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

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by LaVarBallsDad, Oct 14, 2014.

  1. JSM

    JSM - Lakers Legend -

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    Interesting take on Okafor's defense

     
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  2. ninjagorn

    ninjagorn - Rookie -

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    No way, Harris we can get in FA, Butler in S&T maybe, but that would be for the max contract and we still have holes in the lineup+no financial resources.
    I would draft Town even with the first pick-perfect fit for Randle-good defender. The scoring is not that important ATM,
     
  3. lakerfan2

    lakerfan2 - Lakers All Star -

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    Key words: "when he makes an effort"
     
  4. johnnyboy

    johnnyboy - Lakers 6th Man -

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    Why do you think there is no way to get harris? I agree that NY the frontrunner, but to say there is no way?
     
  5. Helljumper

    Helljumper - Lakers All Star -

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    I thought about this while reading through the Demarcus Cousins thread, but I figured this would be a better place to ask:

    Let's say the lottery doesn't screw us over and we get our Top 5 pick. Can we even trade it? In a way, the pick was already traded and we're just keeping it because of the protection. And then also, you can't trade picks in back-to-back years, and so if we end up keeping this pick, that means Philadelphia likely has our pick next year.
     
  6. ninjagorn

    ninjagorn - Rookie -

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    No way i trade the pick for Harris-we can get him in FA-thats what i meant.
     
  7. lakerfan2

    lakerfan2 - Lakers All Star -

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    If we end up getting this pick, yes we can trade it.

    Philly will most likely get our pick next year anyway considering it's only top 3 protected.
     
  8. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    His game really isn't that reliant on athleticism actually. Not any more than Lillard's is reliant on athleticism. In fact watching him play I see a lot more patience than people seem to give him credit for. He's excellent in the pick and roll with a great feel for when and where to pass the ball. His jump shot isn't consistent and he's not always 100% focused, but those are typical gripes for young players. The same can be said for Russell in fact.

    The only reason Russell is getting so much more attention than Mudiay is because Russell is right here on your television once a week. If Mudiay was playing in the NCAA, I think a lot of the narrative would change on him. His game isn't based on athleticism at all, he's got more skill than people are giving him credit for. I'd take him over Russell for sure, but not before Okafor or Towns.
     
  9. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    Traditionally, the Lakers haven't gone after RFAs in the past, and I suspect they wouldn't change their approach this summer. So, a wiring Harris in FA is a moot point. Orlando would need incentive to trade him. For the record, I would never trade a number 5 pick straight up for Harris; I only would provided there are other pieces coming back with him.
     
  10. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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    I'm surprised you like Mudiay above Russell. Russell shoots much better and sees the floor MUCH better from what I can tell. What qualities do you like in Mudiay that puts him above Russell. I admit I have not seen much of Mudiay.
     
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  11. johnnyboy

    johnnyboy - Lakers 6th Man -

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    Oh yea for sure. I was referring to free agency
     
  12. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    I just don't have faith right now in Russell's body translating to the next level. I like his vision, but those great one-handed passes aren't going to be so easy at the next level when defense are more active. I see both of them being projects, but I see Mudiay translating more easily both in the short-term and long-term.

    I think Russell's only hands down advantage over Mudiay is his shooting. In some respects Russell reminds me of a Steph Curry, but Curry is such a unique case. Curry is small, relatively weak, and not terribly athletic. If it wasn't for his incredible shooting he wouldn't be all that valuable to a team otherwise. Mudiay brings more to the table athletically, his vision might not be as good as Russell's but I don't think it's that far behind either. I think both have some good intangibles in that they'll make the extra pass, but Russell has a slight edge there. The thing that bothers me about both of them: neither of them really look like the killer types, Russell more than Mudiay. Russell strikes me as a gamer, but I'm not sold on his work ethic. Mudiay seems more inclined to do what's necessary, but he's obviously very gifted and takes plays off. That's why I have Stan Johnson ahead of them on my boards most of the time.

    I happened to rewatch some of Mudiay's stuff recently though, his last few games in China and I just see a lot of translatable game. I'm not sold on that with Russell, but there's still some time. Russell is definitely in the Top 5 though. I still have Okafor, Towns, Mudiay or Johnson, then Russell.
     
  13. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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  14. alam1108

    alam1108 - Lakers Legend -

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    ^ would feel a lot better if we were 14-43. We would be closer to Minny and not have to worry about Orlando much. And who knows what Denver might do.
     
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  15. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    I still have faith, but it's starting to wain definitely. We're a bad squad and I'm convinced we'll get the pick, but um... Start getting smarter Mitch and Byron. Sit guys that need to be sat. Don't rely on karma please. We're already here. The pride is gone. There's no reason to uphold any sort of "no tanking" standard.
     
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  16. fabulus

    fabulus - Rookie -

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    Yeah that's what I was wondering because I haven't been able to find any recent clips of Mudiay. Dunno about that guy yet. On the other hand, I was pretty excited about Exum and he's played pretty well.
     
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  17. lakerjones

    lakerjones Moderator Staff Member

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    Exactly. Everyone knew after the break that we weren't going to out tank NY or Philly the reigning Tank champs. So an automatic in wasn't happening. If we are relying on chance I like something in the 90% instead the 80%'s or less.
     
  18. fabulus

    fabulus - Rookie -

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    Are there any recent clips of Mudiay? Butler seems to be a great analogy for Johnson. Physically they are so similar.
     
  19. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    The article I posted above sheds a light on Russell's work ethic and how much he watches film, etc. Every thing I have seen and read on him describes him as a hard worker and a student of the game. I also don't think a freshman can become the leader of a veteran team without having a great work ethic.

    I don't doubt Mudiay has talent and I can't wait to see his workouts.

    But guys playing overseas often get tons of hype. We only get to see a handful of highlight clips and aren't really able to fully evaluate them or their flaws. I also think there can be a natural curiosity about an unknown guy like Exum last year.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2015
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  20. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    I am starting to feel like this a moot point though and we are going to end up with the 4th or 5th pick (if we get a pick at all). As a result, I see us with either Johnson or Cauley-Stein.

    Cauley-Stein's game on the offensive side has steadily improved. He is already easily one of the best defenders in college basketball. If he can keep improving on the offensive end, I could easily see him going in the top 5.
     
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