[Pick #11] A case for Meyers Leonard

It's only cause every time Fez forms an opinion he says it over and over with such conviction. Everyone changes their opinions as they gather more information it's just more dramatic with him.

 

I think Portland needs guys that can come in and produce right away.

Meyers Leonard is definitely intriguing and I was impressed the few times I watched him play, but by the time he's ready to contribute consistently, Aldridge will have the option to bolt for greener pastures.

Thats why im leaning towards guys like Sullinger and Robinson for bigs. Both aren't ideal fits but Aldridge has the length to slide to the 5 and Sullinger and Robinson both project as good rebounders for the PF postion. Pick up a defensive minded big in FA and I think you have a pretty nice frontcourt rotation for the future.

 

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/06/12/meyers-leonard-is-now-being-strongly-considered-in-the-top-10-of-the-nba-draft/
This link taken from Blazers Edge suggests Blazers are interested in leonard.

 

I think the general consensus now is that Robinson will go at 2, so don't worry about him

 

Here is another thing about Leonard that should be concerning to fans and POR mgmt...He really struggles with his mental toughness and self confidence....If you struggle with this in college, playing in the NBA isn't going to rectify this...The NBA destroys confidence it doesn't build it up....

You would think a team that drafted Luke Babbitt would clearly recognize this....That has to be a major red flag....Saying you are confident is one thing but you can't hide the lack of it when you are on the court and there is no pity in the NBA...Other players will actively try and intimidate you, fuck with your self confidence...

And his shot is going to get blocked....that hook of his, is very defendable and people say he has the ability to shoot from the perimeter but he shot something like 20 something percent form mid range...uh, got some work to do there...Apparently he clanked from the outised at his workout in POR as well....So you are looking at primarily a guy whose best shot is an uncontested dunk...Well, ok, DeAndre Jordan gets away with that...but you add in the questions about his mental toughness, self confidence, his need to add strength (getting pushed around in the paint by smaller players? not good) and at BEST you are looking at a long term project for the HOPE that he comes out like DeAndre Jordan and more likely he is like a Robert Swift, all that athleticism etc but can't put it together at the NBA level....

Not worth taking at #11...

 

And another thing.

He is a white American center

 

I'd keep wanting to call him Meyers Lemon. And we don't need another stinking lemon.

 

Anyone remember Chris Mihm?

 

You mean the hall-of-famer?

 

Drummond and Lemon--I mean Leonard are actually somewhat similar players. Both are big athletic bodies, that are raw and might develop into solid centers. I agree that Drummond looks to have the bigger upside, but he could also have some problems.

A comparison:
standing reach: Drummond by 1.5"
Agility: Drummond by almost 0.5 seconds
3/4 sprint: almost identical

40-minute pace adjusted stats:
scoring: Leonard 3 more pts/game
rebounding: almost identical
blocks: Drummond 3.9; Leonard 2.4
free throw %: Leonard 73%; Drummond 30% (worst of all listed on draftexpress stats database [not just draftees] by >5%)

I still think Drummond is a better prospect, but I could easily see Leonard becoming the more effective of the two. Lower odds, but it could happen.

 

Chris Mihm was more of a plodding type big man. I still think Leonard reminds me of a super-sized McBob.

 

Here is a comparison of the two

http://nbadraft.net/players/chris-mihm

http://nbadraft.net/players/meyers-leonard

 

I wouldn't take him with a lottery pick, there should undoubtedly be better players available. But I'd consider taking him later in the first round if I had the chance.

 

I like this quote from him though (Oregonlive):

 

Sullinger's advanced stats are off the charts but the NBA is a whole different ballgame...

After seeing his atrocious combine numbers my stance has definitely softened.

His lack of quickness and his max reach of 11'4" will hinder him in the NBA bigtime IMO.

 

[video=youtube;BW-b_AoRSSA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW-b_AoRSSA[/video]

 

say NO to Sully, he also has one leg shorter then the other and we've already been down that road lately,

 

[video=youtube;YdesTnL4PrQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdesTnL4PrQ[/video]

STOMP

 

And if he puts on too much weight is he neo lards?

(sorry)

Backward names, yeah, Jarrett Jack?
We did better with reversible names like Brandon Roy and Maurice Lucas.

 

this really is a fun game

kerome jersey

perry torter

devin kuckworth

im out