The #2 Pick

[DEEP3CL]

I know its only peoples opinion of their ceiling but if russell is manu and okafor is duncan, id take Duncan potential regardless of how pg/sg dominant this league is now

Also people tend to forget about the long run....guards come in faster, more explosive in the early going but eventually wear down either due to high usage, age and injury which depletes speed and explosiveness.

Bigs...if they can just avoid injury to their legs, they can last longer...especially if their game is structured around base fundamentals. This is why Duncan lasted as long as he did. Bigs are never freakishly athletic nor do they need to be, if they have sound fundamentals they adjust as their careers go on. Okafor and Towns will be the next two that have that type of careers. Both are sound in aspects of the game that will age just as gracefully as they will...barring luck of avoiding the long recovery type injuries.

[Frank Dux]

There should be no scenario where we don't pick Towns or Okafor. I don't think people here realize just how lucky we got. We not only got to keep our pick, we landed in the the top tier of the draft. And now you guys want to go small? I like Russell, but he has some serious flaws, and he might not translate very well. We'd be very foolish to go in that direction.

Okafor is godly on offense. We're talking the best post moves since Hakeem. Watch his highlights at Duke again, footwork very few players have ever displayed. Coach K doesn't coach defense, so the defensive concerns are overblown. He's 18-19 years old, I think he can be capable. We need to surround him with the right players, and bring in a tough defensive culture.

Towns has a skill set few guys have at his size. He's so mobile, and will be perfect for blowing up opposing pick and rolls. He'll run the floor and finish too. Great jump shot, and a great competitor. He's a can't miss prospect, and reminds me a little of KG.

I would hate to be the team sitting on Russell or Mudiay while two other teams select a franchise center. Not enough explosiveness/athleticism to warrant the selecting Mudiay/Russell.

[kblo247]

I would probably sign Tyson to cover for Okafor and Randle. Hibbert for Towns personally. I mean I'm not against Ed and Booz returning like I am hill, but I think a C with a D rep would go big next to them.

[dipstick]

I would probably sign Tyson to cover for Okafor and Randle. Hibbert for Towns personally. I mean I'm not against Ed and Booz returning like I am hill, but I think a C with a D rep would go big next to them.

Tyson Chandler would actually be a perfect mentor especially if we have to teach defense to both Okafor and Randle. Problem might be if we can afford him. He may still command a salary that we may not really afford. FO may choose to prioritize the wing positions than the big man position especially if Chandler is still worth more than 6M.

[ak7]

Count me with you ScHoolBoy B....will keep saying it over and over, we can find a guard, sign a guard, that can do what these rooks can do. We need a damn big that can one day be the most dominate big in the league. That's what I see in Okafor, no doubt in my mind he'll be the best big in like 5 years.

That's a heck of a feat DEEP. Think there is one in NOLA who may laugh at that remark.

I don't think Towns or Okafor can even become 3/4's (relatively speaking) the player that AD is.

You can't say that unequivocally. Davis was raw as meat when he came out, I for one didn't like his frame, his offensive arsenal was limited. He worked real hard to improve his game. The best thing that happen early on for him was making that 2012 Olympic team, being around Kobe, LeBron, Melo, CP help show him how to put in work.

I stand by my statement on Okafor, because looking at guys who try to play strictly in the post....Okafor will be the most dominate one. Davis game is more of a hybrid of today's 4, Okafor is a true 5...it's irrefutable.

It sure is refutable. Okafor, offensively, is a true 5. Defensively, Okafor is a true D-League player. It's that bad. He will never impact a game the way Anthony Davis does, ever in his entire career. It doesn't matter the type of player AD came in as, it matters who he is now, and that's a player Okafor will never be. I don't think that a franchise who historically has had arguably the most formidable frontcourts of all time want to trot out a frontcourt of Randle/Okafor knowing that neither are going to impact the game defensively enough to justify them playing together for 30-36 minutes a game.

Fact of the matter is, before the Lakers can talk about winning championships, they have to get out of the West. To do that, they need an elite guard, period. End of discussion. If you can't slow down Curry, Harden, Westbrook, Paul, or even remotely come close to matching their guard play you can't beat them in a series - because they too all trot out a formidable defensive presence in the frontcourt. Something we don't have, and won't have if our frontcourt is Okafor/Randle.

