2015 Draft Thread - Part 1

[80sballboy]

Yep - agreed that Grant is the most likely pick. Susan may not be the face of the franchise any more, but her spirit lives on. Take the local guy with connections to the team. He'll sell seats!

Looney does look like the next most likely, although it's possible he could be gone earlier than 19.

I am really starting to think that with the preferred targets off the board, I will be rooting for Justin Anderson to be the pick. That would make me happy.

(But still hoping for a Portis fall or trade up to get him. He's such an obvious and perfect fit. Please move up. Throw in next year's 1st if necessary. Just do it...)

I know you're being sarcastic but Grant won't sell seats. That local angle doesn't matter that much in this area. How did it work out with Steve Blake and Juan Dixon? People like Otto Porter as long as he produces. College basketball fans are not always fans of the NBA. Personally, I don't mind Grant but if you can get a solid starter or rotation player in a pretty deep draft at 19, go for it. If you want a backup, trade down.

[Ruzious]

Yep - agreed that Grant is the most likely pick. Susan may not be the face of the franchise any more, but her spirit lives on. Take the local guy with connections to the team. He'll sell seats!

Looney does look like the next most likely, although it's possible he could be gone earlier than 19.

I am really starting to think that with the preferred targets off the board, I will be rooting for Justin Anderson to be the pick. That would make me happy.

(But still hoping for a Portis fall or trade up to get him. He's such an obvious and perfect fit. Please move up. Throw in next year's 1st if necessary. Just do it...)

Okay, but this time I mean it when I say only if the other team agrees to take Webster.

[Ruzious]

This ws my whole reason for not taking Noel, the difference with WCS is that we would be taking him at 19 on 3. I can swallow gambling on an injury at 19, if it's for a guy like WCS, but not at 3. This draft wil be very very interesting.

It would be crazy not to take Cauley-Stein with the 19th pick. He's going to impact games simply with his D and athleticism. But he'll go in the top 12 picks...easily.

Chad ford has him possibly falling to 21.
If decker falls to us I'm taking him, he could turn into david lee with a better shot.

Should we trust our medical staff? <trying to keep a straight face>

[fishercob]

Yep - agreed that Grant is the most likely pick. Susan may not be the face of the franchise any more, but her spirit lives on. Take the local guy with connections to the team. He'll sell seats!

Looney does look like the next most likely, although it's possible he could be gone earlier than 19.

I am really starting to think that with the preferred targets off the board, I will be rooting for Justin Anderson to be the pick. That would make me happy.

(But still hoping for a Portis fall or trade up to get him. He's such an obvious and perfect fit. Please move up. Throw in next year's 1st if necessary. Just do it...)

I appreciate the cynicism, but I don't by it. I was just at the "select-a-seat" event for season ticket holders, and the lower bowl is basically sold out. And to the extent that selling tickets is indeed a priority, the organization isn't dumb enough to think that where Grant went to high school is going to matter to anyone. People will buy seats if the Wizards win -- period.

And by the way, the Wizards don't market Otto as a "local product." There's some discussion of it in the media, but I don't get the sense that the franchise gives any importance to where a guy grew up or played previously.

[Rafael122]

It would be crazy not to take Cauley-Stein with the 19th pick. He's going to impact games simply with his D and athleticism. But he'll go in the top 12 picks...easily.

Chad ford has him possibly falling to 21.
If decker falls to us I'm taking him, he could turn into david lee with a better shot.

Should we trust our medical staff? <trying to keep a straight face>

What is the injury issue exactly? Wiz probably just have a sheet of paper on him, they probably didn't interview him at the combine.

[verbal8]

Yep - agreed that Grant is the most likely pick. Susan may not be the face of the franchise any more, but her spirit lives on. Take the local guy with connections to the team. He'll sell seats!

Looney does look like the next most likely, although it's possible he could be gone earlier than 19.

I am really starting to think that with the preferred targets off the board, I will be rooting for Justin Anderson to be the pick. That would make me happy.

(But still hoping for a Portis fall or trade up to get him. He's such an obvious and perfect fit. Please move up. Throw in next year's 1st if necessary. Just do it...)

I don't think it is worth giving up a future 1st for a small move up in the middle of the 1st round.

It is interesting that the Rockets seem to be widely seen as picking Tyus Jones right before the Wizards pick. If the rockets instead chose to go with Grant, I think the Wizards might go with Anderson. Tyus Jones is fine, but he seems more like a pure point guard than someone suited for a 3rd guard role.

[fishercob]

Who's ready for the Wizards fan Draft night experience???

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_3JC5kimw0[/youtube]

[WizTom]

145th Street! That's my stop!
Maybe I'll try that after EFG does his usual maneuver tonight.

