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

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

  1. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    I can't post the whole thing of course, but Chad Ford really hits my thoughts on this whole debate.

    "The Lakers have young talent at power forward (Julius Randle) and point guard (Jordan Clarkson). Can we rule out those positions, or is anything a possibility for the Lakers?

    Ford: I hope the Lakers aren't sold on either guy. Randle hasn't played, and Clarkson, despite his strong play this season, was getting huge minutes on an awful team. I remember a few years ago when the Blazers passed on drafting Chris Paul because they had a young, talented Sebastian Telfair. Unless you're convinced Clarkson is a future All-Star, you don't hesitate to draft Mudiay or Russell if he's your guy. Obviously, the Lakers have a bigger need in the middle, and either Towns or Okafor are perfect fits. But Mudiay and Russell are interesting as well. In short, you're right: The Lakers need talent and any of the players in our top five would immediately, in my mind, be the most talented player on their roster going forward."
     
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  2. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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    If Towns & Okafor are gone I take Russell or Mudiay without hesitation. We have to build without Kobe in mind. I'd love a backcourt of Clarkson / Russell or Mudiay for the next decade.
     
  3. escobar8

    escobar8 - Rookie -

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    I am allways for picking best player avaible...
    Of the track...what does portland has with cp3...if i remember right,atlanta made mistake of the decade and drafted marvin williams at the #2...not por...
     
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  4. Savory Griddles

    Savory Griddles Moderator Staff Member

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    That's impossible to to know. Randle was the best player on a a team that made it to the title game. He average 15-10 and was the #1 or #2 recruit coming out of high school. I would venture to say two of those guys might end up better than Randle.

    Ford makes his living on the NBA draft. It doesn't matter how talented the players in the draft are, he's going to hype the crap out of them all because no one cares about a draft where everyone thinks the players will have zero impact. From everything I've read, most GMs aren't sold on ANY player in this class being a surefire All-Star. (Not that Randle is either)

    Next season is thought to be one of the weakest drafts in memory, but I guarantee Ford will be there hyping the top 7 dudes as can't miss prospects. He has a conflict of interest. His livelihood depends on people being interested. If you say the top 3-4 prospects will end up as the 3rd or 4th best players on their team, no one is going to give a rat's behind. If you haven't noticed, every player in the top 10 is being compared to a current or former NBA star. Odds are 2-3 of them will be career backups.
     
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  5. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    That's a fair point. I could tell you, though, that the FO is REALLY high on Clarkson and Randle. Although, I project to the to be both starters, it doesn't mean that everybody is going to have my opinion on that subject. Bottom-line, draft best player available; I still think there is a higher likelihood we trade the pick for a more established player, but we'll see...
     
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  6. Doc Brown

    Doc Brown - Lakers Starter -

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    I'm pretty sure anyone on this board could do the job of Ford, Kiper and McShay.

    Watch tape, make wrong decisions on players, move on to next year and be called an "expert".
     
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  7. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    Well, yeah. As a draft analysis Ford talks about the draft. Not trying to be flip but of course he is gonna talk about prospects. Doesn't mean his analysis or opinion is off.

    Also, all he is really saying is that we need talent pretty much every where. Something I agree with and I think our record last season backs up pretty soundly. We shouldn't pass on a talented player based on the current roster especially when Clarkson could co-exist with Mudiay or Russell. I don't see anything controversial or biased about his take on it.
     
  8. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    I like both guys too. But, I wouldn't pass on Russell or Mudiay or bringing in Kevin Love or Aldridge based on us having them. Especially since there are ways for those guys to all co-exist.
     
  9. Savory Griddles

    Savory Griddles Moderator Staff Member

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    No. I agree with that. Like I said a little earlier in the thread, if our FO thinks Russell or Mudiay have all star potential, then so be it. I'm just saying that the difference between any of the top 5 seems small, if not non-existent. With that in mind, I pick Winslow or Johnson or WCS. I'm not a scout though. If Mitch says Mudiay is the next John Wall and Winslow is the next Derek Williams, I will believe him and be happy for Mudiay and Clarkson.
     
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  10. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    Gotcha
     
  11. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    Philosophically, we agree. In fact (some might disagree), depending on the deal, I'd move the pick in an instant for a more established player. We need a competitive product on the floor next season to pitch to potential FA's in 2016...
     
  12. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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    I wouldn't mind moving the pick for the right guy either.
     
  13. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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  14. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    ^2nd video where he went 8-8 behind the arc; first time really watching him for myself...
     
  15. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    Ok, so after pouring through the highlights and some scouting reports; here's my analysis...

    1. Needs to develop a left hand
    2. Needs a mid-range game; (very limited in this respect)
    3. Defense needs to get better
    4. Not great ball handler in one on one situations.

    Those things could be worked on, though. I could definitely see why Mitch made the trip to Spain, IMO. This young man is the real deal, and after just watching him for most of my morning, he's the best wing in this draft. If he develops a high-post game in the NBA, oh my word But yeah, he's better than both Winslow and Johnson. He'd be my first wing off the board; I might even take him ahead of Russell, and I love Russell.
     
  16. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    The problem isn't talent with that kid it's his attitude and demeanor. I've heard he's a spoiled whiner. I've heard he's extremely critical of his teammates. I've also heard he's an intense competitor and holds his teammates to and higher standard.

    I'd need to have a long, frank interview with him to make sure he is mentally capable of handling this responsibility.
     
  17. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers MVP -

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  18. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    ^I agree. I just never watched him before in the detail I did this morning. He's a stud. If his workouts pan out, I could see his taking a real look at him in the top 5.
     
  19. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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  20. escobar8

    escobar8 - Rookie -

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    I saw today scout reporter,that said that he is only player in this draft that could win allstar dunk and 3s competition...which is true and just shows how big range of skills he poses.
    Someone said he has bad attitude, which i think is wrong...first you should know that coach didnt want to give him any playtime becouse he knew he will go to the draft...even tho he got some great games in limited minutes...it must had affect on his mind state.
    I definitly agree he is cocky but in the good way...
    Some newsreporter asked him did he watched messi and his respons was :"No,let him come and watch me play first" Who ever picks this kid will have great,bilding block...i dont say this just becouse he is from croatia...he is real deal...like i said before,i havent watched ncaa so i cqnt compare him with others...but he will have bright future in nba...
     

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