Kawhi, PG, Giannis ... those guys weren't drafted as high as 7, either. Talent is routinely found later in the draft, regardless of position. It's all about figuring out which ones will be late bloomers or continue developing longer than others.
IMO, stars win in this league. If you think Duren could be a star, then sure, 7 is fine. I don't see Robert Williams ever being a true "star" player. Extremely valuable, sure. But those aren't guys you overdraft for. So if Williams is the comp for duren , I don't love it.
I agree with all of this. At 7 we aren’t likely to get a player that’s going to come scoring 15 or so ppg. That doesn’t fit the timeline that the Blazers have so foolishly set. Trading it for that 18-20 ppg guy is dumb also because that player won’t be a star either
It's a little dreary today; could you give the plan for how we get Collins, Anunoby and Ayton? All three!
Williams is a load for sure. Lots of length and bounce. Duren is reportedly longer, bouncier & is coming into the league 30 lbs bigger and over 2 years younger. He's Hakeem sized. Of course comparisons are never literal, they 're never the same guy. Duren is raw and it will probably take him a couple years to figure it out, but by the time he's 21 he could be a complete monster with a decade + before him. He's coordinated catching the ball, his shot mechanics are actually solid, that video highlighting his passing shows off some budding BBIQ/feel & he sure sounds like a smart solid kid in interviews. Few prospects are can't miss, but I think this kid just needs some time. STOMP
In his college season, Duren has made some really nice passes and some really bad passes. The important thing to me is that he is is showing he could be a good passer at some point.
If you get rid of Nurk and draft Duren at 7 all got to say there going be a lot of crying in here during the season. Number 1 Duren is not ready if you really watch him he slow getting back on defensive and when I watch him he got one speed getting and that's not very fast. That why I question his motor. Plus he didn't play very strong league and just average little over 8 rebounds a game. Sorry guys there players at 7 then Duren in this draft.
Yeah, I would not get rid of Nurk but I would still draft Duren unless someone better slips. And I guarantee whoever you or I say is a better choice, will also have numerous flaws at this stage that we can all critique.
Cry a river. Could care less. I've stayed quiet while there has been a whole lot of rah rah from the masses here when Neil rearranged the furniture each offseason with short term idiocy. We've got Derrick Jones Jr! He dug a hole and now the team isn't a move or two away, but I'm supposed to care that posters don't have patience? It's past time to do whats right for the long term and select the BPA who could develop into a star. I don't care if that player isn't contributing much next year, I want the guy who could be great. Squeaking into the playoffs knowing the end is near isn't a worthy goal. Lets contend again! There are other good prospects in this draft that if they were to select at #7, I'd be excited. There are some others, I wouldn't. Regardless, I hope they don't sell out the future and trade out of what seems a good draft class for short term moves. STOMP
Didn't do the predraft and no public measurement on file for him that I'm aware of. He's listed 6'11. Fwiw (nothing) my eye says 6'9-6'10. Regardless with those shoulders and the wingspan, he's a big boy. I believe the 250 lbs STOMP
Drafting Duren doesn't mean getting rid of Nurkic. The Blazers badly need a good backup center and Duren can fill that spot, and hopefully fill it well, for a while. The 2nd unit could be very good with Hart, Watford, Duren and Simons. A good backup center could also save the season if Nurk gets hurt again.
Memphis Pre-season Pro-Day: 6’9.5” without shoes 7’5.25” wingspan 250 lbs @ 17 years old Comparison: Kawhi Leonard: Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length)
