The #2 Pick

[DadoTheRabbet]

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Love that!

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

[crazyeights]

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

Looks like there's a cut and then he says "...I'd be upset." I'm assuming he was talking about if we lost the pick. Or maybe if it fell out of the top 2, not sure....

The way he talks about it, I think it's very clear we're going big. Why else would top 2 be good in this case?

[The Prodigy]

I see what you're saying about the weight loss. Thing is he hasn't shown any propensity for delivering on defensive "effort" thus far, and he's a lousy free-throw shooter. Yeah, all this may develop in time but I'd much rather have Towns, who has it all now instead of hoping that Maybe Someday Okafor will develop these qualities.

I mean, if Towns doesn't improve a whole lot in the future - no big deal. He's already got all the tools he needs to be a first-rate center. If Okafor doesn't do a lot of improving in mulitple areas - it's a big deal.

I agree that Okafor's defense and free throw shooting are valid concerns, but let's not act like Towns is a sure thing either. Yes, his shooting touch and rim protection are enticing but he also has his flaws. He gets pushed around in the post because he's top heavy with skinny legs. I also think his ability to defend the perimeter is overstated. On the offensive end he can look spastic at times.

Okafor and Towns are both very good prospects with strengths and weaknesses.

Again, the center's job is to patrol the Paint. If one can do perimeter defense, that's a nice bonus - not the main job. Certainly, any kid coming out of college is going to need to work on some things. I just see a whole lot more upside qualities that the LAKERS need in Towns than I do in Okafor. Defense being first, second and third among those. I want my draftee to come in already capable of great things on D and able to make his free throws when he gets fouled in the paint. Spastic? I don't care what he looks like offensively. Coaching his offense and doing the strength training - that he can work on but come in with D and free-throws. Hence, Towns is a significantly superior pick IMO.

Depends on the criteria you have. You're apparently of an offensive mindset. And, that's fine. To my way of thinking, however, D wins championships.

Just because I'm offering a counterargument doesn't mean I prefer one player over the other, or that I'm offensive minded vs. defensive minded. Just trying to point out that both players have things to work on. If you think Towns' offense can be coached, why can't Okafor's defense?

[TyCobb]

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

Looks like there's a cut and then he says "...I'd be upset." I'm assuming he was talking about if we lost the pick. Or maybe if it fell out of the top 2, not sure....

The way he talks about it, I think it's very clear we're going big. Why else would top 2 be good in this case?

I speak Mitch. He said, 'Make 'em upset'. The part they cut out was about Phil dropping.

[yitur]

[YouTube][/YouTube]

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

Looks like there's a cut and then he says "...I'd be upset." I'm assuming he was talking about if we lost the pick. Or maybe if it fell out of the top 2, not sure....

The way he talks about it, I think it's very clear we're going big. Why else would top 2 be good in this case?

Wow, I'm surprised you guys didn't get the joke. Number 2 means the best loser like Lakers always plays for the number 1 spot but in draft 2 is also okay.

[DadoTheRabbet]

I agree that Okafor's defense and free throw shooting are valid concerns, but let's not act like Towns is a sure thing either. Yes, his shooting touch and rim protection are enticing but he also has his flaws. He gets pushed around in the post because he's top heavy with skinny legs. I also think his ability to defend the perimeter is overstated. On the offensive end he can look spastic at times.

Okafor and Towns are both very good prospects with strengths and weaknesses.

Again, the center's job is to patrol the Paint. If one can do perimeter defense, that's a nice bonus - not the main job. Certainly, any kid coming out of college is going to need to work on some things. I just see a whole lot more upside qualities that the LAKERS need in Towns than I do in Okafor. Defense being first, second and third among those. I want my draftee to come in already capable of great things on D and able to make his free throws when he gets fouled in the paint. Spastic? I don't care what he looks like offensively. Coaching his offense and doing the strength training - that he can work on but come in with D and free-throws. Hence, Towns is a significantly superior pick IMO.

Depends on the criteria you have. You're apparently of an offensive mindset. And, that's fine. To my way of thinking, however, D wins championships.

Just because I'm offering a counterargument doesn't mean I prefer one player over the other, or that I'm offensive minded vs. defensive minded. Just trying to point out that both players have things to work on. If you think Towns' offense can be coached, why can't Okafor's defense?

I'm not saying Okafor can't be coached on D. I'm only saying that I'd rather have what Towns ALREADY brings to the table and that if you're going to take a chance - take a chance on offense, not defense. Frankly, I also think from hearing them both that Towns is smarter - just generally. Smarter people make smarter players of course. He'll pick things up faster, in my estimation.

