Looks like a good bench big for us. If we can't retain Hickson, maybe we can buy a later pick for him.
Nicholson's got range for days. During the season he wasn't even on the draft board, after the tourney he was an early 2nd rounder...After workouts with teams he's being considered for a late teens, early 20's picks. He's fairly new to basketball as well. He didn't start playing organized ball until he was 16.
There was just a sports writer from CA on a little while ago and I thought what she said is foretelling for POR.... Olshey built a group of young players\assets and was building the OKC way and then when the opportunity came to trade for a SUPERSTAR caliber player he expedited the whole process...She also said that he is a hoops junkie and loves the draft process and that she thought he would keep the picks... I think that is what he sold Allen on, it just makes way too much sense and IMO is the right way to go.... POR is lacking in talent right now, use the #6 and #11 and the 2nd rounders to infuse more talent on this roster to build with LA...and then if the opportunity comes to trade a bunch of those young assets for a superstar player then you aggressively pursue it.... I have yet to hear\read one superstar player who is available this year...I hear\read about a bunch of middle of the road players...some better than others...but any of the Chris Paul variety? No.... Maybe Rondo, but all indications are that after his performance in the playoffs, he isn't going anywhere.... I think he starting with this draft he stockpiles young talent (likely including Claver\Freeland) and then in 1-2 years from now depending on how that talent has done, he may look to combine those players to trade for a superstar...A guy like Harden maybe, maybe Stephon Curry? Bynum? The only superstar I see POR getting this year is UFA Deron Williams, a longshot but you never know....
He looks like a not so tall, not so big, not so pimpin' version of Wilt Chamberlain. Minus the good part.
I'm with you. We just don't have the assets yet, and what big difference maker(s) are we going to get anyway? Step One: Collect Assets (draft and FA).
Exactly.... and then a year from now or two years from now, when OKC feels pressure to unload one of thier big 3 or a star player on another team wants out you have a lot of young players\picks to entice them to make the deal....Just like the Clips did with Paul.....
If Lillard had gone to a major school he would be listed in mocks between 2 and 6. I'm glad the Blazers are talking to him. If they like him I hope they aren't afraid to take him at 6. I would rather have him than Robinson or Beal. I still hope they take him at 6 and then take the most interesting big at 11. I'm hoping for PJIII as I think this would be a great environment for him to develop in. He could be killer coming off the bench.
I just don't get Beal. From what I see he is a shorter Ray Allen at best. He is trying to sell himself as a PG now, which is kind of weird too. I like MKG, but he scares me too. He reminds me of one my favorite college players from way back. Highly recruited, strong leader, good rebounder with high bball IQ, but not a great outside shot. 6'8" 220 lbs. small forward. He was drafted 6th in his class. He did end up developing his outside shot, but I wouldn't have wanted to take him at #2. Shane Battier. I'm afraid that is MKG's ceiling.
