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

Okafor/Winslow are day one starters for us IMO and takes care of one of the two glaring spots on our team. Get the other in FA.

I hope everyone is in good spirits, positive mind states and ready to be on board with whatever happens. LETS GO.

 

Then how can you already assume the same when Hezonja hasn't even played in the NBA yet? He's already proved he can play at a high level in the pros at his age. In Europe, the language barrier is already there playing on an international team, you don't think teammates are able to communicate with him there?

 

Russell's was maybe worse, as he asked if I watched. I did. I saw nba-level athletes on the wing eat his lunch.

 

I am not assuming anything, just stating facts.

Kobe had more game and spoke better English than Hezonja at age 19. Fact. Kobe did not have to deal with cultural differences as a rookie. Fact. Team chemistry is built through communication. Fact.

Not sure why I'm arguing over this, but his arrogance and immaturity can be an issue when everyone on the team is so young. I'm not saying it's a red flag, just something to be aware of.

 

Well, you're assuming Hezonja isn't able to communicate to his teammates because of a language barrier. Didn't really seem the case when he's making no look passes and finishing plays with teammates.

So I don't get where you're getting that Hezonja is unable to do so.

 

Language barrier means it will be a challenge for him and his teammates to talk to each other. And from my personal experience travelling, it's easier to deal with a foreigner that is humble.

I'm also a little eery on why he was benched as often as he was in Barcelona. There are some reports stating it was for disciplinary issues.

 

Disciplinary because he had an interview with a newspaper basically saying he's entering the NBA draft. The coach didn't like that so he benched him a few times.

It was also clear of that when a slew of scouts, INCLUDING Mitch, were left watching Mario on the bench when the coach learned of the scouts plan.

 

@lakerfan2 　yeah that's what a lot of the reports are speculating but who knows what the truth is. I've also read on a Croatian forum that there was some beef between him and the coach prior to the interview.

http://www.hrsport.net/sportnetklub/kosarka-2/mario-hezonja-199752/1/

 

Wait. Who called Johnson a jerk?

 

The main difference I see is that there are concerns from actual scouts and front office people about Hezonja's attitude. I don't see anything wrong with confidence from a player, but there is definitely a line that some guys can cross.

That said, I'm certainly not going to get upset with Russell, Johnson, etc thinking they are the best player in the draft. Not sure what else you would say. If Russell actually sat there and said that he thought Mudiay was better than him he would get ripped for it and rightfully so.

 

and kobe's never had spats with Phil? it's part of the territory.

it's part of the risk in taking these type of players. he's also still a kid with a lot of maturing to do. i rather liken to that fire because it seems he's serious about winning and basketball, unlike some players out there.

 

@lakerfan2
I think we fundamentally disagree regarding this subject, because I feel Nick Young needs to pack his bags after the BS attitude he's been displaying this season (and since you mentioned, the Kobe/Phil feud never cost Kobe any playing time)

But I like Hezonja. He's got elite athletism and shooting. All prospects have weaknesses though, so nitpicking is necessary when evaluating talent. For Hezonja, it's the reported immaturity, and it's difficult to accurately evaluate how severe the issue is from across the pond. That's why he's projected in the 6-8th pick range

 

I'm not really debating his draft position, which still has a long ways to go in terms of workouts and interviews, but of course, that's his one knock.

But it's not the end of the world when it comes to evaluating his talent. Look at Cousins for example, he's probably got the worst attitude in the league, but you simply can't ignore his skill level. Would he be a BETTER player if he got his act right, probably. If that's the issue than I'm okay with that.

 

Yeah, that didn't come from Elgin nor I; we're Russell fans, and we like his confidence. I never said one negative remark (neither did Elgin from what I've seen) about Stanley declaring he was the best player in the draft. In fact, more power to him. I'm glad he said that and has that self-belief in himself. He's not a jerk. He comes across as a smart, articulate, intelligent kid. He'll have a good NBA career.