Now, I'm going to hear it from all the 80 IQ types (and below)... Dear Lord...

[DadoTheRabbet]

[YouTube][/YouTube]

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

Looks like there's a cut and then he says "...I'd be upset." I'm assuming he was talking about if we lost the pick. Or maybe if it fell out of the top 2, not sure....

The way he talks about it, I think it's very clear we're going big. Why else would top 2 be good in this case?

Wow, I'm surprised you guys didn't get the joke. Number 2 means the best loser like Lakers always plays for the number 1 spot but in draft 2 is also okay.

No. Of course, we all got the joke. I'm just trying to work out what was said after that.

[DadoTheRabbet]

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

Looks like there's a cut and then he says "...I'd be upset." I'm assuming he was talking about if we lost the pick. Or maybe if it fell out of the top 2, not sure....

The way he talks about it, I think it's very clear we're going big. Why else would top 2 be good in this case?

Thinkin' exactly the same thing, crazyeights.

[Worst_to_First]

C'mon guys, just when we got fully sold in drafting him.....

[Mirjalovic]

about Town, i can't see him as true defensive center, sure he'll give you a or two blocks, but he's not DPOY material, and in offense, he's relatively adequate, doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, but that's why i prefer Okafor than him. I don't see Town as game changing defensively to ignoring what Okafor could give offensively. That's my opinion

but i like all top 3 and can't go wrong, i believe in Lakers development team.

[Worst_to_First]

about Town, i can't see him as true defensive center, sure he'll give you a or two blocks, but he's not DPOY material, and in offense, he's relatively adequate, doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, but that's why i prefer Okafor than him. I don't see Town as game changing defensively to ignoring what Okafor could give offensively. That's my opinion

but i like all top 3 and can't go wrong, i believe in Lakers development team.

You guys will do well with Okafor. Having to spend some time with Kobe is the best thing that could happen to him as it will sharpen his competitive edge especially on the defensive side. Having him develop with Melo would have been a disaster since they are currently wired the same way. They are both elite scorers who can hold their own on defense but cannot be relied on to provide help defense when their teammates are beat. Jahlil has the tools to be a great defender with his strength and length alone and I think he can turn into one with the Lakers. You guys are used to Hack-a-Shaq so I guess you will able to stand Hack-a-Jah.

My concern would be his initial fit with Randle, although this should not be a reason for you guys to pass on Okafor. What I would suggest though is to explore bringing back Jordan Hill for next season. He would be the perfect complement for Jahlil at the 4 spot since he can knock down the outside jumper and is relatively a good defender. You could also explore trying to trade for Taj Gibson of the Bulls.

As for Towns, I am a huge fan of his but I admit that his game screams jack-of-all-trades at this point. His marketability lies in that he is a two-way player and has no glaring weaknesses. He is at risk though of posting average stats in his first year (while Okafor and Russell put up beastly numbers) therefore getting unjust bust labels which could hurt his confidence and affect his development. Would have loved to have him on the Knicks though as the triangle offense would have highlighted his strengths and put them all on display. Sadly he is not in play for us.

[RingsDontLie]

The more I think about it.....Russell is a big dark horse in this draft. He can easily be the best player out of this draft. If the lakers think they can sign a big name center like Deondre Jordan or Marc Gasol....I think they won't hesitate to draft Russell at #2. Russell has a huge upside...he is big for a PG, great court vision, amazing shooter, high iq, great ball handler and elite passer. His size can pose a mismatch for other guards since he is tall and exceptional on the block...and his defense is excellent. Lakers could always move Clarkson to SG and Kobe to SF. Clarkson is more of a finisher to me so he will mesh well with Russell who is an elite passer. What do you guys think about this lineup with D. Russell?

D. Russell
Clarkson
Marc Gasol or maybe Deondre
Randle
Kobe



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[Lakersteve20]

Okafor or Towns.

[RingsDontLie]

Again, the center's job is to patrol the Paint. If one can do perimeter defense, that's a nice bonus - not the main job. Certainly, any kid coming out of college is going to need to work on some things. I just see a whole lot more upside qualities that the LAKERS need in Towns than I do in Okafor. Defense being first, second and third among those. I want my draftee to come in already capable of great things on D and able to make his free throws when he gets fouled in the paint. Spastic? I don't care what he looks like offensively. Coaching his offense and doing the strength training - that he can work on but come in with D and free-throws. Hence, Towns is a significantly superior pick IMO.

Depends on the criteria you have. You're apparently of an offensive mindset. And, that's fine. To my way of thinking, however, D wins championships.

