Countdown to NBA Draft: Prospect Talk

[Johnny Hoops]

I hope Phil trolls you all and takes Russell

D'God Angelo Russell has carried that ohio team. He didnt have the luxury of being surrounded with the same talents as Okafor and Towns.

You can tell he's going to be special and a leader.

Would take Towns/Okafor/Porzingus/WCS/Mudiay/Johnson all over Russell --- I see a sub=par athlete who can barely finish against mediocre non-nba college athletes. He's got great vision, a nice shot and exceptional feel for the game but I don't trust his body, his ability to constantly beat NBA defenders off the dribble and his defense looks non-existent.

All that said - as noted previously - I had same concerns about Steph Curry

[Johnny Hoops]

A- Just because Towns plays for the #1 defense in the nation doesnt mean he's the sole reason for them being what they are. Willie stein is a MAJOR part of that due to his defensive intensity and Ability to guard any position on the floor. The dude just won the SEC defensive player of the year & maybe you watch kentucky more than me but every game i saw i have seen Willie and Towns share the floor together.. and do people not realize Kentucky is like the tallest team in the country they SHOULD be #1 in defense like Stephen A smith said "Their a bunch of trees"

the same willie stein who was anchoring the defense last year... and kentucky was #47... stein's always had a reputation for being a good defender but it never translated to the team until this year when he moved to PF... and towns was put at C...

B- No id take a prime Duncan over a blake griffin any day, Elite centers are better than Elite power forwards? Says who??? i'd take Anthony Davis over Dwight howard or demarcus cousins this very moment.

davis is in a different stratosphere... and he's as much a C as a PF ... there aren't any good current comparables but duncan was the last great center... maybe duncan vs webber is a more fair comparison...

So Towns single handedly made Kentucky the #1 defense , i hope he gonna do the same for the knicks if we draft him because thats what your making it seem. of course a new roster/ more size/ more talent/ more experience surely had nothing to do with their impressive 31-0 season & #1 defense

About willie Stein that was LAST season, THIS season he became a smarter defender, chased fewer blocks, took up more space and worked harder for position on on the defensive boards. His defensive rebounding has risen from 6.0 to 7.8 per 40 while his blocks have dropped from 4.8 to 3.0 per 40 min, if you sulk in those numbers together he's ending a similar number of possessions for opponents and when you throw in his avg of 2.7 steals per 40 he's become a better overall defender. adding onto those improvements he's also improved his ability to stay on the court without fouling. *facts

(im not taking away nothing from Towns he's a solid defender but lets not make him the solo hero for kentuckys #1 defense)

I love WCS - particularly in the NBA fast paced game but Towns is clearly the dominant defensive player on that team. Willie's greatest strength is his defensive versatility but Towns is very capable of defending the high/screen and roll while still protecting the basket. Towns is the anchor of the Kentucky defense.

[Johnny Hoops]

Regarding Towns

-Will Towns even be able to stay on the floor in the NBA? still a bit foul prone though he's shown improvement over the season, Can he avoid foul trouble against grown men? 5.7 fouls per 40 minutes

-Weak lower body strength, can he hold his position or will he get pushed around and moved out of the post in the NBA?

Regarding Okafor

-Can he improve his FT Shooting? 52% isnt dazzling

-can jahlil okafors defense be trusted? is he limited on this end? can he improve?

Who's more NBA ready? who fits our system the best

All good ?s.

I expect that both kids will struggle with fouls early on but both are highly intelligent and will figure it out. I think Towns because he moves his feet and plays great positional defense -- will be fine.

Towns needs to get stronger but with his giant size 21 feet and only being 19 years old -- I expect he'll continue to get stronger and stronger. Guys like P-Gasol and A-Horford don't exactly have great lower body strength. I think Towns will rely on skill more so than brute strength to score in the post.

Okafor's FT shooting will improve but not sure if he's ever a 75% guy -- Towns looks like a sure fire +80%
I absolutely don't trust Okafor defensively and I worry about his commitment to keep weight down which could lead to lower leg injuries as he ages.

I think both fit the triangle great offensively because they can score/pass the ball. Towns though fit on both sides of the court and can play 2nd fiddle to Melo rather than competing for shots with him like Okafor might. Okafor's presence could get in Melo's head where Towns to me simply elevates and enhances what Melo does.

[Johnny Hoops]

Is that really what it's going to take to make him legit for you?

Yes. The greats perform in the Tournament.

