2009 Mock Draft 1.0
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 9:36 PM PDT
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Print2009 NBA Mock Draft by Portland Dynasty:
True, it is so premature that final standings haven’t been completed and my favorite and your favorite team, our Portland Trail Blazers are clinched into the post season and are looking to finish the season strong, hopefully lock in home court advantage and continuing to prove to rest of the league that this young bunch belongs and comes to compete and win every night. It is so exciting for Blazer Fans to have a nice dose of this payoff period… you know, those bonus exciting games that we all get to care about now that P-town is back where we bolong: The Playoffs.
But I can’t help myself from looking forward to the 2009 NBA Draft. Every year I surf the web looking into all the top prospects, reading various draft-site bios and checking out highlights on www.youtube.com. I guess I enjoy the NBA Draft more than others, namely the NFL Draft, because it is so concise… two-rounds. And it is not hard to catch up on 100 prospects, unlike the NFL that has 7 rounds for 32 teams for a total of 224 players drafted…meaning 300+ prospects to know. So without further babbling, here is Version 1.0 of my NBA Mock Draft. I held a random lottery via ESPN.com and came up with the top 14 draft order, then I filled out the draft by “estimated” finish to the season. When looking at all these picks I chose based on team need, best available players for that need, and team culture/system.
1-1. Wizards: Blake Griffin, PF 6’10” Oklahoma
1-2. Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG 6’4” Spain
1-3. Pacers: Greg Monroe, PF/C 6’10” Georgetown
1-4. Clippers: James Hardin, SG 6’5” Arizona State
1-5. Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, C 7’3” Conneticut
1-6. T-Wolves: Stephen Curry, PG 6’3” Davidson
1-7. Grizzlies: Jordan Hill, PF 6’9” Arizona
1-8. Warriors: Brandon Jennings, PG 6’2” Italy
1-9. Knicks: Jrue Holliday, PG 6’3” UCLA
1-10. Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, SG 6’6” USC
1-11. Nets: Al-Rarouq Aminu, SF 6’8” Wake Forest
1-12. Bobcats: Earl Clark, F 6’9” Louisville
1-13. Suns: Ty Lawson, PG 6’0” North Carolina
1-14. Bucks: Jeff Teague, PG 6’2” Wake Forest
1-15. Pistons: James Johnson, PF 6’9” Wake Forest
1-16. Bulls: Cole Aldrich, C 6’11” Kansas
1-17. 76ers: DuJuan Blair, PF 6’7” Pittsburg
1-18. T-Wolves: Terrence Williams, GF 6’6” Louisville (pick from Miami)
1-19. Hawks: Willie Warren, G 6’4” Oklahoma
1-20. Mavericks: Eric Maynor, PG 6’2” VCU
1-21. Jazz: Chase Budinger, GF 6’7” Arizona
1-22. Hornets: Evan Turner, SG 6’7” Ohio State
1-23. Blazers: BJ Mullens, FC 7’0” Ohio State
1-24. Kings: Gerald Henderson, GF 6’5” Duke (pick from Houston)
1-25. Thunder: Craig Brackens, PF 6’10” Iowa (pick from San Antonio)
1-26. Bulls: Sam Young, SF 6’6” Pittsburg (pick from Denver)
1-27. T-Wolves: Jerome Jordan, FC 7’0” Tulsa (pick from Boston)
1-28. Magic: Patrick Patterson, PF 6’8” Kentucky
1-29. Lakers: Darren Collison, PG 6’1” UCLA
1-30. Cavs: Wayne Ellington, SG 6’5” North Carolina
2-31. Wizards: DaJuan Summers, SF 6’8” Georgetown
2-32. Kings: Victor Claver, PF 6’11 Brazil
2-33. Pacers: Tyler Hansborough, PF 6’9” North Carolina
2-34. Blazers: Patrick Mills, PG 6’0” Saint Mary’s
2-35. Nuggets: Danny Green, SF 6’6” North Carolina (pick from OKC)
2-36. Pistons: Josh Heytvelt, PF 6’11” Gonzaga (pick from Minn)
2-37. Rockets: Damion James, SF 6’7” Texas (pick from Memphis)
2-38. Spurs: JaJuan Johnson, PF 6’10” Purdue (pick from Golden State)
2-39. Blazers: Henk Norel, FC 6’11” Nederlands (pick from NY)
2-40. Pistons: Jerel McNeal, SG 6’3” Marquette (pick from Toronto)
2-41. Bobcats: Jeremy Pargo, PG 6’2” Gonzaga (pick from NJ)
2-42. Bobcats: Derrick Brown, PF 6’8” Xavier
2-43. Suns: DeMarre Carroll, PF 6’8” Missouri
2-44. Bucks: Jeff Pendergraph, PF 6’9” Arizona State
2-45. Pistons: Tyler Smith, SF 6’7” Tennessee
2-46. Cavs: Raymar Morgan, SF 6’7” Michigan State (pick from Chicago)
2-47. T-Wolves: Vladimir Dasic PF 6’9” Serbia (pick from Philly)
2-48. T-Wolves: Omri Casspi SF 6’8” Greece (pick from Miami)
2-49. Hawks: Marcus Thornton, SG 6’4” LSU
2-50. Pacers: Luke Harongody, PF 6’8” Notre Dame (pick from Dallas)
2-51. Jazz: Scottie Reynolds, PG 6’2” Villanova
2-52. Hornets: Chris Wright, SF 6’8” Dayton
2-53. Spurs: Nando De Colo, PG 6’4” France (pick from Phoenix)
2-54. Spurs: Jonas Jerebko, PF 6’9” Sweden
2-55. Bobcats: Taj Gibson, PF 6’9 USC (pick from San Antonio
2-56. Blazers: Ahmad Nivins, PF 6’9” St. Josephs (pick from Denver)
2-57. Celtics: Dominic James, PG 6’0” Marquette
2-58. Suns: Vitor Favorini, PF 6’10” Blazer (pick from Orlando)
2-59. Lakers: Dante Cunningham, PF 6’8” Villanova
2-60. Heat: Goran Suton, FC 6’10” Michigan State (pick from Cavs)
If you want to read some individual player write-ups:
http://www.draftexpress.com/rankings/Top-100-Prospects/
http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/rank?draftyear=2009
So I have Portland coming away with this:
1-23. Blazers: BJ Mullens, FC 7’0” Ohio State
2-34. Blazers: Patrick Mills, PG 6’0” Saint Mary’s
2-39. Blazers: Henk Norel, FC 6’11” Nederlands (pick from NY)
2-56. Blazers: Ahmad Nivins, PF 6’9” St. Josephs (pick from Denver)
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hoof hearted?
