***Official*** NBA Draft Thread 2015

[MDC 7,494]

Wait: Porzingis is better than Okafor?

 

Err, no.

[mobb_deep 920]

Lakers are going after Demarcus Cousins. Not sure of the details, but it seems they're not sold on Okafor. Trade for Cousins and draft Russell?

[nobody 2,691]

Lakers are going after Demarcus Cousins. Not sure of the details, but it seems they're not sold on Okafor. Trade for Cousins and draft Russell?

 

I don't see how they get Cousins and keep the #2 overall.

[nobody 2,691]

Boogie to the Lakers rumors breaking twitter right now.

[phillybear 366]

Yeah, he definitely should be projecting as a stretch 4, but he's going to be a complete liability defending the pick and roll. His length will make up for some of that, but he's going to get abused. Small guys will run by him and big are going to out-muscle him.

 

Latest numbers

height: 7'3" in shoes,

height: 7'1.5" not in shoes

wingspan 7'6"

weight 230

 

If he adds a couple more lbs, I don't think he will be so easy to push around. That height and reach certainly can be helpful. Plus, if you have a Noel or Embiid at the rim to erase a mistake, that would help too. He's not a statue as I keep reading/seeing his foot movement is solid, so I don't think the pick and roll will eat him up.

 

We will see.

[phillybear 366]

Wait: Porzingis is better than Okafor?

 

Err, no.

 

Some scouts are saying Porzingis is/will be better than Towns. It's subjective.

[phillybear 366]

 

I don't see how they get Cousins and keep the #2 overall.

 

Even though George Karl is apparently the guy trying to get rid of Cousins, management, particularly the owner, are against it.

 

That said, the Lakers don't have the assets to steal Cousins. They would have to start with the #2 and Randle and more. They don't have any upcoming 1st round picks to deal, probably for another 5 years. Even in a three way deal with Orlando, where Vucevic moves, the Lakers don't have enough and Vucevic isn't worth #2.

 

I think the whole rumor started with Orlando wanting to swap with the Lakers the #2 and #5 so they can jump ahead of Sixers and makes sure they get Porzingis. Lakers might be able to get their own future first rounder from Orlando, or a player. Then the media tried to get more creative in a 3 team rumor and ran with it.

 

The days leading up to the draft are kind of fun.

[nobody 2,691]

I actually like Hezonja better than Porzingis. Too bad he's a head case.

 

At least Zing has a good attitude. He does have decent quickness for a guy his size, but I think it's overrated. Sure he can somewhat stay in front of guys in the Spanish league, and those guys aren't slouches, but that's not the NBA either.

 

Pros

size

attitude

shooting

runs the floor well

 

Cons

Weak

no post up game

no passing

no ball handling

finesse mindset

 

So basically you're drafting a spot up shooter in a 7'1" body hoping he turns into Kevin Garnett. Problem is he doesn't have the mean streak of Garnett.

[phillybear 366]

League executives also said the Celtics were trying to move up in the draft, using their two first-round picks and two second-round picks as bait. The executives said the Celtics were looking to trade point guard Marcus Smart and the Nos. 16 and 28 picks in the first round to Philadelphia for center/forward Nerlens Noel and the No. 3 pick. But the 76ers, the executives said, weren't interested.

 

Does Danny Ainge think every GM in the NBA is like Billy King?

[WhiteWonder 2,766]

Okafor is sliding down draft Board, I think...

 

I said a while back that Russell could be the best in this draft. People seem to be getting on board where as 2 months ago he was a maybe for the knicks at 4. Now he might not even be there.

[WhiteWonder 2,766]

I actually like Hezonja better than Porzingis. Too bad he's a head case.

 

At least Zing has a good attitude. He does have decent quickness for a guy his size, but I think it's overrated. Sure he can somewhat stay in front of guys in the Spanish league, and those guys aren't slouches, but that's not the NBA either.

 

Pros

size

attitude

shooting

runs the floor well

 

Cons

Weak

no post up game

no passing

no ball handling

finesse mindset

 

So basically you're drafting a spot up shooter in a 7'1" body hoping he turns into Kevin Garnett. Problem is he doesn't have the mean streak of Garnett.

This is so backwards. Kevin Garnett became a 7 foot spot up jump shooter late in his careeR. Early on he was a tenacious defender, interior presence who could run the floor AND space it With jumpers.

 

He's more a hopeful Dirk, imo

[nobody 2,691]

This is so backwards. Kevin Garnett became a 7 foot spot up jump shooter late in his careeR. Early on he was a tenacious defender, interior presence who could run the floor AND space it With jumpers.

Well, yeah. Wouldn't you want zing to be all of that?

 

Hoping for Dirk? Dirk is 3x the shooter zing is, and was before he ever set foot in the NBA.