[80sballboy]

Chad ford has him possibly falling to 21.
If decker falls to us I'm taking him, he could turn into david lee with a better shot.

Should we trust our medical staff? <trying to keep a straight face>

What is the injury issue exactly? Wiz probably just have a sheet of paper on him, they probably didn't interview him at the combine.

It's an ankle injury he suffered as a sophomore. Kind of ridiculous because it didn't affect him this past season.

[AFM]

Anyone who watches Draft videos should recognize these tracks

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ccB6T6fb4I[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVOOwFNp5U[/youtube]

Blast them in honor of all of EG's fallen picks. Ves, Singleton...

[BruceO]

its most likely going to be grant. .or looney.

I'm actually excited leading up to this draft but just for the entertainment aspect. then the researching the he'll out of who we draft afterwards ( google: cash considerations)

In my head we have a lot of needs. Back up guards. .I thought the Toronto backups and atl backups salivated at the chance to go against our backups. Sessions couldn't run pick and roll with gortat. Schroeder can't shoot and we need someone who shoots better. Jerian can do the first part or Vaughan can do the second. So either or can be a solution.

I thought Cj Watson with his physicality was having a field day against otto. Pierce sucks defensively at the wing. So no playoff defensive wing depth. Justin Anderson or RHJ can help there. We could need a at young four and also there's options there.

So really we getting some type of bandaid today. it'd be nice if we get more than one. Only thing with this team Is we have player assets we absolutely wouldn't want to trade. Then assets who a trade wouldn't gain us much. No fluff in between. We do have some trade exceptions though which could be good bandaid money

[BruceO]

1. Timberwolves: KAT
2. Lakers: Russell
3. 76ers: Okafor
4. Knicks: Herzonja
5. Orlando: Winslow
6. Kings: Porzingis
7. Nuggets: Mudiay
8. Pistons: Stanley Johnson
9. Hornets: Kaminsky
10. Heat: oubre

11. Pacers:Wcs
12. Jazz: Payne
13. Suns: Turner
14. Thunder: Booker
15. Hawks: Lyles
16. Celtics: Portis
17. Bucks: Looney
18. Rockets: Tyus jones
19. Wizards: Grant
20. Raptors: Vaughn

21. Dallas: Dekker
22. Chicago: Anderson
23. Portland: jarell martin
24. Cavaliers: Robert Upshaw
25. Memphis: RHJ
26. Spurs: Delon Wright
27. Lakers: Cliff alexander
28. Celtics: Mccullough
29. Nets: RJ hunter
30. Warriors: Harrell



my mock for posterity

[Rafael122]

Ford has Grant going to us, unless all hell breaks loose. He had Harrell earlier this morning, but changed it based on latest intel. He had Ves going to us before anyone sniffed that one, so it looks like Grant is going to be the pick.

[Dat2U]

Final board - Top 60

TIER 1 (Ranking 1-2)
*Towns, Karl F/C
Clear #1 prospect. Not on AD level but not that far from it. Total package defensively. Offensive toolset hidden at Kentucky
*Russell, D'Angelo G
Incredible feel for such a young guard scoring & passing wise. Crazy amt of skill and basically unguardable one-on-one. James Harden'ish.

TIER 2 (Ranking 2-9)
*Porzingis, Kristaps F/C
Freakish near 7-3 athlete who is an excellent shooter already from everywhere including deep. Even shoots off the dribble with ease. Closest thing to Dirk since Dirk himself. Bigger than Dirk or Pau Gasol at same age. Will take a few years which is why he's not on tier 1.
*Okafor, Jahlil C
Throwback low post C thats skilled enough to command double teams and make teams pay. Five years ago he'd have been the clear #1 pick, now people question his mobility on defense and/or his limited range offensively and whether he fits in today's game.
*Kaminsky, Frank F/C
Another unique player with an incredible skillset. Think Kelly Olynyk but quicker, more mobile and even more skilled. He's not just a space maker he's a 7-0 playmaker who can punish defenders that close out hard on his jumper. I think he's a future all-star. There I said it!
*Turner, Myles C
Yet another unique skillset. A low post defender and shot blocker that can step out and hit 20 footers with ease. I harken back to Bill Laimbeer to find a C that defended the post at a high level and stretched the floor offensively. People knock his athleticism but at his height, athleticism is severly overrated. He'll be a very valuable asset in a few years.
*Winslow, Justice F
Compares quite favorably to MKG as an all-around player. His jumpshot is far ahead of MKG's at this point so suffice it to say Winslow should help a team immediately as a defender while his offensive game won't hurt you too much. How much he develops as a shooter and slasher will determine if he rises to all-star or simply very good role player.
*Hezonja, Mario G/F
Wing with excellent size & toolset physically. Ideal package in a wing can spot up or create space off the bounce. Really good shooter from the looks of his form and his numbers overseas. I think he's a bit nutty in the Macro Bellinelli mold but that might be a good thing in today's NBA. The fact I have him as the 8th best prospect is a testament to how deep this draft is in terms of all-star caliber talent. He's a top 5 pick in a lot of drafts.
*Mudiay, Emmanuel G
Incredible physical specimen for the PG position at 6-5 200+. A potential bulldog who's learning the position at a good pace. I worry about the comp he faced in China, a lot of the guards he faced were clearly overmatched on all levels. Also his jumpshot is alot more broken than I anticipated which is why I have him 9th. His jumper looks worse than John Wall when he first came out and we know how long a journey it was for Wall to get to the point where he's passable.

