General Draft Talk/Draft Night Thread

Moooose · Post #1 » by **Moooose** » Mon May 28, 2012 5:46 am

Mods, i think it's just time to post that draft day thread again, and start talking about the draft. And please, kindly delete this post as soon as the draft day thread is posted. Thanks!

Eh, since it seems like this started up decently while I have been away, I'll tack this one up. Let's try and keep this one as general draft talk info. Once we get a bit closer to the draft, we'll likely start up a "Draft Workout Thread" and I'll change up an off-season "Trade Idea Thread" - Scoot

Pacerlive · Post #2 » by **Pacerlive** » Mon May 28, 2012 6:18 pm

Moooose wrote:Mods, i think it's just time to post that draft day thread again, and start talking about the draft. And please, kindly delete this post as soon as the draft day thread is posted. Thanks!

I agree.. We have to look forward to something right.. A lot of mock drafts have us taking Tony Wroten who is pretty much a Lance clone minus the maturity issues.

That would be a dribble drive dream if the bench was Lance and Tony at sg and pg. Unfortunately no one could heat a pull up jumper but who needs to do that if you can get to the rim.

jnzook · Post #3 » by **jnzook** » Mon May 28, 2012 6:57 pm

I really think the pick will be traded in some packaged deal.

FreeRon · Post #4 » by **FreeRon** » Tue May 29, 2012 7:22 am

I doubt it. It looks like this could be a really weak draft even in the lottery. I think if we do trade our pick it will basically be just to avoid having to pay a player first round money. It seems like our top targets this offseason are free agents. I don't see any potential deals out there that we could effectively use our pick for.

MNPacersfan · Post #5 » by **MNPacersfan** » Tue May 29, 2012 4:30 pm

Teams seem to be scrambling to get picks (or more picks) in this draft. Apparently the Wolves (here in MN) had some plans in place to get a pick or two if Utah had missed the playoffs and retained (what became) the 18th pick. GSW is now trying to trade back into the draft. It's a good draft, and there are decent players up to the 20-25 range. If a team is willing to trade a proven player and they see a player they like is still there at 25 I think that the Pacers will pull the trigger on a deal and give up the pick.

They need to replace Jeff Foster and this pick could provide an opportunity to do so.

Pacerlive · Post #6 » by **Pacerlive** » Tue May 29, 2012 4:40 pm

MNPacersfan wrote:Teams seem to be scrambling to get picks (or more picks) in this draft. Apparently the Wolves (here in MN) had some plans in place to get a pick or two if Utah had missed the playoffs and retained (what became) the 18th pick. GSW is now trying to trade back into the draft. It's a good draft, and there are decent players up to the 20-25 range. If a team is willing to trade a proven player and they see a player they like is still there at 25 I think that the Pacers will pull the trigger on a deal and give up the pick.

They need to replace Jeff Foster and this pick could provide an opportunity to do so.

I would consider trading Tyler to trade up in this draft. I highly doubt he will be resigned after next year anyway.

MNPacersfan · Post #7 » by **MNPacersfan** » Tue May 29, 2012 4:45 pm

It seems like West expiring just when they have to make the call on re-signing Hansbrough is part of the plan, doesn't it? I assumed that management thought that Hansbrough would be ready to start when West rides off into the sunset.
I don't think so, but I think that's the plan...

Pacerlive · Post #8 » by **Pacerlive** » Tue May 29, 2012 4:55 pm

MNPacersfan wrote:It seems like West expiring just when they have to make the call on re-signing Hansbrough is part of the plan, doesn't it? I assumed that management thought that Hansbrough would be ready to start when West rides off into the sunset.
I don't think so, but I think that's the plan...

I think that "was" the plan but its painfully obvious that Hans is nothing more than a marginal backup PF. IF West knees gets stronger than I am all for resigning him for another 1-2 years.

Moooose · Post #9 » by **Moooose** » Wed May 30, 2012 7:07 am

FreeRon wrote:I doubt it. It looks like this could be a really weak draft even in the lottery. I think if we do trade our pick it will basically be just to avoid having to pay a player first round money. It seems like our top targets this offseason are free agents. I don't see any potential deals out there that we could effectively use our pick for.

I'd like to think there is better talent this year than last the previous 2 year's draft, but not in the same tier as that of 2006 and 2007.

It'll be interesting if we can repeat what we did to Kawhi last year, turning him into George Hill. But i'd be fine just picking someone with the 26th pick, as there could be a number of interesting prospects available at the time of our picking, i.e. Draymond Green, John Jenkins, Tony Wroten, Jae Crowder, etc.

Anyways, i really can't wait to see New Orleans taking home the first pick later in the lottery, or any spot in the top 3. I really do think Stern could've arranged stuff with the new Orleans owner when he bought the franchise.

I just can't see the Bobcats getting better with a fist pick, in this case, Anthony Davis. With him, they'd be a defensive force, but they too, have to score. Charlotte's talent level is really disappointing, and to entrust everything on a rookie and hope he'll get them into the playoffs is just foolish, IMO.

Wizop · Post #10 » by **Wizop** » Wed May 30, 2012 12:59 pm

kahwi looked awfully good last night and keeping George Hill is going to be expensive. absent a blockbuster, and I learned long ago to not even bother to read deals on the trade forum described as blockbusters, I think we need to keep our pick.

