Rule These ratings are for how they fit in with the Raptors, not NBA as a whole. Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE BETTER <u>Current Rated</u> <u>5 Stars</u> April 11th - Chris Douglas-Roberts - Junior - Memphis <u>4 Stars</u> March 30th - Joe Alexander - Junior - West Virginia April 11th - Courtney Lee - Senior - Western Kentucky April 13th - Chase Budinger - Sophomore - Arizona April 19th - Brandon Rush - Junior - Kansas <u>3 Stars</u> April 11th - Darrell Arthur - Sophomore - Kansas April 12th - DJ Augustin - Sophomore - Texas April 15th - Kevin Love - Freshman - UCLA May 3rd - Roy Hibbert - Senior - Georgetown May 17th - Nicolas Batum - France <u>2 Stars</u> April 16th - Sam Young - Junior - Pittsburgh April 16th - Darren Collison - Junior - UCLA May 7th - Shan Foster - Senior - Vanderbilt <u>1 Stars</u> April 11th - Robin Lopez - Sophomore - Stanford
Current Record: 37-35 Drafting Position: 18th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">JOE ALEXANDER</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 6' 8" W: 200 lbs Bday: 12/26/1986 (21 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Marvin Williams Worst Case: Damien Wilkins</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths • Size • Frame • Length • Athleticism • Shooting mechanics/High release point • Finishing around basket • Mid-range jumper • Ability to score in the post • Turnaround jumper • Ability to get to FT line • Productivity at high level • Shot-blocking • Passing ability • Feel for the game • “Maniacal” work ethic/Self-made player • Stepped up big in March • Extremely competitive • Intangibles • Only playing organized basketball for five years • Huge upside Weaknesses • Lacks polish offensively • Mechanical/Not very fluid • Shooting range • Ability to create own shot • Ability to pull-up off the dribble • Ball-handling skills • Lateral quickness/Ability to defend NBA SFs • Bread and butter offensively? • Unorthodox game • Needs time to develop</div> Why it works Joe Alexander has proven to be an excellent athlete coming on strong toward the end of his Junior Season at WVU. His upside may be his greatest asset. 3 years ago he averaged 1 ppg playing prep school ball, and in those 3 short years he has become one of the most exciting prospects in the 2008 NBA draft. It works for the Raptors if a few roster moves occur. Joey Graham is as good as gone if Alexander is drafted. This pick could also draw the end of the line for either Carlos Delfino or Jason Kapono. Jamario Moon may also lose his starting position if/when Alexander becomes a custom to the NBA game. Also, with his passing skill it could make life for Jose Calderon and TJ Ford easier, making them not the sole ball distributors. This move will help CB4 in a few aspects. Alexander seems to be clutch, making it easier for Bosh to get his shots late in games and during the playoffs. But there is one thing he does that few men on this team does, he gets to the line, while shooting 81% FT in his junior year at WVU. Why it doesn't work Its simple, if BC drafts him and doesn't move any of the other SG/SF's, he will get lost in the shuffle. Also with Smitch's awkward substitution tendencies, Rookie Joe could get lost there as well. He is also a below average on ball defender, but his athleticism will help him develop that part of his game. Overall Like the pick Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE BETTER
Nice thread. I don't really fancy Joe, just because I see him as a Jamario Moon type with a little better offense. A guy I really want is Chris Douglas-Roberts. If he falls, my god I'll be happy. He will be great off the bench and he can even start.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Master Shake @ Apr 2 2008, 10:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice thread. I don't really fancy Joe, just because I see him as a Jamario Moon type with a little better offense. A guy I really want is Chris Douglas-Roberts. If he falls, my god I'll be happy. He will be great off the bench and he can even start.</div> hell be up next, probably tomorrow or friday
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BasX @ Apr 2 2008, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Master Shake @ Apr 2 2008, 10:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice thread. I don't really fancy Joe, just because I see him as a Jamario Moon type with a little better offense. A guy I really want is Chris Douglas-Roberts. If he falls, my god I'll be happy. He will be great off the bench and he can even start.</div> hell be up next, probably tomorrow or friday </div> Word up. I love that guy.