Oh **** I thought you were joking... Seriously put prime Shaq against that team surrounded by the players Duke has, and only having 40 minutes total on the clock and I'd bet money he doesn't hit 40 half the time. The game is too slow and that interior defense of Kentucky is giant and great at the same time.

Okafor may not get 15 paint touches let alone 40 points. Kentucky will front him with a big on the top-side and have another big sitting behind him.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

Is that really what it's going to take to make him legit for you?

Yes. The greats perform in the Tournament.

Okay, since you said Okafor should score 40 pts and grab 15 rbs to be considered 'legit' then Towns must do the same thing as well to Duke or any other team in the finals (provided his team reaches it?).

It's only fair.

Towns could end up with 9 points/6 rebounds and dudes on here will be like "damn, did u see him hedge the pick and roll that 1 time? Did u see him drop that 1 baby hook in the 1st half". Meanwhile, Jahlil could drop 22 and 13 and they'd say he looked lazy, he's the next Brook Lopez, or point out one bad defensive play. Too many people have their minds set on Towns, and don't hold him to the same standards as Okafor.

[waya]

I hope Phil trolls you all and takes Russell

D'God Angelo Russell has carried that ohio team. He didnt have the luxury of being surrounded with the same talents as Okafor and Towns.

You can tell he's going to be special and a leader.

Would take Towns/Okafor/Porzingus/WCS/Mudiay/Johnson all over Russell --- I see a sub=par athlete who can barely finish against mediocre non-nba college athletes. He's got great vision, a nice shot and exceptional feel for the game but I don't trust his body, his ability to constantly beat NBA defenders off the dribble and his defense looks non-existent.

All that said - as noted previously - I had same concerns about Steph Curry

I think his athleticism is a little better than people give him credit for. He's sneakily quick and can get from point A to be regardless. I thought the same thing of Harden when he was at Arizona State, and his combine measurements ended up being a lot better than I thought (I almost didn't believe them).

I can't think of many players with Russell's strengths coming out of the gate that didn't become really good NBA players. Has the looks of an elite shooter, great court vision, high bball IQ, good pick and roll player, great in transition, good handle (that will likely get even better), and the long wing span.

And his numbers are undeniable. I remember hearing last week that his ORtg was the highest in NCAA history or something.

[beasonu]

I want xavier rathan mayes

[TrueWarrior]

Yes. The greats perform in the Tournament.

Okay, since you said Okafor should score 40 pts and grab 15 rbs to be considered 'legit' then Towns must do the same thing as well to Duke or any other team in the finals (provided his team reaches it?).

It's only fair.

Towns could end up with 9 points/6 rebounds and dudes on here will be like "damn, did u see him hedge the pick and roll that 1 time? Did u see him drop that 1 baby hook in the 1st half". Meanwhile, Jahlil could drop 22 and 13 and they'd say he looked lazy, he's the next Brook Lopez, or point out one bad defensive play. Too many people have their minds set on Towns, and don't hold him to the same standards as Okafor.

Thats what scouting is though my friend. Its not just about numbers, its how you think guys will translate to the NBA. Russell Westbrook averaged 13/4/4 in 34 mpg his sophomore year at UCLA. Did he scream future NBA leading scorer to you? He played only 9 mpg his freshman year too. When it was rumored Walsh wanted to draft Westbrook many posters didnt want him because his numbers werent great.

That isnt even the case with Towns though. He has the highest PER since February I believe and his per minute numbers more than stack up with Jahlil.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

Okay, since you said Okafor should score 40 pts and grab 15 rbs to be considered 'legit' then Towns must do the same thing as well to Duke or any other team in the finals (provided his team reaches it?).

It's only fair.

Towns could end up with 9 points/6 rebounds and dudes on here will be like "damn, did u see him hedge the pick and roll that 1 time? Did u see him drop that 1 baby hook in the 1st half". Meanwhile, Jahlil could drop 22 and 13 and they'd say he looked lazy, he's the next Brook Lopez, or point out one bad defensive play. Too many people have their minds set on Towns, and don't hold him to the same standards as Okafor.

Thats what scouting is though my friend. Its not just about numbers, its how you think guys will translate to the NBA. Russell Westbrook averaged 13/4/4 in 34 mpg his sophomore year at UCLA. Did he scream future NBA leading scorer to you? He played only 9 mpg his freshman year too. When it was rumored Walsh wanted to draft Westbrook many posters didnt want him because his numbers werent great.

That isnt even the case with Towns though. He has the highest PER since February I believe and his per minute numbers more than stack up with Jahlil.

