2015 Nba Draft Discussion: Russell, Nance Jr., Brown

How do we know that Okafor isn't like many other players out of Duke? So many players drafted out of that University don't quite live up to the hype. Kyrie Irving, Boozer, and Elton Brand were probably the best in the last few decades to come out of Duke. Who knows what is going to happen to Jabari Parker ... could he be the next Grant Hill? Well I guess Hill was the best to come out of Duke but he had an injury ridden career. Now sure it only takes one to break that mold, and Okafor might be it but if he ends up being like Boozer ... this is the Lakers. We simply expect more.

But, looking at his highlight tapes ... he does seem to have a nice skillset. I just don't want a Carlos Boozer.

 

This has crossed my mind a few times about Okafor, but I think he is going to end being on Irving, Boozer, Brand side of things and not the bust side. He is just too talented and skilled in my opinion to be a bust. I can definitely see him being an instant double double guy like Elton Brand from the moment he hits the court.

 

Because of the usual suspects that come out of Duke, NONE of them are a 7-footer with advanced post skills and footwork who isn't reliant on his athleticism.

 

who are the notable duke busts? jason williams was on his way, imo, before the injury. luol deng was a bit hit. gerald henderson has lived up to modest expectations, as has redick. mason plumlee has vastly exceeded them. the only huge bust i can think of from duke was will avery a while back. if anything, i'd say their record is good in terms of producing pros. most of the duke guys are solid character guys, too, which is underrated.

 

Towns' most recent highlight video. His post footwork is nowhere near as advanced, but his movements remind me so much of bynum. He's already a much better passer than andrew and he's more coordinated and he has a nice jumpshot with 3pt range. Bynum came to us as a pudgy mcdonalds game highschooler and bulked up into a muscley stud in no time. Towns needs muscle, but no where near as much work as andrew needed. With good health and a positive attitude (all accounts that he's a good kid), we may have a Bynum+Aldridge hybrid in this draft.

 

I saw that too. Long lanky, yet awkward kid. Despite not having the same polish as Okafor does, he has that size+athleticism combination that makes his post moves effective. If Towns came straight from high school, I would imagine him being in the Bynum boat. But he's going through a great Kentucky program that actually has a defensive focus which should bode well with this kid. He uses his length well on boards and not many can get up there with him.

Between Towns and Okafor, Towns has the higher ceiling, but Okafor is already 2 years ahead of Towns in terms of being NBA ready. There would be no wrong in ending up with either of the two.

 

I think folks are still thinking back to Bobby Hurley and Laetner as the basis for that. Duke has produced quite a few good pros.

 

Duke has never produced any game changing superstars who lead their teams to championships. That's what people are wary about.

 

I know Okafor is the consensus #1 but I feel like Towns, Russell, and Mudiay could all end up being just as good as him. I haven't seen Porzingis play much either...he could get into the mix too. If the Lakers can end up with a top 4 pick they are getting a very good player, which one has the potential to become a star will be up to Mitch and Jim to figure out.

 

Deron Williams was the closest, I guess. Or was it Grant Hill?

 

I feel like Okafor will be good right away. Towns, Russell, Mudiay and possibly Johnson might be better one day but it will take them time to develop. It's going to be hard to go wrong with any of them.

 

If we get him, I hope Okafor breaks the mold and be a transcendent superstar who will bring multiple titles to the Lakers. If somebody else gets him I hope he rots like his other useless blue devils before him

 

Chad Ford's new mock has us landing Sam Dekkar at 25 and Emmanuel Mudiay at 4.

 

Great point @Savory Griddles. I think a better measuring stick is all-star appearances, career numbers and longevity.

 

In other words, Duke players do not have what it takes to be champions in the pro game. Multiple NCAA championships by Coach K, none of his key players ever sniff an NBA title except as role players.

 

All the more reason to go into full tank mode, Minny is looking like they may have a fire sale to challenge for lottery position, Philly can't do much more to get worse, and in fact their young players are getting better, the Knicks are really blowing it up and will be tough to beat in the race. I'm also worried that Denver is going to unload everyone and get in the race. Utah should stay out of the race with their promising young players....The Magic too. So ...the Lakers need to give Hill, Lin, and anyone else up that other teams may want, buy out Boozer like NY did with Amare...It's hard to think this way but with the can't miss potential of the top 5 picks it is imperative they hold on to it.