Official: JBB 2005 NBA Mock Draft Rnd 1 (v1.0)

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Read post #38


Who is projecting Splitter as the next Gasol, because they are both Spainish? Their games have few similarities. Gasol plays from the outside-in because defenders have to respect his mid range jumper. Splitter likes to setup inside and use his post moves to score. Splitter is a terrible rebounder for his size as well. They actually show him play a lot on NBA TV. If you want to judge for yourself just tune in when they show the International games.</div>
Shape, EVERY single Mock draft I have seen is comparing him to Pau. There was not one that compared him differently. Not even that silly hoopshype one disagreed!!! I've seen him play once and in fact, he's playing right now! That game he provided so much energy off the bench had 9 points in the 2nd quarter which were off athletic alley-oops, great post moves, and put backs.

 

Wait a minute. Being compared to Pau Gasol is a good thing? Pau Gasol is a very weak, very bratty, player who complains about every call and plays no defense. Pau's only good feature is his length, and he knows how to get more out of his length than just about any other player in the league. I don't it's a good thing comparing anyone's skills set to his. Besides, every white player to ever enter some of these site's mock draft is Jason Williams, Dirk Nowtizki, Pau Gasol, Larry Bird, etc. Judge for yourself.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">That's the point, you have to judge for yourself. It's a cop out for them to compare him to Gasol because both are tall Spaniards. Scouts who compare him to Gasol are the same scouts who compare any white guy who can shoot to Bird or Nowitzki. If you actually break down their game they are nothing alike.
That sounds nothing like Gasol to me.</div>
Well they are both 7 footers with huge wingspans, they're both terrible defensive players as you said, are good shot blockers, they both thrive in the post. They both posses devastating quickness, and run the floor very well and are a dunk waiting to happen! They are both very thin just like VDC mentioned as well. Those are some similarities I can draw from their game. He sounds like he can be a Gasol. If he doesn't sound like a Gasol (he does to me) than who would you compare him to?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">Well they are both 7 footers with huge wingspans, they're both terrible defensive players as you said, are good shot blockers, they both thrive in the post. They both posses devastating quickness, and run the floor very well and are a dunk waiting to happen! They are both very thin just like VDC mentioned as well. Those are some similarities I can draw from their game. He sounds like he can be a Gasol. If he doesn't sound like a Gasol (he does to me) than who would you compare him to?</div>


I think you guys all overrated Splitter. He's a decent prospect, but not for sure lottary pick. His defense is average, he's too thin to play center and like i said before you guys dont need a 6th PF(but you dont listen). His offense is pretty raw has well. Maybe he'll be good...but he's not a sure thing by any means. I'd look more at Petro who suits the Knicks needs better, or a nice young swingman like Green. Even a good solid PG like Felton or Jack would be nice.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">I think you guys all overrated Splitter. He's a decent prospect, but not for sure lottary pick. His defense is average, he's too thin to play center and like i said before you guys dont need a 6th PF(but you dont listen). His offense is pretty raw has well. Maybe he'll be good...but he's not a sure thing by any means. I'd look more at Petro who suits the Knicks needs better, or a nice young swingman like Green. Even a good solid PG like Felton or Jack would be nice.</div>
But most of our PF's are versatile, some of them (Kurt Thomas) have a good chance of being gone by next season. There are many thin centers, but they get around. Splitter can do well because not many centers have that serious athleticism that he posseses. He is also pretty quick so he can definitely present some problems. We are looking at Petro too, I think I'd choose him in the draft if I had to choose between them to tell you the truth. You told us we shouldn't draft Petro, he was not a center. I don't see how we should draft a nice young PG. That is definitely not a main concern at all. What's the logic behind a PG playing 10 minutes at most behind Marbury? We also have Crawford who can play the point, Hardaway, and Jermaine Jackson. Drafting another PG with our lottery pick is a waste in my opinion. If anything, we can draft one with Phoenix's pick or possibly Houston's second rounder (not sure if we have it this year). Green is alright, but why is he necessary when we have a developing SG and a developing SF? The Knicks need a big man and drafting a swingman and much less a PG should not be in our plans.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">But most of our PF's are versatile, some of them (Kurt Thomas) have a good chance of being gone by next season. There are many thin centers, but they get around. Splitter can do well because not many centers have that serious athleticism that he posseses. He is also pretty quick so he can definitely present some problems. We are looking at Petro too, I think I'd choose him in the draft if I had to choose between them to tell you the truth. You told us we shouldn't draft Petro, he was not a center. I don't see how we should draft a nice young PG. That is definitely not a main concern at all. What's the logic behind a PG playing 10 minutes at most behind Marbury? We also have Crawford who can play the point, Hardaway, and Jermaine Jackson. Drafting another PG with our lottery pick is a waste in my opinion. If anything, we can draft one with Phoenix's pick or possibly Houston's second rounder (not sure if we have it this year). Green is alright, but why is he necessary when we have a developing SG and a developing SF? The Knicks need a big man and drafting a swingman and much less a PG should not be in our plans.</div>
When did you guys get Houston's second round pick? Was it in the Weatherspoon trade?