I cant find Joe Alexander anywhere on the draft board, has he not declared for this years draft? Anyways im all for drafting Nicolas Batum and Donte Green this season if they fall to us!! Anyways cant wait to see some more prospects posted.
I think Alexdaner declared today. I like him, in the right system, he can be a very servicable player.
Are we looking at possibly the first non-lotter pick? I don't know how feasible it is, but I'd be soo happy if we traded up for Batum. That's finally solve our problems at small forward.
Alexander is a nice guy with 'potential' that he may or may not reach, but the guy who could help out immediately would be Brandon Rush IMO.
Current Record: 39-39 Drafting Position: 15th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 6' 7" W: 200 lbs Bday: 01/08/1987 (21 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Jerry Stackhouse Worst Case: Marquis Daniels</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths ?€? Best player on best team in country? ?€? Size ?€? Wingspan ?€? First step ?€? Explosiveness ?€? Aggressiveness ?€? Core strength ?€? Body control ?€? Confidence ?€? Scoring instincts ?€? Shot-creating skills ?€? Ball-handling skills w/either hand ?€? Finishing ability ?€? Crossovers/Hesitation moves ?€? Floater ?€? Toughness ?€? Perimeter defense ?€? Improved perimeter shot ?€? Intangibles Weaknesses ?€? Limited perimeter shooting attempts ?€? Reputation as poor shooter? ?€? Mid-range game ?€? Pull-up jumper ?€? Body/Overall bulk ?€? Wild with the ball at times ?€? Decision making ?€? Assist to turnover ratio ?€? Extremely unorthodox style ?€? Rebounding rate</div> Why it works His wingspan is huge, every time I've seen him play, i get scared because he is so long. He has also developed an excellent floater for a swing man, and it will cause big men into a lot of trouble. The strengths listed above prove that this guy will be a good pro, everyone saw him in the tournament play awesome and prove why he was a first team All-American. This works for the Raptors because he is long, plays good perimeter defense and has a high confidence that can wake up guys like Ford, Moon and Delfino. If you thought Joey must go if we got Alexander, he will never ever be around if CDR comes to Canada. I don't think there is a better pick in the draft for the Raptors where they are. Why it doesn't work Dude thinks Memphis didn't get respect, Toronto is much worse. Decision making needs to improve to become a legit 3 man in the league. He also needs to put on some weight if he wants to become a stronger player in the league. Besides those, the pick is excellent Overall Love the pick! Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE MUCH BETTER
Current Record: 39-39 Drafting Position: 15th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">DARRELL ARTHUR</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 6' 9" W: 215 lbs Bday: 11/10/1987 (20 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Antonio McDyess Worst Case: Josh Powell</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths ?€? Athleticism ?€? Scoring mentality ?€? Hands ?€? Ability to score in the paint ?€? Transition play/Running the floor ?€? Turnaround jumper ?€? Budding skills facing the basket ?€? Excellent lateral quickness ?€? Solid all-around defender ?€? Upside Weaknesses ?€? Toughness/Intensity ?€? Basketball IQ/Experience ?€? Consistent focus ?€? Passing ability ?€? Ability to finish with left hand ?€? Shot-selection ?€? Ball-handling/Perimeter shooting polish ?€? Finishing strong/Not fading away ?€? Strength ?€? Consistency</div> Why it works Arthur is a freak athletically, and can jump through a building if needs be. His turnaround jumper is money and plays larger then he his. Also has found a way to show up THE big game, the championship game. He can run the floor with ease which reminds me of a CB4. For the Raptors, this pick would help with easy baskets because DA loves to get easy baskets, unlike the Raptors team in general. Coming along, DA would love to learn from Bosh and The Champ Rasho, and would benefit from those two. From a talent and upside point of view, there are few better picks in the draft because of his lengths, defense all-around and offense potential. Why it doesn't work Raptors have Chris Bosh, there is very little reason to draft Darrell Arthur, who is a poor man's Chris Bosh. There are certain situations where he can hurt a team by taking bad shots at bad times. If he became a legit player in the NBA, he would need to develop a better passing game out of a double team, he seems to have troubles and gets impatient in double teams. Overall Meh, Kansas boy could find a better fit then T.O. but I'd buy his Jersey if he came here Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE MUCH BETTER
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Apr 11 2008, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Rush sucks!</div> ok buddy
