The case for Kristaps Porzingis

[Truth24]

When Chad Ford isn't frothing at the mouth over Kristaps Porzingis, he writes stuff like this about Guillermo Hernangomez.

Negatives: Playing against weak competition in Spain

They play for the same team.

Lol sad just sad, Hernangomez is a damn fine prospect in his own right.

[cedric76]

His former Spanish teammate Marcus Landry says Kristaps Porzingis should be No. 1 pick | ProBasketballTalk (via http://ble.ac/teamstream-) http://teamstre.am/1IXCABl

[Blue_and_Whte]

..... This board and it's "pro scouts".

Everything you read about the guy point to his pnr defense and shotblocking as strengths what in the flying **** are you talking about?

like real Pro scouts never got it wrong ?
every year a bunch of busts
out of tens of cases I still remember Thabeet projected as new Hakeem
pro scouts sth

Yeah and Steph Curry was unathletic and couldn't play point. Best case scenario, Leandro Barbosa.

both of you have the reading comprehension of 4th graders. First of all nobody said anything about mock drafts and media, I was referring to pro scouts. I also never said they don't get stuff wrong, on that note I also wasn't referring to player comparisons simply stating that from what they have seen defense isn't a weakness at all.

That's like me saying Henzonja Can't shoot the 3 despite the scouting reports we've read clearly state that he can. Nobodys talking about getting comparisons right or wrong they're not even related.

[Furinkazan]

like real Pro scouts never got it wrong ?
every year a bunch of busts
out of tens of cases I still remember Thabeet projected as new Hakeem
pro scouts sth

Yeah and Steph Curry was unathletic and couldn't play point. Best case scenario, Leandro Barbosa.

both of you have the reading comprehension of 4th graders. First of all nobody said anything about mock drafts and media, I was referring to pro scouts. I also never said they don't get stuff wrong, on that note I also wasn't referring to player comparisons simply stating that from what they have seen defense isn't a weakness at all.

That's like me saying Henzonja Can't shoot the 3 despite the scouting reports we've read clearly state that he can. Nobodys talking about getting comparisons right or wrong they're not even related.

You know what you said best.
Its awesome how you always go that attack mode and when you dont know what to say you throw in some insults because thats clever and makes you feel mature like a 5th grader.
I forgot not to start argue with you because you will always take me down to your level and beat me with experience.

[basketballRob]

My point is sometimes they're wrong. You never know what agendas they have and of course teams are going to mislead people.

[DiplomaticMagic]

I've read several times on forums that we promised Kristaps at #12 last year draft?

Anybody want to explain this to me? Was he even elgible for draft year? Ordoes anybody know where this rumor started?

[UCFJayBird]

I've read several times on forums that we promised Kristaps at #12 last year draft?

Anybody want to explain this to me? Was he even elgible for draft year? Ordoes anybody know where this rumor started?

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

[Nyce_1]

Listening to Philly sports talk radio this am and Chad Ford is on there. He says high chance Saric doesn't come over this year or next year because of buyout and not wanting to get paid on rookie contract. Also said potential Saric never cones over. And because of that, Embiid's injury, and Porzingis' camp potential threat to stay in Europe to NOT play for 6'ers, could make Hinkie pass on him. Hinkie can't go to owners and fans for a 3rd year and say their top pick won't play for them.

[Supreme]

Listening to Philly sports talk radio this am and Chad Ford is on there. He says high chance Saric doesn't come over this year or next year because of buyout and not wanting to get paid on rookie contract. Also said potential Saric never cones over. And because of that, Embiid's injury, and Porzingis' camp potential threat to stay in Europe to NOT play for 6'ers, could make Hinkie pass on him. Hinkie can't go to owners and fans for a 3rd year and say their top pick won't play for them.

Hinkie is finding out that there is such a thing as tanking too hard.

[Instincts]

I've read several times on forums that we promised Kristaps at #12 last year draft?

Anybody want to explain this to me? Was he even elgible for draft year? Ordoes anybody know where this rumor started?

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

I really want this rumor to be true and the front office to have the option of a player they have been high on at #5.

But I have some doubts whether it has any basis for a few reasons. Firstly it became obvious that we had our eye on Payton at #12, were we ranking porzingis ahead of Payton or was porzingis just a smokescreen so we could select Payton. Secondly the source is reporters, where would they have recently received inside info from? A characteristically tight lipped front office? Doubt it, or at least not unless it was leaked intentionally.

[Nyce_1]

Chris Mannix on the same show saying Orl really likes Porzingis and may trade with Philly to get him.

[Instincts]

Chris Mannix on the same show saying Orl really likes Porzingis and may trade with Philly to get him.

What show? I just have a real hard believing any rumors, the front office is to closed lipped. If anything it makes me think the opposite.

[UCFJayBird]

I've read several times on forums that we promised Kristaps at #12 last year draft?

Anybody want to explain this to me? Was he even elgible for draft year? Ordoes anybody know where this rumor started?

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

I really want this rumor to be true and the front office to have the option of a player they have been high on at #5.