 

I have to stop debating this. I'm going to end up rooting for the kid to fail just so I'm right.

[WhiteWonder 2,766]

I don't think he's a good player I just didn't agree with the analysis and comparison the KG. I think if you are talking about developing him, the guy you're looking to turn him into is Dirk.

[nobody 2,691]

Why? Everyone raves over his atleticism and defensive potential. Dirk? Not so much. I know he's white, and all, but it's okay to compare him to a black player.

[WhiteWonder 2,766]

I don't know enough about h8m.but you listed a weakness as finesse mindset and positives as size shooting and attItude. And talked about how he needed to be molded to be tenacious... sounded like dirk to me

[mobb_deep 920]

Okafor is sliding down draft Board, I think...

 

I said a while back that Russell could be the best in this draft. People seem to be getting on board where as 2 months ago he was a maybe for the knicks at 4. Now he might not even be there.

If the Lakers can't land Cousins, they'll still take Okafor at 2 IMO. They need a big man way more than a guard, and guards are much easier to get via draft/FA than centers.

[WhiteWonder 2,766]

If the Lakers can't land Cousins, they'll still take Okafor at 2 IMO. They need a big man way more than a guard, and guards are much easier to get via draft/FA than centers.

 

unless they are going to mold themselves after the warriors with a Russell, Kobe back court and go hard after jimmy butler....

[The Moz 69]

My Lottery projections

 

1. Minn. KAT

2. LAL - Oakafor

3. Philly - Russell

4. NY - Kristaps

5. Orl - Mudiay

6. Sac - Herzonja

7. Den - Winslow

8. Det - Stanley John son

9. Char - Cam Payne

10. Mia - TRey Lyles

11. INd - Bobby Portis

12. Utah - WCS

13. Phoe - Booker

14. OKC - Kamisky

[MDC 7,494]

My Lottery projections

 

1. Minn. KAT

2. LAL - Oakafor

3. Philly - Russell

4. NY - Kristaps

5. Orl - Mudiay

6. Sac - Herzonja

7. Den - Winslow

8. Det - Stanley John son

9. Char - Cam Payne

10. Mia - TRey Lyles

11. INd - Bobby Portis

12. Utah - WCS

13. Phoe - Booker

14. OKC - Kamisky

I mostly like this with few changes:

 

I think the Sixers trade down.

 

No way a team with zero patience like the Knicks takes a project like Porzingis.

 

Orlando won't take Mudiay a year after drafting Peyton.

 

I think WCS goes Top 10 or as high as 6 to Sacto.

 

Otherwise looks pretty good.

[The Moz 69]

I mostly like this with few changes:

 

I think the Sixers trade down.

 

No way a team with zero patience like the Knicks takes a project like Porzingis.

 

Orlando won't take Mudiay a year after drafting Peyton.

 

I think WCS goes Top 10 or as high as 6 to Sacto.

 

Otherwise looks pretty good.

 

I mostly like this with few changes:

 

I think the Sixers trade down.

 

No way a team with zero patience like the Knicks takes a project like Porzingis.

 

Orlando won't take Mudiay a year after drafting Peyton.

 

I think WCS goes Top 10 or as high as 6 to Sacto.

 

Otherwise looks pretty good.

I can't see Philly trading down when they will get a can't miss player like Russel and they need a PG - even if he is more a Iverson type scoring PG.

 

Phil Jackson loves Euro's and NEEDS a big man and since he can't get Oak or KAT - I think he settles for Kristaps rather than Mudiay -- who I actually think is the second best player in the draft - just got no pub being in China and has a knock for maybe being a head case - but Mudiay has crazy talent.

 

I think Orlando takes the best player available to either keep or trade.

 

I am UK alum - I watched WCS ALOT -- WHEN - he is focused and wants to play he is great player with freakish athletism for a 7 footer - but the kid spaces out more than 8 year old fat kid. He mails it in if the going is tough - WCS didn't even show up in the final 4.

 

As a UK alum that watched all the games last year ...

 

KAT is the truth and is the best player in the draft

 

Trey Lyles - he will be a solid role player in the NBA might make 1 all star team but he just isn't athletic enough and goes to sleep a bit at times - a good all around player but not really great at anything.

 

WCS - Not a head case just doesn't care like other players do - he will play hard 1 game and look lost the next 2. Yes he is a freaskish athlete for 7 foot and can gaurd any position - to be honest I wouldn't touch WCS in the first round let alone the lottery.

