Big news, Taft's committing draft suicide & GS already made a promise

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Map1986:</div><div class="quote_post">over on realgm, on the same topic, it came up that it was the magic that "gave" the lottery promise to fry...realisticall, look for the warriors to move to the middle of the draft and snag petro unless his stock raises him to the lottery...</div>
The best thing about it is that Twardzik is behind everything in Orlando

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting J-Rich23:</div><div class="quote_post">The best thing about it is that Twardzik is behind everything in Orlando </div> I'm still not believing it... He's got to be a temp or it's Otis Smith who is eventually going to take over everything.

Let's hope they give up their #11 for our crap.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Magic_GM_Joh...142307-800.html

 

I sure hope it's the #10 guy making the Frye top 10 guarantee in order to get one of the other 9 to bite. This is just crazy, otherwise. Let's hope New York, Toronto or some other team before us pass up on Tiago Splitter for Channing Frye. If that happened I'd be very happy... Wait, I'd be happy if Mullin picked Tiago Splitter, then I'd be very happy.

http://www.draftcity.com/viewprofile.php?p=25

After seeing flashes of him play, I like his stuff. A big guy that has a chance to be solid on both ends of the floor. I don't know how long it's been since we've gotten a player like that. It was either all offense or all defense.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Wait, I'd be happy if Mullin picked Tiago Splitter, then I'd be very happy.
</div>
Custodian I'm not familiar with Tiago Splitter but some web sites have the Warriors picking him any info about him or insight you have about him would be appreciated.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Duckmyster:</div><div class="quote_post">Custodian I'm not familiar with Tiago Splitter but some web sites have the Warriors picking him any info about him or insight you have about him would be appreciated.</div> What websites, Duckmyster? Any links would be appreciated

Based on what I've seen from video feeds (even stuff where he is playing off the ball) he's like the German Brazillian version of Andris Biedrins on defense (less rebounding, better help side D positioning, same lateral movement, same tough and energetic style of play) and like Pau Gasol on offense as he can put the ball on the floor some, score with either hand, catch on alley oops, finish on the break, post up, and finish strong at the rim. He can also step out and hit the international 3 and score some deep twos, occasionally. He has good shot mechanics, despite suffering from the free throw line.

He's very aggressive, energetic, has high basketball IQ, has defensive minded-ness, won't bite on pump fakes, try to go after every shot or sacrifice positioning (unlike Biedrins), and has above average athleticism. I think Baron would love the guy, even though there is a chance that Splitter may fool some into believing he's franchise worthy. I think he'll be a good player and he is lotto for sure, though. I hope Mullin does his homework on the guy, just in case he falls and Cohan is willing to spend money on his buyout. Hey might be too weak for the NBA at PF, but the guy can probably handle it based on what he's shown professionally in Europe. I mean if Chris Bosh, Rasheed Wallace, and Clif Robinson can D up I'm sure it's just a matter of the mindset and having wirery strength, rather than bulk.



A frontline of

C. Biedrins
PF. Splitter
SF. Pietrus? Dunleavy?
SG: Richardson
PG: Baron Davis

would be impressive with 4 or 5 of the 5 playing some energetic D.

 

If Splitter does emerge as the standout you describe,he's still a couple years from taking a job from Murpy,he just starting to get Euro minutes at this time. I could assemble a short highlight tape of Adonal that would make him appear a mix of Amare and Bill Russell. I am still skeptical about these imports,though Splitter seems a notch above the others. I am getting more interested in Blatche.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting REREM:</div><div class="quote_post">If Splitter does emerge as the standout you describe,he's still a couple years from taking a job from Murpy,he just starting to get Euro minutes at this time. I could assemble a short highlight tape of Adonal that would make him appear a mix of Amare and Bill Russell. I am still skeptical about these imports,though Splitter seems a notch above the others. I am getting more interested in Blatche.</div> I doubt Foyle could even do the stuff that Amare or Bill Russell does, so therefore it'd be a short and limited highlight reel. Foyle's bread and butter will always be shotblocking and there's really no other variation to his game that he's mastered fully. We've seen him go for a suprise steal and dunk pushing the break himself or a Zach Randolph free-up spin move. He's barely a basketball player most nights.

