2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[payitforward]

Williams is a lot less athletic than Millsap. He's more like Blair and latter career Wes Unseld. Williams is not a guy I see the Wizards drafting.

I think he'll be like Joey Dorsey or Jack Cooley. He may not originally stick in the NBA.

Williams has a wide base and terrific hands. He makes shots off the backboard, shoots hooks, and is a lot more fluid on offense than Blair; but I'd be lying if I said Williams isn't similar.

Millsap was a lottery worthy talent who rebounded, blocked shots, stole the ball, scored well at Louisiana Tech, and he played above the rim.

Williams will rebound well and he'll hit open shots. He is a small ball C who can play a little PF.

At Louisiana Tech, Paul Millsap was a tremendous offensive rebounder and a force around the basket. He did not block a lot of shots, and he did not steal the ball a lot. He didn't shoot the three at all, and he was a bad FT shooter.

Paul Millsap today is a totally different player. He's not much of a rebounder, his inside FG% is way down (but he does draw a good number of fouls by operating inside), and he's a terrific and prolific 3-point shooter who also sports a respectable FT% especially for a big.

In retrospect, *of course* he was "lottery worthy." Anyone who achieves what Millsap has achieved was certainly lottery worthy! But, what he's achieved is to become pretty much an altogether different player.

As to Williams -- keep in mind we're talking about the #49 pick here! This is a guy who was a force immediately when he came to college. Bigs who put up numbers like his *as a freshman* are few and far between.

Does this mean he's going to develop a 3 point shot and become as good a player as Paul Millsap? No it doesn't -- I mean he might, but no one can predict that. But, to me at least, everything points to him becoming a productive NBA player, and getting a guy like that at #49 is rare. Now, who knows, maybe someone w/ even more potential will be there when we pick? Or maybe Ernie will trade the pick for a ham sandwich and a free beer. We'll have to see.

Btw, I couldn't disagree less w/ the comparison of Williams w/ Joey Dorsey. For starters, Dorsey was 24 most of his senior year in college! A man among boys. For another, he's a lazy unfocussed guy. Or at least that's what he was -- he seems to have come around some. He was quite productive for the Rockets this year in limited minutes.

Williams is a smart cookie -- he's already talking about developing a 3-point shot, for example. Knows what will propel his career.

[Dat2U]

I probably said this before - I wouldn't trade a future pick to move up for Portis, but I would do it for either Kaminsky or Turner. I have Turner rated the 5th best prospect in the draft, and most mocks have him going around 12th. But Kaminsky is close to the perfect fit for the Wiz, imo. He's better than Portis because he can create offense for himself and for teammates - in addition to what Portis can do. If you want to play Spurs like offense, he's the guy. Rich man's Diaw.

Portis and Kaminsky put up pretty similar numbers in their sophomore seasons, the advanced stats. Portis did it on a much larger sample size which makes it more impressive.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... tis-1.html

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... sky-1.html

I buy that Kaminsky might end up being a really good offensive 5, and an adequate defender...I don't really see how he can keep up with NBA 4s, but we shall see I suppose. If we didn't have Gortat I'd understand coveting Kaminsky more, but our need for a 4 makes me prefer Portis, simply because I think Portis will eventually be able to guard NBA 4s.

My other question is, which player had to deal with lesser PG play? Who had to do more on their own and will benefit more from playing with Wall?

I wouldn't get stuck on position other than Kaminsky being an ultra-skilled 7-0 footer. I'd definitely trade up for Kaminsky and figure out where to play him later but his offensive skills will surely translate... there's no question in my mind about that.

Portis has some nice qualities about him and I think he's a solid prospect but Kaminsky can immediately step in and help a team offensively. Defensively I think he'll be okay because while he's not a leaper or anything he moves real well for his size.

[payitforward]

I'm beginning to think the Wizards should be prepared to sacrifice a future 1st to trade up for Portis. If Portis goes, say, 14th, the Wizards should trade the #19 and next year's 1st to move up.

I'm thinking Portis will eventually be able to steal some minutes at center. That could solve two problems: the need for a high quality backup center behind Gortat, and the need to find enough minutes for Durant and Portis at PF. Basically, with a 6-man rotation of Wall, Beal, Porter, Durant, Portis and Gortat, it doesn't matter which 5 are on the floor.

Never have seen the guy play, I am skeptical of this type of asset management. If he's that good, why isn't he projected in the lottery? We need our picks, man!

I agree. Would be kind of a wild speculation....