"There are a few teams you have to watch out for in the fourth quarter."
"Yeah, but Portland definitely is not one of them."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters at the end of the third quarter with the Hornets leading 74-59. Portland later ends up winning 97-89.
"They don't mind him shooting that shot at all. Rudy Fernandez is not that great of a 3pt shooter."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters right after a Rudy Fernandez missed 3pter. Rudy Fernandez finished the game with three 3pters on six attempts.
Hasheem Thabeet
going to the thunder scares me a bit. He would fit well there and given a few seasons that would make for a very frightening team (Russell Westbrook wouldn’t have to crash the boards for one thing, giving them better transition defense). Luckily I don’t think he will fall that far, he’s simply the most promising player in the draft.
Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.
look
it’s a ghost
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to wait about a month
then I’ll get really into this. Mullens is my pick right now. Pryzbilla won’t be around forever.
Makes a lot of sense.
There is a good chance that one or both our centers will miss significant time next year.
Historically Joel misses about half of all his games with some sort of injury. That trend has been better the last couple years, but I wouldn’t bank on it lasting forever. A third center could be a godsend.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 7, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
That was the old Joel
The new Joel is a ironman.
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think it works that way.
Grant Hill has played every game this season. Doesn’t mean he can keep it up.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 7, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Assuming Joel is a 25 mpg guy and Oden is 15-25, depending on the foul situation, and that Center is a rough, injury-prone position...
…………………………… it means that the Blazers are thin at that slot. They are still playing Channing Frye, say no more.
And they have needed a rough and toughie to back up LMA at the 4 since forever…
So my dream pick is:
1) TOUGH
2) a natural PF that can fill in at the C position in times of necessity.
That makes him 6’9" at an absolute minimum.
3) Not a jackass.
I sort of like it that this team has zero jackasses. It’s growing on me.
Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...
Height is over-rated for the back-up PF....
I wouldn’t mind having 6’6" Jason Maxiel, 6’7" Carl Landry, 6’8" Brandon Bass or 6’8 Leon Powe. Obviously getting a “similar” player who is 6’9"+ with a huge wingspan would be great…. that is where I put the Blazers last pick with the dark horse Ahmad Nivins, who is a collegiate double-double guy, 6’9" with a 7’7" wingspan… Could be that diamond in the rough…
But, if we have to draft a “tweener” I am cool with that, because over the past 5 years it seems that “tweeners” have actually worked out pretty solid in the NBA… not all “prototypical” players pan out, actually a lot of them fail, and generally the prototypical players are higher draft picks because they have the elusive “upside” that foils so many teams hopes.
Take DeJuan Blair. That dude is 6’7" 250lbs and plays power forward and center. Skill wise, this guy should be a lottery, but he is likely going to fall out of the lottery picks because of his height, even though it is likely that Blair has a more immediate impact on any team drafts him. I would take Blair in a heart beat to fill that role, but if BJ Mullens is left on the board, he is a protoypical post player with lots of upside that would come in behind the two-headed GregZilla Monster to develop…. that works for me too. With Blair, Portland wouldn’t have to sign or trade for that piece (Back-up 4) with Mullens another player would need to be brought in the interim to fill Channing’s role… as Mullen’s would actually be developed to take Pryz’s role.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Joel Freeland
Tough, explosive, plays around the basket, 6’11’’, not a jackass. At least he could be a great backups backup if you want a proven NBA guy as the immediate backup to LMA.
Unlike B.J. Mullens, Cole Aldrich is pretty much a finished project who could come in right away ...
and make an impact behind Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla. Aldrich, however, will most likely be a late lottery pick and thereby be out of Portland’s range.
Aldrich is a higher prospect than Mullens...
That is why I have him getting drafted quite a few spots ahead of him. However, it is highly unlikely that anyone is going to come in immediately to make an impact behind Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla and LaMarcus Aldridge in our front court. Getting a raw project like BJ Mullens could give us a “Foul Monster” if we needed a big body, but ultimately would be working to take over the second team big man role and or 3rd string Power Forward behind LMA and Trout. I don’t see Aldrich falling…
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions
B.J. Mullens, however, can't play a lick power forward; he's got no face-up game, sucks ...
on defense, and has hands of stone like Kwame Brown. Even as a major project, Mullens isn’t worth the undertaking necessary to make him a competent player.
Thus, instead of drafting Mullens in lieu of someone an impact player like DeJuan Blair, Kevin Pritchard should diligently scour the free-agent market for a third-string center — whether it be via the bi-annual exception for Rasho Nesterovic, a minimum-level contract for Robert Swift, et cetera — as that’d be a more resourceful way to solve the lack of depth at center.
