Poll: Who do you want with #3? (VOTE AGAIN)

[Agnostifarian]

Russell's analytics warrant the 2nd or 3rd pick but Porzingas may be as elite a shooter as Russell, especially if you look at it positionally. He definitely has a high ceiling and would enhance spacing. 76ciology made as good an argument as anyone for Muiday being a top pick a couple posts up. We are going to learn much more about Sam Hinkie in a week. I have no idea how this will play out but I am looking forward to Thursday!

[sixers23]

mudiay has a much higher ceiling than russell i really dont see an argument to dispute that

[yoyoboy]

mudiay has a much higher ceiling than russell i really dont see an argument to dispute that

D'Angelo Russell will be so much better than Mudiay and it's not even close in my opinion.

[Unbreakable99]

I agree with this 100%. I've been watching/playing basketball for over 2 decades and Mudiay just doesn't impress me enough to draft #3 when guys like Okafor, Russell, and Porzingis could very well be available. It's one thing to draft a PG who has Westbrook-level athleticism and exceptional vision (but can't shoot) #3, but it's another to draft a PG who only has slightly above average athleticism, average vision, and no jumper #3.

I just don't see why anyone would think taking Mudiay #3 is actually a good idea, especially after having another young, tall PG who couldn't shoot. If the Sixers draft Mudiay, get ready for another MCW situation all over again when Mudiay is still bricking jumpers 2-3 years from now.

You and others need to stop comparing Mudiay to MCW. If you do that then I'm just going to be lazy and compare Russell to OJ Mayo. Mudiay is not like MCW. Russell has flaws too. It's not like I can see him getting his shot off against a guy like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with ease. Mudiay is going to be a good player and he will be Sixers property by the end of draft night.

That's the problem I'm having with selecting him #3. The goal shouldn't be "good" players, but rather "great" players. I won't deny that Mudiay will have a decent, 10+ year career in the NBA, but with the #3 pick, the player selected needs to be someone who could very well end up on the All-NBA team (1st/2nd/or 3rd) within the next 3-4 years. If I thought Mudiay could do that, I'd be all for selecting him, but based upon what I've seen from him since 2013 or so, I just don't see it. What is your love for his game based upon? Did you see him play in full games or just see highlights?

I think Russell is going to be good too. Don't get me wrong. I love Russell. If we got him I would be ecstatic. He just has flaws too. To tell you the truth I didn't really like Mudiay a few months ago. I was just like a lot of people who want to pass on him. But I watched actual games of him and not just highlights. He seems to have a higher ceiling than Russell. He seems like he will be a better defender and rebounder and driver and dribbler and low post player than Russell. Russell will probably always be the better shooter. Russell has great vision and I love his passing but I won't say it's just head and shoulders better than Mudiay although I will say he's a better passer at this point.

[Mik317]

Russell's ceiling is higher than Mudiay's IMO.

If Russell can get shots off and make them and set up his teammates, he is a star.

His floor is also lower as I think Mudiay at the very least a solid starter, iffy jumper or not.

[LloydFree]

Russell's ceiling is higher than Mudiay's IMO.

If Russell can get shots off and make them and set up his teammates, he is a star.

His floor is also lower as I think Mudiay at the very least a solid starter, iffy jumper or not.

Exactly. I don't see a situation where Mudiay will be a complete bust, because he has enough tools to at least be a good player, but I don't know that he has the elite athleticism or skills to become a star. Russell has elite skills and length, but only average athleticism. If his athleticism will not allow him to project, he's a bust. But I believe if Russell gets stronger he has enough athleticism to make his elite skills project.

[MountainDrew]

Don't like this whole "Superior athlete = higher ceiling" thing. I understand where it's coming from, but I just disagree. Sure, Mudiay could develop a jumpshot, but he'll never be a natural shooter. He could just be a good enough shooter. I haven't seen him display any extraordinary ball skills either that would make me think that he could elevate it to elite level.

Russell could be elite in multiple facets of the game, and athleticism isn't much of a problem. He's not a bad athlete and he has good size. His potential lies in his shooting, where he can become elite especially on the dribble, and his passing where he has shown real flashes. His handles with his left hand are elite, if he can get his right hand up to par that would be dangerous.

I feel like Mudiay can just become "really good" in a lot of areas, but it's never add up to a top 5 point guard. That's mainly why I'm opposed to taking him. I can be talked into taking Hezonja and Porzingis, but if we take Mudiay I will be against it until I'm proven wrong.

[Sportfan73]

Don't like this whole "Superior athlete = higher ceiling" thing. I understand where it's coming from, but I just disagree. Sure, Mudiay could develop a jumpshot, but he'll never be a natural shooter. He could just be a good enough shooter. I haven't seen him display any extraordinary ball skills either that would make me think that he could elevate it to elite level.

Russell could be elite in multiple facets of the game, and athleticism isn't much of a problem. He's not a bad athlete and he has good size. His potential lies in his shooting, where he can become elite especially on the dribble, and his passing where he has shown real flashes. His handles with his left hand are elite, if he can get his right hand up to par that would be dangerous.

