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

Why would they be under pressure to select Johnson? If Winslow works out better than Johnson, then that's the direction they need to go, period. Or vice versa. The only pressure they Lakers feel is to start turning things around this summer because these last 2 years have been disastrous. That starts with getting this pick and choosing the best player they see available...

 

Yeah, unfortunately, not a lot of these lower teams are looking for a plug and play guy, and would rather take a potential guy.

I mean, if he slips to 15-20, I'd like to see if we can trade up for him with that Houston pick. Maybe package Hill + the Hou pick to move up? Or Kelly/Sacre?

One can dream.

 

Hmm... that idea of trading down is quite intriguing.

 

Your point about his defensive ability is big. Wisconsin never brought a double to slow Okafur, who is a beast. Kaminsky played him straight up, made him look bad on the defensive end, and simply out played him. Some guys are just basketball players, not elite athletes. The NBA has a long list of those kind of guys who had solid if not great careers.

 

That's not what I meant. I meant to say that they would probably be scrutinized for picking Johnson over Russell/Mudiay because teams are supposed to draft based on 'best talent available'

 

I mean, sure Okafor was in foul trouble that kept him out most of the time, but credit should be given to Kaminsky for doing is his best fronting him and denying him the ball, and playing him one on one and making Okafor take some difficult shots that Jahlil would usually hit.

 

That's exactly what I see them doing; drafting the best player available, and that' the correct approach.

 

Pure Optimism.....When we pull the #1 pick, from what I've seen Towns is the one to pick. His defense, mid range shot plus FT shooting, and quickness is superior to Okafur. Sure Okafur's post moves look better, but with out that ability to hit that mid range shot,a bigger lane that will push him out, and guys his size pounding on him, ( he had a hard time with Kaminsky bumping him and finishing) He's going to be a lesser player than Towns.

 

I think that Russell/Mudiay are slightly better prospects than Johnson. But I also think the margin is small enough to justify and prioritize filling our SF need first.

 

To Franks credit, he played most of the game, and ran out of gas where Okafor was fresh off the bench, not to mention, Duke had Allen and Winslow carrying the team the 2nd half and providing Okafor with a lot of his looks when he was struggling. Dekker being cold really told the story for Wisconsin.

 

Is it too early to pull out my 'Okafor will be as dominant as Shaq' card?

 

I thought Okafor got decent position against Kaminsky almost everytime; he just missed a couple of bunnies, but he virtually got every look he wanted. Could that be a case of Kaminsky's length playing a factor, Okafor just missing, or being nervous playing in the game? Or maybe just a combination of all 3? I think it was a combination of all 3; now, Okafor has the base to get that post position on every level. He's built for it in the lower half of his body.

Towns is top-heavy. I see him struggling trying to get position against bigger, stronger, defenders right out of the gate.

I don't think the margin is small, but I'll go along with you and say the difference is small, I still go with the best available talent. I think Russell and Mudiay will both be better NBA players than Johnson, IMO. I take either one of them before Johnson.

 

Maybe , maybe not, but it's interesting how most mock drafts now have Towns at #1 for the reasons I stated.

 

Absolutely. You pick the most talented guy. Since we have needs in multiple spots we can just focus on the best guy and keep it moving. No need to over think this.

 

Probably because Ohio State sucks and was an expected early exit.

 

Yes

 

Agreed. Workouts matter, too. Randle's workout with Madsen set him apart to the Lakers; it will be one of those workouts that gives me more clarity on who the Lakers might draft...