Anyone interested in him in the draft? Pros: - Big PG (6'6") - can take over games (at least, in the ACC) - fiery personality (reminds me a bit of Joakim Noah - fans of all other teams hate him) Cons: - too slow for the NBA? - old for a rookie Comments from those who've seen him? (I have a vague memory that (a) he was thinking of coming out last year and (b) we worked him out. Is either correct?)
He's done nothing this season to improve his stock. Last year he would have been a mid-late second round pick. This year I think he goes undrafted.
Dunno. I think more and more GMs are looking for a solid, experienced contributor rather than the athletic freak with upside (more Tyler Hansbrough than Travis Outlaw, I guess). That's not to say that Daniel Orton won't get picked way too high. But I think the pendulum is swinging back to getting more experienced players that can help right away than the "upside" or Euro picks.
I'd invite him to training camp to compete for the fifteenth man spot, but he's not worth a 22nd or 44th pick IMO.
One of the reports says he has an astronomically high number of turnovers. That does not bode well for playing chances under McMillan. But for those pining for a Goran Dragic type, this guy sounds about right.
I may be the second biggest America-based Petteri fan there is, and I really hope we can get him to come over. BUT: he's just fractured his foot, so likely won't be available for Summer League, and that might mean that he feels it safest to come back to "Canadian Solar Bologna", where he has just had a great season and is very much appreciated. Also, would he keep Rudy company the way Vasquez would be able to?
I saw him play in Spokane in the NCAAs. I wasn't totally impressed with him, although he played great late in the Michigan State game (the one MSU won on the 3 at the buzzer). I'm not sure where he projects, but in terms of athleticism, I just didn't visualize him as a legitimate 2 in the NBA.
He's supposed to be a 1. Maybe he should be viewed liked Sarunas Jasikevicius - which doesn't bode well for his NBA future.
He's not an NBA 1. Kalin Lucas was abusing him prior to ripping his Achilles. I did like his energy on the court, though. Might be worth a look in the second round, depending on need.
I don't think he could guard NBA point guards, or drive on anyone in the NBA. His handle also isn't that great and he would get picked apart in the NBA.
I follow Maryland thoroughly and I can tell you a few things: 1:you'll love him if you have him on your team, nobody plays with more passion or heart 2:not the greatest ball handler, but is good at getting to the basket 3:he won't shoot outside as much as he did at UMD, this was caused by him thinking he had to carry the Terps at times when Mosley/Milbourne/Hayes couldn't take over games as much as Gary envisioned when they got there, Mosley especially 4:he is a decent defender, he just takes too many chances on steals which he needs to fix
As I said, he's worth a look in the second round. I like his energy and his length. That alone means something in the NBA for a bench player.
