Draft prospects @ 10

[Downtown]

I keep thinking to what Olshey said after the final game where Paul Allen made him promise to be more competitive next season. I just think they want the playoffs, no excuses. And the only way I can see that happening given where they are drafting is by way of a trade and the right free agent, meaning two key impact players, one of which definitely has to be a centre.

There's going to be a ton of pressure for whoever is designated as the Blazers starting centre next season so if Olshey fills it with only a draft prospect then that guy better impress the socks off in the workout. Otherwise I see a veteran in the forecast. I don't expect them to take a flyer on some yet to be seen potential, meaning Gobert and Adams specifically. Like I said, if it's one of them they will have to have the best workout the Blazers have seen from a centre, Leonard included.

[AllMyNeilOlshey]

Problem with that is that I dont see any team willing to trade an "impact" player for the 10th pick in a draft where apparently every team is willing to get rid of their pick. I see this draft as a great way to get a bench. I feel a ton of the players are going to be productive role players and most of them will be able to produce better then our bench did last season immediately. Maybe we need to temper our expectations for the 10th pick and just swing for the solid role player and not risk going for the potential.

[Downtown]

So the solid role player in my opinion would be either McCollum or Pope. The potential impact player would be Adams or Gobert. The in between player would be Zeller. The defensive presence in the middle in between player would be Dieng.

There's a good chance at least 4 of the six will be there at #10 when Portland picks.

[zzaj]

I'm sure we have all hears Chad Ford saying that 25 teams are selling draft picks and it's hard to get a good deal done when so many people are selling. I feel like that makes this the perfect time to buy. If we are truly in asset acquisition mode we should be looking to buy low. If we can use our capspace, Euro and 2nds(along with trading down) to pick up a couple additional 1sts why not? For example treading #39, #40 and Papa for #13, then trading #10 and #45 for #14 and #21. In a flat draft you can just take whoever fall. Maybe KCP or Shabazz @13, Gobert/Adams or Bebe' @14 and Tony Mitchell or Plumlee @21. Not saying these trades are available just making a round about point to buy low.

I don't have a problem with using the 10th pick on a player Portland keeps.

But adding 3 rookies with the 13th, 14th, and 21st picks....after having 5 rookies last season?....yikes!

If they pick the right guys, I would have no problem with this.

In particular, I would love to see a draft where Portland lands McCollum, Dieng and Bullock. I think all three - while perhaps lacking star upside - will be able to contribute from day 1.

I agree with the concept of using this draft to improve and deepen the bench. That is of course unless some player really shows a ton of potential in a private workout.

If the Blazers walked away from this draft with McCollum, Dieng and Bullock I think it would make the team much more competitive next season. Sign Oneal and Maynor and you've got:

Lillard/Maynor
Wes/McCollum
Batum/Bullock
Aldridge/Dieng
Oneal/Meyers/Dieng

That second unit could actually be pretty exciting...

[Wizenheimer]

I agree with the concept of using this draft to improve and deepen the bench. That is of course unless some player really shows a ton of potential in a private workout.

If the Blazers walked away from this draft with McCollum, Dieng and Bullock I think it would make the team much more competitive next season. Sign Oneal and Maynor and you've got:

Lillard/Maynor
Wes/McCollum
Batum/Bullock
Aldridge/Dieng
Oneal/Meyers/Dieng

That second unit could actually be pretty exciting...

I know people get all jazzed up about the draft and draft picks this time of year. I do myself.

But I just can't forget that right after the draft, those picks become rookies. And they very likely won't be rookies like Lillard. They are more likely to be rookies like Leonard or Barton or god forbid, like Freeland

I'd have every confidence that in that depth chart of yours, Maynor and Barton would be ahead of McCollum at SG and Claver would be ahead of Bullock at SF.

I'm trying to keep track of the moves in this scenario. I believe, essentially, Portland would have traded the 10th pick and all their 2nds for #13, #14, & # 21. So, that would be 1,930,600 + 490,180 + 490,180 out, and 1,655,300 + 1,572,600 + 1,127,200 in (by adding 3 firsts for 1, Blazers would dump two 490K roster charges)

that would end up taking 1.44 million of Blazer cap-space. But that would still leave Olshey with 10.4 million in space (11.6 million if he uses the stretch provision on Freeland... )

So, assuming that he uses that space to sign veterans, I'd see those rookies being pushed even further down the depth chart. I just don't see them having much of an impact unless Portland strikes gold with a couple. Maybe the possibility of striking gold is worth it. Maybe not.

and then, you have to ask would Dallas or Utah actually do those deals. I don't think Dallas would without adding Marion. And if 14 + 21 were as good, or better then 10, why would Utah?

