I think it's unfair to characterize a negative evaluation of a player as "looking for reasons that he will fail". Are you similarly irritated by posters' negative evaluations of Ike Anigbogu and TJ Leaf? Or are those considered more valid because they don't have outspoken fathers who are perceived as influencing people's opinions?
I agree. I don't mind going on record predicting he will be a very good NBA player. He might struggle his first year but I still say he has the "it" factor when he steps on the court. However I do think at some point in the next couple of years he needs to distance himself from his Dad while working on his game. Every player in every sport can use a different set of eyes and a different voice while trying to improve. And I am not too sure Dad will be willing "let go" until Lonzo is ready to tell him to back off. But eventually he will.......
For me, it would be his shot (which is an unknown, since he'll need to revamp it for the NBA game) and defense that give me pause. He has a stand-out ability when it comes to passing but that, alone, won't make him a star. Rubio has both great passing and defense and he isn't a star--because he can't shoot reliably. If Ball's new shot is good, I can definitely see him becoming a star. If, additionally, his defense becomes passable or better, I can see him becoming a superstar. As things stand, though, I'd have him in my top-ten for five years out, assuming I made a list.
1. Tatum 2. Jackson 3. Fultz 4. J Collins 5. Issac 6.OG Anunoby 7. Ball 8. Patton 9. Markannen 10.Leaf Dark Horse: Ojeleye
I have nothing against Ball it the team he goes to will have alot to do if he can be successful. Plus him coming in a workout out of shape that don't look good to me how dictated he is to be a star or super star in this league. Does he has chance to be good sure but what level I don't know.
@tester551 ... I thoroughly believe Portland will not be selecting all of their picks but may also end up with a pick in the 2nd round. I'm trying to gather as much as possible and will post it in a thread probably early next week a couple of days before the Draft. @SwissBlazer
I don't root for any kid to fail...I just go by the bunches of games I've seen him play in and I still think it's hype.....this is the first season I've watched quite a bit of college ball....I think Pat Connaughton would school him.
Only of the players I saw: Lonzo Ball Caleb Swanigan Markelle Fultz Zach Collins Justin Jackson DeAron Fox Bam Adebayo Carmelo Tatum Justin Bell What's his name the free flowing SF, don't think it was Jackson, maybe Monk No I think it was Isaac Josh Jackson The skinny tall frenchman Johan Bolden
He was fresh out of high school playing against grown men in a foreign environment. I wouldn't put too much stock into those stats. A great example is Brandon Jennings. He went to Italy after high school and put up a pretty atrocious season. Averaged something like 5ppg but still ended up being a lottery pick, started all 82 games, and was first team all rookie.
I'm going to say Isaac puts it together in year 2 or 3 and becomes KD light......for the Blazers. 1. Isaac 2. Tatum 3. Jackson 4. Z Collins 5. Monk 6. Fox 7. Fultz 8. Patton 9. Justin Jackson 10. Ferguson is my long shot because i like him.
I'm going to bet that two foreign players are going to be in that top ten. Don't ask me which two, because I haven't been paying attention. But it's impossible to compare them with college guys until they get to the NBA.
What are the top ten players from the 2012 draft? My picks: 1. Hornets Anthony Davis PF 6. Trail Blazers Damian Lillard PG 35. Warriors Draymond Green SF 9. Pistons Andre Drummond C 3. Wizards Bradley Beal SG 39. Pistons Khris Middleton SF 7. Warriors Harrison Barnes SF 34. Cavaliers Jae Crowder SF And two out of: 2. Bobcats Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF 4. Cavaliers Dion Waiters SG 8. Raptors Terrence Ross SG 14. Bucks John Henson PF 17. Mavericks Tyler Zeller C 20. Nuggets Evan Fournier SG 40. Trail Blazers Will Barton SG
To me I think he will have his problems on defense staying in front of guys. Offense if he doesn't get stronger I believe he will have trouble getting to the rim and I really don't like his shot. He shoot alright if he has space but these veteran point guard might not give him that space. You got look how many great PG that is in the NBA and if he does get drafted by the Lakers he will face some of the best PG in this league. Look even how great Dame is he can't even get all star bid in the west. So for him to be the player that he thinks he is, than he need to get in the gym and work for it if not he never get there in this league. He only had 1 workout and he came in out of shape especially the team he wants to play for the Lakers. That show me that he thinks they going to handed it to him without working. Don't be suprise that he falls in next week draft.
For his size, I think he needs to be quicker. Also, he's great in transition but not nearly as good in the half court. Also, he weighed in at 162 lbs which means he is going to get pushed around and the more physical nature of the pro game will hamper him IMO.