I really like DeJuan Blair
out of all of the players in that draft range, Blair and Jrue Holiday are two guys that intrigue me… Holiday is a solid defensive combo guard, who could potentially fit well with Brandon in the backcourt. Blair could save us all from Channing’s six minutes of -9 performance.
draft dejuan blair
My one complaint with Jrue Holiday is he's an abysmal mid-range and long-range ...
shooter in the same vein as Russell Westbrook. I, therefore, have to stick by my main man, Kirk Hinrich, who’d be the perfect fit next to Brandon Roy in the backcourt.
Absolutely
but the Blazers are already first in offensive efficiency. i would trade some of that proficiency for the ability to defend opposing point guards, something Holiday is quite good at.
I want Hinrich. I think he’d be perfect. 42% from three, solid defense? Sign me up.
draft dejuan blair
I'd much rather keep the offensive efficiency intact and obtain a lockdown ...
defender at point guard. While Steve Blake is bad defensively and Jrue Holiday is inefficient offensively, Hinrich is neither of those things.
absolutely
Getting Hinrich is first on my list of priorities. Holiday would be more of a project, a guy that would have to shoot about 1000 jumpers a day, hopefully becoming a decent shooter.
Batum wasn’t a great shooter, either.
draft dejuan blair
Nicolas Batum doesn't necessarily need to be a "great shooter" at ...
small forward Nate McMillan’s offensive scheme, although I’d like for his backup to be an efficient, well-rounded player on offense. I believe we all know where my mind is going on that one, though.
well
Batum is shooting 36.9% from three point land, a very respectable percentage. That is completely adequate. He is the small forward of the Blazer future.
Mike Miller and Kirk Hinrich… at least you are consistent.
draft dejuan blair
I do have an odd affinity for certain players, but even you ...
must’ve finally come around on Kirk Hinrich. I hope that’s the case, for otherwise I’d be extremely disappointed here. Either way, though, it’s all good by me.
He's reallly improved...
but I’d still prefer 21 year old Mike Conley Jr who is shooting 42% from 3, defending like a champ, making Blake look silly out there. Still obviously take Rubio over him and a number of other players we’ve discussed over him as well.
I would argue on the defending like a champ part
He is really poor, from what I’ve seen, at defending the pick and roll.
draft dejuan blair
He's vastly improved over the course of this season
on both ends of the court. His defensive numbers especially. Shooting 42% from 3 as a 21 year old is just plain ridiculous. The Oden bump would just be a bonus. I can’t believe KP wouldn’t ship Blake out to get him. That could end up biting us if we don’t find a PG.
I'm not Conley's biggest fan
there hasn’t been one time i’ve watched him and been impressed with his defense.
draft dejuan blair
you need to watch more than just Blazer games...
but even if you did, Blake’s done bubkes against him.
I find this kind of offensive
I watch a LOT of NBA basketball, not just Blazer games. Thanks for the instant judgment.
I have a different opinion than you.
draft dejuan blair
LOL
that’s what happens when don’t watch basketball outside of Blazer games. Conley Jr is a 21 year old, putting up better (PER) numbers than the 28 year old Kirk Hinrich already, and he’s doing it on a much worse team playing in a harder conference. Time for some soul searching on how you’re evaluating players, and the fit of those players (age included, salary included) on this team.
Time for some soul searching on how you’re evaluating players
Did I ever say I’d rather have Hinrich than Conley for the Blazer future? No, I said that I believe Hinrich is a better basketball player than Conley, as of today.
Dave asked a while ago that people stop using the word “you” in posts. This is one of the best examples.
draft dejuan blair
and Mike Conley Jr >>>>>>>>>>>> Hinrich on offense
is 21 years old not 28. Costs 1/3rd as much, has a connection with Oden that could prove invaluable. Has better handles, is a better passer, already shoots the ball as well as Hinrich…. blah blah blah
Unfortunately that ship has sailed
Memphis isn’t trading Conley now, after shipping out both of their other young PGs. It’s too late.
Was it a mistake not shipping out Blake and Outlaw for young Conley? Absolutely. No question.
But that’s hindsight based on Conley’s performance the last few months. At the time, it looked like it would cost the Blazers quite a bit this season, with no way of knowing whether Conley would make “the jump” to being a legit starting PG.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
and being gregs sidekick, or vice versa ala, chandler to paul..or ?? is that backwards?
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Yeah, I flat-out agree that Nicoals Batum is "adequate" from ...
beyond the arc. It’s just that, well, your use of the adjective “great” stunned me a tad bit.
oh
Batum wasn’t a great shooter, either.
I didn’t mean to say that Batum is a great shooter. He’s an adequate shooter. I meant that shooting was listed as a weakness, and he’s improved to being a decent three point threat.
draft dejuan blair
Nic Batum adequate, Martell Webster a killer...
from beyond the arc.
Batum will be able to develop an efficient 3-point shot over time, but let’s not forget that Martell led the team in 3-pointers made last season and had 18 games scoring over 20 points… Webster is a formidable scorer..
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
actually
Nic is shooting better from 3 than Martell did his rookie year. Remember we do not need someone to hit 9 3pters in a game, but rather someone who can hit enough to open up the lane for the big 3 to operate.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
I assume he meant now
Martell is a better shooter than Nic.
But let’s be realistic, nearly every look from three Nic gets on this team is wide open. Hardly the case on that Bassy/Z-Bo/Miles team that Martell was a rookie on.
But....
….don’t we already have a “Foul Monster?” (sorry, Greg).
Well, maybe Greg could spontaneously convert into a “Foul-Tempered Monster.” That would be awesome.
Sixty-percent of the time, it works one-hundred percent of the time.
