The #2 Pick

[bah humbug]

Also for all the flak Okafor gets for his d, you do realize Russell is one or the worst man defenders At the guard pos in this draft. Bottom 5 easy

[SDChargers#1]

People act like all Centers in the league are rim protectors, or that rim protectors are somehow necessary. They aren't. The heat went to 4 straight finals without a rim protector. Kevin Garnett was never a great rim protector. Shaq, etc.

Being a rim protector is VERY overrated.

[Goudelock]

People act like all Centers in the league are rim protectors, or that rim protectors are somehow necessary. They aren't. The heat went to 4 straight finals without a rim protector. Kevin Garnett was never a great rim protector. Shaq, etc.

Being a rim protector is VERY overrated.

I agree with the rim protector part, but being good on defense is still extremely important. Look at the teams left in the playoffs; all of the starting C's are good at defense.

[EArl]

Is okafor more athletic than prime pau? His soft touch and passing ability remind me a little bit of him.

[Kilroy]

I think Okafor will be a 4 in the NBA. He's not going to be a rim protector. That combination with Randle is not going to be a good mix. I think drafting Russell/Mudiay then signing a big is a wiser investment.

Pls make it stop. Okafor is not a 4, esp not in today's nba

Think it's wishfull NY thinking... Nothing more... "Please let Oak drop to 4!"

I mean one of Mudiay or Russell should be available... YOU pick them.

[Laker_Kid]

Is okafor more athletic than prime pau? His soft touch and passing ability remind me a little bit of him.

same here. duncan/pau mold. versatile bigman. strong offensive game. defense not so much. and terrific passers.

[Pointgod]

I think Okafor is good enough that if Randle doesn't fit next to him, you'll look to move Randle and not the other way around.

This. Only an idiot wouldn't draft Okafor because of Randle(who hasn't even played a game yet). people who harp on Okafor's defence, hello Blake Griffin?! Okafor will slaughter in the low post, demands a double team and is an above average passer. I still think Russell could end up the best player in the draft but I see him and Okafor as 1 and 2 long term.

i'm not saying i don't agree w the premise that we shouldn't make the decision based on the skill set of someone who hasn't played a single minute of NBA basketball, but surely fit plays a part when all three of these guys (Randle, Clarkson, Okafor/Russell) will conceivably be here for the next 7+ years. even if you think you can trade Randle if you have to, you must concede that we lose significant value doing it that way. now, maybe, if Okafor is that good, that doesn't matter as much. but if the goal is to maximise all available assets (as it is and always should be) we still need to understand the reality of the situation.

There's a slim chance that all our draft picks from the past 2 years will all be together on the team 7 years from now. How many teams
still have their picks from the past 5 years still playing together? Even a team like OKC that absolutely knocked it out the park on picks 5 years in a row only have 2 of their lottery picks still on their team. It's not realistic to pass up on an franchise changing player just because of fit. When you're a team that's starved for talent you always choose BPA and let them play together first before choosing who to move. There's always the possibility that we keep both and address the defensive short comings with perimeter players.

also, what do you mean 'hello Blake Griffin?!' maybe i am misunderstanding what you're trying to say, but Blake plays next to one of the best rim protecters in the league; a guy who is top 5 in the league in defensive rebounds and block shots. this is exact what i'm talking about when i'm referring to fit. neither of our post guys will be able to guard a lick at the rim - unless one (or both) gets markedly better in that department. not saying that's impossible, but it's definitely a concern.

I referenced Blake Griffin because for all the crap he gets for his lack of defensive skills he more than makes up for it with his offensive contributions. I see that being the similar case with Okafor. His offense, rebounding and passing skills will more than make up for his lack of defensive awareness. Even then he's still only 19 years old and could improve his defense in the right system.

[EArl]

Pau was a a decent defender when he needed to be in those championship runs. Something as small as using your height to your advantage is good defense.

[SDChargers#1]

People act like all Centers in the league are rim protectors, or that rim protectors are somehow necessary. They aren't. The heat went to 4 straight finals without a rim protector. Kevin Garnett was never a great rim protector. Shaq, etc.

Being a rim protector is VERY overrated.

I agree with the rim protector part, but being good on defense is still extremely important. Look at the teams left in the playoffs; all of the starting C's are good at defense.

Of course defense is important. Being a rim protector is not. Personally I feel Okafor is far and away the best prospect of this draft, I would love it if he somehow fell to us.