Anyways, the Knicks will most likely pick a big man, but I doubt that whoever they get, and according to you, Isiah is looking at an European big man, would contribute right off the bat. For a team like New York that is in a city that demands success every year, it might be a bad move. A more likely scenario would be the Knicks pulling trades and moving up to be in position for Bogut, Williams or Taft, or moving down in the draft, getting a quality player or two, and drafting one of the senior big men, such as Simien, Turiaf or Frye.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">When did you guys get Houston's second round pick? Was it in the Weatherspoon trade?</div>
I'm not too sure how, but I know Houston owes us a second rounder or something like that.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Anyways, the Knicks will most likely pick a big man, but I doubt that whoever they get, and according to you, Isiah is looking at an European big man, would contribute right off the bat. For a team like New York that is in a city that demands success every year, it might be a bad move. A more likely scenario would be the Knicks pulling trades and moving up to be in position for Bogut, Williams or Taft, or moving down in the draft, getting a quality player or two, and drafting one of the senior big men, such as Simien, Turiaf or Frye.</div>
I think Isiah has those intentions. Even in a pressure place like NY, I think the smart thing is playing to win rather than playing not to lose. You're right on Taft, Isiah is probably very much interested in him...he has all the makings of an Isiah Thomas player...but so does Petro. Taft is just as much a risk as Petro. He is a potential Tim Thomas but the only thing is Tim Thomas has more skills!! That's really scary and I don't want another underacheiver around here. He has all the tools to be putting up monster numbers and hasn't improved at all since a freshman. Petro is a solid shot blocker, a solid rebounder and has good size athleticism and strength. Aguirre can do wonders with such talent. Those players such as Simien, and Frye are projected to be late first rounders which can be used with our Phoenix pick.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">But most of our PF's are versatile, some of them (Kurt Thomas) have a good chance of being gone by next season. There are many thin centers, but they get around. Splitter can do well because not many centers have that serious athleticism that he posseses. He is also pretty quick so he can definitely present some problems. We are looking at Petro too, I think I'd choose him in the draft if I had to choose between them to tell you the truth. You told us we shouldn't draft Petro, he was not a center. I don't see how we should draft a nice young PG. That is definitely not a main concern at all. What's the logic behind a PG playing 10 minutes at most behind Marbury? We also have Crawford who can play the point, Hardaway, and Jermaine Jackson. Drafting another PG with our lottery pick is a waste in my opinion. If anything, we can draft one with Phoenix's pick or possibly Houston's second rounder (not sure if we have it this year). Green is alright, but why is he necessary when we have a developing SG and a developing SF? The Knicks need a big man and drafting a swingman and much less a PG should not be in our plans.</div>


well i only say a PG cause it would be in New Yorks best interest to rid themselves of Marbury...and you guys always talk about trading him. Crawford is an alright PG, but nothing great, and if you move him to the point then who's the SG. Its just about getting depth incase of injury. Hardaway's gone after next year, and you all are talking about the possibilities of trading away his contract so thats not a dependable backup, and besides, he's always injured. A nice young point could be great. There's alot of talent in New York, and a real PG could get the most out of it, and i dont think Marbury can.

BTW - enter your pm bin. we have past and present sig bets to discuss

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 02civic:</div><div class="quote_post">well i only say a PG cause it would be in New Yorks best interest to rid themselves of Marbury...and you guys always talk about trading him. Crawford is an alright PG, but nothing great, and if you move him to the point then who's the SG. Its just about getting depth incase of injury. Hardaway's gone after next year, and you all are talking about the possibilities of trading away his contract so thats not a dependable backup, and besides, he's always injured. A nice young point could be great. There's alot of talent in New York, and a real PG could get the most out of it, and i dont think Marbury can.

BTW - enter your pm bin. we have past and present sig bets to discuss</div>
How is it in our best interest? Isn't the draft based on a teams weakest position? We talk about trading Marbury for possibly another PG, or another lottery pick to draft a PG. We don't say use it to draft a PG while we still have Marbury and our center position being weak. Jamal Crawford is a good PG. The team has performed better intangibly and statistically. That's not a main concern especially with Crawford being a natural PG who plays more SG do to Houston's absence. I don't know about any team who drafts at their least weakest position just for "depth". We all talk about trading away his contract, but you failed to mention the player(s) we'll get with his contract. Like it or not, as long as Isiah is around here, Marbury will more than likely be around. When we talk about getting rid of Marbury we talk about trading him for that PG. We don't sacrifice our weakest spot for a guy who will play 10 minutes behind Marbury.