Stephen Curry is so overrated its not even funny
Ty Lawson will be one of the best pgs from this draft class, lots of good ones here actually
Woof
by Charles Barkley McLovin on Apr 7, 2009 10:12 PM PDT reply actions
ty lawson equals definitely good
I seee him as jameer nelson with better size and strength.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
Even a dog knows the difference between being stumbled over and being kicked.
Lawson's stock has risen everywhere I have looked...
A month ago Ty Lawson was a late first round prospect, but after he proved his impact on the game and this national title, Ty Lawson will be a lottery pick for sure. I could see him and Stephen Curry swapping draft spots, but Curry has the NBA-family-tie, is younger, bigger, and has that beautiful stroke that I feel is gonna keep him rising up to the mid-lottery.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions
AK1984 = Curry-Hater...
Man, you and I really see hoops in a different light…
I have a feeling about Curry that says he is gonna be nothing but LEGIT.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions
The problem I can see with his game
is that he will probably struggle to get his shot off in the NBA. He’ll be a good shooter, but might end up as a Redick type.
draft dejuan blair
So far he had to carry his team. In the NBA he might not have to.
I don’t think he would be a great fit for the Blazers, but he could be a good sixth man somewhere. D’Antoni could also like him.
I see him as
boobie gibson 2.0
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 8, 2009 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Y'know, with regards to Mike D'Antoni, Allen Iverson should seriously think ...
about signing a one-year contract — which’d worth the mid-level exception — with the New York Knicks this off-season. For the Knicks, the addition of Iverson would allow the team to let Nate Robinson — who’s hilariously in line for what could be a big payday, which is an absolute joke — head off elsewhere.
Also, D’Antoni’s up-tempo, run-‘n’-gun offense would allow Iverson a chance to pad his stats and, in turn, perhaps give him an opportunity to rake in the money come the summer of 2010.
As long as D'umbtoni doesn't luck into Rubio I'll be okay.
You get a defensive guy like that by accident that can overcome Mike’s defensive indifference with the skillset to run that system… yikes. Not that Duhon can’t play a little defense… he’s just blah at best as an offensive guy (and he’s still putting up stats).
I think Lawson's court vision/passing skills are better than Nelson's as well
When I have watched Lawson his passing ability has been really impressive. I think he is a better passer than any current Blazer.
I agree with you that he will be definitely good. With his skill set I just can’t see him not being successful in the NBA unless he has injury issues. He should be one of the safest picks in the draft.
Sactown royalty has a Rubio
you tube clip that makes the kid look spectacular
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2009/4/7/825782/tomorrow-will-be-better-i-swear
I like Rubio
because he isn’t just an athlete. He’s a player who understands defense and passing… very old school.
draft dejuan blair
look spectacular?
He’d be the best player in the draft easily if he decides to enter it. Its going to make last years debate of Rose vs Beasley look even more vital. PF’s are a dime a dozen in this league, you simply can’t draft Griffin over Rubio. He’s been dominating a mans league since he was 14 years old. Rubio is #1 with a bullet, and if you’re KP, you trade what you have to, to get him. He’s Rajon Rondo on defense and a young Jason Kidd on offense. And he’s a freaking money in the bank lock to be an all-star.
by as11osu on Apr 8, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If the Kings really land on one or two, the rest of the league can say goodbye to Rubio. I think you nailed that one.
They won’t get very far building a team with Udrih running the point and they know it. They tried to land Bayless/Augustin last year and Pritchard maneuvered around them.
I’m not yet really focused on draft order before the lottery, more on team needs (and the Blazers’ needs). For our division the draft could be interesting also because OKC will likely get a high pick (C/PF should be their direction), and the Wolves have multiple first round picks to address needs on their team (e.g. a true big center, one more better guard or SF).
As for the second round: I know DraftExpress states we owe our pick to the Spurs, but I can’t come up with a deal where we would have given that one up. E.g. RealGM still has that pick with us, so we should have 4 second round picks with the Clippers pick as the highest one.
I think it's a mistake by DraftExpress
Their own “transactions” page says we have no debits, only the mock draft. http://www.draftexpress.com/transactions.php#23
I e-mailed them to clarify/correct this point.
In before the Tyler Hansbrogh
supporters come in and .
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
complain
whoops hit the button to quick.
I think he would be good for us Blair as well, but this is a long ways away.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
...actually...
Like most of the NBA, I’m not as high on him as I was back then, I’m still hoping we can snag him at 34(ish) and wouldn’t be the least bit disappointed if we picked him at 23(ish).
Blazers take another 7-footer from Ohio State?
the first one hasn’t exactly worked out, so why do it again???
If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.
So...
If we draft Mullens we get another Greg Oden? That sounds pretty great. Between Oden, Joel, and Mullens we would have 18 fouls to give up.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 7, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I will be surprised if the Blazers make a draft pick in the 20s
I predict (and hope) they will either trade up (to get a guy like Blair) or trade out (either for future picks or as part of a package to get a veteran— a pg perhaps?).
+1 DeJuan Blair Bandwagon...
I like DeJuan Blair a lot and his presence on the Trail Blazers would be adding a totally unique skill set to those that we have on the roster now.
Problem is, I think it is going to be VERY difficult to trade up this season, as more and more teams are going to be less likely to trade one pick for multiple picks because of the financial situation. Which mean, this off-season’s Draft might be limited to “Best Player Available” and draft-N-stash a euro or two.
If we could trade up for anyone, I would want DeJuan Blair or Ty Lawson.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I would disagree
in 2006, a supposed weak draft, and it was except for us hehe, we got the 7th for Telfair and change.
We have cap and young talent so we could take back $7mil and a top 10 pick for our pick and one of our pieces.
When a draft is weak people do not want to use it if they can get something better for it
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Especially when you trade for 2nd rounders....
