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

as far as data, i'd argue there's more useful info on hezonja (in terms of play against better competition) than johnson or winslow. it's just that WE haven't seen as much.

 

Did you type that right? You mean trade the chance to draft Okafor for 5 & 10?

 

That would be tough to pass on. Those two could be defensive anchors on this team for the next ten years and I like the thought of a guy like Stanley being able to learn under Kobe for a year.

It would really depend on whether or not the scouts thought Okafor could be a true superstar. And by that I mean top 10 to 20 in the league good. That's the only way I think you pass on that kind of trade.

 

If you had a crystal ball and could guarantee Winslow+WCS, I might do it...but probably not. There's no guarantee WCS lasts till 10. You might end up with Winslow and Kaminski or Porzinga. Drafting Okafor gets you a starting center for $4mil rather than $18mil. Can't pass that up.

 

A lot of mocks have Stanley dropping to around 9 to 12. So in theory, you could grab Cauley-Stein at 5 and Johnson at 10.

 

That's true. How about the best defensive perimeter in the league with Winslow and Johnson at sg/sf?

 

I thought about that as well. I would definitely do it if we could get both of them.

 

I wouldn't. Okafor is better than what you'll get there. I like our young guys and building the right way, but with two top 10 picks you're making them even younger with lesser talent than what's at 3 and with one guy who probably isn't NBA ready.

I'd sit on the 3. If we want to climb back into the first, see what magic Mitch can work with the few assets we have. Otherwise take BPA and get ready for FA.

Also in that scenario, I see Philly more likely to strike a deal with NY. Russell, their guy (if reports are true), would be there at 4. No need to deal with us.

 

Wow, frankly I'd be shocked to see us have Okafor outside of the top two. That's the same top 3 I have for us, just wrong order.

Damn, that'd be a great get for the Heat.

 

don't like what I've seen from porzingis. doesn't look athletic at all, and looks too thin to be a power player. not a shooter like dirk, either.

 

maybe I need to watch more film, but he looked mechanical compared to his (overly generous) comps of ak47 and dirk. looks like a poor man's hybrid of the two.

good news is i don't think the lakers will have a shot at him. no way he's top 5.

as for trading for picks 5 and 10...that's dangerous in this draft. i think there's 8-9 players (okafor, towns, Russell, mudiay, winslow, wcs, hezonja, Johnson, maybe porzingis if you believe chad ford). if nobody reaches, you're looking at a kaminsky at 10, which, as I've said before, does not excite me. I'd rather take my chance with the high pick unless i can make a deal contingent on BOTH of my guys being available. doubt that's possible, as it's asking a lot of the trade partner.

 

It's hard to say no to a sure shot offensive player like Okafor. I don't think I could do that, even if it meant being able to snag WCS and Johnson.

I think the immediate impact of Okafor is the deciding factor. Although WCS would translate well defensively, I think he still has a ways in terms of getting stronger and adapting to NBA size. Stan I think still needs some polishing to do to get to the level we think he can get. Whereas I think Okafor's size is already above the level of most NBA centers already, his impact I think will be almost immediate. I think his high IQ and being under Coach K will allow him to adjust seamlessly. Also, I like to think that the floor for Okafor at worst a player who can put up 15 ppg.

I just don't take that chance.