Depends on whether you believe the claim that the Nets have locked in on Johnson at #3. That means that either Favors or Turner are available at #4. I know the conventional wisdom is that Philly takes Turner, but I still think there is a 50/50 chance they go for a big guy. I like Batum.....but does he honestly have a higher ceiling than Turner/Favors/Cousins? Sorry, but the whole Batum-as-Pippen business strikes me as wish-casting.
I openly admit that this is an uninformed observation.. because I have seen literally zero minutes played by Derrick Favors.. but from what I read in Draft Express he reminds me a lot of Tyrus Thomas minus the headcase... someone feel free to blow my thoughts out of the water, so I feel better about him please and thank you.
Favors is younger than Thomas was, is less of a head case, and has more size/raw talent. TT was so highly thought of in some circles because of his (undeserved) reputation as a "high motor" guy. As a result, some people over-looked the fact that his size and skill set made him a classic tweener. IIRC, Favors is the youngest player in this year's draft. You have to look past his raw numbers, and judge him on his physical gifts and good attitude. No doubt, he is a project. I imagine he will get fewer ROY votes than someone like Cousins. I also firmly believe that in a few years, he will be seen as the best big man in this draft class, and an all-star level talent. Just my 2 pennies worth.
Well unlike Thomas, Favors can actually shoot, if that helps. Thomas value what artificially inflated by the NCAA tourney as well, that is the only reason he went that high.
Batum's 2nd year vs. Pip's http://www.basketball-reference.com...m=0&p1=batumni01&y1=2010&p2=pippesc01&y2=1989 Nic's numbers, adjusted for minutes played do not look bad at all. Actually, if you were to adjust for pace - it looks even better, and Nic at this stage is 2 years younger than what Pip was. Not to say that there is a very good chance Batum will never be as good as Pip was - but he is a very, very promising prospect.
Wow. I have to say I'm stunned. Not that KP would turn down the offer, but that Minny would make it. I didn't realize Batum was that highly regarded around the league.
I watched every game thank you. Dante did not play SF, perhaps you think he did because he is small? He has the height and body of a SF but the speed, reactions, defense and shooting of a power forward. Look at the 82games link, it shows that during all 20 various 5man lineup's Dante played in one of Batum/Webster/Roy/Rudy were in the game at the SF position. He was exclusively a PF during all of his play last year.
I am not opposed to dealing Batum, but I don't see it as a given that the player at #4 would be better than him... and apparently niether did Pritchard.... Favors I like, is he better than Batum? I don't know, maybe? He may not even be there though.... I am not a big fan of Wes Johnson either, and he is a year older than Batum....I can see POR deciding to pass on that....
I don't see how the Nets can take Johnson over Favors... and if I'm either the Blazers or the TWolves, I prefer Batum over Johnson pretty handily. Batum is a year and a half younger than Johnson, remember, and I think that we all know Batum's already a quality defender. The TWolves would be better off with Batum than Johnson, and I don't see how they could be that excited about Cousins or even Favors, if he were to slip, and so it makes sense they'd make a play for Batum. Ed O.
