially losing at home where it's been so historically tough to beat Duke. Is it not easier for a big man to look good when shots are falling? No one is knocking Okafor, dude is killing it.

Duke seems like it's letting the pressure of getting to a 1000 for Coach K get to them.

What's the point in debating Duke V. Kentucky? Why not debate Kentucky V. Virginia who I think is better than Duke? Why not talk about how much more competitive the ACC is versus the SEC?

[Manhattan Project]

What's the point in debating Duke V. Kentucky? Why not debate Kentucky V. Virginia who I think is better than Duke? Why not talk about how much more competitive the ACC is versus the SEC?

Because teams are throwing their best at Kentucky every night, much like Duke. Everyone wants to go out there and stop Okafor because the hype is out of control. Kentucky much like Virgina has just about steamrolled everyone, both having overtime scares. Duke being a top team has now lost two in a row. Virgina is a seasoned team where as Duke/Kentucky start some freshmen. ACC does indeed have some talented teams, much more than the SEC. Looking at the schedules teams have had thus far, Duke has had the easiest of the three. Anything else we have to cover?

The original point is this, I wanted to see how Okafor played when his team was against the wall, coming off a lose and etc. Okafor has done a good job but he needs to come out next game and completely dominate or else they will be looking at a three game losing streak. Okafor vs Harrell, should be exciting.

My apologies for trying to add some college talk in here.

[ibraheim718]

What's the point in debating Duke V. Kentucky? Why not debate Kentucky V. Virginia who I think is better than Duke? Why not talk about how much more competitive the ACC is versus the SEC?

Because teams are throwing their best at Kentucky every night, much like Duke. Everyone wants to go out there and stop Okafor because the hype is out of control. Kentucky much like Virgina has just about steamrolled everyone, both having overtime scares. Duke being a top team has now lost two in a row. Virgina is a seasoned team where as Duke/Kentucky start some freshmen. ACC does indeed have some talented teams, much more than the SEC. Looking at the schedules teams have had thus far, Duke has had the easiest of the three. Anything else we have to cover?

The original point is this, I wanted to see how Okafor played when his team was against the wall, coming off a lose and etc. Okafor has done a good job but he needs to come out next game and completely dominate or else they will be looking at a three game losing streak. Okafor vs Harrell, should be exciting.

My apologies for trying to add some college talk in here.

No the original point.. my point (which you quoted) is that the perimeter players for Duke haven't been able to hit a shot or defend the perimeter these last two games which is why they lost them. And Okafor doesn't have to do anything other than what he's been doing and that's recognizing where the double team is coming from and passing out of it and hope his teammates hit the open shots that he's directly responsible for them getting and they'll start winning again.

[nykfan42]

Duke lost this game because of their terrible defense and not getting Okafor the touches he should get. They clearly play better just by giving him the ball because they either double or he can go one on one. He can pass out of a double team too but unfortunately they missed a lot of outside shots and couldn't make a free throw (10-20). Winslow looked terrible and not like a you'd be drafting.

[xNewYorkMadex]

Based on what ive read this past hour on mock draft sites, im leaning towards Karl Anthony Towns as our pick.

Okafor will probably look better than Towns the first few seasons in the league, will put up better stats and win ROY. But Towns seems like a good fit for us and has the higher upside. Scouts seem to rave about his ability to score in the post, but time and time again ive seen reports of him not being a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. Towns on the other hand is a good rim protector and an impact player on both ends of the floor. Everytime I read a scouting report on Okafor, I think of Amare and Al Jeff. Solid scorers in the league and solid rebounders, but not very good defenders. Its much harder to teach a prospect how to properly rotate and have a big impact defensively.

Im on the draft KAT bandwagon. Hes not the finished product Okafor is, but he has the potential to be better than him a few years down the line. Hate to pass up on a C that can play D, is more athletic and already has the ability to hit the mid range shot. We need two way players on the team.

[mpharris36]

The more and more I watch KAT the more he reminds me of really solid all around players. I think he has a little Al Horford in his game (someone that is just solid in every facet), he has a little Rasheed Wallace in his game, and he got a little Anthony Davis in his game with his shot blocking ability.