Ya, I understand that. I just feel like people aren't being objective anymore. All I see is criticism against Jahlil, and praise for Towns no matter what his stats are. If u take Towns' stats at face value, or even look at the advanced stats, does he really have the talent and skills of a #1 overall pick? I've never seen so much love for a dude who's not dominating. He hasn't had 1 true dominant game. What's his career high? 19 points?

[TrueWarrior]

Towns could end up with 9 points/6 rebounds and dudes on here will be like "damn, did u see him hedge the pick and roll that 1 time? Did u see him drop that 1 baby hook in the 1st half". Meanwhile, Jahlil could drop 22 and 13 and they'd say he looked lazy, he's the next Brook Lopez, or point out one bad defensive play. Too many people have their minds set on Towns, and don't hold him to the same standards as Okafor.

Thats what scouting is though my friend. Its not just about numbers, its how you think guys will translate to the NBA. Russell Westbrook averaged 13/4/4 in 34 mpg his sophomore year at UCLA. Did he scream future NBA leading scorer to you? He played only 9 mpg his freshman year too. When it was rumored Walsh wanted to draft Westbrook many posters didnt want him because his numbers werent great.

That isnt even the case with Towns though. He has the highest PER since February I believe and his per minute numbers more than stack up with Jahlil.

Ya, I understand that. I just feel like people aren't being objective anymore. All I see is criticism against Jahlil, and praise for Towns no matter what his stats are. If u take Towns' stats at face value, or even look at the advanced stats, does he really have the talent and skills of a #1 overall pick? I've never seen so much love for a dude who's not dominating. He hasn't had 1 true dominant game. What's his career high? 19 points?

Towns' advanced stats are great. His stats are not the issue. It's that he only plays 21 mpg. His minutes are being increased down the stretch here though so if he does have a big tournament there will be no question about his case for the #1 pick.

If you've been watching Towns play lately he shows us a new wrinkle every game it seems. His motor is great and the guy has just improved a lot as the season has gone on which bodes well for his potential, and he's barely even shown the jumper he has in their system. Last game he dropped 13/9 with 6 blocks and 3 assists. He did everything and you could really feel his presence on both ends. Against Georgia on the road the game before he took over in the 2nd half with 17 points when the cats looked like they could actually lose. Both games he played only 27 minutes and in his other career high against Auburn he dropped 19/10/4/2 in just 21 minutes. Foul trouble is one reason he hasn't played more minutes some games, but even if he's not in foul trouble coach Cal just doesn't play him more than 20-25 minutes most of the time, which annoys scouts everywhere.

No doubt it's tough to compare Jah and Karl because of the different situations and teams they're on, but that's why the draft is always going to be a crapshoot. Jah is a complete master of the post already at his age, whereas Towns is more basic but no slouch there himself. He arguably has Jah beat everywhere else though, especially defense. Personally I'd be ecstatic if we got either guy and we're going to need a top 2 pick to get one.

[Bobbyydee]

Congrats to Okafor on POY! (nice mixtape by Duke's YT acc)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yawMDjtZ_Mc[/youtube]8

He's still my #1 wish for the Knicks, Towns and Russell after that in order.
Seems like almost everyone here wants Town #1, anyone else here still wants Okafor first on their list?

Absolutely Oakfor will help with scoring and inside game

[NYKnicksTAPE]

Thats what scouting is though my friend. Its not just about numbers, its how you think guys will translate to the NBA. Russell Westbrook averaged 13/4/4 in 34 mpg his sophomore year at UCLA. Did he scream future NBA leading scorer to you? He played only 9 mpg his freshman year too. When it was rumored Walsh wanted to draft Westbrook many posters didnt want him because his numbers werent great.

That isnt even the case with Towns though. He has the highest PER since February I believe and his per minute numbers more than stack up with Jahlil.

Ya, I understand that. I just feel like people aren't being objective anymore. All I see is criticism against Jahlil, and praise for Towns no matter what his stats are. If u take Towns' stats at face value, or even look at the advanced stats, does he really have the talent and skills of a #1 overall pick? I've never seen so much love for a dude who's not dominating. He hasn't had 1 true dominant game. What's his career high? 19 points?

Towns' advanced stats are great. His stats are not the issue. It's that he only plays 21 mpg. His minutes are being increased down the stretch here though so if he does have a big tournament there will be no question about his case for the #1 pick.

