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

Random thoughts on some of the guys (and touching on the topics this page)...
WCS seems like Chandler lite with maybe a bit more speed. His chase down, end to end D is eye opening. No way in hell he can stick NBA PGs though. He might do better against a lot of bigs against them in half court if he gets switched during a P&R, but that's it. And the end to end s*** against Curry, Wall, Teague, CP3, Westbrook, etc. would not work.

Winslow has been helping his stock. I don't like him though. He's too showy, I see a little Swaggy P in him in that regard. Those three shots he made and then got caught celebrating after irritated me. Had no vested interest in the game outside of scouting, but caught myself yelling for him to get the f*** back on D. Might be no big deal, but it was a red flag to me. His game (not body) looks more pro ready than Johnson. Still like Johnson as my first SF. the build, the D, and he's more professional in his approach.

Frank the Tank looks smooth. Wouldn't mind him here, but I like the other 3 bigs better. Screams a dream fit for Phil. Wonder if he'd trade down for him.

Bynum...I mean Towns had a monster game. Not taking anything away from him, but it was against dwarfs. I'm really hoping the stars align for a pre draft showdown between Duke and Kentucky. Size vs. Size. Larger than life coach vs larger than life coach.

I like Zagas bigs. They're fundamentally sound, good shooters and passers. Don't think we'll be able to get them with a later pick, though.

Dekker needs to stop! Kid is shooting up to the early teens at this rate. That dunk he had after the whistle that didn't count was ridiculous. Love his motor.

Okafor 's last outing was underwhelming. Doesn't change my stance on him or ranking him #1. The D ran everything they had at him. It was frustrating watching their offense. Thought they pushed it too much at times. When you have the best player in the nation and don't even wait for him to get past half court, you're doing yourself a disservice. They did a lousy job getting him the ball, expected better out of Coach K. Whenever he had position in the post, they didn't hit him. The guards suck and diving and dumping it off. If they drive, they take the shot. Attack and drop it off to Jah. No he doesn't play above the rim, but a dump off pass is something that should've been taught in JV basketball at the latest.

 

I think he can guard 1 and 2s in terms of defending PnRs. I would generally feel confident on switching on a 1-5 PnR with WCS.

You are absolutely right, he is not built like DeAndre, I was meaning more of how he can be used, like the Clips use DeAndre this year: let him board and defend, no need to run plays specifically for him unless it's lob city type stuff on the break (which he runs extremely well).

I think ultimately we are saying the same thing, I know Tyson has been used that way most of, if not all of his career as well. And like someone above pointed out: you can't teach the chemistry of playing a year with our "future star" rookie.

I won't take him if Okafor, KAT, or Russell are on the board, but if those three are gone and I'm sitting at #4, I'm pounding the table for WCS.

 

Got it. I've watched Stein for nearly two years, so I place far more greater importance on almost 2 years worth of data than 1 actual play; nevertheless, I don't know if he will be able to guard all 5 positions in the NBA, but what I do know is he's going to be a good defender at the next level and will give the team he's drafted too a lot of versatility defensively because of what he could do with his physical tools on that side of the floor. Offensively, he's a work in progress, and I'm being nice...

 

I had certainly noticed the last name. So he IS Arvydas Sabonis' son?

 

After watching some NCAA tournament games more closely this year, a lot of guys stand out. There's a lot of guys that can be solid picks that would benefit us greatly. Unfortunately we are stuck with top 5 or bust because of the stupid protections.

 

Nephew??? *waiting for someone who knows for sure*

 

Yeah I'm a little more on board with Russell over Mudiay. I think that both things (athleticism/natural instincts) cannot be taught and I would rather have Russell's natural feel for the game and live with his limited athleticism. Just me though.

Ultimately you are right, IF we keep the pick we are getting a cost controlled NBA ready championship piece (how big is yet to be seen) almost regardless of the player. None of them really feel like they have any bust potential.

 

I'm biased in this discussion as a Wisconsin fan, but yes I would be on board with taking him. I have never seen a 7' center with the skill set he has. He handles the ball like a guard, shoots the 3 well, post moves galore, passes out of the DT exceptionally well and is a money player. To me he looks like a combo of Pau, Dirk and Bird, yes I said it Bird. All lacking the athleticism most look for in the draft but having the skills and heart that are off the charts.The upcoming game with Kentucky will be a litmus test for him. If he gets it done, will the consensus change on the top pick big?

 

This Duke and Zaga game has been good but man Duke has been annoying to watch. They've gone 5 mins without a basket yet still don't get the ball to arguably the best offensive big man. Several opportunities to dump the ball into him but their wings opt to drive and toss up a bad lay up.

 

Winslow has bumped Johnson out of the top 5, imo.

for me:
Towns
Okafor
Russell
Mudiay
Winslow
WCS
Johnson
Frank the tank

 

Yeah I see him and appreciate how good he is skills wise but wonder where Frank the "Tank" came from for a nickname. Gotta be more than just because it rhymes, right?

 

Didn't watch the Duke game. Did Okafor struggle against Karnowski's size today?

 

I saw bits of the first half and most of the second half and he literally didn't get a touch for the last 8 minutes. Not sure why. it wasn't great denial d. he was just standing around...

 

^ last 8 or so minutes was the Winslow show.