Now I do understand that if we do pick first it will be almost 100% Okafor and I absolutely can live with that. He has a extremely advance offensive game and he is a solid rebounder. But Defensively I just don't see the will to want to be great on that end and that does concern me a little but I do understand that he should be the consensus #1 pick.

However assuming we don't get the #1 pick I will be all over KAT. I understand he is raw and people aren't sold on him because his limited role on an all-time great team in Kentucky. But he brings absolutely everything this team needs. A high IQ, good motor, solid in a facets of the game ball player.

Assuming we have a 25% chance at #1. That means we have a 75% at KAT which I hope Phil and scouts see it that way as well.

[Deeeez Knicks]

Based on what ive read this past hour on mock draft sites, im leaning towards Karl Anthony Towns as our pick.

Okafor will probably look better than Towns the first few seasons in the league, will put up better stats and win ROY. But Towns seems like a good fit for us and has the higher upside. Scouts seem to rave about his ability to score in the post, but time and time again ive seen reports of him not being a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. Towns on the other hand is a good rim protector and an impact player on both ends of the floor. Everytime I read a scouting report on Okafor, I think of Amare and Al Jeff. Solid scorers in the league and solid rebounders, but not very good defenders. Its much harder to teach a prospect how to properly rotate and have a big impact defensively.

Im on the draft KAT bandwagon. Hes not the finished product Okafor is, but he has the potential to be better than him a few years down the line. Hate to pass up on a C that can play D, is more athletic and already has the ability to hit the mid range shot. We need two way players on the team.

I hear that a lot about Okafor. How come you say that and do other people agree?

Just curious because I think he can still improve a decent amount which is a reason I'd take him #1. But if he is a finished product I can understand going with Towns. Even though I prefer Okafor, I'd still be thrilled with Towns.

[BeagleBoss]

The more and more I watch KAT the more he reminds me of really solid all around players. I think he has a little Al Horford in his game (someone that is just solid in every facet), he has a little Rasheed Wallace in his game, and he got a little Anthony Davis in his game with his shot blocking ability.

Now I do understand that if we do pick first it will be almost 100% Okafor and I absolutely can live with that. He has a extremely advance offensive game and he is a solid rebounder. But Defensively I just don't see the will to want to be great on that end and that does concern me a little but I do understand that he should be the consensus #1 pick.

However assuming we don't get the #1 pick I will be all over KAT. I understand he is raw and people aren't sold on him because his limited role on an all-time great team in Kentucky. But he brings absolutely everything this team needs. A high IQ, good motor, solid in a facets of the game ball player.

Assuming we have a 25% chance at #1. That means we have a 75% at KAT which I hope Phil and scouts see it that way as well.

Agreed. I'd be content with KAT. Hard to tell what kind of offensive player he'll be but he's not going to be a liability. And defensively, no doubt he can be a top 5 defensive Center. I don't think 10 rpg and 2 bpg are out of the question.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7csO1XitHY[/youtube]

[mpharris36]

The more and more I watch KAT the more he reminds me of really solid all around players. I think he has a little Al Horford in his game (someone that is just solid in every facet), he has a little Rasheed Wallace in his game, and he got a little Anthony Davis in his game with his shot blocking ability.

Now I do understand that if we do pick first it will be almost 100% Okafor and I absolutely can live with that. He has a extremely advance offensive game and he is a solid rebounder. But Defensively I just don't see the will to want to be great on that end and that does concern me a little but I do understand that he should be the consensus #1 pick.

However assuming we don't get the #1 pick I will be all over KAT. I understand he is raw and people aren't sold on him because his limited role on an all-time great team in Kentucky. But he brings absolutely everything this team needs. A high IQ, good motor, solid in a facets of the game ball player.

Assuming we have a 25% chance at #1. That means we have a 75% at KAT which I hope Phil and scouts see it that way as well.

