Assume we keep the #10 pick Assume that the following players are drafted: Noel, McLemore, Bennett, Oladipo, Burke, Porter, Len, McCollum, (yes, that's only 8)
I think this draft could have teams trade up much easier than years prior. I think if olshey wants to keep a pick; then he will go higher in the draft and get the BPA at 5-8 range.
Oh and btw; don't know too much on the player; cause I don't know the quality of players coming out of the draft; but I suspect it would be a wing.
I guess it depends on what Minnesota does. My guess is they go for Shabazz so right now i am leaning towards Zeller as the BPA. I would love to be persuaded to take MCW. I really want a guard that would fit with Lillard. I love the idea of having a tall PG..... I agree that Pope seems to be only a spot up shooter. Can he attack the basket? He has to be able to, otherwise he is not much of an upgrade.
If they really want to be in the draft, then I think they would be better served moving up one or two spots and taking McCollum. But, given the choices, I'll go with Zeller. I think he is BPA. Also, part of me is intrigued by having a second LMA-type scoring option. I think it could present problems for other teams--especially if Zeller can really hang in the post on offense.
Interesting question. Straight BPA may well be Schroeder...but he is the worst fit. If you want to go for need - it has to be Dieng. Gobert is the candidate for bust-of-the-draft, and none of those other guys will be centers at the next level. I compromised and voted Pope.(by a whisker over MCW) Wes seems to always be dinged up and Pope should at least be able to contribute as an off-the-bench scorer.
Shabazz and not even close IMO. Based on BPA, and not assuming who is drafted at 9, Shabazz is easily BPA @ 10. I'm really on the Shabazz bandwagon and think he'll be very, very good in the right situation. Hardworker, big, decent stroke, high FT rate, relentless rebounder and isn't afraid to attack the rim.
I still can't figure out why Dieng is listed so low in the Mocks. For example Hoopshype.com lists him at #24, yet when you read their description of him it makes him sound like a Lottery pick. Do they not think he can rebound at the next level? Dieng benefited from Louisville's deep tourney run, as he was able to display the ability to consistently knock down mid-range shots. While not a speed burner, he shows good defensive abilities, particularly in blocking shots. Dieng missed a portion of the year with a fractured wrist, but his return coincided with the team's resurgence as he anchored Louisville's interior defense. His condor like 7-foot-3.5 wingspan makes him a formidable obstacle around the basket Read more at http://hoopshype.com/draft.htm#h3PtjojOjrLUyg1b.99
Zeller looks like the best pick if we are trying to find that 7 footer with a complete game. But he seems like a very raw defensive player; one that I am really skeptical about. I think if our team is really looking into the draft; we need to move up (drafting Victor Oladipo or Alex Len).
At #10: Likely: Caldwell-Pope Slipper: Zeller/McCollum Darkhorse: Saric Additional mid-first: Value pick: Larkin Sleeper: Wolters
Outside of getting McLemore/Oladipo somehow - Giorge Dieng Rudy Gobert/Alex Len Like to see a flyer taken on Addianis Atenkumbo Do NOT want to see anything to do with Shabazz. Just say no.
My quick thoughts: Center Position: We have a backup C, so we won't draft one unless NO thinks they can come in and start OR he thinks they are Clearly the BPA. So, assuming Len is gone, I don't feel Dieng, Gobert, Adams, et. al. are starting Centers. Power Forward: We could use a backup PF. It sounds like it's not our first priority, but if NO feels like one is clearly BPA we will draft them. There are questions about all of them, but several seem to be high risk/high reward players. Small Forward: Are there any SFs in this draft? Point Guard: I think we need a rotation player so I don't think we'll draft a PG because of fit reasons. That being said, if the player can also play backup SG (like MCW), then that would work. Shooting Guard: I think this is what NO and many blazer fans are looking for. I don't think CJM falls and in this poll he doesn't. I also don't think Snell and Hardaway will be reached for. That's why I chose KCP. Yes, there are some questions about his game, but he can shoot the NBA 3 right now, can shoot off the dribble, and he can defend.
Regarding MCW, if he was chosen he would be a back up PG . Lillard would be an occasional back up SG when pared with him. If MCW is any good, then I like that scenario. Obviously on Defense MCW guards the bigger player. But it takes some pressure off of Damian for 10 minutes a game.
