Doesn't it seem like there isn't as much draft chatter than in past years? Like who's working out where and what teams are trying to trade for picks? I'm realize we don't have a pick, but I think we'll trade for one. Seriously though, just not much chatter.
I would LOVE if neil traded for payton. I'm sure he could come up with a package to get into the mid 1st range to take him.
Knicks decide to go with a no experience coach as they sign Fisher. Personally I think they should have gone with either Mark Jackson or brought back Jeff Van Gundy.
He hasn't been on my radar since we have so many SG's (CJ, Will, Wes, Crabbe) but the advanced stats guys LOVE Jordan Adams. http://www.hickory-high.com/projecting-the-2014-nba-draft/ HoopsAnalyst is also very high on Adams. Seems like an Afflalo type of steal waiting to happen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Andrew Wiggins: 6'8.75" w/shoes 8'11" standing reach. <<-- insane for a SG/SF
Notables from Ford's latest mock: *Vonleh leapfrogs Exum to #4 *Elfrid Payton now in the lotto. The Lakers like him at #7. *Kyle Anderson nearly falls out of the first round
Anyone taking Vonleh ahead of Exum is crazy. Vonleh is not higher than maybe 8 or 10 on my list. Exum is either 1st or 2nd, for the Blazers specifically I would even take him ahead of Wiggins. Anderson I predict would be a big steal. If he falls out of the 1st round he'd be the biggest steal in this draft.
I dunno about Jordan Adams. He was a crafty, physical guy in college but his measurements are pretty damning. Hes got a power-guard kind of game but I don't know if it will work in the league. He came in at 6'3.5 barefoot and a shade under 6'5, 6'10 wingspan, and a trim 209 lbs (reportedly played around 230lbs in college?!). His vertical leap and speed/agility numbers were all bottom 3 for his position group in this combine. Hes going to have a hell of a time trying to defend NBA 2's who will basically all be either much more athletic and/or much taller than he is. I don't see him being able to drive on anyone. He can post smaller 2's but I doubt he'd be very successful against the bigger SGs. His game reminds me a bit of Bonzi Wells. I just think he has to overcome a lot of deficiencies right now to make it in the NBA. Where do you guys think Kyle Anderson will play in the NBA? My fascination with him has been reignited and lately I've become extremely intrigued with the idea of making him a full-time PF. I was pretty surprised he measured 230 lbs as he looks pretty damn scrawny and undefined. I think with an NBA training staff he'll get up to 240 lbs. and still be lean as hell no problem, and could probably add more if he forced the issue. He has a slow release on his jumper but such a high release and he naturally leans back a lot, yet hes improved with it. Rebounding is a strength of his. Hes a crap athlete for a wing but with his handles hes a nightmare cover for PFs. He needs to become a fearsome 3 pt shooter and add some kind of go-to moves in the high post area.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kyle-Anderson-6177/ http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Noah-Vonleh-6471/ http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Elfrid-Payton-41413/ http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jordan-Adams-7189/ http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dante-Exum-36198/
I think that's a solid comparison for him, also I think Wes Matthews is another comparison that fits. He's not athletic but I think he's going to get by with his IQ and knack for scoring, like Z-Bo. Anderson at PF is likely his best fit. Clearly doesn't have the foot speed to guard the perimeter. One thing that's overlooked is his 9'0" reach -- that's on par with PF/C's.
I can see that - he's built like a bull at nearly 230 lbs. There aren't many guards, outside of maybe Joe Johnson, that have that kind of mass. He may be only 6'3" but good luck trying to push him around on the block. Would be a great fit next to Dame IMO. I could see him going over Exum to Orlando at #4. http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/50741/nba-insider-chad-ford
Chris Sheridan reported that his back checked out fine - ESPNCleveland is singing a different tune: NBA Legion @MySportsLegion Joel Embiid's physical with the Cavs didn't go well, and raised plenty of "red flags" ESPN reports he's out of the race for the #1 pick. 12:00 PM - 13 Jun 2014
Ford's tiers: Tier 1 - Joel Embiid | Jabari Parker | Andrew Wiggins Tier 2 - Dante Exum Aaron Gordon Julius Randle Dario Saric Marcus Smart Noah Vonleh Tier 3 - Gary Harris | Doug McDermott | Nik Stauskas Tier 4 - Tyler Ennis Rodney Hood Zach LaVine Jusuf Nurkic Elfrid Payton Adreian Payne Kristaps Porzingis James Young
@AlexKennedyNBA: The Knicks, Blazers, Kings and Pelicans are among the teams trying to acquire picks in this year's draft, according to league sources.
Mitch McGary has no workouts planned. Rumor is he has a promise from a team in the 20's. I'm guessing it's from Memphis or OKC.
Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA Agent: In a surprise, 7-foot Kristaps Porzingis will withdraw from the 2014 NBA Draft.>>>>>>> This is such a risky move. He could very well improve this year and end up a top-5 pick next year. .....or he could free fall like Donatas Motiejunas did, a once projected top-10 pick.
Chris Sheridan's updated mock: http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2014/06/13/joe-kotochs-mock-draft-4-0-embiids-back-checks-out-fine/ Vonleh is in play at #3
The top-5 International prospects, outside Exum, keep their names in the draft: Dario Saric Jusuf Nurkic Clint Capela Nikola Jokic Vasilje Micic So many ic's in this class.
Ford brought up a few good points regarding Julius Randle -- his size and reach will be a problem in the NBA. Often compared to Z-Bo, Zach had a few things going for him: No neck and a "wingspan of 7'4" -- he essential plays like a 6'11" guy. Didn't Phil Jackson say something very similar about Zach a few years ago?