I feel like Mudiay can just become "really good" in a lot of areas, but it's never add up to a top 5 point guard. That's mainly why I'm opposed to taking him. I can be talked into taking Hezonja and Porzingis, but if we take Mudiay I will be against it until I'm proven wrong.

I will agree with the superior athlete thing being a little over rated. But I would say him having a MUCH superior body will be big in the long run.

[Mik317]

yep. If Russell's scorign ability translates to this level..he is a star.

He doesn't even have to be a good defender. (see Harden prior to this year, Kyrie and Dame Lillard).

[MountainDrew]

Don't like this whole "Superior athlete = higher ceiling" thing. I understand where it's coming from, but I just disagree. Sure, Mudiay could develop a jumpshot, but he'll never be a natural shooter. He could just be a good enough shooter. I haven't seen him display any extraordinary ball skills either that would make me think that he could elevate it to elite level.

Russell could be elite in multiple facets of the game, and athleticism isn't much of a problem. He's not a bad athlete and he has good size. His potential lies in his shooting, where he can become elite especially on the dribble, and his passing where he has shown real flashes. His handles with his left hand are elite, if he can get his right hand up to par that would be dangerous.

I feel like Mudiay can just become "really good" in a lot of areas, but it's never add up to a top 5 point guard. That's mainly why I'm opposed to taking him. I can be talked into taking Hezonja and Porzingis, but if we take Mudiay I will be against it until I'm proven wrong.

I will agree with the superior athlete thing being a little over rated. But I would say him having a MUCH superior body will be big in the long run.

Absolutely. If Mudiay had Wall/Westbrook type athleticisim, I'd be all over him. But he just doesn't, he isn't an elite nba athlete.

[Agnostifarian]

This article is a few days old so many of you have probably seen it. It talks about KP's ceiling and what kind of team will be the best fit for his development. KP says he wants to come to the NBA right away but also says he might stay in Europe for a year if the NBA team requests it. Pretty exciting prospect.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25213402/the-top-5-prospect-you-may-not-know-latvian-7-footer-kristaps-porzingis

[42uptop]

Don't like this whole "Superior athlete = higher ceiling" thing. I understand where it's coming from, but I just disagree. Sure, Mudiay could develop a jumpshot, but he'll never be a natural shooter. He could just be a good enough shooter. I haven't seen him display any extraordinary ball skills either that would make me think that he could elevate it to elite level.

Russell could be elite in multiple facets of the game, and athleticism isn't much of a problem. He's not a bad athlete and he has good size. His potential lies in his shooting, where he can become elite especially on the dribble, and his passing where he has shown real flashes. His handles with his left hand are elite, if he can get his right hand up to par that would be dangerous.

I feel like Mudiay can just become "really good" in a lot of areas, but it's never add up to a top 5 point guard. That's mainly why I'm opposed to taking him. I can be talked into taking Hezonja and Porzingis, but if we take Mudiay I will be against it until I'm proven wrong.

"Superior athlete" may not tell the whole story, but it is a lot more indicative of potential than "superior shooter". I can find you 40% 3 point shooters off the street.

[MountainDrew]

Don't like this whole "Superior athlete = higher ceiling" thing. I understand where it's coming from, but I just disagree. Sure, Mudiay could develop a jumpshot, but he'll never be a natural shooter. He could just be a good enough shooter. I haven't seen him display any extraordinary ball skills either that would make me think that he could elevate it to elite level.

Russell could be elite in multiple facets of the game, and athleticism isn't much of a problem. He's not a bad athlete and he has good size. His potential lies in his shooting, where he can become elite especially on the dribble, and his passing where he has shown real flashes. His handles with his left hand are elite, if he can get his right hand up to par that would be dangerous.

I feel like Mudiay can just become "really good" in a lot of areas, but it's never add up to a top 5 point guard. That's mainly why I'm opposed to taking him. I can be talked into taking Hezonja and Porzingis, but if we take Mudiay I will be against it until I'm proven wrong.

"Superior athlete" may not tell the whole story, but it is a lot more indicative of potential than "superior shooter". I can find you 40% 3 point shooters off the street.

Russell isn't James Jones, he is a way more complete player. Just in that short post I mentioned shooting, passing, handling and size. Mudiay isn't elite in any aspect of the game.

[42uptop]

The "Mudiay isn't a Westbrook/Wall athlete" is a strawman argument. No one who likes Mudiay has ever said that.

Mudiay is an above average athlete with excellent strength for his position. Neither of those things apply to the current version of Russell. That's a point in Mudiay's favor when it comes to potential.

Russell has the shooting, court vision, scoring instincts to be a solid combo guard. I could see someone liking him more based on that.