TIER 3 (Ranking 10-14)
*Cauley-Stein, Willie C
I would rank him higher but I question his love for the game and how bad he wants it. I think he's going to be happy with just being one of the guys. He comes in with a legit skill defensively. He defends the perimeter better than the low post which is crazy considering his height but with the spai. He's freak athlete but his offense leaves much to be desired. Will have an immediate role but will he strive for more?
*Portis, Bobby F
I like him a lot. Not sure why a high energy 6-11 guy that can step out and face up and has a solid skill level is doomed because he's not a great athlete or has heavy feet. He's 6-11 for goodness sakes! He doesn't have to be a great athlete to be very effective. He's a starter I think. If not a very good role player at least. Work ethic is really underrated.
*Johnson, Stanley F
Despite his age, 19, he's a pretty polished player. Not the upside you'd expect. A physical speciman at the 3 he got solid handles and shows some creation skills off the bounce. His weakness is the limitations around the basket. No lift at the rim, doesn't finish with strength despite his size. His strength will be on the defensive end as he has all the tools to be really good and he likely can excel as a playing making 4.
*Booker, Devin G
He's creeped up my board due to his skillset being in such demand and the fact that Kentucky is good at hiding player's actual skills. I wish I could see more than him just take jumper after jumper (which he did very well). The scuttlebutt says he can do more (i.e. dribble & pass). I wish I could be at the workouts to see it. He's got a high IQ so that works for him too. I think he's a safe pick.
*Oubre, Kelly F
Raw tools guy. His good length & athleticism but handle is skaky. He's a future 3 & D guy. If he's smart enough to know his role and limit the off the dribble attempts he could be pretty good. I could see him being a Trevor Ariza type guy in a few years.