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Williams is a lot less athletic than Millsap. He's more like Blair and latter career Wes Unseld. Williams is not a guy I see the Wizards drafting.

I think he'll be like Joey Dorsey or Jack Cooley. He may not originally stick in the NBA.

Williams has a wide base and terrific hands. He makes shots off the backboard, shoots hooks, and is a lot more fluid on offense than Blair; but I'd be lying if I said Williams isn't similar.

Millsap was a lottery worthy talent who rebounded, blocked shots, stole the ball, scored well at Louisiana Tech, and he played above the rim.

Williams will rebound well and he'll hit open shots. He is a small ball C who can play a little PF.

Check out this Alan Williams video interview: pay special attention beginning at 1:55 -- welcome to the Bullets, Alan Williams!

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Ala ... view-4958/

http://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... _alan_ty1v

You get an even better idea of what kind of young man he is here.

When I learn things like honor roll student, bilingual, two HS state titles, likes to swim...they add up to very positive intangibles.

Williams is a solid prospect, but weight WILL be an issue down the road.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Williams is a lot less athletic than Millsap. He's more like Blair and latter career Wes Unseld. Williams is not a guy I see the Wizards drafting.

I think he'll be like Joey Dorsey or Jack Cooley. He may not originally stick in the NBA.

Williams has a wide base and terrific hands. He makes shots off the backboard, shoots hooks, and is a lot more fluid on offense than Blair; but I'd be lying if I said Williams isn't similar.

Millsap was a lottery worthy talent who rebounded, blocked shots, stole the ball, scored well at Louisiana Tech, and he played above the rim.

Williams will rebound well and he'll hit open shots. He is a small ball C who can play a little PF.

At Louisiana Tech, Paul Millsap was a tremendous offensive rebounder and a force around the basket. He did not block a lot of shots, and he did not steal the ball a lot. He didn't shoot the three at all, and he was a bad FT shooter.

Paul Millsap today is a totally different player. He's not much of a rebounder, his inside FG% is way down (but he does draw a good number of fouls by operating inside), and he's a terrific and prolific 3-point shooter who also sports a respectable FT% especially for a big.

In retrospect, *of course* he was "lottery worthy." Anyone who achieves what Millsap has achieved was certainly lottery worthy! But, what he's achieved is to become pretty much an altogether different player.

As to Williams -- keep in mind we're talking about the #49 pick here! This is a guy who was a force immediately when he came to college. Bigs who put up numbers like his *as a freshman* are few and far between.

Does this mean he's going to develop a 3 point shot and become as good a player as Paul Millsap? No it doesn't -- I mean he might, but no one can predict that. But, to me at least, everything points to him becoming a productive NBA player, and getting a guy like that at #49 is rare. Now, who knows, maybe someone w/ even more potential will be there when we pick? Or maybe Ernie will trade the pick for a ham sandwich and a free beer. We'll have to see.

Btw, I couldn't disagree less w/ the comparison of Williams w/ Joey Dorsey. For starters, Dorsey was 24 most of his senior year in college! A man among boys. For another, he's a lazy unfocussed guy. Or at least that's what he was -- he seems to have come around some. He was quite productive for the Rockets this year in limited minutes.

Williams is a smart cookie -- he's already talking about developing a 3-point shot, for example. Knows what will propel his career.

Thanks for challenging me:

In 2005-2006, Paul Millsap averaged 1.9 Steals and 2.3 Blocks per game. Come again, pif?

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla ... sap-1.html


Pif, at this point in my life I fuse a lot of players stats. Danny Granger was a blocks and steals guy. Faried was, too.

I recall from memory that Millsap led the nation in rebounding two straight years and he scored well. He did block shots and steal the ball well.

(You are wrong and IMHO you put way too much time and effort into attempting to discredit me. Fell on your ass this time... I am not mad at you! In fact, you lifted me out of a funk. Thanks! )


Faried led the nation three straight years. He broke Duncan's or Robinson's records. He did block shots and I recall a big one that defeated Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.

As far as making mistakes goes, I have no problem with admitting as much. I make plenty, but some of you lack tact. There are responsible ways to suggest a person is wrong...

The comparison with Dorsey had to do with how long he has bounced between the D-League and the NBA. You bring out lazy and unfocused value judgment, and I merely was comparing size and shape and both guys rebound.

I just posted about Williams being smart. I posted above about him being unselfish.