Didn't know it was full, thanks we do need to discuss.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Paul Gasol has devastating quickness? Haha since when.

Physically Splitter and Gasol are comparable, but their games are completely different from one another. Gasol is a much better offensive player and has a lot more tools than Splitter. I wouldn't consider Splitter VERY athletic either. Very athletic should be reserved for big players like Amare Stoudemire and Kevin Garnett.

He's reminds me of a skinny Andrew DeClercq.</div>
Gasol is quick. Gasol isn't strong so in the post, he uses a lot of quick moves on the opposition to score.

Of course Gasol's offense is better now that he's played in the NBA. Back then it might have been the same thing as well, but he wasn't miles better. Splitter is very quick and once he gets into the league and learns a thing or two in the post, he'll be okay. If he went to NY and was exposed to an Aguirre, he can become something special. No, I wouldn't say he was an Amare in the athleticism department, but the guy is very athletic. I don't know if comparisons like these are made, but I think he has a poor man's Amare's athleticism. The only thing is he has a ridiculous wingspan, and it is possible he is not growing.

A skinny Andrew DeCleq? There games are complete opposities! He has much more similarities to Gasol than DeClerq.

Why is he projected in becoming a lottery pick if he's really like that.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">
Why is he projected in becoming a lottery pick if he's really like that.</div>

Maybe you're looking at the wrong projections. Many respectable mock drafts have him going in the late 20's. I personally think that #10 is the perfect place for him. He is not more talented and has no more upside than any of the nine players listed ahead of him. You can believe your little Pau Gasol fantasies if you want, but it's not going to happen. Tiago Splitter is a player with a decent midrange shot who plays Small Forward just as well, if not better, than the Power Forward spot. He is much more of an intense player and a better defender than Gasol. However, his post moves are nowhere near Gasol's and he is nowhere the finisher that Gasol is. He is a white kid who has the same body Gasol does who played in Spain. I can see why so many people make the comparisons. It'd be just like if a 7-2 350 pound kid out of LSU was entering the draft. He'd be compared to Shaquille O'Neal. However, you have to realize that there's more to a player than his physical appearance.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe you're looking at the wrong projections. Many respectable mock drafts have him going in the late 20's.</div>
May you give me some respectable ones. I have not found any where he was in the 20's.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">May you give me some respectable ones. I have not found any where he was in the 20's.</div>

The Los Angeles Times project him at #20 and Chicago Sports projects him at #25. By the way, I added some more to my post above. Tell me what you think.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not too sure how, but I know Houston owes us a second rounder or something like that.