They’re non-guarenteed. So, Blazers trade their first rounder and a second rounder or two to move up, take on more salary from the rookie scale, and give our trading parter more options from both a basketball perspective and from a financial perspective.
Sixty-percent of the time, it works one-hundred percent of the time.
won't be hard to trade up
we gots a TE and we can take a contract back.
KP will make waves on draft night again. Put me down for it here, we make ALL our major moves on draft night and we make perhaps a minor move near the deadline. Other than that, we only get involved in a trade if it’s a post-draft multi-team trade.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 8, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not convinced Blair is a good fit for us
He would be great playing next to a center like Bargnani or Rasheed Wallace, who can shoot 3’s and block shots but can’t rebound. Playing next to Oden and Przybilla, his rebounding would be somewhat redundant and offensively it seems like having two players who are only effective close to the basket doesn’t work very well. If neither of the big men on the floor have a good face-up game or long-range shooting ability, then it tends to clog up the lane and the defense can easily double team if either of the post players get the ball.
However, even though I question his fit with the Blazers I still like picking Blair from a best player available perspective.
by trk on Apr 8, 2009 1:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't worry about clogging the middle for ten minutes a game.
It never hurts to have a guy who rebounds everything.
draft dejuan blair
Agreed
Who ever said you can have too much rebounding and toughness?
Two big guys is perfect, one for the strong side, and one for the weak side. They can camp out on either side of the basket tip the ball back and forth off the glass until it goes in. This offensive strategy already seems to be working well for Portland
Blair would be a good addition and a change of pace from LMA's finess game....
but that dude needs to get into better shape. There is defenitely some dead weoght on that body. I am not sure if he can’t jump or if he is just saving energy by not jumping very high. If the Blazers do get him I think he is a few years off from playing back-up minutes. Then again I am no expert and am just going off the 3 or 4 games I saw him play. He just doesn’t seem super active. Although I will say you watch and don;t think he is doing a lot then they flash the stat line and he has a double-double half way through the second half.
I disagree about Blair being a few years off from playing backup minutes
Blair is one of the most productive college players in recent history, and he achieved that productivity playing for a good team with a very tough schedule. He should be very effective as a rebounder right from the start, and he already has a pretty good level of skill in a lot of other areas as well. Blair should be able to contribute right away, and might even be able to start in his first year if he ends up on the right team.
Hansbrough
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 10:48 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Nick Calathes goes undrafted?
I’d really like to see this kid in Blazer uniform. He’s a 6’5" 20 year old true PG who sees the court incredibly well and averaged 17 points 5 boards 6 assists and 2 steals a game in the SEC (granted it the conference was weak this year, but still).
Definitely worth a second rounder if you ask me.
Their college stats match up pretty well
I was surprised when I looked up Sura’s stats at FSU and they were so similar to Calathes’. Good point.
But there’s got to be a place on someone’s roster for a guy like that.
Yep, that's like the only worthwhile comparison I could find for Nick Calathes.
I had similar problems with Chase Budinger, who I now compare to Dan Majerle.
Nick Calthes not undrafted just a year off...
I didn’t put Calthes in this Mock. As I was moving along and looking at prospects and team needs, I had Nick Calthes falling to pick #32,#33, and flat out I thought if that is the case, then this kid is going to stay one more season.
The problem with Calthes is that he is a point guard with a LOT of point guards in this draft. If he wants the guaranteed money… which we all know he does, he is gonna go for his junior year at Florida and come out next season after this PG-laden draft to cash in…
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Blazers find a way to draft John Wall (next D-Rose/D-Wade) before he even becomes eligible :)
Sign him to a preliminary contract before the Nike Hoops Summit begins in the Rose Garden after scouting him this week. You will see.
I suppose we could kidnap him and lock him in the basement of the Rose Garden when he comes,
sensory deprive him and brainwash him so that he will only play for us.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Wall is good
I’d go for Rubio over him, though. I love the defense and smarts that Rubio has… nice star role player.
draft dejuan blair
That would be an interesting decision to make
To properly evaluate Wall you likely have to wait and see him play against more physical defenses (not that there are that many in the NCAA, but at least some big skilled guys). On the high school level scouts say he is great, but so was DeRozan. Rubio has proven he can play against pros.
I like Wall
but Rubio plays the game well and defends. His knowledge of the game is so, so important to being a good point guard. I would love to have him on any team.
draft dejuan blair
yeah descriptions can be decieveing
listen to this one:
“NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas/Jay Williams
Strengths: A must see to believe type of talent Possesses incredible open floor speed, which combined with a devastating first step make him a nightmare to defend Tremendous leaping ability and superb body control allow him to finish in the lane over much taller players Gets great lift on his jump-shot, with range well out to the NBA three His pull up jumper is magnificent; with the elevation, balance, and quick release, he is virtually able to shoot whenever, and over whomever he desires He has great intelligence and confidence plus a swagger that makes him an assassin on the floor in heightened situations Is able to get open shots by making good reads and using screens effectively Aggressive attacking the hoop, and extremely adept at getting to the foul line Great hesitation and change of pace dibbles Flash and flamboyance are nicely contrasted with a high basketball IQ and craftiness Has all the tools to become a special player on the NBA level"
Guess which prospect that was about
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
it sucks
you read that package and you would think that he would come in and set the league aflame, yet due to our team having its leaders, any player coming in will face the same thing.
Do you disrupt the chemistry of the team to allow the new player to come in and score a lot for personal accolades? Or do you do what we have done and make him earn it and not disrupt chem?