[Allright]

@chadfordinsider
Kings could really shake-up the draft at 7. Heard they like both Tony Snell & Tim Hardaway Jr. a lot. Both in Sacramento today working out

[TBpup]

@chadfordinsider
Kings could really shake-up the draft at 7. Heard they like both Tony Snell & Tim Hardaway Jr. a lot. Both in Sacramento today working out

Kings also pick at #36 which is near where Snell and Hardaway are projected to go.

[lukeyrid13]

I think MCW is more likely the surprise pick at 7

[DusterBuster]

@chadfordinsider
Kings could really shake-up the draft at 7. Heard they like both Tony Snell & Tim Hardaway Jr. a lot. Both in Sacramento today working out

Kings also pick at #36 which is near where Snell and Hardaway are projected to go.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5atPYaxX0lM[/youtube]

[DusterBuster]

Call it the curious case of Steven Adams.

On paper, the Pittsburgh freshman is impressive. He's 7 feet and 254 pounds, with a wingspan of 7-5 and enormous hands (9.5 inches long, 11 inches wide).

In workouts, he is even better. Over the last few weeks Adams has showcased superior athleticism for a big man, while surprising team executives with a nice perimeter touch. He screens well, looks fluid in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor like a deer.

The problem? When the lights are on, Adams looks lost. At Pittsburgh, scouts routinely commented that the game appeared too fast for Adams, an opinion that was reiterated by team executives at the NBA combine last month. In addition, multiple executives expressed concern about Adams' laid-back disposition.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/ne ... z2WgN75ssP

Again, how exactly is this guy different from Meyers?

[Wizenheimer]

Call it the curious case of Steven Adams.

On paper, the Pittsburgh freshman is impressive. He's 7 feet and 254 pounds, with a wingspan of 7-5 and enormous hands (9.5 inches long, 11 inches wide).

In workouts, he is even better. Over the last few weeks Adams has showcased superior athleticism for a big man, while surprising team executives with a nice perimeter touch. He screens well, looks fluid in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor like a deer.

The problem? When the lights are on, Adams looks lost. At Pittsburgh, scouts routinely commented that the game appeared too fast for Adams, an opinion that was reiterated by team executives at the NBA combine last month. In addition, multiple executives expressed concern about Adams' laid-back disposition.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/ne ... z2WgN75ssP

Again, how exactly is this guy different from Meyers?

sure seems like stylistically he's quite a bit different

impact-wise, there may be little difference between rookie Leonard and rookie Adams. Meyers may even have a bigger impact because of his shooting and being the clear cut number 2 C last season. Adams would likely be competing with more C's for playing time then Meyers did, at least he would on the Blazers

[zzaj]

I tend to agree with you Wiz...we all pretty much tend to get "draft goggles" on this time of year. Regarding, the rookie bench upgarade vs. a year of NBA experience, I suppose I see McCollum's overall talent level as an upgrade over Barton, despite that year of pro experience. Claver/Bullock is more of a wash in my mind...but on a team where simply getting some bench points on the board has been an EPIC challenge, I can see a case for Bullock's shooting range and McCollum's versatility as a scorer.

I also appreciate the look into the reality of acquiring those players...it's far too easy this time of year to get into "we should get him, him and him" mode. When in all actuality, that is usually much more easily said than done.

Despite Olshey's "move the needle" comments, I still feel the Blazers would be best served by treating this draft as an opportunity to bolster a historically weak bench.

[JD45]

Call it the curious case of Steven Adams.

On paper, the Pittsburgh freshman is impressive. He's 7 feet and 254 pounds, with a wingspan of 7-5 and enormous hands (9.5 inches long, 11 inches wide).

In workouts, he is even better. Over the last few weeks Adams has showcased superior athleticism for a big man, while surprising team executives with a nice perimeter touch. He screens well, looks fluid in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor like a deer.

The problem? When the lights are on, Adams looks lost. At Pittsburgh, scouts routinely commented that the game appeared too fast for Adams, an opinion that was reiterated by team executives at the NBA combine last month. In addition, multiple executives expressed concern about Adams' laid-back disposition.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/ne ... z2WgN75ssP

Again, how exactly is this guy different from Meyers?

He is very similar to Leonard as a prospect. Big, athletic and raw. Adams has shown a little more rebounding and shot blocking potential, but less scoring. But all of that is projection, not proven. Drafting Adams would give the Blazers two chances for a future good starting C. Both could fail to develop that far or both could succeed. If both became good, it would be a terrific future trading chip.

[Blazinaway]

Chris Haynes ‏@ChrisBHaynes 29s
Pittsburgh C Steven Adams & C Rudy Gobert will work out for #Blazers Thursday, I'm told. Will be a good one. Paul Allen appearance worthy.

[DusterBuster]

Chris Haynes ‏@ChrisBHaynes 29s
Pittsburgh C Steven Adams & C Rudy Gobert will work out for #Blazers Thursday, I'm told. Will be a good one. Paul Allen appearance worthy.