 

Booker - don't understand the love affair with Booker - yes he has the best lookign shot in college ball - if he is open it's money if he is guarded he rarely hits. Booker was on fire early and mid season when teams were leaving him open or at least letting him roam a little - AFTER teams started locking him down and guarding him he went like 12 games going for maybe 20% from 3 . He had 2 decent games in the tourney but he closed the year like in the 20% range fro the last 3rd of the season ... maybe that was an aberattion and he does have a great stroke but I would be weary.

 

Dakari - a Literal joke he entered the draft - he is a 6'11 center than can barely dunk - think ZeBo only FAR less talented.

 

Andrew Harrison - Check it - he was outplayed last year by a 5'9 freshman and was on the bench in crunch time for most games ........ had focking Cal put him on the bench for Ulis against UW UK likely wins another title

 

Aaron Harrison - Guy is a CLUTCH shooter who literally single handily carried UK to a final 4 in 14 with 3 straight last second 3's to win - that said he should of come out last year .... I actually like him and think he will be a great pick up for some team down the road.

[DankNuggs 305]

League executives also said the Celtics were trying to move up in the draft, using their two first-round picks and two second-round picks as bait. The executives said the Celtics were looking to trade point guard Marcus Smart and the Nos. 16 and 28 picks in the first round to Philadelphia for center/forward Nerlens Noel and the No. 3 pick. But the 76ers, the executives said, weren't interested.

 

Does Danny Ainge think every GM in the NBA is like Billy King?

Its a good deal considering they will get value at 16 and 28, and the #3 pick will be a guy who has pick 10-15 value

 

Ainge said there was a guy who did a workout who blew him away, and they are reaching up to try to get him. ONly the last two guys Ainge gushed at like that were that chinese dude Yi Jiuliang or whatever, the other was Stromile Swift... so take that for what its worth....

 

Smart is a very good player all around who has the toughness you want, but i don't mind getting rid of him... Dream scenario is to move up while dealing Avery Bradley, as I just don't get the love for a very average player

[MDC 7,494]

Its a good deal considering they will get value at 16 and 28, and the #3 pick will be a guy who has pick 10-15 value

 

Ainge said there was a guy who did a workout who blew him away, and they are reaching up to try to get him. ONly the last two guys Ainge gushed at like that were that chinese dude Yi Jiuliang or whatever, the other was Stromile Swift... so take that for what its worth....

 

Smart is a very good player all around who has the toughness you want, but i don't mind getting rid of him... Dream scenario is to move up while dealing Avery Bradley, as I just don't get the love for a very average player

[phillybear 366]

Its a good deal considering they will get value at 16 and 28, and the #3 pick will be a guy who has pick 10-15 value

 

Ainge said there was a guy who did a workout who blew him away, and they are reaching up to try to get him. ONly the last two guys Ainge gushed at like that were that chinese dude Yi Jiuliang or whatever, the other was Stromile Swift... so take that for what its worth....

 

Smart is a very good player all around who has the toughness you want, but i don't mind getting rid of him... Dream scenario is to move up while dealing Avery Bradley, as I just don't get the love for a very average player

 

I like the way you think. Do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to? You know, I have the strange compulsion to send you an envelop full of stinky cash.

[DankNuggs 305]

 

I like the way you think. Do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to? You know, I have the strange compulsion to send you an envelop full of stinky cash.

after watching some Porzingis tape i'd take him over anyone being talked about in slots 3-6. Looks like he could be a Dirk

[The Moz 69]

A little off subject but UK does it again another #1 recruiting class makes Cal's recruiting classes 1-2-1-1-1-2-1 at UK. He might not be that great of a bench coach but damn he gets us the players.

[nobody 2,691]

A little off subject but UK does it again another #1 recruiting class makes Cal's recruiting classes 1-2-1-1-1-2-1 at UK. He might not be that great of a bench coach but damn he gets us the players.

The Knicks look forward to drafting one of them 1st overall next year

[The Moz 69]

The Knicks look forward to drafting one of them 1st overall next year

Skal Lassiter likely will be the #1

[KSB2424 3,148]

My Hornets traded Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson for Nic Batum and then traded Barnes for Jeremy Lamb. So I think they took care of the two guard spot via trades yesterday. That's the good news. The bad news is now I think they may be targeting Frank the Tank Kaminsky at 9.

[mobb_deep 920]

Local rumor mill is the Lakers will take Russell tonight and try to grab Love or Aldridge with all the cap room we have (around 25 mil).

[MDC 7,494]

Local rumor mill is the Lakers will take Russell tonight and try to grab Love or Aldridge with all the cap room we have (around 25 mil).

That should be good for the 8th seed and a quick exit in the West.

[DankNuggs 305]

Local rumor mill is the Lakers will take Russell tonight and try to grab Love or Aldridge with all the cap room we have (around 25 mil).

Would be great, as the Celts have the godfather offer out to Philly for the #3.... Smart, Sullinger, #1 this year (maybe both) and future #1's... Hinkie wouldn't be able to contain himself.