[ArC_man]

Not sure if this was posted before, Towns interview with Dave Miller along with some workout footage.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-5rHQvK2oc[/youtube]

[Jody Smokz]

Sounds like you're overthinking this. Why does Okafor have to be AD? What if Russell doesn't even become as good as Harden? Who knows. We do know that by scouting and exec opinions Towns and Okafor are the best prospects this draft. Sometimes you dont have to follow suit but create your own path to success. Just like you want to slow down the elite guards they may have to figure out how slow down Okafor with his great passing ability if hes surrounded by elite shooting. Too early to be thinking about competing against those teams anyway. Okafor/Towns are 19 and Randle is barely 20.

That's a heck of a feat DEEP. Think there is one in NOLA who may laugh at that remark.

I don't think Towns or Okafor can even become 3/4's (relatively speaking) the player that AD is.

You can't say that unequivocally. Davis was raw as meat when he came out, I for one didn't like his frame, his offensive arsenal was limited. He worked real hard to improve his game. The best thing that happen early on for him was making that 2012 Olympic team, being around Kobe, LeBron, Melo, CP help show him how to put in work.

I stand by my statement on Okafor, because looking at guys who try to play strictly in the post....Okafor will be the most dominate one. Davis game is more of a hybrid of today's 4, Okafor is a true 5...it's irrefutable.

It sure is refutable. Okafor, offensively, is a true 5. Defensively, Okafor is a true D-League player. It's that bad. He will never impact a game the way Anthony Davis does, ever in his entire career. It doesn't matter the type of player AD came in as, it matters who he is now, and that's a player Okafor will never be. I don't think that a franchise who historically has had arguably the most formidable frontcourts of all time want to trot out a frontcourt of Randle/Okafor knowing that neither are going to impact the game defensively enough to justify them playing together for 30-36 minutes a game.

Fact of the matter is, before the Lakers can talk about winning championships, they have to get out of the West. To do that, they need an elite guard, period. End of discussion. If you can't slow down Curry, Harden, Westbrook, Paul, or even remotely come close to matching their guard play you can't beat them in a series - because they too all trot out a formidable defensive presence in the frontcourt. Something we don't have, and won't have if our frontcourt is Okafor/Randle.

[ak7]

Sounds like you're overthinking this. Why does Okafor have to be AD? What if Russell doesn't even become as good as Harden? Who knows. We do know that by scouting and exec opinions Towns and Okafor are the best prospects this draft. Sometimes you dont have to follow suit but create your own path to success. Just like you want to slow down the elite guards they may have to figure out how slow down Okafor with his great passing ability if hes surrounded by elite shooting. Too early to be thinking about competing against those teams anyway. Okafor/Towns are 19 and Randle is barely 20.

You can't say that unequivocally. Davis was raw as meat when he came out, I for one didn't like his frame, his offensive arsenal was limited. He worked real hard to improve his game. The best thing that happen early on for him was making that 2012 Olympic team, being around Kobe, LeBron, Melo, CP help show him how to put in work.

I stand by my statement on Okafor, because looking at guys who try to play strictly in the post....Okafor will be the most dominate one. Davis game is more of a hybrid of today's 4, Okafor is a true 5...it's irrefutable.

It sure is refutable. Okafor, offensively, is a true 5. Defensively, Okafor is a true D-League player. It's that bad. He will never impact a game the way Anthony Davis does, ever in his entire career. It doesn't matter the type of player AD came in as, it matters who he is now, and that's a player Okafor will never be. I don't think that a franchise who historically has had arguably the most formidable frontcourts of all time want to trot out a frontcourt of Randle/Okafor knowing that neither are going to impact the game defensively enough to justify them playing together for 30-36 minutes a game.

Fact of the matter is, before the Lakers can talk about winning championships, they have to get out of the West. To do that, they need an elite guard, period. End of discussion. If you can't slow down Curry, Harden, Westbrook, Paul, or even remotely come close to matching their guard play you can't beat them in a series - because they too all trot out a formidable defensive presence in the frontcourt. Something we don't have, and won't have if our frontcourt is Okafor/Randle.

Not over thinking anything. DEEP said Okafor will be the best big in the NBA in 5 years. I don't think that is possible by any stretch of the imagination.

[Jody Smokz]

Not saying I agree but why is that not possible? In AD's rookie season he was trash from midrange, now look at him. I just don't see how him being the best is impossible. Whose he competing against in 5 years thats already established? AD, Boogie, Noel, Deandre Jordan?

