Andrea Bargnani.....best prospect?

Andrea Bargnani isn?t getting as much publicity as he should. Obviously it?s because he plays in Europe and recent European players haven?t fared well in the NBA and are considered ?soft?. If so, I think the NBA (more importantly, the Bulls) is making a big mistake. I?ve had the pleasure of watching this kid play, and in my opinion, he is going to be something special. How many 7?0? guys, besides Dirk, can shoot from the outside (shot 43% from the 3 point arc), finish a fast break with authority, score from the low post, and even beat his defender off the dribble due to his great ball handling skills?..and actually plays defense? Here are a couple new links to video clips.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8...argnani&pl=true

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=61...argnani&pl=true

I believe this kid has the most potential in the draft. The difference between Bargnani and the other recent European players is his stats have shown he can play. If I were Paxson, I would draft Bargnani with the 1st pick, take a taller 2 guard with the 2nd pick (it?s beginning to look like our only shot will be Brewer, but hopefully Roy slips, or possibly Horford if he comes out), sign Drew Gooden to play PF (he can probably be signed to a reasonable contract) OR Nazr Mohammad, and make a run at Pryzbilla to anchor the middle with the 2nd team.

Team would be:

Chandler/Pryzbilla or Mohammad ©
Gooden or Mohammad/Songaila/Sweetney/ (PF)
Bargnani/Nocioni/Brewer (SF)
Deng/Gordon/Brewer (SG)
Hinrich/Duhon

Gooden or Mohammad can play the post and be the inside presence on offense, while Bargnani can be utilized both inside/outside (ala Dirk). We immediately go from being small to being one of the biggest teams in the league. Imagine the mismatches this lineup would present to other teams.

I know, I know, people are going to say why take Deng, who is developing into a star as a SF, and switch him to a SG? The answer is simply with the way the league is structured nowadays, most positions are interchangeable and players are able to handle multiple positions. Just because a player is listed as a SG, doesn?t mean he has to be able to shoot. He can continue to play the ?SF? role in the offense, but would probably line up to defend the other team?s SG.

One might also argue why have Gordon coming of the bench. Again, in today?s league, players coming off the bench get the same or more minutes than do starters. That really shouldn?t be an issue, but if it does become a distraction or a problem, you can easily trade Gordon for a serviceable role player(s).

I?ve watched a lot of basketball, and I believe Bargnani has the MOST potential. Again, he?s proven with stats he can play.

Thoughts?

 

He's a SF though, we don't need another SF.

 

^He also plays PF. Personally you guys would be better off with Aldridge.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with you SonnyD, Bargnani has the most upside of any player who's declared in 2006 so far.

His weaknesses, are correctable and most will come with experience and strengthening his body.

The Bulls should definitely take a look at him this year, but it really comes down to who they land in free agency. If they sign the starting center and post scorer they need, then Bargnani makes a lot of sense. If not, then they have to look at Tyrus Thomas or LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Bulls have been rumored to be after Peja all year as well. If the Bulls land him in free agency then Bargnani wouldn't make much sense for them.</div>

Your absolutely right, that was exactly my point with the drafting of Bargnani. That's why signing a guy like Gooden should be their #1 priority this offseason. The problem is, however, the draft is in late June and the signing period for free agents isn't until mid-July, I believe. That makes it tough to draft based on prospective free agent signings.

Having said that, I would still draft Bargnani and a guy like Brewer, and go hard after Gooden/Nazr. One thing I wanted to point out is I believe Gooden is VERY UNDERRATED. What people forget is that throughout his career, albeit short, he has played with McGrady and James. What this means is that he hasn't really been asked to be a scorer (hard to really be with T-Mac and LeBron), but his stats show that he is/has the potential to be a double/double guy, and a 20/10 guy in my opinion.

That's why I believe with the Bulls, he can turn into a big time player. With Gooden, guys like Bargnani and Brewer in the draft, I just see the potential for a GREAT team developing, but more importantly, sooner than later.

 

I would rather have Aldridge personally. Bargnani is a good foreign player, but I don’t think he could come into the league and contribute right away. Given, I have not seen him play, all I have t go by is scouting reports, and articles. Apparently his back to the basket game is not a strong point, and that is the main area of concern on our team. We already have great outside shooting, and good defenders, but no real option down low. I think Aldridge could produce quicker, and become a better player in the future. Although, Bargnani’s range and size make his potential level incredible. I just think the safer, and more logical choice would be Aldridge. The Bulls are a mid-tear team when it comes to scouting foreign talent, so chances are they have done a lot more scouting on Aldridge than Bargnani, and have seen more video on Aldridge as well.

I would be ok with drafting Bargnani if Aldridge stays in college, but if both come out I think it’s Aldridge number one then Bargnani. That is just a personal opinion that I have formed from scouting reports, and simply being able to see Aldridge play, and not Bargnani I could be wrong, but that's just my opinion.