This should give Portland an idea if Gobert is going to be able to handle defending NBA level bigmen or if he's going to be pushed around easily.

[Blazinaway]

Chris Haynes ‏@ChrisBHaynes 29s
Pittsburgh C Steven Adams & C Rudy Gobert will work out for #Blazers Thursday, I'm told. Will be a good one. Paul Allen appearance worthy.

This should give Portland an idea if Gobert is going to be able to handle defending NBA level bigmen or if he's going to be pushed around easily.

also interesting in that we will have worked out every C who can work out except Dieng?

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I agree with the concept of using this draft to improve and deepen the bench. That is of course unless some player really shows a ton of potential in a private workout.

If the Blazers walked away from this draft with McCollum, Dieng and Bullock I think it would make the team much more competitive next season. Sign Oneal and Maynor and you've got:

Lillard/Maynor
Wes/McCollum
Batum/Bullock
Aldridge/Dieng
Oneal/Meyers/Dieng

That second unit could actually be pretty exciting...

I know people get all jazzed up about the draft and draft picks this time of year. I do myself.

But I just can't forget that right after the draft, those picks become rookies. And they very likely won't be rookies like Lillard. They are more likely to be rookies like Leonard or Barton or god forbid, like Freeland

I'd have every confidence that in that depth chart of yours, Maynor and Barton would be ahead of McCollum at SG and Claver would be ahead of Bullock at SF.

I'm trying to keep track of the moves in this scenario. I believe, essentially, Portland would have traded the 10th pick and all their 2nds for #13, #14, & # 21. So, that would be 1,930,600 + 490,180 + 490,180 out, and 1,655,300 + 1,572,600 + 1,127,200 in (by adding 3 firsts for 1, Blazers would dump two 490K roster charges)

that would end up taking 1.44 million of Blazer cap-space. But that would still leave Olshey with 10.4 million in space (11.6 million if he uses the stretch provision on Freeland... )

So, assuming that he uses that space to sign veterans, I'd see those rookies being pushed even further down the depth chart. I just don't see them having much of an impact unless Portland strikes gold with a couple. Maybe the possibility of striking gold is worth it. Maybe not.

and then, you have to ask would Dallas or Utah actually do those deals. I don't think Dallas would without adding Marion. And if 14 + 21 were as good, or better then 10, why would Utah?

McCollum, Bullock and Dieng are all four year players who were very polished and accomplished in their respective roles. They are also guys with clear NBA roles ahead of them. Since they come with a skill-set and a defined role, I don't think their adjustment to the NBA would be like Leonard or Barton - each of came with some question marks about what they could provide an NBA team.

Also, with 11.6 million in capspace, I would go hard after Jack with a 2 year contract. And yes, he would be ahead of McCollum, but for his first two years, I don't have any problem with McCollum being pushed down the depth chart and learning under Jack. I still think he could provide valuable minutes and grow into a 6th man in that role.

[Shem]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/347489509333692416[/tweet]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhyZW-4sDHI[/youtube]

[Norm2953]

Chad Ford has been mentioning on his blog about an apparent injury to Dieng which is perhaps
why he does seem to be working out much.

I'm skeptical Portland will take either Adams, Gobert or Dieng unless one of these guys just
has a killer workout or Portland gets another pick. None of the centers in this draft with
the exception of Len are worth the #10 pick (Noel is a PF).

[Marcus50]

Call it the curious case of Steven Adams.

On paper, the Pittsburgh freshman is impressive. He's 7 feet and 254 pounds, with a wingspan of 7-5 and enormous hands (9.5 inches long, 11 inches wide).

In workouts, he is even better. Over the last few weeks Adams has showcased superior athleticism for a big man, while surprising team executives with a nice perimeter touch. He screens well, looks fluid in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor like a deer.

The problem? When the lights are on, Adams looks lost. At Pittsburgh, scouts routinely commented that the game appeared too fast for Adams, an opinion that was reiterated by team executives at the NBA combine last month. In addition, multiple executives expressed concern about Adams' laid-back disposition.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/ne ... z2WgN75ssP

Again, how exactly is this guy different from Meyers?

Adams laid back disposition is typical of the self effacing attitude of NZ'rs. Don' t confuse it for not having mental toughness or a strong work ethic it is simply a cultural thing. Self promotion is not much admired in NZ and those that do often are soon cut back to size . Adams sister Valerie is 3x world Champion and 2x Olymipc Champion for women's shot put. She is not self promoting either but you would go a long way to find a more physically imposing or mentally tough competitor. Adams has a long way to go but he has already demonstrated he is learning quickly for someone who has been 6 years playing the game and 1 year playing in the US which is an entirely different environment to what he has been used to.

When he Matures Adams is probably going to be 7'0 and 275-285lb and will be very difficult to push around in the paint. Will be fascinating to see how he develops.