Bobby Portis. He does not have elite jumping ability like Ibaka but his motor, running the floor, and shooting form reminds me of Ibaka
Oh, okay. I didn't list him because he's gone by our pick in all projections. (Chad Ford says "13-20 range".)
Frank the tank Kaminsky is projected to go #12 - 15, so he won't be around at #23, which is too bad. There is talk about him being overrated, but I'm a believer after watching him play against Kentucky in the semi-final game. UK's game plan was to shut Frank down, and it seemed likely with how athletic and deep their bigs were. I was expecting he would be overmatched, getting his shot blocked, turning it over, etc. It was shocking to see him time and time again come down with boards in traffic, beating guys to loose balls, and making plays all over the court offensively. He's way undervalued because it's assumed his lack of athletic ability will show up at the next level. He was the best player on the floor against Kentucky, with apologies to Lyles. But Frank's ability to play inside/out . . . just a dynamic offensive force. He could be Dirk 2.0. If the team thinks LA is going to walk, Maybe we can trade up to get Frank. I'd feel good about Kaminsky/Leanard at the 4, at least offensively.
I view him more of a PF and like other taller PFs in the league he will have a tough time covering the stretch 4's on the perimeter. But other than that I think he will be fine on D. (Covering PF's..... not centers)
Just cause we have the #23 pick now, doesn't mean its set in stone. If Olshey sees someone he really likes I can easily see him moving up a couple spots.
If LMA is staying, there is no big incentive to move up a few slots. This is one of those drafts where the difference between 15 and 25 is pretty minimal. If all they are looking for is to bolster the bench, it is very likely somebody they like will be available at 23. If LMA is leaving, you package Batum with #23 and claw your way up as much as you can. It probably won't be far enough - but at that point you are just going for broke. I admire those of you who are able to act as if there is nothing to be worried/frustrated about!
Here's a game featuring 3 prospects: Willy "Fez's Fave" Hernangomez is #9 in white Mouhammadou "Mam" Jaiteh is #14 in blue Timothe Luwawu is #10 in blue Here's the game report. And here's the FULL GAME if you're REALLY bored. Here's Luwawu's best game of the tournament, against Italy: The All-Tournament team featured Hernangomez, Vezenkov and (MVP) Cedi Osman:
My (current) Big Board right now for 23: 1) Justin Anderson 2) Robert Upshaw 3) Delon Wright 4) Christian Wood Thoughts: The blazers have to try to not end up with the 23rd best player. position needs: C, SF (assuming they resign our guys) Anderson will be a great 3 and D guy immediately, and in a position of need. Upshaw - lottery skills/athleticism and in a position of need as well. Does he love the CoCo more than he does playing? To me, a risk worth taking.
it doesnt matter if he can play SG, just as long as he can guard SGs which he definitely can. Basically on offense Wright would be PG and Dame SG. On defense Dame would be PG and Wright SG unless you were playing someone like LAC where Wright would guard CP3 and Dame would guard Redick
I think it's actually with a "z". He's a puzzler: if you look at him, you think he can't be an NBA player. He's got narrowish shoulders, he's only around 6'8" and skinny. I mean, we're talking Adam Morrison kind of bad body. BUT: unlike Ammo he can't just shoot, he can rebound and pass, too. So he's got the whole bag of tools. And he's doing it already against grown men: "Vezenkov and Aris beat Olympiacos" Granted Olympiacos wasn't at full strength, but this is one of the top 4 teams in Europe, and one that really focuses on defense, and Vezenkov had 28 points against them. Maybe the best comparison is a cross between Luis Scola and Ersan Ilyasova. It has to be the right team, but I think he has a niche in the NBA. I bet the Spurs could work him in somehow. Here's "Eurohopes" on him:
Here is a fair article on Deckker from Olive. Still not sold on him. But I guess he could be a Chandler Parson's type of SF. http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...e_trail_blazers_draft_sam.html#incart_m-rpt-1
DraftExpress (pause to realize what a dumb name that is) has updated their mock: RHJ has risen all the way up to #15 and they've still got us taking Harrell, while Hunter goes the next pick. I would bet good money that RJ Hunter will go way higher than that.
Stay away from Decker. He is going to bust. He doesn't do anything well enough to be a good NBA player. He is an "ok" shooter - not "great". Not a defender, not a distributor, mainly he just floats.
Imo he has no big weaknesses.. big SFs have a really good track record after the lottery. Hes a better shooter than Kawhi was we he left San Diego State. He's not a bad defender, he's athletic with an NBA ready body and a decent finisher around the rim.