Current Record: 39-39 Drafting Position: 15th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#990033"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">COURTNEY LEE</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 6' 5" W: 200 lbs Bday: 10/03/1985 (22 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Anthony Parker Worst Case: Thabo Sefolosha</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths ?€? Smooth body control ?€? Strength ?€? Versatile ?€? Perfect role player ?€? Basketball IQ ?€? Perimeter shooting ?€? Pull-up jumper ?€? Mid-range game ?€? Free throw shooting ?€? Fundamentals ?€? Passing ability ?€? Unselfishness/Team play ?€? Perimeter defense ?€? Ability to get in passing lanes ?€? Timing ?€? Mature ?€? Patient ?€? Doesn?€™t force issue Weaknesses ?€? Level of competition ?€? Explosiveness ?€? Slashing game ?€? Ball-handling skills</div> Why it works Raptor Fans are asking themselves, who is Courtney Lee? Well while WKU was making their run the the Sweet 16, Courtney Lee was working hard to develop his game. Courtney averaged 20.7 ppg, 8 rpg and 2 apg, including a 4 steal and 3 block game vs the UCLA Bruins, during the tournament run of the Hilltoppers. Courtney's numbers scoring wise stayed the same, but he increased his rebounds per game by 3 (4.9 to 8). He is an excellent defender, who doesn't mind working hard on his man. By the comparison of players, Raptor fans should be happy with the AP comparison. If they Raptors can have two versions (young and old) of AP, thats a benefit is the locker room and on the court. Courtney is mature beyond his years and would have no trouble fitting in with the Raptors dynamic. By his lack of Weakness, he could help the Raptors right away. Why it doesn't work Lack of an upside. Which can be a positive, meaning he's reached a peak and there isn't unused talent on the Raptors part, knowing they have a guy already with some problems there (A-Bargs). A big question coming into the tournament was his lack of experience vs greater opponent but judging by his tournament run, a lot of those doubt are out of the way. Needs to improve his ball handling skills and become a better slasher especially, coming into an offense with a dominant big man. Overall Extremely Safe Pick and an excellent one at that and could fit in right away Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE MUCH BETTER
Good job on CDR. I love his game, even if he is a bit unorthodox, he is young. He is extremely athletic and has a way better offensive game the Moon. He can hit the outside shot, and take it inside. With good PG's like Ford and Calderon, he should have no problem getting involved. Courtney Lee, what can I say. AP type player who is versatile, has good body control, good IQ and strength. Safe pick like BasX said and he really has no down side if CDR is off the board. Averaging 20, 8 and 2 in the tourney while being a good defender. A must pick in my book.
Current Record: 39-39 Drafting Position: 15th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#990033"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">ROBIN LOPEZ</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 7' 0" W: 255 lbs Bday: 04/01/1988 (20 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Joakim Noah Worst Case: Anderson Varejao</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths ?€? Size ?€? Length ?€? Mobility/Agility ?€? Big/Soft hands ?€? Makes quick moves in the post ?€? Ability to run the floor ?€? Activity level ?€? Toughness ?€? Offensive rebounding ?€? Defensive potential ?€? Physical play ?€? Motor ?€? Ability to contest shots ?€? Shot-blocking skills ?€? Passing ability ?€? Feel for game ?€? Understands his role ?€? Intelligence/Stanford pedigree ?€? Potential Weaknesses ?€? Good, not great athlete ?€? Average explosiveness ?€? Needs to get stronger ?€? Extremely unpolished offensively ?€? Poor footwork/Post moves ?€? Ability to face the basket ?€? Shooting range ?€? Free throw shooting ?€? Focus/Decision making ability ?€? Intensity wavers at times ?€? Struggles defending perimeter ?€? Gets backed down in paint ?€? Defensive rebounding ?€? Project</div> Why it works Rasho isn't getting any younger and getting a guy who is 7 feet tall and will work hard sometimes can be tough to get. You cannot teach height. He has soft hands making any pass easy for him to catch and he has a good passing game making it easier for him to pass out of double teams. Also, the Raptors need Rebounds, Robin can rebound. Also if this picked happened, you can say bye-bye to Hump, thats about it. Why it doesn't work Raptors do not need another 7 foot project, Bargnani is enough. How good is he without Brook? That is the question that needs to be answered. Needs to keep a constant intensity. This is an awkward pick for the Raptors, at best. Overall Not a Good Move, but he will be a good pro. The Raptors are building he doesn't fit at all, at least not this year. Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE MUCH BETTER
I wouldn't take Robin. We don't need another center and I just hate his game. I don't need to watch a Noah type guy play.
