<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FOMW @ Apr 9 2008, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Let me first remind those who don't already know that I don't watch college ball (although I did watch the final 4 this year and the championship game.) So I am relying purely on scouting reports from the various draft sites and what "experts" are saying about particular prospects. One name that jumped out at me is Marreese Speights, the Florida Sophmore, although apparently it's not clear that he will declare. The Draft Express description of his physicals and offensive skillset make him seem perfect for the Nets, and they have him ranked 15th on the draft board right now. I like to consider the fact that he is from a big time program, played very limited but very effective minutes for the 2007 champs behind Al Horford and Joakim Noah, and so already has had a year of seasoning in practice against NBA-caliber big men and experience against elite college competition in big games. The fact that he was playing behind those guys for a year helps explain why he could look so good on paper but still not have the exposure necessary to have achieved lottery consideration. His FG% is 4th in the DE database (64%) and he is 8th in the nation in pace/minute adjusted rebounds. I wouldn't want to take him unless we were prepared to move Sean Williams, though.</div> If Marreese Speights is available he is definate pickup...but keep Sean Williams...either resign Nenad or Diop but not both... Still would like to find a way to get Budinger.
One thing to always keep in mind with DraftExpress and Florida Gators - the top guy at DX is a Gator and he tends to be too glowing in his reviews of Gators. It is like taking with a grain of salt anything Dick Vitale says about Duke
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Apr 9 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FOMW @ Apr 9 2008, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Let me first remind those who don't already know that I don't watch college ball (although I did watch the final 4 this year and the championship game.) So I am relying purely on scouting reports from the various draft sites and what "experts" are saying about particular prospects. One name that jumped out at me is Marreese Speights, the Florida Sophmore, although apparently it's not clear that he will declare. The Draft Express description of his physicals and offensive skillset make him seem perfect for the Nets, and they have him ranked 15th on the draft board right now. I like to consider the fact that he is from a big time program, played very limited but very effective minutes for the 2007 champs behind Al Horford and Joakim Noah, and so already has had a year of seasoning in practice against NBA-caliber big men and experience against elite college competition in big games. The fact that he was playing behind those guys for a year helps explain why he could look so good on paper but still not have the exposure necessary to have achieved lottery consideration. His FG% is 4th in the DE database (64%) and he is 8th in the nation in pace/minute adjusted rebounds. I wouldn't want to take him unless we were prepared to move Sean Williams, though.</div> If Marreese Speights is available he is definate pickup...but keep Sean Williams...either resign Nenad or Diop but not both... Still would like to find a way to get Budinger. </div> I don't think so about Speights.. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Defensively, Speights still has a long ways to go until he’d be considered “trust-worthy” enough by an NBA head coach to see significant minutes at the next level. His fundamentals here are extremely poor, showing very little in terms of a real defensive stance, giving up excessive space in the paint, biting excessively for pump-fakes, not being very effective rotating over to help out on team defense, and doing an extremely poor job hedging the pick and roll. His commitment here leaves a lot to be desired, as he’s often fairly lazy closing out on shooters, and generally doesn’t seem to put in the greatest effort on this end of the floor. A lot of that has to do with his overall focus-level, which just isn’t always there.</div> He'd be a waste of space. Frank would never play him.
Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div> Until today I was holding out hope that one of the offense-minded bigs would drop to us (Lopez, Randolph, Griffin), but Griffin pulled out of the draft today, so that seems unlikely. I think the Nets might have broken Dumpy's rule for one of them. I think Westbrook is strictly a PG. Right now I think CDR will be the pick, and that his stock will rise enough in the next couple of months that it won't seem like the stretch that it does right now. He has some key advantages over Budinger: defensive potential, outside shooting, ability to penetrate, and he was a key player on a near-championship team. His handle scares me, I wish he rebounded more, and I hate that he pooped his pants at the FT line with the championship at stake, but nobody's perfect. I kind of like Tyler Smith for the 2nd pick. Maybe Ryan Anderson, Chalmers, or Jason Thompson for the second rounder assuming the best Eurostash players will be gone by the time we pick.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (essrog @ Apr 9 2008, 04:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div> Until today I was holding out hope that one of the offense-minded bigs would drop to us (Lopez, Randolph, Griffin), but Griffin pulled out of the draft today, so that seems unlikely. I think the Nets might have broken Dumpy's rule for one of them. I think Westbrook is strictly a PG. Right now I think CDR will be the pick, and that his stock will rise enough in the next couple of months that it won't seem like the stretch that it does right now. He has some key advantages over Budinger: defensive potential, outside shooting, ability to penetrate, and he was a key player on a near-championship team. His handle scares me, I wish he rebounded more, and I hate that he pooped his pants at the FT line with the championship at stake, but nobody's perfect. I kind of like Tyler Smith for the 2nd pick. Maybe Ryan Anderson, Chalmers, or Jason Thompson for the second rounder assuming the best Eurostash players will be gone by the time we pick. </div> Budinger's defensive problems can be fixed with coaching and the leadership of veterans...right now he strictly utilizes his lateral quickness defensively and lacks the physicality...that can be learned...he is a great shooter, excellent in transition and a great finisher...the perfect compliment in a Devin Harris led offense. If he's there when we pick barring any top talent like Mayo or Gordan falling then we should take him.