Millsap was a teammate of Carlos Boozer and he played for Jerry Sloan. Deron Williams was his PG. He had a limited role but IMO he was a MUCH BETTER player than his early role allowed. Has he added to his skill set? Sure! But the talent was always there. Millsap focuses on scoring now. Maybe to get paid more and to make all star teams. He does collect less rebounds but I doubt he forgot how to rebound.

Whatever, pif...

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Williams is not a fast-twitch, high riser athlete. I like him, but I have seen what happened to Mike Sweetney and I see what's happening to DeJuan Blair. My favorite guys to root for face long, hard odds.

At best, guys with that type body and no explosive leaping ability have Danny Fortson like careers.

I like Williams as a backup if he can maintain his conditioning.

[Ruzious]

Williams is not a fast-twitch, high riser athlete. I like him, but I have seen what happened to Mike Sweetney and I see what's happening to DeJuan Blair. My favorite guys to root for face long, hard odds.

At best, guys with that type body and no explosive leaping ability have Danny Fortson like careers.

I like Williams as a backup if he can maintain his conditioning.

I like your comparisons of Williams. He should make the NBA, but he doesn't fit the "mold" that the NBA is looking for.

You're right on Millsap. Even though everyone said he was unathletic, he had a very good combo of steals and blocks - and I think you were the first person I remember keying in on that as an indication that he's effectively a good NBA athlete. Ever since then, I look at that combo. Actually, that's why I downgrade Dekker. He seems athletic and very talented, but the low steals and blocks make me think twice.

[payitforward]

Thanks for challenging me:

In 2005-2006, Paul Millsap averaged 1.9 Steals and 2.3 Blocks per game. Come again, pif?

We're looking at the same numbers, CCJ. That's not "a lot of blocks." 2.7 per 40 minutes. This year Jordan Mickey blocked 4.2 per 40 minutes, last year it was 3.8 per 40 minutes.

The year you mention, 21 other college 4s (looking only at guys who played 25 or more minutes/game) blocked shots at a higher rate. Now, that's not saying he blocked *few* shots. He wasn't bad at it. But it's not a standout figure.

But you were right and I was wrong about steals -- he is #7 in steals on that same list.

Millsap led the nation in rebounding two straight years and he scored well.

(You are wrong and IMHO you put way too much time and effort into attempting to discredit me. Fell on your ass this time... I am not mad at you! In fact, you lifted me out of a funk. Thanks! )

Hey, Paul Millsap was an outstanding player! And in retrospect it is ridiculous that he went #47. I thought so at the time, just as you did.

I'm not spending time trying to discredit you, CCJ -- no way!! I'm putting time and effort into trying to figure our who would be the right guy(s) for us to draft in a few weeks. Trying to figure out how I would manage this draft if I were the GM... that would be another way to put it.

Most of the time you are right on. Why would I want to put you down -- the opposite; I pay close attention to guys you point out. Many of them I've missed on my own.

Right now, Alan Williams is on my radar, and I was pointing out that he looks to have a lot of promise for a big who's available way down the line in R2. I had the same sense about O'Quinn a few years ago, and I still do about Khem Birch.

As far as making mistakes goes, I have no problem with admitting as much. I make plenty, but some of you lack tact. There are responsible ways to suggest a person is wrong...

The comparison with Dorsey had to do with how long he has bounced between the D-League and the NBA. You bring out lazy and unfocused value judgment, and I merely was comparing size and shape and both guys rebound.

I just posted about Williams being smart. I posted above about him being unselfish.

Millsap was a teammate of Carlos Boozer and he played for Jerry Sloan. Deron Williams was his PG. He had a limited role but IMO he was a MUCH BETTER player than his early role allowed. Has he added to his skill set? Sure! But the talent was always there. Millsap focuses on scoring now. Maybe to get paid more and to make all star teams. He does collect less rebounds but I doubt he forgot how to rebound.

Whatever, pif...

I meant to be "responsible". Because, to me as to you, it's no big deal to be wrong, I didn't think it'd be taken as a big deal if I commented pretty directly. If I was untactful, I apologize -- it was by no means my intention.

And I might be all wrong about Alan Williams for that matter. We are all "mistaken" often enough. A long life has taught me that people who are not willing to be "mistaken" have little chance to be "right" in any meaningful way either.

Not just, or even mainly, in judging NBA prospects, but in all the important issues in life -- and I'm going to bet you agree with me.

[payitforward]

Williams is a lot less athletic than Millsap. He's more like Blair and latter career Wes Unseld. Williams is not a guy I see the Wizards drafting.