[Herbivore 1,142]

Local rumor mill is the Lakers will take Russell tonight and try to grab Love or Aldridge with all the cap room we have (around 25 mil).

 

I think they go this way also.

[mobb_deep 920]

That should be good for the 8th seed and a quick exit in the West.

 

What do you know about playoff basketball!?

 

Lakers will be back. Might take a few years, but we're the greatest franchise in NBA history. 16

[dain11279 976]

My Hornets traded Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson for Nic Batum and then traded Barnes for Jeremy Lamb. So I think they took care of the two guard spot via trades yesterday. That's the good news. The bad news is now I think they may be targeting Frank the Tank Kaminsky at 9.

There's rumblings saying Kaminsky could even be going in the top 5. His stock has definitely risen recently

[MDC 7,494]

 

What do you know about playoff basketball!?

 

Lakers will be back. Might take a few years, but we're the greatest franchise in NBA history. 16

Sure they'll be back. They just strike me as a completely impatient organization. They should take Okafor and plan to build around him. Signing Love would be silly.

[Herbivore 1,142]

 

What do you know about playoff basketball!?

 

Lakers will be back. Might take a few years, but we're the greatest franchise in NBA history. 16

 

2nd greatest.

[The Moz 69]

Sure they'll be back. They just strike me as a completely impatient organization. They should take Okafor and plan to build around him. Signing Love would be silly.

I know we got opposite opinions here - as I think Oakafor is a bust you think he's best in class - I got to say LAL is doing the right thing by apparently shifting from Oakafor to Russel . If Oakafor can learn defense then yes he has the higher ceiling but Russel has the far higher basement.

 

When a player is the slam dunk #1 all year and suddenly is like 3rd to even 4th if Philly passes - there is something wrong. I knew once KAT closed the gap he would over take him after the interviews alone as KAT is a class act in the mold of Tim Duncan. Oakafor is not known for hustle , playing without the ball, his defense is maybe the worst I ever saw in a Big man top prospect , not really a stand out athlete, and his foul shooting might be worse than Shaq - Yes he has great inside moves and ability to score inside ... The main reason LAL is thinkng about Russell is Oakfors 2nd workout with the team he basically mailed it in - the kid is trying to get drafted and workign out for a mega paycheck and mails it in? If he does that now what will he do during games - nod off on the bench?

 

All that said I think your 6ers have Oakafor and for your team I hope he pans out - I just don;'t see it with him as I really see him as Eddy Curry part 2.

[phillybear 366]

Local rumor mill is the Lakers will take Russell tonight and try to grab Love or Aldridge with all the cap room we have (around 25 mil).

 

They are bluffing with taking Russell.

 

How do you continue to pursue Cousins when you don't have Okafor to deal?

[MDC 7,494]

I know we got opposite opinions here - as I think Oakafor is a bust you think he's best in class - I got to say LAL is doing the right thing by apparently shifting from Oakafor to Russel . If Oakafor can learn defense then yes he has the higher ceiling but Russel has the far higher basement.

 

When a player is the slam dunk #1 all year and suddenly is like 3rd to even 4th if Philly passes - there is something wrong. I knew once KAT closed the gap he would over take him after the interviews alone as KAT is a class act in the mold of Tim Duncan. Oakafor is not known for hustle , playing without the ball, his defense is maybe the worst I ever saw in a Big man top prospect , not really a stand out athlete, and his foul shooting might be worse than Shaq - Yes he has great inside moves and ability to score inside ... The main reason LAL is thinkng about Russell is Oakfors 2nd workout with the team he basically mailed it in - the kid is trying to get drafted and workign out for a mega paycheck and mails it in? If he does that now what will he do during games - nod off on the bench?

 

All that said I think your 6ers have Oakafor and for your team I hope he pans out - I just don;'t see it with him as I really see him as Eddy Curry part 2.

Russell is really my guy because I think he will be great and he's such a terrific fit for the Sixers. I have Okafor and Towns as 1a and 1b but if Okafor falls to 3 I am pretty sure the Sixers will deal down unless there's something greviously wrong with Embiid. BPA is great and all but with that logjam at C none if then will put up the counting stats necessary to trade one of them.

 

All this is moot though because I am 90% sure LA takes Okafor. I just hope Hinkie drafts Russell instead of getting cute.

[phillybear 366]

Would be great, as the Celts have the godfather offer out to Philly for the #3.... Smart, Sullinger, #1 this year (maybe both) and future #1's... Hinkie wouldn't be able to contain himself.

Meaning, if they don't accept a pig sh!t offer, they will find a dead horse in their beds? Personally, I'd take a dead horse over anybody on the Boston roster.