espn mock draft has us pick marreese speights with the 10th pick is this good or bad? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraft
This draft has a lot of huge SF. Beasley, Greene, Gallinari and Randolph. I wonder what Thorn thinks about them because they sometimes can get a post game but also have an outside shot.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Apr 10 2008, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This draft has a lot of huge SF. Beasley, Greene, Gallinari and Randolph. I wonder what Thorn thinks about them because <u>they sometimes can get a post game</u> but also have an outside shot.</div> That's my problem with some of those guys. I'm not a fan of tall guys with not a lot of weight on them that play mostly on the perimeter and have no range on their shot. Players like Greene and Randolph remind me of Harrington, Warrick, Deng, Villanueva, Marvin Williams, Brandon Wright, etc. I never see these types of players on winning teams. With one exception, Kirilenko. I know there has been a couple players that put up good numbers lately like Durant and Rudy Gay, but I'm still not convinced anyone can contend for a championship with them yet. Odom was able to add weight and become very effective. I guess the key is if they can add weight, develop range on their shot, or develop a post game. Without the weight they won't get much of a post game. Also, on the defensive end can they guard 4s without getting pushed around? Can they keep up with the speed of NBA 3s on the outside? Sean Williams is in this world of discovering what he's going to be. I think he needs to add weight and be a 4. Its the only way he can fully utilize his best asset which is weakside shot blocking. He needs to add about 10lbs of muscle this summer. The NBA is bigger, faster and stronger than college. Those best equiped will make the biggest impact. Those that can't adapt their body or game fail. Danny Granger is a prime example of someone built to succeed on the NBA level. Has both strength and speed.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Apr 10 2008, 10:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Apr 10 2008, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This draft has a lot of huge SF. Beasley, Greene, Gallinari and Randolph. I wonder what Thorn thinks about them because <u>they sometimes can get a post game</u> but also have an outside shot.</div> That's my problem with some of those guys. I'm not a fan of tall guys with not a lot of weight on them that play mostly on the perimeter and have no range on their shot. Players like Greene and Randolph remind me of Harrington, Warrick, Deng, Villanueva, Marvin Williams, Brandon Wright, etc. I never see these types of players on winning teams. With one exception, Kirilenko. I know there has been a couple players that put up good numbers lately like Durant and Rudy Gay, but I'm still not convinced anyone can contend for a championship with them yet. Odom was able to add weight and become very effective. I guess the key is if they can add weight, develop range on their shot, or develop a post game. Without the weight they won't get much of a post game. Also, on the defensive end can they guard 4s without getting pushed around? Can they keep up with the speed of NBA 3s on the outside? Sean Williams is in this world of discovering what he's going to be. I think he needs to add weight and be a 4. Its the only way he can fully utilize his best asset which is weakside shot blocking. He needs to add about 10lbs of muscle this summer. The NBA is bigger, faster and stronger than college. Those best equiped will make the biggest impact. Those that can't adapt their body or game fail. Danny Granger is a prime example of someone built to succeed on the NBA level. Has both strength and speed. </div> Granger has never been on a winning team. Half of those other guys who aren't examples of "someone built to succeed" have been on successful teams.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div> I think Early Clark will be one of the best players to come out of this draft. They list him at 6'9 but in no way is he under 6'10 and he plays small forward. He put on about 10 pounds of muscle last off-season and if he puts on about 10 more, watch out.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Apr 10 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Apr 10 2008, 10:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Universe @ Apr 10 2008, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This draft has a lot of huge SF. Beasley, Greene, Gallinari and Randolph. I wonder what Thorn thinks about them because <u>they sometimes can get a post game</u> but also have an outside shot.</div> That's my problem with some of those guys. I'm not a fan of tall guys with not a lot of weight on them that play mostly on the perimeter and have no range on their shot. Players like Greene and Randolph remind me of Harrington, Warrick, Deng, Villanueva, Marvin Williams, Brandon Wright, etc. I never see these types of players on winning teams. With one exception, Kirilenko. I know there has been a couple players that put up good numbers lately like Durant and Rudy Gay, but I'm still not convinced anyone can contend for a championship with them yet. Odom was able to add weight and become very effective. I guess the key is if they can add weight, develop range on their shot, or develop a post game. Without the weight they won't get much of a post game. Also, on the defensive end can they guard 4s without getting pushed around? Can they keep up with the speed of NBA 3s on the outside? Sean Williams is in this world of discovering what he's going to be. I think he needs to add weight and be a 4. Its the only way he can fully utilize his best asset which is weakside shot blocking. He needs to add about 10lbs of muscle this summer. The NBA is bigger, faster and stronger than college. Those best equiped will make the biggest impact. Those that can't adapt their body or game fail. Danny Granger is a prime example of someone built to succeed on the NBA level. Has both strength and speed. </div> Granger has never been on a winning team. Half of those other guys who aren't examples of "someone built to succeed" have been on successful teams. </div> Didn't say Granger was on a successful team. He's also not the type of tall, skinny, limited range shooter I was referring to earlier in my post. Just saying he adapted quickly to the NBA and I think he can be successful. Obviously we have different opinions of success (mine is team's that have a legitimate shot at a championship). I don't think Golden St, Atlanta or Chicago have been successful. Deng has potential to be a major contributor to a championship contender. I can see him putting on the weight and developing his post game. I don't see him ever becoming a 3 pt threat. Harrington did get up to 245 and developed his outside shot, yet for some reason he never seems like an impact player. He should be as good as Odom.