Makes you wonder what Rose or Mayo would of done if we had drafted them.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
bayless would be a ROY candiate if
he started and played 32min/g like rose and mayo
by Daddygr33nJeans on Apr 7, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Bayless would be putting up Eric Gordon numbers on a team like the Clippers
If only the Kings had drafted him :(
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes.
He would be killing it if the Thunder had drafted him. People would be calling the Blazers soooo stupid for drafting a guy like Westbrook who barely plays.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 7, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Bayless can still be all of that
He had to adjust to being a point guard, with a demanding coach. He’ll be much improved after this offseason.
draft dejuan blair
I fully agree
I do like what Nate has been doing, using the vet and giving all the leftovers to only one other PG while developing the 3rd
I have been a big Bayless supporter (see http://www.blazersedge.com/2007/12/19/181434/04), but this team is more important than him, and he does not have a lot of time to develop. I cant wait until Halloween this year to see our new Oden, Bayless and rook/trade piece/new player.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
At this point, Louis Williams is looking like the most apt comparison for Jerryd Bayless.
I’d originally gone with Jay Williams and Monta Ellis as Bayless’ best-case scenarios prior to the season — which sort of shows that I’m not a total hater — although nowadays I just don’t see any long-term potential in him whatsoever.
I haven't seen anything to form an opinion, yet
His shooting stroke is completely broken, which has hurt his penetration. His shooting was nice at Arizona. Hopefully Townsend works on his shot with him in the offseason.
He has superior athleticism, as expected.
He’s been better than I expected in one-on-one defensive situations, and poor in team defense.
He’s deferred to the other guys on the teams at multiple times this year.
I’m happy with how he’s run the fast break. Teams respect his scoring threat, so he is able to run it better than Sergio or Blake.
He needs to stop jump passing.
draft dejuan blair
I dont think the problem is in his shot
it is in his head.
He has no confidence in his shot, you can see the wheels turning in his head if he is open at the 3pt line with his man off him and Roy/LMA/Oden/Rudy/Travis in the lineup.
“Should I shoot it?? What if I miss?? Will Joel yell at me again?? OK just dribble in to see if I can get to the rim and then pass out.”
He’ll get it.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
Eh... I kind of disagree, but agree
I think it is in his head, partly.
But also, his shot is different. The Blazer shooting coach wanted him to have a quicker release, and the result is an unfinished product that is not very proficient yet.
draft dejuan blair
DeRozan
reminds me of Outlaw. So does Earl Clark.
Blazer's fan since '84, Spurs fan when they are not playing Portland.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A B A START.
by HurraKane212 on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I scored some free tics
through work, Wall and Moser (have to pull for the Portland guy in the game) are the two I’m must looking forward to seeing. One and done at Kentucky (I’m guessing coach Cal gets/keeps his top recruit)
I believe in Greg Oden. To all the haters - get down with the program or stay off the wagon for all time. #52
by blazeraddict on Apr 7, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions
This draft (2 to 14) is going to be a complete crap shoot and will not be determined
until someone has an amazing workout. That is the way it goes, there are 4 types of draft picks:
1. Players who get to the final 4 and their draft stock is overinflated because of it (Corey Brewer, I’m looking at you)
2. Players that are athletic freaks and look amazing in workouts overinflating their stock (Joe Alexander, I’m looking at you)
3. Players that are drafted where they should be (good workouts, and got to the sweet 16 or 32 Durant, Mayo)
4. Players that slip (HELLLOO Nic and Darrell Arthur)
So who is some athletic freak that went to the final four that we can move up so some sucker team like the Clippers will draft?
My guess is DeRozan and Lawson will rise into top 5-10 contention and Harden, Curry and Hill will fall. Neither of them is uber athletic, and they did not have good runs in this years FF.
My guess is that Rudy will speak to his buddy Rubio into the draft and come out and say that he will only play for the Blazers and his friend.
We will then trade Bayless and our pick to Was for Songalia/Stevenson and the 2nd pick.
Wouldn’t happen, but KP has made more out of less before.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
FTW
My guess is that Rudy will speak to his buddy Rubio into the draft and come out and say that he will only play for the Blazers and his friend.
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
Sergio would not be happy
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Whatever
him and frye can come off the bench as cheer leaders
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
Sergio
won’t be on this team come October.
Sixty-percent of the time, it works one-hundred percent of the time.
Bayless would also not be happy
We don’t want to piss him off. He might kill somebody.
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions
he could be a handful at 2 guard
back-up, but he could provide a nasty scoring punch…..might be too small…..
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
Then Rudy would not be happy
GOT TO KEEP OUT GUYS HAPPY…If we got Rubio (0% chance) Sergio or Blake would have to be traded.
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions
trade Sergio
keep Blake and have a Blake/Rubio rotation similar to this season’s Przy/Oden two headed mosnster.
draft dejuan blair
Betray one Spaniard to bring another Spaniard to play with our other Spaniard.
If Nate gets another rookie he is going to freak out.
http://saboner.mybrute.com
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 7, 2009 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Bayless will go to the Kings.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 7, 2009 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions
1.0 is now, 2.0 coming after the Lottery...
Yeah, I know the top of the draft is a crap shoot, and that is why I used the ESPN lottery calc to set this up. And then I tried to match players with likely teams who would be looking to add certain types of players… unlike most mock drafts out there that have Portland ALWAYS drafting tweener small forwards like Damion James with our #23 pick. It is like those draft pundits have no idea what Portlands strengths and holes are… it ain’t SF anymore!!!
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions
It is not a center, it is a "big man" that I think Portland should be targeting...