But I have some doubts whether it has any basis for a few reasons. Firstly it became obvious that we had our eye on Payton at #12, were we ranking porzingis ahead of Payton or was porzingis just a smokescreen so we could select Payton. Secondly the source is reporters, where would they have recently received inside info from? A characteristically tight lipped front office? Doubt it, or at least not unless it was leaked intentionally.

Porzingis withdrew from the draft weeks before the draft was held (as is required if you don't want to be selected). The thought is that Orlando had promised Porzingis the 12th pick, but Porzingis felt a year out would increase his stock. So he withdrew and Orlando went with Gordon at #4 and Payton with #10 (after the trade). Perhaps if Rob thought he could get KP at #12 (had he stayed in the draft), he would've selected Exum or Smart at #4, or traded down for Payton. Not sure what his thinking would've been. Didn't matter much after KP withdrew his name.

[Nyce_1]

Chris Mannix on the same show saying Orl really likes Porzingis and may trade with Philly to get him.

What show? I just have a real hard believing any rumors, the front office is to closed lipped. If anything it makes me think the opposite.

It was Philly sports talk radio. Think the station was 97.5 the fanatic.

[Instincts]

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

I really want this rumor to be true and the front office to have the option of a player they have been high on at #5.

But I have some doubts whether it has any basis for a few reasons. Firstly it became obvious that we had our eye on Payton at #12, were we ranking porzingis ahead of Payton or was porzingis just a smokescreen so we could select Payton. Secondly the source is reporters, where would they have recently received inside info from? A characteristically tight lipped front office? Doubt it, or at least not unless it was leaked intentionally.

Porzingis withdrew from the draft weeks before the draft was held (as is required if you don't want to be selected). The thought is that Orlando had promised Porzingis the 12th pick, but Porzingis felt a year out would increase his stock. So he withdrew and Orlando went with Gordon at #4 and Payton with #10 (after the trade). Perhaps if Rob thought he could get KP at #12 (had he stayed in the draft), he would've selected Exum or Smart at #4, or traded down for Payton. Not sure what his thinking would've been. Didn't matter much after KP withdrew his name.

Yeah, not sure exum at #4 was ever a likelihood, but your right, maybe they did have porzingis rated higher than Payton. But in hindsight, rob was willing to trade additional assets to secure Payton, that in itself denotes a very high value. So was porzingis valued higher than a highly valued Payton, anythings possible, but that is where the doubt starts to creep in for me.

[Magic_Johnny12]

If worst comes to worst and we are indeed in love with KP and are forced to deal with Philly once again what kind of trade do you see happening (keeping in mind what it took to get Payton last yr etc).

I trust Rob so if we have to trade up to get KP than I believe he's the real thing and could very much become a better Dirk.

Maybe something along the lines of

#3 (KP)
This yr's 2nd back #35

for

#5 (whoever they want, Ill assume Mudiay with NY taking Russell)
LA '18 pick (No protection)
Rights to swap pick in '17 or future
Future 2nd pick (Chicago's more than likely)

AND BEFORE EVERYONE FLIPS A LID please think about it for a second. LA pick may very well end low low lottery or in 20 range, this will be with the assumption that we are actually competing by 2017 so swapping pick shouldn't be that bad and a second we don't really need. Of course we will be the laughing stock of RealGM and we will see topics on the GB like "Hinkie is a GOD" and "Hinkie does it AGAIN" lmao until about mid season when KP is looking like Dirk lite and we are fighting for a playoff spot.

[UCFJayBird]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

[Instincts]

If worst comes to worst and we are indeed in love with KP and are forced to deal with Philly once again what kind of trade do you see happening (keeping in mind what it took to get Payton last yr etc).

I trust Rob so if we have to trade up to get KP than I believe he's the real thing and could very much become a better Dirk.

Maybe something along the lines of

#3 (KP)
This yr's 2nd back #35

for

#5 (whoever they want, Ill assume Mudiay with NY taking Russell)
LA '18 pick (No protection)
Rights to swap pick in '17 or future
Future 2nd pick (Chicago's more than likely)

AND BEFORE EVERYONE FLIPS A LID please think about it for a second. LA pick may very well end low low lottery or in 20 range, this will be with the assumption that we are actually competing by 2017 so swapping pick shouldn't be that bad and a second we don't really need. Of course we will be the laughing stock of RealGM and we will see topics on the GB like "Hinkie is a GOD" and "Hinkie does it AGAIN" lmao until about mid season when KP is looking like Dirk lite and we are fighting for a playoff spot.

Agreed. If front office thinks he is the guy, go get him, but that also goes for any of the draft prospects. We have the assets to go into consolidation mode for a high conviction pick.

Not sure on exactly what it would take. But I would not hesitate at your suggestion, if it is high conviction level on the targeted player.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

[Instincts]

I support any high conviction trade.

With that said, I still question KP at #5, so I personally don't see the move up to #3 for him. Especially with the equivalent talent options on the board.

Just not buying into the KP hype, it's just too noisy. Expect the unexpected or at least what hasn't been broadcast on talk radio.