Also are we talking 5s or 4s or are we just lumping any front court player in? Because he could easily be the best C in 5 years if you take AD out the equation who is NOT a Center.

Sounds like you're overthinking this. Why does Okafor have to be AD? What if Russell doesn't even become as good as Harden? Who knows. We do know that by scouting and exec opinions Towns and Okafor are the best prospects this draft. Sometimes you dont have to follow suit but create your own path to success. Just like you want to slow down the elite guards they may have to figure out how slow down Okafor with his great passing ability if hes surrounded by elite shooting. Too early to be thinking about competing against those teams anyway. Okafor/Towns are 19 and Randle is barely 20.

It sure is refutable. Okafor, offensively, is a true 5. Defensively, Okafor is a true D-League player. It's that bad. He will never impact a game the way Anthony Davis does, ever in his entire career. It doesn't matter the type of player AD came in as, it matters who he is now, and that's a player Okafor will never be. I don't think that a franchise who historically has had arguably the most formidable frontcourts of all time want to trot out a frontcourt of Randle/Okafor knowing that neither are going to impact the game defensively enough to justify them playing together for 30-36 minutes a game.

Fact of the matter is, before the Lakers can talk about winning championships, they have to get out of the West. To do that, they need an elite guard, period. End of discussion. If you can't slow down Curry, Harden, Westbrook, Paul, or even remotely come close to matching their guard play you can't beat them in a series - because they too all trot out a formidable defensive presence in the frontcourt. Something we don't have, and won't have if our frontcourt is Okafor/Randle.

Not over thinking anything. DEEP said Okafor will be the best big in the NBA in 5 years. I don't think that is possible by any stretch of the imagination.

[EArl]

I think Okafor will end up being better than Towns.

[ak7]

Not saying I agree but why is that not possible? In AD's rookie season he was trash from midrange, now look at him. I just don't see how him being the best is impossible. Whose he competing against in 5 years thats already established? AD, Boogie, Noel, Deandre Jordan?

Also are we talking 5s or 4s or are we just lumping any front court player in? Because he could easily be the best C in 5 years if you take AD out the equation who is NOT a Center.

Sounds like you're overthinking this. Why does Okafor have to be AD? What if Russell doesn't even become as good as Harden? Who knows. We do know that by scouting and exec opinions Towns and Okafor are the best prospects this draft. Sometimes you dont have to follow suit but create your own path to success. Just like you want to slow down the elite guards they may have to figure out how slow down Okafor with his great passing ability if hes surrounded by elite shooting. Too early to be thinking about competing against those teams anyway. Okafor/Towns are 19 and Randle is barely 20.

Not over thinking anything. DEEP said Okafor will be the best big in the NBA in 5 years. I don't think that is possible by any stretch of the imagination.

He's not a center by what means? Because he gets minutes there every game. As does Boogie, who one can argue is a better fit as a 4. Right now I would take Andre Drummond over Jahlil Okafor and it's really not close, if we are talking about where Okafor fairs against the younger cats in the league in terms of ceiling and development. Okafor has a LONG ways to go, and that's assuming many of the young centers tail off their development that are already in the league. When you have NBA execs coming out and saying the dude couldn't guard an ashtray two weeks before the draft, that's saying something.

[Kilroy]

I think Okafor and Mudiay are going to be the stars of this draft. I think Towns will eventually be an All-Star along with Russel but I just have a feeling Okafor and Mudiay are going to stand out a little bit.

That said, I think we're trying to hype the hell out of Russel and Mudiay with the hope Minni blinks and we have a chance to choose between Towns and Okafor. It also makes it difficult for them to trade with NYC if they aren't sure who we're picking. They probably think they'll get a shot at Towns/Mudiay... But if we pick Mudiay, they may be stuck with chosing to pass on one of Towns or Okafor twice. Because I think Philly is lasered in on either Mudiay or Russel.

[debussie]

The Lakers should not draft for fit. A lot of people mention that Okafor may not be the best fit next to Randle. I love Randle and hope he becomes great. However, he's only played a few minutes and we have no idea what we have in him. He may, God forbid, turn out to be a bust. We need to draft BPA and I think that's going for whichever big falls to us.

[Jody Smokz]

Andre Drummond? Seriously? You got it man...

Not saying I agree but why is that not possible? In AD's rookie season he was trash from midrange, now look at him. I just don't see how him being the best is impossible. Whose he competing against in 5 years thats already established? AD, Boogie, Noel, Deandre Jordan?