I think he'll be like Joey Dorsey or Jack Cooley. He may not originally stick in the NBA.

Williams has a wide base and terrific hands. He makes shots off the backboard, shoots hooks, and is a lot more fluid on offense than Blair; but I'd be lying if I said Williams isn't similar.

Millsap was a lottery worthy talent who rebounded, blocked shots, stole the ball, scored well at Louisiana Tech, and he played above the rim.

Williams will rebound well and he'll hit open shots. He is a small ball C who can play a little PF.

Check out this Alan Williams video interview: pay special attention beginning at 1:55 -- welcome to the Bullets, Alan Williams!

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Ala ... view-4958/

http://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... _alan_ty1v

You get an even better idea of what kind of young man he is here.

When I learn things like honor roll student, bilingual, two HS state titles, likes to swim...they add up to very positive intangibles.

Williams is a solid prospect, but weight WILL be an issue down the road.

For sure. He'll have to lose 15lbs, and he'll have to maximize his athletic potential too. I just think he brings an awful lot for a kid they've right now at DR got projected as the 59th pick!

Right before Tyler Harvey -- if I thought I could get #s 59 & 60 for our #49, and it would bring me those two guys I'd make the swap instantly! They both look like potential NBA players to me.

[mhd]

I think Willie-Caulie Stein is really underrated. He'll be an excellent defender in the NBA. He's worked hard to improve his FT %, and he'll be a defensive terror.

[hands11]

http://www.draftexpress.com/video/11774/

Michael Frazier

The Beal connection.

Seems like he has a good solid view on things.

Very consistent form. Says he can defend 3 positions ?

Slotted 47

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPSW7Jt8NFE[/youtube]

Dorian Finney-Smith... said he was returning but now his coach left.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11793102
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/56755/dorian-finney-smith

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Thanks for challenging me:

In 2005-2006, Paul Millsap averaged 1.9 Steals and 2.3 Blocks per game. Come again, pif?

We're looking at the same numbers, CCJ. That's not "a lot of blocks." 2.7 per 40 minutes. This year Jordan Mickey blocked 4.2 per 40 minutes, last year it was 3.8 per 40 minutes.

The year you mention, 21 other college 4s (looking only at guys who played 25 or more minutes/game) blocked shots at a higher rate. Now, that's not saying he blocked *few* shots. He wasn't bad at it. But it's not a standout figure.

But you were right and I was wrong about steals -- he is #7 in steals on that same list.

Millsap led the nation in rebounding two straight years and he scored well.

(You are wrong and IMHO you put way too much time and effort into attempting to discredit me. Fell on your ass this time... I am not mad at you! In fact, you lifted me out of a funk. Thanks! )

Hey, Paul Millsap was an outstanding player! And in retrospect it is ridiculous that he went #47. I thought so at the time, just as you did.

I'm not spending time trying to discredit you, CCJ -- no way!! I'm putting time and effort into trying to figure our who would be the right guy(s) for us to draft in a few weeks. Trying to figure out how I would manage this draft if I were the GM... that would be another way to put it.

Most of the time you are right on. Why would I want to put you down -- the opposite; I pay close attention to guys you point out. Many of them I've missed on my own.

Right now, Alan Williams is on my radar, and I was pointing out that he looks to have a lot of promise for a big who's available way down the line in R2. I had the same sense about O'Quinn a few years ago, and I still do about Khem Birch.

As far as making mistakes goes, I have no problem with admitting as much. I make plenty, but some of you lack tact. There are responsible ways to suggest a person is wrong...

The comparison with Dorsey had to do with how long he has bounced between the D-League and the NBA. You bring out lazy and unfocused value judgment, and I merely was comparing size and shape and both guys rebound.

I just posted about Williams being smart. I posted above about him being unselfish.

Millsap was a teammate of Carlos Boozer and he played for Jerry Sloan. Deron Williams was his PG. He had a limited role but IMO he was a MUCH BETTER player than his early role allowed. Has he added to his skill set? Sure! But the talent was always there. Millsap focuses on scoring now. Maybe to get paid more and to make all star teams. He does collect less rebounds but I doubt he forgot how to rebound.

Whatever, pif...

I meant to be "responsible". Because, to me as to you, it's no big deal to be wrong, I didn't think it'd be taken as a big deal if I commented pretty directly. If I was untactful, I apologize -- it was by no means my intention.

And I might be all wrong about Alan Williams for that matter. We are all "mistaken" often enough. A long life has taught me that people who are not willing to be "mistaken" have little chance to be "right" in any meaningful way either.

