JMac1 wrote:cosmofizzo wrote:
The good news: so far, the guys who look like draft steals (Porzingis, Johnson, Turner, Oubre, Portis) all went to the east, which desperately needs the talent influx. A number of west selections (KAT, Russell, Mudiay, Cauley-Stein, Lyles) have been less impressive. A nice step toward balance.
Can we please wait until they start playing against NBA talent before we even think about proclaiming steals?
A "He impressed so far, let's see how it translates," would suffice. We could say Goodwin is ready to be a super star because he got to the line at will yesterday.
I was pretty careful with my language: "so far," "look like" and "less impressive." Not trying to draw conclusions (though I admit my concluding remark went too far: "nice step" isn't very equivocal). The only guy I'm fairly confident was an awful pick is Cauley-Stein. I really liked the way Porzingis played. I was also pretty clear when I noted that I'd be disappointed we didn't pick Portis
if his 3-4 from 3 was indicative. I thought I used a sufficient number of qualifiers.
Goodwin doesn't pass the eye test. His true faults are ball handling and decision making. He has a quick first step, but if that fails, he can't change direction with a quick dribble, he doesn't keep his dribble and he doesn't create space. If he can't overwhelm his opponent, he has no plan B. He doesn't outsmart anyone. That's why he won't be a replacement-level player this year, and that's why Booker will immediately be more valuable.
For the record - I also loved the Booker pick. McD has taken the player I wanted at our spot in each of the last 3 drafts. But of course I'll be disappointed if Portis ends up a truly effective stretch 4. On that note, did anyone else notice that his form looked a bit different yesterday than it did in pre-draft workouts? More straight up, less bend-it-back-behind-the-head. I hope he goes 0-4 next game. It would make me feel better.