[ProcessDoctor]

I can't wait until Russell is selected so these silly arguments between he and Mudiay can end. I can't believe some of the things imagined about Mudiay that really aren't there. Sure, in a vacuum, he seems like a great prospect. However, when you compare him to what's in the league right now, can you really say he'd ever be a top 10 PG? What does he bring that would be elite against NBA-level players? His court vision? No. His athleticism? No. Passing? Average. Shooting? No way. I can go on and on, but even if you add up all his average (by NBA standards) talents, they do not sum to an elite NBA player, which is what we're looking for. I can say with much more confidence that Russell can end up a top 5 PG or SG than I can say about Mudiay becoming a top 10 PG.

It's easy to get sucked up into the pre-draft hype that every player looks to be the next (insert superstar). But realize that at least 2 of the top 5 picks will likely amount to average starters or less. I wouldn't be shocked if 3 years from now we see Mudiay the same way we view Rubio or OJ Mayo. He's a great talent, but I would not put my money on Mudiay being a superstar in today's NBA, especially at such a saturated position.

[LloydFree]

The "Mudiay isn't a Westbrook/Wall athlete" is a strawman argument. No one who likes Mudiay has ever said that.

Mudiay is an above average athlete with excellent strength for his position. Neither of those things apply to the current version of Russell. That's a point in Mudiay's favor when it comes to potential.

Russell has the shooting, court vision, scoring instincts to be a solid combo guard. I could see someone liking him more based on that.

That argument is no more "strawman" than 'Russell's only talent is shooting' or "... I can find you a 40% shooter off the street." He does way more than just shoot the 3 pointer and you know it. Those that don't like Russell downplay him by making him a non-athletic, one dimensional shooting specialist, and those who don't like Mudiay down play him by making him and unskilled, athletic (but non-elite athletic) PG. It goes both ways.

[Agnostifarian]

The "Mudiay isn't a Westbrook/Wall athlete" is a strawman argument. No one who likes Mudiay has ever said that.

Mudiay is an above average athlete with excellent strength for his position. Neither of those things apply to the current version of Russell. That's a point in Mudiay's favor when it comes to potential.

Russell has the shooting, court vision, scoring instincts to be a solid combo guard. I could see someone liking him more based on that.

That argument is no more "strawman" than 'Russell's only talent is shooting' or "... I can find you a 40% shooter off the street." He does way more than just shoot the 3 pointer and you know it. Those that don't like Russell downplay him by making him a non-athletic, one dimensional shooting specialist, and those who don't like Mudiay down play him by making him and unskilled, athletic (but non-elite athletic) PG. It goes both ways.

They could both be top 10 PGs.

[42uptop]

The "Mudiay isn't a Westbrook/Wall athlete" is a strawman argument. No one who likes Mudiay has ever said that.

Mudiay is an above average athlete with excellent strength for his position. Neither of those things apply to the current version of Russell. That's a point in Mudiay's favor when it comes to potential.

Russell has the shooting, court vision, scoring instincts to be a solid combo guard. I could see someone liking him more based on that.

That argument is no more "strawman" than 'Russell's only talent is shooting' or "... I can find you a 40% shooter off the street." He does way more than just shoot the 3 pointer and you know it. Those that don't like Russell downplay him by making him a non-athletic, one dimensional shooting specialist, and those who don't like Mudiay down play him by making him and unskilled, athletic (but non-elite athletic) PG. It goes both ways.

'Russell's only talent is shooting' - Agree that this is a strawman argument. I've never seen anyone post something like this.

'I can find you a 40% shooter off the street' - Not a strawman argument. This is a fact. Shooting is easy to find and easy to develop. It's not a valuable tool when projecting if someone has massive potential.

[PhilasFinest]

The "Mudiay isn't a Westbrook/Wall athlete" is a strawman argument. No one who likes Mudiay has ever said that.

Mudiay is an above average athlete with excellent strength for his position. Neither of those things apply to the current version of Russell. That's a point in Mudiay's favor when it comes to potential.

Russell has the shooting, court vision, scoring instincts to be a solid combo guard. I could see someone liking him more based on that.

That argument is no more "strawman" than 'Russell's only talent is shooting' or "... I can find you a 40% shooter off the street." He does way more than just shoot the 3 pointer and you know it. Those that don't like Russell downplay him by making him a non-athletic, one dimensional shooting specialist, and those who don't like Mudiay down play him by making him and unskilled, athletic (but non-elite athletic) PG. It goes both ways.

'Russell's only talent is shooting' - Agree that this is a strawman argument. I've never seen anyone post something like this.

'I can find you a 40% shooter off the street' - Not a strawman argument. This is a fact. Shooting is easy to find and easy to develop. It's not a valuable tool when projecting if someone has massive potential.

22 players in the entire NBA shot 40% or better.... I know your probably exaggerating to try and make a point, but elite shooting isn't that easy to find...and certainly isn't likely to be found on the street. And if you wanted to take it to that extreme, I can probably find someone who can jump 40 inches in a local gym, but can't make a jump shot.

[Sixerscan]

Also, Russell's shooting is much different than some stand still guy taking a couple corner 3s a game. You can make the argument that being able to be a guy that can create open shots for himself while being a high volume 3 point shooter at above average efficiency is one of the most valuable skills in today's game.