TIER 4 (Ranking 15-27)
*Looney, Kevon F
Not sure what the tweener talk is about the guy is strictly a PF. Not undersized just needs to get stronger, definitely has the length. Has a good nose for the ball and looks comfortable stepping out. Just an okay athlete. I worry about him because he's not an immediate contributor. He could easily get lost in the shuffle if a team is not patient with him.
*Lyles, Trey F
I don't love him but he's got legit talent and projects well physically as a playmaking 4. His strength will be taking slower bigs off the bounce and finishing. Defense & rebounding are concerns. Also the lack of range hinders the initial playmaking 4 status as guys will play off and dare him to beat them with the jumper first. A little Boozer ish'-lite going on there. Also some Patrick Patterson too.
*Payne, Cameron G
A poor man's Lillard. A college gunner who can't get to the rim against mid-level D1 talent. Good court vision, excellent range & a beautiful floater but he will be exposed defensively and he's going to mainly live/die on the perimeter. Not sure that's a starting PG in today's NBA. Not an elite athlete either.
*Anderson, Justin F
I've grown to like him. He can step in and contribute immediately as a 3&D guy. Limited offensively but knows his game. Change form to become excellent shooter this past year and showed growth off the dribble as well. Limited as one/two dribble guy but effective against closeouts. Hallmark will be defensive aptitude & intensity. Seems like a very safe pick if he's there at #19.
*Holmes, Richaun F
Not sure why he's not getting any love as a 1st round talent. Good size, athletic, developing perimeter game...plus he's a hard worker, has great feet and an excellent defender. Very similar to how Paul Millsap was overlooked a few years ago, when mentioning trading for additional 2nd round picks... this is the guy I had in mind.
*Gudaitis, Arturas C
I think at this point in the draft he's worth a flyer. Productive in top league outside NBA at age 22. Active big who plays with aggression. Solid athlete who's 2 years removed from a knee injury. Needs more polish but at this stage in the draft he presents good value.
*Grant, Jerian G
A bigger pure PG version of Shelvin Mack. Should be an okay role player from day one but at 23 he is what he is. Not a great shooter from distance, better in the midrange area. Runs P&Rs well and good at finding the open shooter on the weakside. Will do fine in a 15-20 minute role off the bench. So-so defender.
*Hollis-Jefferson, Rondae F
I've warmed up to him a bit but not for the Wizards. May be the modern day SF version of Tony Allen. Shot is about as broke as it can get and he's like a drunk Al Thornton off the dribble but defensively he'll step in and contribute from day one. Will need to play with other floor spacers so the fit with the Wizards really isn't there. Will have to go to the right place or will languish.
*Jones, Tyus G
I wonder. I like his moxie and clutch ability. He made shots on/off the dribble at a high level. Not a great athlete by any means and that's the scary part. Struggles leading in transition. Not a full court player. But he simply makes shots. If there's a role its as a modern day Steve Kerr alongside a play making wing. Defense will have to improve.
*Young, Joseph G
A scorer first and only. From the Isaiah Thomas & Aaron Brooks school of PGs. Score first, score second, score third and pass as last resort. Effective at creating good looks especially off of picks or off the bounce. Elite athlete but a SG in a PG body. Seems like a 3rd guard would be his ideal role to hide his limitations as a PG.
*Hunter, R.J. G
Another gunner. Very good skill for an SG. Can run P&Rs effectively with his passing ability and IQ. Not great athlete or creator with the ball. Key is how good of a shooter he is. If he's a knockdown open shooter then comparisons to Kevin Martin can begin... if not he's going to have a tough time sticking in the rotation because he's going to have issues defensively no matter what.
*Dekker, Sam F
Seems like a perfectly decent role player. Not a starting quality guy IMO. Does every thing ok. Shooting is too streaky for it to be a strength. Not a creator, a one bounce and drive type of guy. Ok to solid potential as a defender. Good thing going for him is he's long for a 3 and has a good head on his shoulders.
*Vaughn, Rashad G
SG with major league scoring instincts. How well he works with others is an issue. Didn't seem to help UNLV a great deal. A gunner with no conscious. Is definitely skilled, talented enough to be an NBA player but his role and how he's received will depend on what he does outside of scoring. Flip Murray comes to mind.

I would go into detail regarding ranking the others but I don't have all day LOL. After 27 prospects it's really a complete crap shoot anyways.

TIER 5 (Ranking 28-44)
*Johnson, Dakari
*Jatieh, Mam
*Qualls, Michael (ACL tear)
*Powell, Norman
*Brown, Anthony
*Connaughton, Pat
*Milutinov, Nikola
*Hernangomez, Guillermo
*Upshaw, Robert
*Wood, Christian
*Martin, Jarrell
*McCullough, Chris
*Alexander, Cliff
*Rozier, Terry
*Harrell, Montrezl
*Frazier, Michael
*Wright, Delon

TIER 6 (Ranking 45- )
*Christmas, Rakeem
*McConnell, T.J.
*Nance Jr., Larry
*Hanlan, Olivier
*Cook, Quinn
*Wells, Dez
*Williams, Alan
*Mickey, Jordan
*Harvey, Tyler
*White, Aaron
*Hunter, Vince
*Hawkins, Corey
*Singh, Satnam
*Holmes, Jonathan
*Graham, Treveon

[Dat2U]

For me I would lean Justin Anderson from Virginia at #19 but I still prefer a trade up or trade out.

2nd round I want another pick to get Richaun Holmes and take a flier on whoever falls to our late 2nd pick.

[thricethefun]

Portland is rumored to be shopping their 1st round pick (23rd overall) for an established vet big. Perhaps they would be interested in Nene?

[LyricalRico]

Portland is rumored to be shopping their 1st round pick (23rd overall) for an established vet big. Perhaps they would be interested in Nene?

Eh, seems like they'd wait until they see if they can get Kevin Love or somebody else better with their cap space before settling on Nene. So I don't think we can do anything with them tonight.

But maybe in late July or August, if they strike out on everyone else, they might be willing to give up a future pick to get a stop-gap-guy like Nene to help them up front.

[80sballboy]

For me I would lean Justin Anderson from Virginia at #19 but I still prefer a trade up or trade out.

2nd round I want another pick to get Richaun Holmes and take a flier on whoever falls to our late 2nd pick.

Hmm. Didn't mention him last time. I don't think you had him in your top six. What changed your mind on him?

[Ruzious]

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm feeling a majority of us would like to trade down if Portis isn't there - and dealing the pick to Boston for 28 and 33 or LAL for 27 and 34 probably makes a lot of sense. And Richaud Holmes should be selected with one of those picks - if he's there.

[gambitx777]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/jorgeccastillo/status/614153075549278208[/tweet]