If you've been watching Towns play lately he shows us a new wrinkle every game it seems. His motor is great and the guy has just improved a lot as the season has gone on which bodes well for his potential, and he's barely even shown the jumper he has in their system. Last game he dropped 13/9 with 6 blocks and 3 assists. He did everything and you could really feel his presence on both ends. Against Georgia on the road the game before he took over in the 2nd half with 17 points when the cats looked like they could actually lose. Both games he played only 27 minutes and in his other career high against Auburn he dropped 19/10/4/2 in just 21 minutes. Foul trouble is one reason he hasn't played more minutes some games, but even if he's not in foul trouble coach Cal just doesn't play him more than 20-25 minutes most of the time, which annoys scouts everywhere.

No doubt it's tough to compare Jah and Karl because of the different situations and teams they're on, but that's why the draft is always going to be a crapshoot. Jah is a complete master of the post already at his age, whereas Towns is more basic but no slouch there himself. He arguably has Jah beat everywhere else though, especially defense. Personally I'd be ecstatic if we got either guy and we're going to need a top 2 pick to get one.

Nice analysis bro, I'm curious to know about your opinion on Russell. He's the one I hope the Knicks end up, but it's moreso for selfish reasons...he's my favorite player out of the top 4 to watch.

[Rock Bottom]

I really hope we get one of these guys.. Okafor, Towns.. they're looking awesome..

[alphad0gz]

If Okafor is legit, he will score 40 points, 15 rebounds against Kentucky in the tournament and knock them out.

Is that really what it's going to take to make him legit for you?

Yes. The greats perform in the Tournament.

Not always true. Harden imploded against SU and was SO bad that I actually wrote him off. You really have to look at the body of work. Anybody can have a bad game.

[alphad0gz]

Regarding Towns

-Will Towns even be able to stay on the floor in the NBA? still a bit foul prone though he's shown improvement over the season, Can he avoid foul trouble against grown men? 5.7 fouls per 40 minutes

-Weak lower body strength, can he hold his position or will he get pushed around and moved out of the post in the NBA?

Regarding Okafor

-Can he improve his FT Shooting? 52% isnt dazzling

-can jahlil okafors defense be trusted? is he limited on this end? can he improve?

Who's more NBA ready? who fits our system the best

Towns doesn't have to be careful with fouls so we don't really know anything about how he will fare with fouls. Will he get pushed around? Sure, by some of the centers, but he will get bigger and much stronger. Trust Okafors defense? Who knows..we haven't seen any. Towns fits our system better because he can step out. He can also defend the pick and roll which Okafor has no shot at doing. Who's more NBA ready? Well, Okafor will be more effective offensively but it will be limited to 8 feet and in. Towns will score less initially but will have a more well rounded game, offensively. I believe Towns will be the better rebounder as he boards out of his area while Okafor does not. Towns will also go over guys and Okafor can not. Blocked shots is not close. I think these are all factual observations based on stats and eyeball.

[islanders11040]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx5YsBdvrDU[/youtube]

Towns Blocks from Florida Game

[Besart19]

If we draft Towns, he'll have to get his 2-4 weeks training with Hakeem after the summer league!!

And sign Ewing as our top assistant to mentor Karl as much as he can!! Bring the old fellas at the Garden!!

Ewing (Towns)
Johnson (Melo)
Spree (Butler)
Houston (Green, though I'd prefer Wes if healthy.., and a better defender than both H20 and Danny)
Ward/Harper (Galloway)
Oakley (Lou)
Kurt (Bass)
Mason (Carrol)
Rice (Morrow or R.Allen if he comes back)
Jackson (Miller)
Camby (Thanasis, not fo the position but for the athleticism, high leap and shot blocking ability)
Dudley (Cole)
H.Davis (THJ)
C.Smith (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRFKhpMKX0E) we need the opposite of or keep Bargs
Starks (Shved)

[djphan]

Thats what scouting is though my friend. Its not just about numbers, its how you think guys will translate to the NBA. Russell Westbrook averaged 13/4/4 in 34 mpg his sophomore year at UCLA. Did he scream future NBA leading scorer to you? He played only 9 mpg his freshman year too. When it was rumored Walsh wanted to draft Westbrook many posters didnt want him because his numbers werent great.

That isnt even the case with Towns though. He has the highest PER since February I believe and his per minute numbers more than stack up with Jahlil.

a lot of ucla guys under howland played better in the pros than their numbers indicated... this happened with ariza, collison, afflalo, farmar, mbah a moute, holiday and i'm probably forgetting someone...

[Milk]

7 NEW full Emmanuel Mudiay highlights!!

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

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkErJEg1MVQ[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjbN77u38Yc[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZskbAptrU30[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_Wt-PxlcM[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QunsbB5BwSE[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn7IWpdQ-J8[/youtube]

[beasonu]

if you catch my drift