[Pointgod]

Basketball is still a big mans game. Don't be fooled by steph curry taking advantage of Kevin durants absence this yr. and who's to say lebron (effectively a big himself) won't win this yr? Okafor has the best low post game of any college freshman ever. I hate when people say he has limited upside it just makes no sense. I get that people are worried about fit w randle, but these cats are young, defense can be taught if you have the physical tools (see Bynum), offense is much harder. Also what about Russell's fit w clarkson? Ppl on this board severely underrate clarksons potential. He has future all star written all over him, but he is ball dominant and that won't mesh w Russell. If Ur gonna hate on Okafor as a bad fit w randle, it cuts both ways w Russell/clarkson. Give me too really talented post scores over two talented ball dominant wings pls. Don't overthink yourself out of this Mitch. Go w the big. Only edge Russell has is that he is 0% chance to bust whereas Okafor has 5-10% chance of being a good, not great player.

But at the end of the day I'd rather take a shot where a guy has 50% chance to be Tim Duncan/25% chance to be 2011 Bynum/25% chance to be al jeff than a guy who has 90% chance to be Damian lillard/10% chance to be steph curry

I don't disagree with your post, but Russell can easily play off the ball. He's a great shooter and I see him being more in the Brandon Roy/Harden mold versus Westbrook/Tyreke Evans

[kobe808lak]

I would say Pau was a above average defender during those runs. Maybe even good.

Can Okafor get to that level on a Championship team? Remains to be seen. I think Okafor at 2 is sounding better to me. Dude is still so young and has that offensive touch already.. that is so rare for today's bigs.

[Goudelock]

People act like all Centers in the league are rim protectors, or that rim protectors are somehow necessary. They aren't. The heat went to 4 straight finals without a rim protector. Kevin Garnett was never a great rim protector. Shaq, etc.

Being a rim protector is VERY overrated.

I agree with the rim protector part, but being good on defense is still extremely important. Look at the teams left in the playoffs; all of the starting C's are good at defense.

Of course defense is important. Being a rim protector is not. Personally I feel Okafor is far and away the best prospect of this draft, I would love it if he somehow fell to us.

Oh, trust me, I want Okafor in purple and gold as well. I wasn't trying to insinuate that we shouldn't take him. TBH, as long as he isn't as bad as this year's Dirk Nowitzki on defense, then he'll be fine.

[Trips71]

Without question, the pick for me would be Okafor. I love Russell's game, but Oak is too good offensively, and with offensive rebounds to pass up.

HOWEVER, I don't think the question will ever come to that. I really think the T Wolves are taking Oak and we will get Towns. And that will not suck!

[DEEP3CL]

I don't get the fascination with taking a guard when you have a big with a great NBA ready post game. I think guys are too swayed by today's style of play. Truthfully it's a fad for this moment.

Ever stop to think why teams even went to stretch the floor / perimeter game anyway?

If was because of the lack of bigs who could draw a double team. Bigs became less and less talented as we approached the mid part of the decade.

The last two bigs that were suppose to be dominate were Oden and Bynum. Injuries derailed both of their careers.

But bottom line is that you don't pass on Okafor or Towns for guards you can find in every draft after this one.

[LApwnd]

wanted to point out as well, GSW success with Bogut...he's not an athletic rim protecting beast like Dj either but he is a solid position defender.

[SDChargers#1]

I honestly can't believe the results of this poll. I guess I am happy most of you aren't GMs, lol.

[Kilroy]

I honestly can't believe the results of this poll. I guess I am happy most of you aren't GMs, lol.

Never underestimate the power of Knicks and Sixers trolls.

[SDChargers#1]

I honestly can't believe the results of this poll. I guess I am happy most of you aren't GMs, lol.

Never underestimate the power of Knicks and Sixers trolls.

Eh, I think the 6ers are happy with theirs. They already have Neol and Embiid, they don't need another big man. They want Russell. The Knicks surely are bitter though.

[Michael Lucky]

I honestly can't believe the results of this poll. I guess I am happy most of you aren't GMs, lol.

Never underestimate the power of Knicks and Sixers trolls.

Knicks fans would vote Russell
Sixers fans would vote Okafor.

Then again there are more Knicks fans on this board.

[denimourson]

I think this question boils down to post game or perimeter offensive play. In today's NBA if you don't get KAT you go with Russell.