Current Record: 40-39 Drafting Position: 16th Draft Express <span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#CC6633"><span style="font-family:Arial Black">DJ AUGUSTIN</span></span></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Physicals: H: 5' 11" W: 175 lbs Bday: 11/10/1987 (20 Years Old)</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Comparisons: Best Case: Better Version Of Jameer Nelson Worst Case: Dashaun Wood</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Strengths • Strong build • Basketball instincts • Mix between scoring/passing • Outstanding ball-handling skills w/either hand • Change of gears/Hesitation moves • Ability to get to free throw line • Pick and roll play • Perimeter shooting • Off the dribble shooting • Quick release • Mid-range game • Transition play • Court vision • Unselfishness • Under control play • Assist to turnover ratio • Commitment to playing defense • Fundamentals • Intangibles • Winner Weaknesses • Size • Defensive potential • Streak shooter • Finishing potential at next level? • Ball-dominant at times • Shot-selection mildly questionable</div> Why it works This guy can flat out play. Considering he is an excellent pick and roll player, that would be enhanced with the Raptors with Bosh, Bargnani and Rasho. He is a lights out 3-Point shooter who could open up some more lanes for TJ and Jose. Also, playing in Texas will give him a connection to Bosh and TJ. His A/T ratio was 2.09 throughout his Sophomore year at Texas. Which is up .06 from his freshman year. Dj also learned to play smarter within his college system, in while his Minutes increased by 1.7 (35.6 to 37.3) his fouls decreased by 0.7 (2.3 to 1.6) and never fouling out of a game this year. This is an ideal pick for the Raptors if Ford/Calderon is traded and Ukic doesn't not come over from Europe. Why it doesn't work DJ's shot selection at times can be questionable, and considering he is a streaky shooter, that can become a problem on a team already filled with streaky shooters. His size is also a problem; at 5'11" 175, hes small for the NBA game and could have troubles getting his shot off, especially, in traffic. Though he is committed at the defensive end, sometimes he just isn't talented enough to defend certain players, especially bigger ones, like in the tournament against CDR and Antonio Anderson. If those above cases with the Point guards do not happen, DJ would become like Juan Dixon and stuck to the bench. Overall If one PG is traded and Ukic don't come its excellent, but anyway its still a decent pick, he has more talent then the rating system says, he just may troubles fitting in with the Raptors. Rating System 1 BC HEAD - BAD MOVE 2 BC HEADS - THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER, IF NOT, COULD BE WORSE 3 BC HEADS - NOT MY TOP SELECTION BUT GOOD 4 BC HEADS - GOOD CHOICE 5 BC HEADS - COULDN'T BE BETTER
If we're talking big men, I think naturally we have to discuss the future of Kris Humphries. Obviously Bargs has questions he needs to answer, but Hump is supposedly that big, rugged, F/C that everyone's been craving so badly. It wouldn't make sense to have 5 big men on this roster, especially with Sam Mitchell as coach (he uses a tight rotation). This season Kris has shown us the good (the first half of the season and the way he stepped up in Bosh's absence) and the bad (the lack of an offensive game and the lack of minutes towards the end of the season). He's still young and has a fairly decent contract, and its anyone's guess how much more he'll develop and whether he's a long-term part of our plan. What do you guys think?