Moooose · Post #11 » by **Moooose** » Thu May 31, 2012 6:46 am

Sure, Scoot.

New Orleans bagging the first pick was no surprise. Stern, i saw what you did there.

Starkiller · Post #12 » by **Starkiller** » Thu May 31, 2012 1:19 pm

So what do you fellas think the impact of getting Davis will have on the us getting EJ from the Hornets?

pacers70 · Post #13 » by **pacers70** » Thu May 31, 2012 3:03 pm

As long as Bird is in charge, he will not trade Tyler.

Tyler is a good back up PF. He brings a lot of physicality (if that's a word) and energy off the bench. He can also score. If Tyler realizes that he will only be a career back up PF, then he could be a Pacer for a long time. If he thinks he can start, he will bolt when he has the opportunity.

Bringing in Eric Gordon would be a mistake by the Pacers unless he has a cheap contract. Gordon is a very good player but he is hurt all of the time. It doesn't do much good to have a good player if he is only going to play 40-50 games per year. Gordon has to prove he is more durable before I would be interested in getting him on the Pacers.

I think the Pacers are probably looking at a couple of players in the draft, if they are not available, I would not be surprised if they made a last minute trade for a veteran player.

I am intrigued with Festus Ezeli. He looks like he could fill one of the Pacers needs. A legitimate back up center that plays defense, blocks shots and will protect the paint. At 6'11" 255 he has the size to play physical as well.

Moooose · Post #14 » by **Moooose** » Thu May 31, 2012 4:05 pm

Starkiller wrote:So what do you fellas think the impact of getting Davis will have on the us getting EJ from the Hornets?

I think Eric Gordon might want to re-sign with New Orleans, now that he can score all he wants, and not worry about the other end. They also have a budding point guard in Vasquez. The addition of Davis helps both of them. I think NOH will sign him to a big contract, something that would irk Simon and Bird.

Post #15 » by **Scoot McGroot** » Thu May 31, 2012 6:49 pm

Starkiller wrote:So what do you fellas think the impact of getting Davis will have on the us getting EJ from the Hornets?

I think, as the plan always was, NOH will re-sign EJ up to and including a max contract if need be to retain him.

8305 · Post #16 » by **8305** » Fri Jun 1, 2012 11:20 am

I like Festus Ezile too. Scouting reports seem to indicate he has a decent work ethic along with a nice combination of size and athleticism. I'd be surprised if he made a meaningful contribution his first couple of seasons but if he could get some playing time during those years (similar to Roy) you might have a really valuable asset down the road. I could see this being a much better long term play than than another player who's ceiling is off the bench role player.

SuperReggie31 · Post #17 » by **SuperReggie31** » Fri Jun 1, 2012 4:13 pm

For me personally, I am a little hesitant on Ezeli. My wife and I moved down to Nashville, TN last summer from Indy and had a chance to watch the Vanderbilt team twice. The first game against Indiana State (my alma mater), he looked a little lost as to what was going on and seemed to mentally take himself out of the game. He played 22 minutes and had 4 points (2-6 FG) and 4 rebounds. He also did the same thing the next game against Miami of Ohio when he only had 2 points (1-5) and 7 rebounds (a little better). While this may not seem like a big issue, it is a little worrisome as these games were against smaller, mid-major schools and not the typical SEC teams he usually plays against.

Does he have size? Yes.
Does he have potential? Yes.
Does he have the mentally to play at the next level? I think so.

For his size and potential (rebounding), I would draft him. I'm not sure though if he still warrants a 1st round pick though.

Stats:

http://vanderbilt.rivals.com/bviewplaye ... yer=385851

SuperReggie31 · Post #18 » by **SuperReggie31** » Fri Jun 1, 2012 4:24 pm

Also, on the draft here are what the experts are predicting for us at #26:

Bleacher Report's Adam Fromal: Royce White, SF/PF, Iowa State

ESPN's Chad Ford: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Yahoo! Sports Mock: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

HoopsHype Mock Draft: Tony Wroten, SG, Washington

I would pick all of them if they are the best available. Still a little hesitant on Ezeli, but again for his size and potential, I would. Also, I would pick Fab Melo or Kyle O'Quinn if they are still there.

I could see us possibly moving up to either #16 (HOU) or #21 or #22 with Boston to move up if there is a player we need. I also see us moving back a couple of slots if needed to.

Solid · Post #19 » by **Solid** » Sat Jun 2, 2012 2:26 am

I'd be happy with Melo or Nicholson.
We'd have to take a close look at Royce and Ezeli too.
Sorry to hear the poor first hand report on Festus. I read an interview of him and he sounded intelligent and commited. Great body. Reminds me of DD

Moooose · Post #20 » by **Moooose** » Sat Jun 2, 2012 7:28 am

The Pacers will host a series of workouts with NBA Draft Prospects in the coming weeks. The first workout is set for Monday, June 4 with:

Draymond Green (Michigan State)
Scott Machado (Iona)
Andrew Nicholson (St. Bonaventure)
Mike Scott (Virginia)
Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas)
Royce White (Iowa)