The primary spot that I believe Portland needs to fill is back-up Front Court. With Channing Frye becoming a free-agent, Michael Ruffin likely gone too, and Travis Outlaw as Nate’s pick for second unit 4-spot, it is important that we add another Big-Body to bang down on the block. BJ Mullens is raw, but has the athleticism to come in and guard/play both the 4 and the 5. Ultimately, he is 3-4 years away from really being a factor… and I reckon we got about 3-4 years left on Joel Pryzbilla. Who better to learn from than Joel and his padowan Oden?
Plus, adding a youngster like BJ Mullens is going to be adding to Portland’s already impressive SIZE advantage. It would be great to add a prospect who is a decent candidate to be a true role player in 3ish years.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't want Mullens
mostly because he isn’t the most motivated prospect. He’s a big kid with a big body who isn’t very good at basketball. Ick.
draft dejuan blair
Umm... How do you know what Mullens motivation is like?
I bet you are one of those people who questions Greg Oden’s motivation… Dude, these kids are on the brink of cashing in on a life long dream… you bet 95% come in with crazy motivation. It is the rare 5% that have the talent to NOT have to work that screw it up for everyone who is lesser naturally gifted than them.
How good is Portland’s coaching? How good is Portland at developing young talent and working with big men? Well I think Porltand’s staff is awesome, they have done great developing LMA and I will hedge my bet that Oden is gonna be the same. Since this regime has come in, Martell, Outlaw and BRoy have shown huge improvements… same with Pryz and Blake… and that rookie kid Nic Batum. This coaching staff is exactly what a prospect like Mullens could pray for.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 7, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Oden's motivation is completely there.
Mullens has added absolutely nothing to his game this year at OSU. Questions about his desire are not groundbreaking… there have been questions since high school, from what I remember.
It’s not fair to judge, I understand. But do we really need a project center? I’d rather draft a European project that we can stash in the Euroleague for a few years.
draft dejuan blair
You would likely have to wait for him to develop
A la Bynum, if everything goes well. If not, he is just a mediocre role player.
mullens is a center
fact, not just a “big man”, and we already have the “big man” type project in joel Freeland. Side note, how dope would the all joel frontcourt be?
"Howard, he know me" Rudy
Darkhorse Pick: Ahmad Nivins, St.Josephs, Pick #56...
Have you guys checked out this prospect? He is a senior for St. Josephs and averaged a double-double this season. At 6’9" 235lbs and a 7’7" wingspan… this kid is way under the radar. He is a senior and is on the big boards around the web, I pegged him as a sneaky project for KP and Nate to cultivate… he is a chisled man-child with HUGE wingspan.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 12:01 AM PDT reply actions
Hmmm...
I like the specs but after watching a video of him, he looks like a project.
Youtube
The highlights show him up against smaller opponents and his game is looks a little floppy. Project?
If those rims in that video aren't 12 feet high, that man is not an NBA player.
Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...
Mouhamed Sene had a 7'8.5" wingspan, so let's do our best to keep stuff such as that in perspective.
perspective.... I was talking about the #56 pick?
Dark Horse = long shot. Nivins is on this board as the last pick the Blazers could use, nothing more, not projected to get a guaranteed contract, etc. Besides the fact that I had this player already in perspective… and LONG SHOT… I brought it up to see how many other people were looking at prospects that far down the draft.
It is not like Nivins gives me a basketball-jones or makes me want to firesale the front court becuase of this guys skills… he is a dark horse who has a freak physique, that is all.
Besides this mock draft… I personally don’t think Portland will walk away from draft day with 4 prospects from their 4 picks, I am guess they will get two players after trades and maybe purchasing another pick. So even though I picked players at slots to fit team needs I didn’t include any trade scenarios, which with KP we all know how likely that is.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
For a guy who can probably touch the rim standing on his tiptoes
He sure can’t jump very well. He’s gonna get swatted a lot in the NBA. And really poor balance.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Apr 8, 2009 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions
One player who everyone is raving about right now is Ed Davis
He should stay in school, but if he declares teams like OKC could be interested to take him in the lottery.
The real question with DeJuan Blair would be
if we were able to draft him, would we be the best rebounding team in the history of the NBA. I think the answer would eventually be yes. I love a 2nd unit full of 3 point shooters with Blair and Przy collecting offensive boards like no ones business.
I like that you have the Blazers chasing a big, which I hope is true.
Pontiff of the Pryz for Prez Posse...
+1
Patrick Mills is a great pro-prospect in a draft full of point guards. I am not sure if this kid will slip to the second round… but then again, Mario Chalmers did. Mills would actually be an interesting prospect for the Blazers because he IS that classic floor general type point guard.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
What does anyone think of Stefon Jackson from UTEP
I know the Blazers don’t need him but I haven’t seen him on any draft boards. Could he go late 2nd round? Just curious.
lol...we suck.
I mean that with as much love as I got for my mother, but yeah, we do.
Here we are setting up for one of the SECOND greatest nba championship playoff series upsets, and we’re still talkin about the draft like it’s our saving grace…
not that that’s a bad thing, cuz it ain’t ….it’s a good thing.
but still man… I laughed when I seen the thread…then started reading..and lol….
found myself imersed (sp??) in the wants and desires to get better….
lol…HELLO!!! DING DING DING….
We’re back Portland….
I dunno…I just found it kinda …funny. and yeah…
my last thought after reading the last post…was….lol. we suck.
dunno why but yeah there’s my 2 peso’s. :)
love ya’ll lots…. keep it up. we’re entertaining :)
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Also what about Patrick Patterson
Got long arms like Blair. He might actually end up being better. Admittedly I haven’t seen a lot of the guy.
Kentucky played on tv almost every Saturday
and yeah, he’d look real good in the red and black
B-
But you forgot the part where Phoenix sells their pick to Portland for the Blazers pick and cash and the BLAZERS pick Ty Lawson
Kermit on the inbounds play, inbounds....
