OFFICIAL Pre-pre-pre Draft Thread

Let's see: he said he was ill. What does he gain by canceling a workout? The way I understand it, when a team USUALLY promises a player, it's a team in about the middle of the first round, and they convince the player that it's the perfect spot for him, and he really wants to be there. But there's a risk he gets taken BEFORE that pick. So to stop teams taking him BEFORE (to repeat) they can take him, they get him to cancel workouts for teams BEFORE (get it?) that pick. Why would Russell cancel a workout for a team AFTER #2? Because he's super lazy? Because he's scared he'd rupture his Achilles in a workout? The Lakers don't give a shit if he works out for Philly, so why not? And to add to it, why lie and say you're sick? That makes you look like a liar. Is that good for the "brand"?

 

Jarrell Martin received a mid-first promise and will likely end remaining workouts.

My guess would be Washington.

 

Don't make me say "Nikoloz Tskitishvili". Because I really can't pronounce it.

 

I try to contain myself with these workout vids.

Anthony Bennett looked like Baby Shaq in pre-draft workout.

Btw, it's awfully quiet on the Blazer front.

 

We'll take Embiid off their hands. (Although, hang on: problems about motivation, misses his rookie year with injury... All right, make it Noel then)

 

I hope Philly lands Okafor.

I'd offer anyone outside Lillard for Embiid.

 

I think this draft is so wide open after about the first 6 or 7 picks that there's no point in doing anything ahead of draft day (unless you're actually moving into the top 3, which the Blazers don't have the right pieces to do). I bet this draft is crazy, though. Trades a-plenty.

I really hope front office picks up a second round pick or two, though. But I hope that every year, because I get so caught up in this that I fall in love with minor prospects who, if I'm honest, have a negligible chance of making it.

 

So you don't believe the chatter about him being fined a million times for not doing his rehab?

 

Speaking of Embiid:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/source...suffers-setback-with-left-foot-014042190.html

 

Sam Meyerkopf, Euroleague Adventures
"If you’re a basketball purist, then like me you will love Hernangomez’s game. He’s a high post and low post threat on offense with an array of big man skills usually seen in generations past. He can dish from the elbows, playing high-low with another big. He has great footwork and can maneuver around either block and finishes with a soft touch. And he reads the game beautifully for a big man, constantly making decisions that help the offense run smoothly. There will be questions on what he can do against NBA length and athleticism but Hernangomez is crafty enough to figure out a way to be productive. Defensively he will hopefully be mobile, big, and smart enough to be passable so he can stay on the floor to show off his offensive skills."

 

OK Fez, you've convinced me. I want Hernangomez!
I wouldn't be surprised to see him go before our pick, though. There's usually a surprise international pick in the bottom third of the first round.

The hard part for Portland will be if all three of Hernangomez, Upshaw and Justin Anderson are all there. Anderson is more of an immediate need, Upshaw could have Rudy Gobert defensive potential and Hernangomez could be the poor man's Marc Gasol. Having watched more tape of Upshaw I'm cooling on him - he blocks a TON of shots, but he's otherwise kind of clueless. Hernangomez wouldn't really fit with Meyers, either. I just hope Meyers won't stop us getting good players the way Drexler preempted Jordan or Telfair preempted Chris Paul.

 

EEK:

 

Has to be a smokescreen. I don't like Porzi one bit as a prospect, especially given the assets we'd need to give up to get him.

 

Could it be a contingency if LA leaves?

 

Shit, people said he's basically Bargnani.

 

First: I automatically assume that this is bullshit, and will continue to think so unless cast iron proof otherwise emerges.
But second, on the tiny chance it isn't: if the Knicks take Porzingis, should we worry about a sign-and-trade of LA to NY?

 

Not sure. LA and Melo seems like a disastrous combo. Two of the highest FGA players with no other true defenders on the roster. Sounds like a typical Knicks move

 

But but but - THE TRIANGLE!

 

Except he blocks shots.