Chad Ford: Teams are looking for players who fit in with styles of Cleveland and Golden St, and even Oklahoma City. Guys that can pass, shoot and defend all over the court are rising, those who can't do those things are falling in the draft. That's what I am hearing from all the front office people I talk to.
I'm not really sure. I think Russ would still probably go third this year, but it's hard to call because some people seem to have a big problem with Ingram's frame. It it was me picking, I'd still probably pick Russ 3rd, but I can also see him being better than either of the top 2 if he gets in the correct situation that highlights his skills. Think about it, last season how often did we see Russ make those incredible passes he made in college? I think that's mostly because Byron ran a terrible offense that didn't allow Russ to shine.
i think russell/ingram/zinger would be a toss up this year. all of them have slight frames, all of them are not fantastic athletes, all of them are skilled, each has something unique to bring to the table. i just hope this doesn't end up like last year, where it was: towns russell/zinger okafor the field would be a bummer to be 2nd in two consecutive 1 superstar drafts. better than having no pick, but still...
When wouldn't a draft prospect that can "pass, shoot and defend all over the court " go high? And Ben Simmons doesn't fit that "shoot all over the court" mold. It seems to me that size and athleticism, slashing and boards, still draw interest. Simmons has a great eye for the pass for sure and is young, but I don't think we are going to see him develop a great jumper, he's shown little improvement there in his high school and college year career. I think he's a fantastic prospect I just don't think he fits that mold in Chad's quote. Simmons will most likely need to be surrounded by shooters to be effective inside. Brandon Ingram fits the bill much more nicely in a GSW role. I believe Luke would be most interested in this guy and anything the FO is doing to show otherwise is smoke to make sure Simmons goes #1.
And with the 2nd pick, in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select... Wow, I haven't seen such a smooth player like that in HS since well...Kobe. The finesse, the footwork, the tenacity, it's there. Give me Ingram.
Did you guys hear about the Dr's concerns with his skin condition? The medication used to treat it is on the banned list of substances. May affect a team's willingness to take him. I'll try to find the link and vid
I can easily see Kobe taking this kid under his wing in the offseason every year as a favor to Coach K.