Splitter may not be nba ready but he does a variety of things few bigs his size can do which is attack the basket, layup with either hand, shoot the ball with some nice shot mechanics, play in the post and finish at the rim in traffic. He may not be an Amare Stoudamire type of highlight player, but he does the little things like box out, he understands positioning, and where to be on help weakside D. He could probably contribute some off the bench if absolutely needed (he's very intense) and could possibly work his way up into a starting position as he is supposed to be both an offensive and defensive player that also understands the game on a higher level. He could be very effective in recognizing where to hit the open man off a double team if he develops his game to the point where he commands double team respect. He's seems like a very good combo of finesse, quickness, and aggressiveness to make up for his lack of power. He's very Andris Biedrins-like but with way more knowledge of the game, more potential to develop into a true inside/outside threat like Shareef Abdur Rahim and be a good all around defensive player (i.e. Jeff Foster/Rasheed Wallace in the low post and weakside help like Andrei Kirilenko).

Even if he's not that great, he'd still be a darn useful player with the aggressive mentality, skills and size. Even if he did turn out to be like Chris Mihm instead of a top power forward along the lines with KMart or Pau Gasol, I'd still be happy. Heck, I wish we had Chris Mihm right now instead of Foyle.

 

... or we could do what Wtwalker or somebody suggested. We leave the Tiago Splitter pick overseas and bring him down later since he is still under contract with Tau Ceramica.

 

Yeah, one thing that Run BJM brought up a long time ago was Splitter's buyout. At the time news and his agent said that he had a buyout. But, much like the whole Lampe fiasco, rumors are still circling that there is a problem, because no one has flat out came out and said that Splitter has a buyout; the most assurance that they have is that Splitter's agent said it wouldn't be a problem. But if he doesn't have an actual buyout, which may be the case, then Tau has all the leverage. But, if we left him in Europe, that might actually solve the problem somewhat (depending on how long his contract is - I believe it's 2 years). Still, considering not many others have raised this problem, it may still be a moot point, especially if Splitter is drafted high enough and has enough cash.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Zhone:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah, one thing that Run BJM brought up a long time ago was Splitter's buyout. At the time news and his agent said that he had a buyout. But, much like the whole Lampe fiasco, rumors are still circling that there is a problem, because no one has flat out came out and said that Splitter has a buyout; the most assurance that they have is that Splitter's agent said it wouldn't be a problem. But if he doesn't have an actual buyout, which may be the case, then Tau has all the leverage. But, if we left him in Europe, that might actually solve the problem somewhat (depending on how long his contract is - I believe it's 2 years). Still, considering not many others have raised this problem, it may still be a moot point, especially if Splitter is drafted high enough and has enough cash.</div>
According to some the buyout is a major problem. This is from ESPN.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">

STOCK RISING

? Insider readers sent a flurry of e-mails after we raised Channing Frye from a late first-round pick to a lottery pick in our first mock draft. How could a guy rise so fast - especially a college senior who should be a known product?
We still have the same questions, but sources in Golden State, Orlando and New Jersey told Insider that they'd have a hard time passing him up if he was on the board. The Warriors, especially, are looking for a long, athletic, shot-blocking center who is ready to step up and contribute right now.
I don't believe the Warriors have made him a promise, as some have suggested, but unless someone else comes in and knocks their socks off, I think Frye will be their guy.