Also are we talking 5s or 4s or are we just lumping any front court player in? Because he could easily be the best C in 5 years if you take AD out the equation who is NOT a Center.

Not over thinking anything. DEEP said Okafor will be the best big in the NBA in 5 years. I don't think that is possible by any stretch of the imagination.

He's not a center by what means? Because he gets minutes there every game. As does Boogie, who one can argue is a better fit as a 4. Right now I would take Andre Drummond over Jahlil Okafor and it's really not close, if we are talking about where Okafor fairs against the younger cats in the league in terms of ceiling and development. Okafor has a LONG ways to go, and that's assuming many of the young centers tail off their development that are already in the league. When you have NBA execs coming out and saying the dude couldn't guard an ashtray two weeks before the draft, that's saying something.

[debussie]

Andre Drummond? Seriously? You got it man...

Not saying I agree but why is that not possible? In AD's rookie season he was trash from midrange, now look at him. I just don't see how him being the best is impossible. Whose he competing against in 5 years thats already established? AD, Boogie, Noel, Deandre Jordan?

Also are we talking 5s or 4s or are we just lumping any front court player in? Because he could easily be the best C in 5 years if you take AD out the equation who is NOT a Center.

He's not a center by what means? Because he gets minutes there every game. As does Boogie, who one can argue is a better fit as a 4. Right now I would take Andre Drummond over Jahlil Okafor and it's really not close, if we are talking about where Okafor fairs against the younger cats in the league in terms of ceiling and development. Okafor has a LONG ways to go, and that's assuming many of the young centers tail off their development that are already in the league. When you have NBA execs coming out and saying the dude couldn't guard an ashtray two weeks before the draft, that's saying something.

Yes, I agree with ak7. On what basis do you say Okafor will be better than Drummond? Drummond is a sure thing. A Top 3-5 center depending on who you ask. And he's only 21! The sky is the limit for Drummond because we know how good he already is now. You cannot say with any certainty whatsoever how good any of these rookies will be. If a trade presents itself that allows us to acquire a Cousins or Drummond, you take that and run.

[dockingsched]

Ryen Russillo is dropping some strongs opinions on his twitter.

Some not so kind stuff about okafor

[tweet]http://twitter.com/ryenarussillo/status/608109341208641539[/tweet]

[tweet]http://twitter.com/ryenarussillo/status/608109553935347712[/tweet]

[dockingsched]

Personally, I would not consider trading the pick for Drummond

[ak7]

Andre Drummond? Seriously? You got it man...

Not saying I agree but why is that not possible? In AD's rookie season he was trash from midrange, now look at him. I just don't see how him being the best is impossible. Whose he competing against in 5 years thats already established? AD, Boogie, Noel, Deandre Jordan?

Also are we talking 5s or 4s or are we just lumping any front court player in? Because he could easily be the best C in 5 years if you take AD out the equation who is NOT a Center.

He's not a center by what means? Because he gets minutes there every game. As does Boogie, who one can argue is a better fit as a 4. Right now I would take Andre Drummond over Jahlil Okafor and it's really not close, if we are talking about where Okafor fairs against the younger cats in the league in terms of ceiling and development. Okafor has a LONG ways to go, and that's assuming many of the young centers tail off their development that are already in the league. When you have NBA execs coming out and saying the dude couldn't guard an ashtray two weeks before the draft, that's saying something.

You must not watch much basketball. A 21 year old center who can guard 1-5, anchor a defense, who's one of the league's best rebounders, and finished 11th in WARP despite the holes he currently has offensively don't grow on trees.

His biggest knocks are his conditioning, under-developed offensive game and to the nitpickers, his concussion history. Stan Van Gundy is their coach, the same guy who developed the same type of center as Drummond while he coached Orlando.

[ak7]

Personally, I would not consider trading the pick for Drummond

If his concussion history checked out and the team felt comfortable with it, and they had someone who can develop a bigs offensive game and you KNOW you want a big with that pick, why wouldn't you consider it?

You can teach a player how to shoot and how to refine their offensive skills, you can't teach effort defensively or on the glass.

Every big in college who had some semblance of post-NCAA offensive game took Okafor's lunch money every game.

[debussie]

Personally, I would not consider trading the pick for Drummond

Fair enough. But maybe you'd sing a different tune when Drummond is dropping 20-20 games for us