im not a big fan of budinger :/ but i havent really watched him soo i cant say much... only youtube highlights
haven't seen much of deandre jordan but nbadraft.net thinks he has enough potential to be a dwight howard...you think he can be at least 70% of howard? didn't see much of pre-draft dwight howard as well...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cmoney707 @ Apr 10 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div> I think Early Clark will be one of the best players to come out of this draft. They list him at 6'9 but in no way is he under 6'10 and he plays small forward. He put on about 10 pounds of muscle last off-season and if he puts on about 10 more, watch out. </div> cmoney from espn boards? is that you? haha Im invalidreject on espn boards! What up dude
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cmoney707 @ Apr 10 2008, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think Early Clark will be one of the best players to come out of this draft. They list him at 6'9 but in no way is he under 6'10 and he plays small forward. He put on about 10 pounds of muscle last off-season and if he puts on about 10 more, watch out.</div> Welcome to S2, Cmoney! If you have any questions or anything, PM me and lemme know. So, are you a Big East fan, or a Louisville/Clark fan? Or did you just happen to read this somewhere?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Claud @ Apr 10 2008, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cmoney707 @ Apr 10 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Apr 9 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Assuming that the Nets continue to draft according to their recently-shown preferences, I think there are only three legitimate options at this point: Westbrook, Budinger, and CDR. I really can't see them drafting a PG or a big. Among other things, they don't draft players at the same position in the first round in consecutive rounds, so I wouldn't expect them to take another PF. I also can't see them taking a PG unless they trade Marcus. It could happen, but I think Rod's preference is to stick with the players he has and give them a chance to develop (as you all know). That would leave a SG or SF, and of course they prefer a big kid from a major team in a major conference who is not a freshman, a "team player," can pass and play some defense, and is pretty smart. I think it'll be between those three players OR the Nets will deal the pick. I haven't seen any of them--haven't watched a college game all season--but from what I read Budinger isn't very good defensively, and I suspect that they'll try to get someone who plays strong perimeter defense, which the other two do. Don't know if Westbrook has declared, or will declare. Two other players that might be in the mix are Brandon Rush and Earl Clark of Louisville. They don't seem as highly regarded, though, and maybe the Nets could get one with the Dallas pick.</div> I think Early Clark will be one of the best players to come out of this draft. They list him at 6'9 but in no way is he under 6'10 and he plays small forward. He put on about 10 pounds of muscle last off-season and if he puts on about 10 more, watch out. </div> cmoney from espn boards? is that you? haha Im invalidreject on espn boards! What up dude </div> haha what's going on man? Something happened with my computer so now that everytime I go to the espn boards none of the threads show up. Really weird. This place seems to have a lot of action so I figured I'd give it a try.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ Apr 10 2008, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cmoney707 @ Apr 10 2008, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think Early Clark will be one of the best players to come out of this draft. They list him at 6'9 but in no way is he under 6'10 and he plays small forward. He put on about 10 pounds of muscle last off-season and if he puts on about 10 more, watch out.</div> Welcome to S2, Cmoney! If you have any questions or anything, PM me and lemme know. So, are you a Big East fan, or a Louisville/Clark fan? Or did you just happen to read this somewhere? </div> Im probably I little biased with Earl because he grew up about 10 minutes from me, so I actually got to play against him twice a year. Derrick Caracter, who declared for the NBA from Louisville, grew up in my town so I've known him for a long time. But I can seriously see Earl being a really good pro. He played point in high school and never really developed a back to the basket game, so for a 6'10, 6'11 guy he's got really good ball handling skills. He's a little Lebron-esque, as he kind of does everything on the court. He'll be a first rounder so I'll be hoping we draft him. Thanks by the way.