Not just, or even mainly, in judging NBA prospects, but in all the important issues in life -- and I'm going to bet you agree with me.

Payitforward, this is much ado about nothing.

It's a rarity for any player to average 2 and 2. That's steals and blocks.

When that same player also averages a bunch of rebounds and a bunch of points--that's one really good player.

Millsap blocked 76 shots his last NCAA season. I'm not comparing him with Stephane Lasme or Khem Birch...Very prolific shot blockers. All I'm saying is Millsap was a beast who did it all. A 2 and 2 guy who plays with ferocious energy at both ends. A complete player, minus free throws in college.

I appreciate your response.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Williams is not a fast-twitch, high riser athlete. I like him, but I have seen what happened to Mike Sweetney and I see what's happening to DeJuan Blair. My favorite guys to root for face long, hard odds.

At best, guys with that type body and no explosive leaping ability have Danny Fortson like careers.

I like Williams as a backup if he can maintain his conditioning.

I like your comparisons of Williams. He should make the NBA, but he doesn't fit the "mold" that the NBA is looking for.

You're right on Millsap. Even though everyone said he was unathletic, he had a very good combo of steals and blocks - and I think you were the first person I remember keying in on that as an indication that he's effectively a good NBA athlete. Ever since then, I look at that combo. Actually, that's why I downgrade Dekker. He seems athletic and very talented, but the low steals and blocks make me think twice.

Thanks. Ruzious.

At this point I want to help others learn how I have had pretty good results. You remember well!

God bless you, my friend.

Back before Draft Express blew up I debated back and forth with Jon Givony on Millsap. In fairness, Joe Teutlin (sp?) was so right about why I was wrong about Morris Almond.

We all have hits and misses....

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Ruzious, I can't believe Dekker is projected to go higher than Kaminsky. Wow...

I didn't like Dekker in the NCAA Tournament. Yes, he's got length and athleticism but the dirty work stats are not there. I agree with you.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Check out this Alan Williams video interview: pay special attention beginning at 1:55 -- welcome to the Bullets, Alan Williams!

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Ala ... view-4958/

http://ucsbgauchos.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... _alan_ty1v

You get an even better idea of what kind of young man he is here.

When I learn things like honor roll student, bilingual, two HS state titles, likes to swim...they add up to very positive intangibles.

Williams is a solid prospect, but weight WILL be an issue down the road.

For sure. He'll have to lose 15lbs, and he'll have to maximize his athletic potential too. I just think he brings an awful lot for a kid they've right now at DR got projected as the 59th pick!

Right before Tyler Harvey -- if I thought I could get #s 59 & 60 for our #49, and it would bring me those two guys I'd make the swap instantly! They both look like potential NBA players to me.

Honestly, I think he loses who HE IS if he loses 15 pounds. There cannot be a demand on a guy to fit an unrealistic weight.

He even mentioned finding a happy medium of playing weight in his interview.

To me, a guy like Blair might actually be more effective at 290 than at 270. That guy loses all his big guy mass at 255. Basketball is not a vertical only sport. Sometimes a wide dude can set a great pick and he can control paint position.

All I care about is performance for a given role. Can Williams play 10-15 minutes effectively? Heck yes.

I think Dejuan Blair would have been fat and a fine role player if given Seraphin's minutes.

Reality has forced me to concede that VERY FEW PEOPLE agree with my thinking. They will fine Williams just like Mike Shanahan made Albert Haynesworth run sprints. They have a preconceived standard. They really don't give people the same chances. Looks matter more....

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I think Willie-Caulie Stein is really underrated. He'll be an excellent defender in the NBA. He's worked hard to improve his FT %, and he'll be a defensive terror.

I'm not sold on WCS.

It's hard to see him being projected as a lottery pick ahead of Portis and Kaminsky.

[nuposse04]

Kaminsky is a 4 who can also play center. Portis isn't any more athletic. If anything, I think Kaminsky's more mobile on defense. Like I said, imo the big difference between them is that Kaminsky can create for himself and his teammates. You can run your offense through him and not be so dependent on Wall in that regard. One analyst said Wisconsin had the most efficient I like Portis and would be happy if the Wiz get him. But imo, Kaminsky's better for the reasons that I gave - regardless of any analysis of the quality of PGs they played with.

