Official 2013 Draft thread

DX's "best athlete" in the draft:

[video=youtube;lG1Nrlu3Y2g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG1Nrlu3Y2g[/video]

 

Yeah but only 87th in their top 100 players.

 

This year I think this pick is as good as gone so I've shifted my attention more to the second round.

We could also package the three 2nd rounders to move into the late 1st.

I think Nate Wolters is a prospect to keep an eye on. Another mid-major star who can really score.

[video=youtube;ojXhPClIX8I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojXhPClIX8I&feature=player_embedded[/video]

 

The combine list is out -

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/2013-NBA-Combine-Participant-List-4171/

There were 63 players invited, not including a notable injured player (Bennett) and some notable international players (Karasev, Saric, Adetiokunbo, Noguiera, Jaiteh, and Jean-Charles) who cannot attend due to obligations overseas.

With that many players on the list, that sort of paints a grim picture for the following notable prospects not invited -

Michael Snaer (a.k.a. Mr. Clutch)
Jack Cooley
Rodney Williams
Matthew Dellavedova (a.k.a Patty Mills without the hype)
D.J. Stephens
Khalif Wyatt
Elias Harris
Alex Oriakhi (This one blows my mind, not because he necessarily deserved an invite, but rather because I remember him being really young, like 14 years old or something like that, when UConn actually offered him a scholarship. I was around his age at the time, and I just remember my AAU friends telling stories about this guy and how good he was. Just goes to show you how you can't scout 14 year olds in AAU... sophomore year should probably be the acceptable cutoff for scouting, but eighth grade yields the Alex Oriakhi's of the world.)

Vander Blue and Robert Covington were also late additions after initially being left off the list.

I'm surprised that Cooley and Williams were left off, particularly because the two things that have them in or out of the draft are things that will be tested at the combine. For Cooley, his height seems to be overlisted, and his athleticism is questioned. For Williams, his athleticism could have put him firmly in the second round if he had tested well enough, which there was a good of chance of him doing. I suppose the same could be said for D.J. Stephens, but his game is a lot rawer at this point than Williams, and that's saying something.)

I also would have thought Khalif Wyatt's tournament showing would have gotten him more buzz.

 

New Gorgui Dieng analysis from draftexpress

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Draft-Prospect-of-the-Week-Gorgui-Dieng-4174

 

Interesting about his broken wrist. That can hinder your offensive ability. I wonder if he moves up. Based on the names I have seen, I think #10 is about where he should go. Not 15th

 

I would most definitely take a chance on this guy. He added 50 lbs of muscle and has a 7'4" wingspan?!?!?! He is considered very physical on the defensive end too.

 

I hope the Blazers look at him closely as well as Rudy Gobert. (Athletic with a 7'9 wingspan)

 

We already have a backup C, so the question is whether Dieng is good enough to start. The video says he's a backup. Nevertheless, he is intriguing. If I thought he could start, I'd draft him. Lillard was ranked lower than 6 for a long time before being draft.

 

Makes you wonder if he is too old to add that extra 20 lbs that could make the difference in the NBA ...

 

I don't think we should draft for what we need now. Things change quickly. He may be our back up center of the future. Our current back up could be traded by August. (in a package for our starting center) I wouldn't worry about stock piling a certain position.

 

Shaq seemed to gain weight every year.

 

Looks like a young Dale Davis.

Only four years younger than LMA and still in college. His age is his only real drawback. Still, #10 is still way too high IMO.

 

In general, I think you're right. However, I think that we either take need into consideration or trade the pick - this offseason must be special.

 

Andrew Wiggins opted for the Jayhawks over Kentucky.

 

Yeah but his position (Center) is our biggest need. And regardless of who we pick they won't start next year. Or at least hopefully we will get a vet that is better in the short term.

I have no problem trading the pick if we get a starter, but what are the odds? A guy like Dieng could get minutes for sure. He can back up the 4 and the 5. Defensively at least.

 

I'd say Theo Ratliff.

I disagree. If you think he's even a solid BACKUP center in this league, then 10 is fine. In most drafts, how many players actually end up being first round talent? And a contributing player is first round.

Other things that make me lean towards Dieng: he's mature in the POSITIVE sense. Pitino had him lead a news conference once. He was a leader for Louisville. It would not amaze me if Dieng ended up being more productive in the long run than Noel. He almost certainly will in the short run. (And in the long run we're all dead.)

I wouldn't be all that surprised if Dieng is actually gone by 10. In which case I think we have to take a flier on Gobert.

 

Exactly the type we need. Shot blocker, paint protector.