BATES at the horn, HE SCORES!! HE SCORES!!!!
And they are all over Billy Ray Bates! My, oh my!!!
+1
I doubt that Pheonix sells their pick, but I also don’t doubt seeing KP buy a pick a slot or two before the Suns to steal Ty Lawson out from underneath the Suns who are going to be gunning for a rookie PG to groom.
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 8, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Just hope memphis
gets number 1 pick, trade Frye straight up for BG
Momma.....der go dat man
More thoughts
If Washington gets #2,they might well go for a trade. (They have Arenas,want to win now, and have money problems.)
If I were Rubio, I would refuse to come to play for Nate. (He’s already almost destroyed Sergio and Bayless.)
If I were Rudy or Sergio, I’d advise him not to come to the Blazers.
Richard Hendrix from last year was compared to Boozer and Milsap in the scouting sites. He could fill the second string banger PF need and he’s available for almost nothing.
The draft could be used for role players who might fill needs,especially defensively e.g. Young,Collison,Tyler Smith,…The success of Batum and Moute shows that rookies can be very helpful in that respect. (Other needs:depth,physicality)
There are a number of promising Europeans (Motiejunus,Llull,Norel,Casspi,Jerebko,Beaubois,…) who could be stashed for the future.
I like the RIchard Hendrix thought...
He would be a nice piece to add in… likely has good upside still. I really like Ike Diogu in college and thought he was a can’t miss banger for decent NBA minutes… ala Leon Powe. Being on the West Coast we get a heavy dosage of Pac-10 games and both Diogu and Powe were tough double-double post players. Looking for that combination of 6’7" or bigger with a wide frame and high motor is the makings for that “banger” piece that many of us think is missing. Richard Hendrix could be a nice fit there…. We might be able to get that guy straight up for Sergio….
by Portland Dynasty on Apr 9, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions
2 little mistakes i guess
1st claver is spanish (even played in young NT in europe with a major role) and is playing in acb since 2 years (best league in Europe). He’s definitely a forward that can play pf (think gallinari) and one of the best european prospect. Casspi has a similar profile even though he’s struggling much more with his defense & consistency
2nd faverani is brasilian (and not a blazer yet as i know ^^). Seems a good prospect in europe even if paulo prestes is more wellknown for brasilian prospects.
Last but not least, rubio has a big contract with badalona (former team of rudy as well as many know already) and i doubt he would move to the NBA right now (more like scola, fernandez, splitter & couple more who stayed in europe)
Motiejunas will play in the hoop summit so some will prolly have good opportunity to see him play. Don’t forget macvan though even if he’s undersized pf. He has a really very high basket IQ & won everything with serbia in young NT’s. Llul is also an intersting pg but like rubio, he prolly has a big contract with real madrid.
ps : not sure if rodrigue beaubois will eventually add himself to this draft but he improved quite a bit here in france and could be a decent addition from the bench at pg for blazers. I don’t think sergio brings what blazer needs the most in the second unit even if he’s a really interesting player and bayless can’t become a true pg, he should be kept as undersized sg
Rubio should be #1 overall for most teams...
I think the rest of the teams in this league need to take a step back and look at how this league is progressing especially in regards to the importance of perimeter players and especially point guards. Rose should’ve easily been ahead of Beasley all year long last year but he wasn’t. Same thing we’re looking at this year. If you pick a power forward of which there are tons of in the NBA over a point guard especially the likes of Ricky Rubio you’re working from the wrong angle.
crazy talk.
Any other year and I don’t think Rubio is even a legit top 3 pick. He’s special, but not that special. I think he’s going to have about the same impact as Rudy for most teams. Maybe a little more just because of the position he plays. I think Wade nailed it after the Olympics.
Once (Rubio) gets to know the game a little better, he’s going to be phenomenal. Right now he’s not a No. 1 pick. The new guy from Spain that went to Portland—Rudy Fernandez—he’s an unbelievable talent.-Dwyane Wade
Rudy was the best SG in Spain by far and he hasn’t exactly dominated in the NBA. I think Rubio is going to go through the same sort of growing process. He’s got a unique skill set that fits the Blazers almost perfectly, but on a lot of teams I don’t think he would thrive. The fact that he lacks a decent shot is going to really hurt in the NBA. He needs to be on a team with a lot of other scoring options. The Kings have the 6th worst offense in the league so I don’t think Rubio helps them that much.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 8, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Rubio is a better prospect than Rudy
Rubio is better than Rudy was at the same age. Rudy was something of a prodigy as well, but he was a still a good 2 years older than Rubio is now before he reached the same level of productivity in the ACB league (Segio never did reach that level of productivity in the ACB league before coming to the NBA). I also think Rubio’s game (as a distributing PG who has great court vision, can penetrate with the ball, and is an excellent defender) is a better fit for the NBA while Rudy’s game (a jump shooter who is good at moving without the ball) is better suited for FIBA.
by trk on Apr 8, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions
good points
The defensive aspects certainly make a lot of difference.
When I came here (in 2004), guys like Nick (Van Exel) and Damon, they were a breath of fresh air for me,'' Przybilla
by Nick Van Excellent on Apr 8, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions
and 1 year and 3 months ago I was crazy for saying Rose
was the can’t miss prospect that should easily be the #1 guy overall.
Lets just say in time all things come to light. Rubio over Griffin will as well. Griffin has about the same season this year that Beasley had last year. Remember than when the anti-Rubio talk comes in. Rubio is an elite defensive point guard, of which there are very few in the NBA, on top of being an elite penetrating passing point guard, of which there are very few in the NBA. Throw the skills together and surround him with a couple 3 point shooters… and look out.
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