That's an interesting point, because I've often thought Webster was overvalued for the same reason. He's got that great-looking shooting form, the NBA-ready body, and that great-looking third quarter against Utah, but when you actually look at how he's compared against other high schoolers/other third year players/other starting small forwards/other three point specialists, there's nothing really special about his numbers. (Other than the number of games started, I suppose. But I attribute that to a lack of talent ahead of him and an inability to be effective off the bench.) Anyway, it's always tough to measure "upside". I used to love the way Sergio looked running the offense and I was certain he was destined to be our All Star point guard for years to come. That seems so long ago now.
I don't think there is even one sure fire player in this year's draft unlike the previous two years where there were a ton of NBA level players available. I watched Griffin play a few times and he seemed good, but he really never had much quality size to be measured against. That makes it really, really hard to take anything away from those games other then he can jump high.
I was so wrong on that draft, and I definitely admit it. I think I wanted Morrison and Thomas, not being very excited out of Roy, being a homer for Telfair, and basically ignoring Aldridge. It's why whenever a move is made now, I end up in the "well, let's what and see" mode. As far as the argument going on in this thread, zagsfan, you were pretty annoying for at least a year referencing Morrison whenever possible, and ignoring poor play at times. I give you credit for going away from that recently, but for a while I needed to take a deep breath before reading your posts. To the topic at hand, I think Griffin is obviously BPA. I honestly don't know who would fit best with the Thunder, as I haven't watched them play much. Westbrook-Durant-Green-Griffin-Kristic or something like that would not be bad at all. I think Griffin will be a bit like Millsap. Westbrook-Sefolosha-Durant-Green-Thabeet isn't bad either though. This is why I'm not a GM.
fwiw, one of my friends works for the Oklahoma Athletic Dept, specifically for the basketball team. he said Blake Griffin measured 6ft 9.5 barefoot last summer.
right, but in this very thread I said... "Nic I was merely very interested in as his draft profiles fit the sort of player I prefer. Outside highlights, I didn't get to see him actually play until he was a Blazer, but I was very intrigued." check the 2nd and 3rd links I provided on Nic for further confirmation of how intrigued I felt about Portland acquiring NB. The 2nd link I said I'd like to see him hooking up with Peteri in the future as Blazers and in the 3rd I had the Blazers taking him in my mock at #13. I thought he'd be the top talent available at that spot. of course not, it's about making me slog through hundreds of past threads to counter you calling me a liar (which frankly pissed me off enough to research this). Also if you reread this thread, I never said who I thought would be the better pro between the two. I said I thought Thabeet would be a good fit on the Thunder and questioned Blake's pro potential. If come the predraft he measures out to 6'9 barefoot I'll think more of his potential then if he comes in at 6'7. At 6'9, he'll have a position that he should be able to reasonably defend. btw... I'm also very interested in Brandon Jennings as a prospect. enjoy rocking your new sig... I combined a couple of lines in each case, but these are all your quotes Adam is going to be superior to Bird. With his near 7'0" wing span I see no reason why he can't be a pesky defender in the mold of Tayshaun. Aldridge is a pansy. Taking Aldridge over Morrison will be equivelant to when we took Bowie over Jordan. If the Blazers picked Roy I would puke and then seriously question whether this franchises decision makers are on crack. Roy= Harold Miner. STOMP
I think that the thread is a reminder to us all how easily we can all be wrong at any given time. No matter how consistent we are in how we analyze the game, no matter how close of attention we pay, no matter how many times we're right... we can all, occasionally, be absolutely and stunningly incorrect. If you were wrong all of the time, or even most of the time, your draft-day position that year would not be remarkable. It's only your overall positive track record that makes it noteworthy. Ed O.
Days later and I'm still waiting... is zags a welcher? Whats uglier then someone who welches on bets? nope, thats pretty compared to a welcher STOMP
I think this is what STOMP is referring to (he posted it a couple posts ago). Anyway, I REALLY wanted Aldridge, but wanted Foye > Roy, but was still pleased with the draft. I was definitely wrong about Roy though, the guy is a top 7 player in the NBA in his 3rd year, lol. I also enjoy watching him play so much. We will see how KPs 2008 draft worked out. Batum was an absolute steal but the jury is still out on Bayless.
here is the sig ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Adam is going to be superior to Bird. With his near 7'0" wing span I see no reason why he can't be a pesky defender in the mold of Tayshaun. Aldridge is a pansy. Taking Aldridge over Morrison will be equivelant to when we took Bowie over Jordan. If the Blazers picked Roy I would puke and then seriously question whether this franchises decision makers are on crack. Roy= Harold Miner.
IMHO I think Presti's going to have to face down a lot of "Draft the 'Stache"-type pressure if he's in a position to get Griffin. I personally think Thabeet would be the better pick, which is why he'd probably trade down if he got #1. You have your SF/PF of the immediate future with Green and Durant. Drafting Griffin relegates one of he or Green to the bench, while still leaving a hole at center. I think they can afford to get Thabeet and use him like we use Oden (4-6 touches per game, if that) b/c they'd have Westbrook, Durant and Green all with the capability of scoring. Then you'd have a pretty stout defense with Westbrook, Sefalosha, Green and Thabeet all being primarily defensive-minded. I know Griffin's the golden OK boy, and will be pretty good in the league, but for OKC? Not the best choice.
Should the Thunder get the overall number 1 pick, don't be shocked if they move Green (a more natural small forward) and package him with some picks/players (they've got plenty of firsts to spare) and try to get a quality NBA big with experience, like Tyson Chandler again or someone in his mold. Griffin is by far the only sure thing in that I've seen in this year's draft (outside of Rubio) -- not necessarily 'all-star sure thing', but certainly capable of being a very high quality starter. I just don't see Thabeet as being anything other than shot blocking specialist with a poor motor and a poorer set of offensive skills
of course Presti could also try to trade Green for a quality Big... hard to say what Green might fetch but SP might be able to get the local stud and shore up the inside D. those are all Zagsfan's quotes that I found while looking up my LaMarcus predictions... believe me there were others. We're all wrong from time to time, but to be both wrong and insulting is a good way to get most anyone's hackles raised. An apology would have avoided this. just curious, which one of the three lines do you think is the most off-base? STOMP