I think Isiah has those intentions. Even in a pressure place like NY, I think the smart thing is playing to win rather than playing not to lose. You're right on Taft, Isiah is probably very much interested in him...he has all the makings of an Isiah Thomas player...but so does Petro. Taft is just as much a risk as Petro. He is a potential Tim Thomas but the only thing is Tim Thomas has more skills!! That's really scary and I don't want another underacheiver around here. He has all the tools to be putting up monster numbers and hasn't improved at all since a freshman. Petro is a solid shot blocker, a solid rebounder and has good size athleticism and strength. Aguirre can do wonders with such talent. Those players such as Simien, and Frye are projected to be late first rounders which can be used with our Phoenix pick.</div>
Why do you always compare Taft to Tim Thomas? They're totally different players. Thomas has always been a wing player, not a inside guy, and didn't even stay past his freshman season. Taft plays on the inside, and how can you say he hasn't improved when he still isn't the number one option on offense for his team, and his minutes stayed the same? Even with all that, he still upped his ppg by three. He's also stayed for his sophomore season. Hell, every prospect might be a future bust, it's just evaluating their chances of success that makes or breaks a GM on draft night.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Believe it or not DeClerq was actually quite impressive in college. Like Splitter, he used his energy and hustled all over the court. He even guarded the opposing PG at times, just to harass a team and get them out of their rhythm. Most of his points were scored on his teammates misses, and DeClerq was still able to pop the occassional jumper. DeClerq averaged 11PPG and 8RPG in college, shot 53% from the field, 1.4BPG and 1.1SPG, in 32MPG.</div>
But Splitter also scores in the low post as well and he is much more athletic than DeClerq. Splitter isn?t solely a hustler player like a DeClerq. He hustles in addition to his skills.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Tiago is currently averaging 7.7PPG, 3.8RPG, .6BPG, .6SPG, and is shooting 54% from the field. He's only averaging 17MPG so his numbers are a little low. But if you double his minutes his numbers are similar to DeClerq. Tiago is a better scorer, but his role calls for him to be.</div>
Comparing stats from college and stats from the international leagues is different even though they?d be roughly the same had they played the same minutes.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Why is he projected so high?
He's an international prospect, and has "potential." Tiago has a lot of physical tools, something DeClerq didn't have. With DeClerq, scouts new exactly what they were getting and he wasn't going to improve much at the pro-level. Tiago on the other hand does have the tools to be lottery worthy, but I don't agree with those scouts, and saying he's a poor man's Amare is a stretch. Let's not forget, Tiago played himself out of the draft last year with a private work out session. You have to be pretty terrible to drop from a top 10 pick, to completely out of last year's draft.</div>
I think he?s more than a hustler with potential. I see him becoming a future star. I found some saying he will be a top 5 international player in the next 5 years or so. About Amare?I?m not talking about his game, I?m talking about his athleticism. I heard that he had a mediocre work out and he pulled himself out because of last year?s emergence of high schoolers.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He is not more talented and has no more upside than any of the nine players listed ahead of him. You can believe your little Pau Gasol fantasies if you want, but it's not going to happen. Tiago Splitter is a player with a decent midrange shot who plays Small Forward just as well, if not better, than the Power Forward spot. He is much more of an intense player and a better defender than Gasol. However, his post moves are nowhere near Gasol's and he is nowhere the finisher that Gasol is. He is a white kid who has the same body Gasol does who played in Spain. I can see why so many people make the comparisons. It'd be just like if a 7-2 350 pound kid out of LSU was entering the draft. He'd be compared to Shaquille O'Neal. However, you have to realize that there's more to a player than his physical appearance.</div>
I?m not saying he will turn into a Pau Gasol, I?m just saying some of their games of some striking similarities. People were saying the same thing about Gasol and the small forward too. Gasol has some good moves and even back before he was drafted, were they MUUUCH better than Splitter like on a whole n?other level? Splitter has some good moves and he can get better with the assistance of a teammate or a coach etc. to improve his moves. I?m not into that Bird, Dirk thing and I do agree it?s silly, but some of their games have some real similarities. Their appearance are similar and their games are somewhat similar.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Why do you always compare Taft to Tim Thomas? They're totally different players. Thomas has always been a wing player, not a inside guy, and didn't even stay past his freshman season. Taft plays on the inside, and how can you say he hasn't improved when he still isn't the number one option on offense for his team, and his minutes stayed the same? Even with all that, he still upped his ppg by three. He's also stayed for his sophomore season. Hell, every prospect might be a future bust, it's just evaluating their chances of success that makes or breaks a GM on draft night.</div>
If you read any of post, you?d know I said because he was an underachiever. Taft has all the tools to dominate he just never does. Many times he is caught looking passive and like he?s not giving his all. Tim Thomas had the same size and plus shooting ability. I don?t know why you?re defending him. You seem like the only one in this entire website supporting him. Doing a mini search I found these from two forums?

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting VDC:</div><div class="quote_post">Also, I would steer clear of Chris Taft. To be honest, I don't see what people see in this guy. He's listed as a potential NBA Center, but he is only 6-10 and only gets about seven rebounds per game. For a guy who wasn't even a top fifty recruit out of high school, his stats and game performances don't really indicate that he's a top 3 pick like most sites project him as. I just see him as being a huge bust.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shape:</div><div class="quote_post">I hope Taft has a disappointing game then. He is extremely overrated and won't put the effort into becoming a good player for the Warriors. The only reason why his stock is high, is because of the lack of big men in the draft this year. With his size and skills he should be a dominant collegiate player, but he's not. He's been a non-factor in most of the teams big wins this year and he has barely increased his numbers from his freshman season. He has all the qualities of a bust.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">shape, are you trying to tell me he is another Tim Thomas??</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shape:</div><div class="quote_post">Possibly, but Taft has no outside shot and can only score in the blocks. However, he never fights for position or demands the for the ball, kind of like Michael Olowokandi.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shape:</div><div class="quote_post">Well Taft is anything BUT dominant. The Warriors saw first hand with Dampier how a player with no motivation except money performs. They should learn from that experience and not make the same mistake with Taft.</div>

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting A source:</div><div class="quote_post">Several NBA scouts told Insider recently that they were unimpressed with Taft this season.

"I think he has a bad case of NBA-itis," one NBA scout said. "He just looks like he's going through the motions. Last year he had something to prove. This year, he seems like he's just trying not to get hurt."</div>

Based on many posters opinions of him, I wouldn?t want him on my team. Even though anyone can become a bust, it appears as if this guy has the most potential of achieving that feat.