OK, I admit, I love the draft and love hearing about all the potential new guys, but in the end, what do we need to win a championship? We need 2 if not 3 perinneal all-stars on our roster to build around, Lets assume that LA is 1, then we need at least 1 if not 2 more. Lets also assume that no one currently on the roster will fit that role. Therefore, we need either to go in the draft or Free Agency/Trade?
So, I decided to look at how players drafted from 6 all the way to around 20 (Figuring this is our range) have done in the last 10 years. I am excluding 2011 because of the shortened season, so starting in 2010, these are what I would consider the most productive players to come out in that range.
2010-Greg Monroe, Gordon Hayward, Paul george
2009-Steph Curry, Brandon Jennings, Tyler Hansborogh
2008- Gallinari, Hibbert
2007-Joaquim Noah, Rodney Stuckey
2006-Roy, Gay, Foye, Reddick, ROndo (21)
2005- Bynum, Granger (17)
2004-Deng, Iguodala, Biedrens, Al Jefferson
2003-Kaman, Heinrich, Collison, West
2002 Nene, Stoudemire, Caron Butler
So, what stands out?
1. There are usually only 3 or so players in this range who are big minute players
2. There are only 4 (ROy, ROndo, Amare, Bynum) elite, multi-time all stars in 10 years drafter in this range. And overall, usually at most, 1 all-star/year in this range. When you include that Rondo was drafted so low (21) that we would never consider him with a 11 pick, the number is even smaller
3. Therefore, our goal is to get that second all star, it must be as a FA or trade. So Neil, if you can package the 2 picks and Wes or even Nick, for a player who can be a multi-time allstar, it is a no brainer, cause the likliehood of achieving this in the draft is <3%