Yeah his skills are getting seriously undersold which is fine for me. Just like Randle last year Okafor could slide a spot in the draft and we end up winning because of it. Okafor might not have a great vertical leap, but he gets up quickly for as high as he leaps. I heard that idiot Kellerman on the radio today saying Okafor couldn't jump at all and he's patently wrong.
I think Kobe is going to absolutely embrace being a catch-and-shoot player at this stage in his career just like Pierce did. I think Jordan Clarkson is just too good NOT to develop good catch-and-shoot skills. The only problem is whoever is playing the other forward position. I'd be comfortable with Butler or Carroll there. I'd settle for Nick Young if we must... More than that, I'd love to see a bench that flies around now that we've got so many young guys. I want to see some athletes getting after it.
ly Agreed. I'm sold on Okafor. Completely. I seen you mention that Kellerman mention Okafor couldn't jump? He's an idiot. I don't think too much of Ireland when it comes to analyzing basketball as well. Either way, if this was any other draft, Okafor and or Towns would clear cut number 1 prospects.
Yeah I mean part of their job is creating discussion so they'll take unpopular stances... I know that John does it on purpose for radio work. Kellerman just rubs me the wrong way. I don't like that guy. Ireland was saying earlier today don't be surprised if the Lakers traded the pick. The only real example he could come up with was Boogie AND stuff for the pick. I thought that was asinine so I wouldn't trade the pick. I think the only way they move the pick is if Mitch gets his socks blown off. Otherwise I'm completely ready for the Clarkson/Randle/Okafor era to begin!
Yeah, I'll rephrase. Kellerman isn't an idiot. He likes to say things for ratings, and I understand that. It just makes him unlistenable. I've seen him take intelligent positions before, but I can't listen to his radio station everyday. I heard the Ireland talk today; I think at 4 or 5 we could have a discussion of trading the pick, but when it falls in the top 2, that discussion still happens, but the trading it becomes greatly diminished, IMO. Okafor and Towns are on a different tier than the rest of the their class; we'll probably explore trade scenarios, but ultimately we'll have Towns or Okafor in a purple and Gold Jersey very soon.
I think you're 100% right and I think Ireland knows you're right too. The only player who might be worth attaining and is actually maybe available is Boogie. I'd rather have one of the younger bigs than him just because a) they're cheaper b) they might be as good and c) they're younger so we can shape them the way we see fit. I'd still be very tempted to make the move, but they'd probably have to sweeten the deal and I'm not so sure they'd want to so no deal for me. There's really no other stars like him that would be available... Give me Okafor or Towns and let's start building! I'm so excited.
Prior to this point in time I have always preferred Towns over Okafor but within the last 36 hours I have changed my opinion and think Okafor would be best for us. Obviously things could change for me after I read and see how the workouts go between the two.
When he came into camp out of shape last year, the Z-bo comparison had some merit. Word is that he's worked on getting himself into better shape for next season.
The comparison between Randle and Z-Bo started because, on paper, they're both a southpaw, they have similar below-the-rim games, and they're both power players that are great offensive rebounders. In reality, Randle is much faster and is alot more athletic. Considering his size, his athletism is close to Lebron. With some training (specifically shooting and perimeter-D), he can definitely be molded into a SF.
I have a different stance on who we pick. I don't care either way. What I do care is us picking someone and letting him develop and not bring in some redundant "star" like Rondo or Love. Let Clarkson, Randle and 2nd play and develop together.
Randle has a vastly underrated handling ability as well. On multiple occasions, he's able to grab a board and take it coast to coast. Not many players his size can do that.
I know one thing for sure... and that's, who would Lets Go Lakers choose Im perfectly fine with Okafor. He's smart and definetly big enough to play good defense and athleticism is OVERRATED (although good to have) .
Yeah, that's something impressive for sure. And yeah he was a year or 2 younger there, but wow his legs ARE thin for his size. This is good though, MN will, or should love that versatility with Pek there and the familiarity with Wiggins doesn't hurt. Plus he says he would be fine being there and blessed. Who'd you rather have with all of that said if you're Minny..... Towns or a resentful and pissed off Okafor. Maybe he even does the power play, and takes heat for it, by refusing to work out for them.
And of course that wasn't from lack of work or laziness. Wasn't he being held from activity while his advisors and doctors had to make a decision on whether to redo the foot or not?
That's no excuse for weight gain. There are plenty of workouts (pool workouts especially) that allow an athlete to keep in shape without putting pressure on the foot.
Actually right after surgery he was asked not to do anything strenuous. His foot had to stay in a boot so he had almost no cardiovascular ability. He put on a little weight then although from what I understand he was still able to lift weights. Apparently as soon as the boot came off though he lost something like 14 pounds? Not bad. I also follow our Lakers trainer on twitter and he's said that Randle has completely revolutionized his diet. He's eating nothing but healthy stuff and is well on his way to a long and productive career.