STOCK DROPPING
? How far could Chris Taft drop if he isn't selected by the Knicks at No. 8? He didn't impress Knicks exec Isiah Thomas in his first informal workout and there's word the Knicks may be looking at Frye at No. 8 instead.
If the Knicks pass on Taft, the Warriors might consider him at No. 9 and the Lakers could bite at No. 10. But if he gets by those three teams, he could be in a free fall. The Magic, Clippers, Bobcats and Timberwolves don't need or want him. The Nets could use him, but sources say that the Nets don't like him. The next team on the board that actually has a need for a guy like Taft is the Kings at No. 23.

From Ford

? We wrote last week that we probably had Tiago Splitter way too low at No. 24. That was the general consensus among NBA scouts and GMs this week. Almost all of them had him slotted late in the lottery, going either to the Knicks at No. 8, the Lakers at No. 10, the Nets at No. 15 or the Raptors at No. 16.

The one big issue for Splitter, however, is his buyout. He still doesn't have a set amount, which is a major problem for teams drafting in the lottery.

? We still don't know where to put Hakim Warrick. Two weeks ago, we wrote his stock appeared to be on the rise, based on the comments of a couple of GMs who claimed he was being seriously considered in the lottery.

We still think there's a chance the Knicks could tab him at No. 8 and the Warriors at No. 9.

</div>

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">After all this buzz, I'm sure teams would rather avoid him if they have nothing to lose. It appears he's out just for the money or why would he tank like this? Unless he's got a guarantee from some team, why bother working out? Is working out some smokescreen to cause lotto teams not to draft him, so the team he wants to go to can pick him? It's so incredibly strange for him to do that with that much talent...

Also with Channing Frye. It has to be speculation and nothing else that we grab him at #9. At #9!!!!?? He's a solid big man, but no way he's a lotto pick. This also has to be a smoke screen of what Mully is trying to do in order to get other GM's to react to him or it's just conjecture from some stupid website who is alone in that assumption. Because if Mullin gets Frye at pick #9 it will be a repeat of Todd Fuller kind of, only on not such a poor scale. Frye can contribute, but he's not even the kind of guy that has superstar potential, otherwise he would have beat down Diogu, easily. I'd rather have Diogu at #9 at this point.

Anyway, I don't believe any of this is true regarding Frye, nor will Mullin let these rumors about Taft keep him from at least talking to him and looking at how he does.</div>


Well if he has a promise at the top tem then his workouts must be going very well for him. Your not serious saying that you want Diogu, hes and undersized PF with a lack of size and athleticism.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dunkaholic32:</div><div class="quote_post">Well if he has a promise at the top tem then his workouts must be going very well for him. Your not serious saying that you want Diogu, hes and undersized PF with a lack of size and athleticism.</div>
Neither at #9.

 

This draft is so weak. Everyone has major question marks. I'd pass on Taft, Petro is unknown, Sabonis kid is to pull out, Splitter seems like a good prospect but that buyout is huge. We'd have to leave him overseas and I would hate that.

Either Granger or Martell Webster seem to fit better. Granger is solid and will give us what Dunleavy doesn't. Webster oozes potential. His shot is gorgeous. He's a strong kid and at 6'7 is a better rebounder than Dunleavy. Defensively he has his problems guarding the 2's but he might be be okay guarding the 3's. If Baron Davis kicks it out to Webster for an open look, forget it. He's money. He has more potential than anyone in the mid to late lotto. Hard worker and has a good head on his shoulders.

This would mean use the MLE/trades/TE to get serviceable big men.

 

There's some confusing things about Splitter's buyout. Can he be bought out by the Warriors, by Splitter himself, or is that up to Splitter's team, Tau Ceramica, to decide? If we're looking for power forward or center, Petro could be the next guy in line or Chris Taft. Would money be a motivation enoughfor Chris Taft to play well in workouts, is he tanking on purpose to go to a team of his choice, or is he simply overrated in terms of ability? Petro's got heart, but he doesn't have as many polished skills as Channing Frye or Ike Diogu. Far all we know Channing Frye could be our guy because he puts up numbers despite most of the scoring coming from the outside and he's not a stiff and he's quite tall and has skills.