Video breakdowns like that of DX agree with you that he isn't quite a stiff, but Portis seems better suited to guard 4s then Kaminsky. Kaminsky is a great floor spacer, but with some of the praises of seen regarding him I'm not sure if they are talking about Kaminsky or generic brand Dirk! My general impression of him was more Channing Frye with good passing instincts (I don't see him taking most small ball 4s off the dribble at the next level, he can dribble but he is far from explosive). I think he can be a good pro, off chance as an all star, but I think there are legit reasons why I haven't seen most mocks put him in the top 10. I also don't buy the notion that Kaminsky will rate to be a better pro then Portis. Hell the other guy you had mentioned, Upshaw, might **** on both of em if he gets his act together.

W/e the case, I'm glad there are a lot of competent bigmen to draft in this class, I just hope we position ourselves to acquire one of em. If we trade up to get Kaminsky I'd be cool with it, but Portis too. Myles Turner would be ideal though with his upside and defensive length.

[mictic]

Kaminsky is a 4 who can also play center. Portis isn't any more athletic. If anything, I think Kaminsky's more mobile on defense. Like I said, imo the big difference between them is that Kaminsky can create for himself and his teammates. You can run your offense through him and not be so dependent on Wall in that regard. One analyst said Wisconsin had the most efficient I like Portis and would be happy if the Wiz get him. But imo, Kaminsky's better for the reasons that I gave - regardless of any analysis of the quality of PGs they played with.

Video breakdowns like that of DX agree with you that he isn't quite a stiff, but Portis seems better suited to guard 4s then Kaminsky. Kaminsky is a great floor spacer, but with some of the praises of seen regarding him I'm not sure if they are talking about Kaminsky or generic brand Dirk! My general impression of him was more Channing Frye with good passing instincts (I don't see him taking most small ball 4s off the dribble at the next level, he can dribble but he is far from explosive). I think he can be a good pro, off chance as an all star, but I think there are legit reasons why I haven't seen most mocks put him in the top 10. I also don't buy the notion that Kaminsky will rate to be a better pro then Portis. Hell the other guy you had mentioned, Upshaw, might **** on both of em if he gets his act together.

W/e the case, I'm glad there are a lot of competent bigmen to draft in this class, I just hope we position ourselves to acquire one of em. If we trade up to get Kaminsky I'd be cool with it, but Portis too. Myles Turner would be ideal though with his upside and defensive length.

I agree with you. He probably won't be Dirk 2.0. Prime Dirk opened up the floor for his teammates by drawing a double team out on the perimeter as a big. Kaminsky has a looong way to go to do that. I even agree that Portis might have a similar or even slightly better career. And the problem with Upshaw is not his talent level. The reason I still want Kaminsky most is fit; we need a stretch 4 and Kaminsky is the best available for that role. At this point we don't have to shoot for the moon, instead we need complementary players to the nice core we already have. Plus I have a little more confidence than you in his driving game due to his size. If those small 4s don't close out hard he'll be able to shoot over them and that should open up his driving where he can make use of his footwork. Still Portis would be fine as well.
Turner is interesting. A combination of rim protection and floor spacing, yikes! Obviously Kaminsky is more ready now but he might have the most upside of all of them. Do you think he'll be able to play the 4 some, at least earlier in his career?

[Earth2Ted]

What does it take to move up to get Kaminsky? If it's next yrs 1st I do it, but I think that only gets us just outside the lottery, and he's gone anywhere from 7-13. Probably would take 2 1sts plus this yrs and that's a little steep- I don't see us doing anything other than bpa at 19, and our annual 2nd for $$$$

[nate33]

Ruzious, I can't believe Dekker is projected to go higher than Kaminsky. Wow...

I didn't like Dekker in the NCAA Tournament. Yes, he's got length and athleticism but the dirty work stats are not there. I agree with you.

I generally shy away from white shooting guards and wings. They have a really poor track record in the league. I tend to think they get a touch overrated because they're white yet they can still keep up with the black guys. The first thing I do with a white guard/wing prospect is look at the lane agility score. If it isn't exceptional, I conclude that they can't defend at the NBA level, which makes them a one-dimensional player and probably not a starter.

Hinrich had a great lane agility score. Redick's was good too. They both turned out to be good NBA players and respectable defenders. Morrison's lane agility score was terrible. Doug McDermott's was bad. The exception to this rule was Hayward. He had a lousy lane agility score and now appears to be a top 5ish SF in the league.

FWIW, Dekker has an exceptional lane agility score, the best in this draft class for a guy with his length. I'm not saying I love him as a prospect, but it really appears that athleticism isn't going to be what holds him back from competing in the NBA.