Just because I'm offering a counterargument doesn't mean I prefer one player over the other, or that I'm offensive minded vs. defensive minded. Just trying to point out that both players have things to work on. If you think Towns' offense can be coached, why can't Okafor's defense?

I'm not saying Okafor can't be coached on D. I'm only saying that I'd rather have what Towns ALREADY brings to the table and that if you're going to take a chance - take a chance on offense, not defense. Frankly, I also think from hearing them both that Towns is smarter - just generally. Smarter people make smarter players of course. He'll pick things up faster, in my estimation.

Now, I'm going to hear it from all the 80 IQ types (and below)... Dear Lord...

Natural ability trumps general iq level all day in sports. Okafor has the natural ability on the offensive end, and he is a better passer and playmaker than towns. Towns will never reach Okafor's offensive level because you can't teach Okafor's footwork. Okafor may become as good of a defender as towns.


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[Spanish_Laker]

Jahil Okafor, it's a no-brainer. Okafor will probably become a superstar center, his skillset and low-post moves are just magnificent. We know he is not still a good defensive player but he will get better. Defensive-minded Cs are easy to find, centers with an unique low-post game and offensive arsenal are so scarce.

[EArl]

[instagram]https://instagram.com/p/244JoYrO6a/[/instagram]

Love that!

(But, what does he say after, "#2's ok in this case"? Something about being upset...? Never was quite able to make that out.)

He jokingly said that he was upset that they got the second pick.

[LApwnd]

My concern would be his initial fit with Randle, although this should not be a reason for you guys to pass on Okafor. What I would suggest though is to explore bringing back Jordan Hill for next season. He would be the perfect complement for Jahlil at the 4 spot since he can knock down the outside jumper and is relatively a good defender. You could also explore trying to trade for Taj Gibson of the Bulls.

terrible idea all-around, trading a young player for a 30yr old and bringing back Hill to kill our cap space. I'm worried bout the fit too but till we see it 1st hand and fail its moronic to make a rash decisions like that beforehand.

[Slava]

about Town, i can't see him as true defensive center, sure he'll give you a or two blocks, but he's not DPOY material, and in offense, he's relatively adequate, doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, but that's why i prefer Okafor than him. I don't see Town as game changing defensively to ignoring what Okafor could give offensively. That's my opinion

but i like all top 3 and can't go wrong, i believe in Lakers development team.

Towns is still 2-3 years away from growing into his NBA physique. When he does, all his physical attributes will be magnified. He's not Anthony Davis but he is pretty damn good with good post moves, ability to score explosively off the pick and roll as well as shooting range to the 3 point line. We're lucky no matter which center we draft.

[Slava]

You guys will do well with Okafor. Having to spend some time with Kobe is the best thing that could happen to him as it will sharpen his competitive edge especially on the defensive side. Having him develop with Melo would have been a disaster since they are currently wired the same way. They are both elite scorers who can hold their own on defense but cannot be relied on to provide help defense when their teammates are beat. Jahlil has the tools to be a great defender with his strength and length alone and I think he can turn into one with the Lakers. You guys are used to Hack-a-Shaq so I guess you will able to stand Hack-a-Jah.

My concern would be his initial fit with Randle, although this should not be a reason for you guys to pass on Okafor. What I would suggest though is to explore bringing back Jordan Hill for next season. He would be the perfect complement for Jahlil at the 4 spot since he can knock down the outside jumper and is relatively a good defender. You could also explore trying to trade for Taj Gibson of the Bulls.

As for Towns, I am a huge fan of his but I admit that his game screams jack-of-all-trades at this point. His marketability lies in that he is a two-way player and has no glaring weaknesses. He is at risk though of posting average stats in his first year (while Okafor and Russell put up beastly numbers) therefore getting unjust bust labels which could hurt his confidence and affect his development. Would have loved to have him on the Knicks though as the triangle offense would have highlighted his strengths and put them all on display. Sadly he is not in play for us.

If we wanted to start with a stretch 4, we already got Ryan Kelly, who is a cheaper and better option than Jordan Hill. He looked terribly lost playing SF but regained some semblance of confidence when he moved to playing PF again but there's no point to it, we need to start playing Randle and the new center together from day 1 so they can learn each other's quirks and develop a good partnership. High IQ players tend to do that very fast.

[The Prodigy]

Just came across a pretty good article on Grantland about how the post up could make a comeback, if the player posting up has passing ability. Pretty relevant to Okafor. You guys should give it a read:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/we-in ... s-rebirth/