At this point, I would be just happy to get Danny Granger or some all around, tall, athletic player like Frye and keep him for ourselves or grab the BAP that some other teams wants and use him as leverage to get future picks or one of their current players in return. Like I said before, Frye wouldn't be the end of the world, but I'm sure there's a lot more explosive talent out there that would be good for us or for use as trade bait even if it does create logjams at certain positions.

 

Article on Taft

http://www.justbball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37785

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">There's some confusing things about Splitter's buyout. Can he be bought out by the Warriors, by Splitter himself, or is that up to Splitter's team, Tau Ceramica, to decide? If we're looking for power forward or center, Petro could be the next guy in line or Chris Taft. Would money be a motivation enoughfor Chris Taft to play well in workouts, is he tanking on purpose to go to a team of his choice, or is he simply overrated in terms of ability? Petro's got heart, but he doesn't have as many polished skills as Channing Frye or Ike Diogu. Far all we know Channing Frye could be our guy because he puts up numbers despite most of the scoring coming from the outside and he's not a stiff and he's quite tall and has skills.

At this point, I would be just happy to get Danny Granger or some all around, tall, athletic player like Frye and keep him for ourselves or grab the BAP that some other teams wants and use him as leverage to get future picks or one of their current players in return. Like I said before, Frye wouldn't be the end of the world, but I'm sure there's a lot more explosive talent out there that would be good for us or for use as trade bait even if it does create logjams at certain positions.</div>
Grangere is who I want at 9 right now. He has athleticism, he can score and rebound which is a luxury. It's something Dunleavy should be doing right now.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting J-Rich23:</div><div class="quote_post">Grangere is who I want at 9 right now. He has athleticism, he can score and rebound which is a luxury. It's something Dunleavy should be doing right now.</div>
What do we get for giving up Dunleavy then?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Run BJM:</div><div class="quote_post">Trade Dun and Fish to Toronto for Lamond Murray and Rafer Alston. Murray is a FA after next season, Alston can be a back-up for a while and then we can ship him if he wants to start else-where. Toronto gets rid of Alston and gets a good veteran, clutch PG and a young SF who can do-it-all (other than D up) and is a FA after next season. The Warriors get a temp SF back who has a nice expiring deal and a cheaper, more effective back-up PG with a possible attitude problem. I think it benefits both teams, Toronto gets more production at the SF and a slight down grade at PG, while GS gets insurance for Baron and some cap relief.

Oh and take Gilchrist/Nate Robinson with 40 and Bass with the 42.</div> That is a lot of guards. Might as well trade our two second rounds to Memphis or offer up Skip to My Lou. For second rounders, I like Brandon Bass, Katelynas, Julius Hodge, Salim Stoudamire, and Jawad Williams. If anybody falls like Angelo Gigli, he's definitely worth looking at. David Lee would be cool even though he'd suck on D, he'd be a fan favorite based on the way he hustles and dunks. Think Better, more under control Chris Andersen.

I like Bass a lot out of all the big guys that could slip or fall at #40, #42.

 

I'm real curious about the 2 big HS guys,Blatche and Bynum. My feelings about Blatche went up when I saw his rebound numbers. They indicate he works for boards rather than just rely on size. Bynum has the real upside as a center,with good size and some skills foundation,but Blatche probably is closer to being ready to play,and is pretty mobile.
I still like Diogu and Granger,and Frye is okay too. Frye is smooth,rather than explosive,but he has been adding to his game every year,as well as getting stronger.


i still vigorously insist Diogu is quick enough for SF and powerful enough for PF. How can a guy be too small,too slow,not athletic AND average 23pt while getting double teamed and hacked?

I watched Taft early this season expecting to see a lottery type and a guy the W's would want. I was very unimpressed. For awhile I seemed the only one on the planet not seeing Taft as a big time player,and lately it's looking like he could slip out of the lottery