Agreed. I'd be content with KAT. Hard to tell what kind of offensive player he'll be but he's not going to be a liability. And defensively, no doubt he can be a top 5 defensive Center. I don't think 10 rpg and 2 bpg are out of the question.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7csO1XitHY[/youtube]

Yeah I am not sure what type of offensive player he will be yet. He has a little back to the basket game. He is a great passer. And he has a good shooting touch. You don't shoot 75% from the line as a freshman bigman without have a good stroke.

[E-Balla]

What's the point in debating Duke V. Kentucky? Why not debate Kentucky V. Virginia who I think is better than Duke? Why not talk about how much more competitive the ACC is versus the SEC?

Because teams are throwing their best at Kentucky every night, much like Duke. Everyone wants to go out there and stop Okafor because the hype is out of control. Kentucky much like Virgina has just about steamrolled everyone, both having overtime scares. Duke being a top team has now lost two in a row. Virgina is a seasoned team where as Duke/Kentucky start some freshmen. ACC does indeed have some talented teams, much more than the SEC. Looking at the schedules teams have had thus far, Duke has had the easiest of the three. Anything else we have to cover?

The original point is this, I wanted to see how Okafor played when his team was against the wall, coming off a lose and etc. Okafor has done a good job but he needs to come out next game and completely dominate or else they will be looking at a three game losing streak. Okafor vs Harrell, should be exciting.

My apologies for trying to add some college talk in here.

He had 15/15 and in the loss before that he had 23/12/3/3. I don't think you can really criticize his play when they lose because no one hits shots and they have a bad defense (because they were winning with a bad defense earlier).

[Johnny Hoops]

Right now we just have to get 1 of Towns or Okafor.

It is a great debate on who would be the better choice.

Okafor is a LEGIT offensive weapon -- lethal in the post and will absolutely command double teams --- but outside of that ---- there are some concerns with other parts of his game --- particularly defense and shot-blocking.

Towns is a LEGIT all-around player who seems to love the defensive end of the court. He is fundamentally sound in his rotations, he gets out and hedges on pick and rolls, he anticipates drives and protects the rim. Offensively he is an ELITE passing big man but like others I'm not sure on how great his offense will be in terms of scoring. I like that he plays inside for the most part and that he bangs and fights for proper position on both offensive/defensive block.

Towns seems more like a TEAM fit guy with great upside to make others around him better. Okafor seems like a complete stud who will definitely get his own but I do wonder if he'll make others better on either the offensive or defensive end of the court.

I prefer the defensive minded center with an offensive game -- which puts me slightly in the Towns camp. Reminds me of a higher-upside Al Horford --- his wing-span just jumps out on TV - gigantic wingspan.

[knickstape21]

I believe the Knicks should draft Karl Towns even if they have the first pick..and I'm a Duke fan.

There is still a lot of basketball to play, but Towns is getting better and better and really growing on me big time. He has great energy on the floor. It's very fun to watch. I can see him being a better fit with us than Okafor because of his defensive mentality and ability to get up and down the floor very fast. I was already imagining Towns and Thanasis on the floor together...that is major energy out there and something we haven't seen in a long time. Towns can be used at PF and C in the NBA.

Oh, and Towns is an absolute freak physically and he's only going to get bigger and stronger. The guy wears a size 20 shoe! Shaq wore a 22.. I read somewhere that Towns might grow up to 7'3!

[moocow007]

Who was that Duke player that looked like he never played post defense in his life last night? Looked like Jason Smith out there, but black with an afro. Whomever that was (I think it was Sean Obi) he was brutal. Amare Stoudemire looks like Hakeem Olajuwon defensively compared to him from a defensive awareness standpoint.

[mpharris36]

Also if Phil has begged Towns as our guys. And we end up winning the lottery. You could also trade down to 2 or 3 and gain extra picks and draft towns.

Just an option, if Phil and the scouts think Towns is the right player, especially with the consensus of Okafor being the #1 pick.

[Lord Commander]

Yeah. Someone mentioned a scenario yesterday where we win the lottery and LA drafts second. We trade the pick for Randle and #2...but is the #1 pick in this draft worth a talent like Randle and the #2? I'd probably do that deal.