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

Greg Hansen @ghansen711 · 8h 8 hours ago
In Buckeyes' D'Angelo Russell's 4 biggest games this yr (L'ville, UNC, Mich St, Wisc) he shot combined 30 pct afield and 6-for-30 on 3's

This is a knock on Russell. He hasn't showed up in big games or looked too good against physical defenses until the other night when he played against VCU. We'll see how he does tomorrow against Arizona...

 

I will be even more impressed if he plays well tomorrow. I think Arizona is a tough matchup for them.

 

Very tough. 2 solid wing-defenders. RHJ already shut down DeLeon Wright earlier in the year; a capable PG. I haven't seen RHJ a lot, but I think he's a bit quicker laterally than Stanley Johnson; though, Stanley is an excellent defender in his own right. So, you have two wings that are NBA level ready defenders and the AZ team is very talented.

We'll see...

 

Agree. He tried to do too much in a couple of those games I saw and the opposing defenses really keyed on him and threw his game off. I liked how he played yesterday against VCU and think they will take a similar approach against Arizona.

 

Yep. It doesn't help that OSU is a poor rebounding team either. I just can't see how they can beat Arizona, but crazier things have happened in the tournament.

 

Thad Matta did a wonderful job using Russell as the screener and ran a couple of cuts for him to get easy hoops the other game. Use him as a decoy, move him around off the ball cutting, slashing, and get him to open spots where he could catch and shoot. Scott better show up tomorrow; although, AZ might be smarter and give him the 3-point shot than letting him drive and create for Russell.

 

Rough start for both Johnson and Russell. Hoping for a strong second half.

 

Towns looked great, and even though Russell hasn't been hitting his handle and passing ability has still created some very nice plays for OSU. I could see either one potentially being taken ahead of Okafor, and he's awesome. Realistically a top-4 pick in this draft guarantees a player that at least has the potential to become an All-Star in this league, maybe even a superstar if they can continue to develop.

Towns' defense, Russell's shooting, passing, and balls handling skills, Okafor's post play...the Lakers could absolutely use any of them. Mudiay is intriguing too, although I was a little less impressed with what I've seen from him compared to the other three. If the Lakers get the top pick workouts and interviews are going to go a long way to determining who they go with.

 

They need to lower this shot clock from 35 seconds to 24 seconds...

 

Wes...er...I mean Stanley Johnson having a tough game.

 

OK, watched a lot of Kentucky's game but not all and nothing Towns did while me watching (totally circumstance) jumped out at me. WCS on the other hand, I don't care if he slows down 5% with 20 lbs of muscle in a maturing body going towards 25-27 years old, maybe ultimately more man muscle weight, did impress me with his athleticism, anticipation, timing and I'm pretty sure can blossom offensive game. Screw it. If miss Okafor and Towns throw WCS out there at PF some times with Julius at lean fighting weight at SF. Or put Julius at PF and WCS at small forward. Whoohoo!! He would do a lot more there than Ryan Kelly that's for sure. Just a thought.

Another thought, just saw Deangelo Russell's competitive, Kobe like enjoyment of physically battling an ASU big front court player for position for defensive rebound and then winding up the play with an incredible catch and immediate no look pass at the other end for an assist. Freaking Magic Johnson / Steve Nash like passes this kid is already firing. Back to OSU vs ASU game.

 

Russell is having a horrible game; even worse 2nd half so far; Johnson hasn't looked great. LOL. Oh, well.

 

Yeah, Johnson's shot today looks like MWP. Luckily for him motor, size, and heart can't be taught though. Not to mention his natural instincts well beyond his years on D. It's just one game though, neither of their outings change where I have them ranked. Expect a bounce back game from Johnson in the sweet 16.

 

I don't know how any of those players could find a rhythm when there is a timeout literally every 2 minutes.

Russell was ice cold, but got every shot he wanted from deep or the lane.

I don't think it's fair to judge SJ or RHJ on their offense going up against a stupid zone defense. Both are scrappy as hell though.

Otherwise just another unwatchable college basketball game. From the timeouts, terrible officiating and rec league level offenses, I'm glad I only watch MM.


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Anyone remember the Kobe/Trudell interview when Kobe showed up to a game? Trudell asked Kobe what he could teach Randall and Kobe's reply was footwork. Hypothetically, if we drafted Russell, I really think he would benefit from spending a summer workout with Nash and or Kobe getting advice on his footwork. Same goes for Juilus, Clarkson, or any other potential draft pick, but in this case, I think Russell could become special with learning those fundamental things that have made a less than great athlete (Nash) and Kobe (advanced years) still effective at the highest level.