I see the similarities too, and I also think Al Jefferson is underrated. If he played on a better team with a supporting cast, he'd be an allstar. If Jefferson is Okafor's floor, that is a solid 2nd pick. Also, alot of people are assuming that Towns has a higher ceiling, which is understandable. But they forget that Okafor's postgame will improve as well. He's going to be unstoppable in a few years. Automatic in the paint. Teams are going to have to plan defensive schemes just to stop him. I don't see that kind of potential from any of the other prospects in this draft.
yep. again, you can double off the ball to prevent post touches, but that should open up the floor for everyone else. I really think the negativity on okafor comes from him being on the radar for so long. had Russell or towns been the clear #1 guy coming out of hs, I think there would be more discussion of what they can't do versus what they can, too. I honestly still expect okafor to go 1 and the lakers to get towns when the dust settles.
I think part of the Laker legacy is that no matter who we get, I have faith they'll end up better than who Minnesota gets. Call it luck, but I think it's culture. We're about winning, we have winners all around our organization, and whoever it is that we draft will be surrounded by an atmosphere of Championship lore. Minnesota hasn't been successful since Garnett left. They've got young talent all over the floor and they had fewer wins than we did. If we get Okafor, he'll end up being the kid that revitalizes the post game in the NBA. He's got the strength, the hands, the size, and the footwork. He'll be the next in a long line of incredible Laker big men. If we get Towns he'll end up being a versatile and dangerous weapon that can take the ball the post, but also jump over you if he has to. He'll be one of the top rim protectors defensively and offensively will be able to execute any offense we need him to. I'm almost positive Towns goes first and we end up with Okafor and I think the rest of you guys will enjoy being on the Okafor train. I see a tremendous future for that kid.
Dear God I hate TMZ... I've read all the reports of how nice Towns is to basically anybody on the street. If he ends up here, I hope he gets a publicist who kind of opens his eyes to how the media operates in a big market like this. They'll turn on him in a second. Still thanks for posting. Julius is doing the rounds with all these guys apparently. Saw Russell at the Entourage premiere, got lunch with Towns... I wonder if he'll meet up with the mysteriously quiet Jahlil at some point.
Yeah. I can argue pretty much either guy at this point. Ready for the pick to happen so we can focus on free agency.
Our roster looks better with this 2nd pick, though. Actually, our roster looks better heading into this season than last year, IMO Clarkson/Brown Kobe/Young Randle/Black/Kelly Towns and/or Okafor Fill it out with starting level talent and we look more improved going onto the season.
Exactly. I'll be excited and be dialed in next season. I'll temper my expectations, but I'd expect to improve a lot next year.
If we came into this season with exactly the same cast and the #2 pick and Kobe stayed healthy I'd expect at least 10 more wins. With the #2 pick and a couple free agents, I see no reason we shouldn't come close to 40 wins next season. Yes I know that's a huge jump, but we should absolutely be in the 30+ win category next season regardless of FA additions.
Agreed. There's teams that make huge leaps and bounds. The most recent I can think of without researching is Phoenix. They went from 25 to 48 wins an almost made the POs two years ago. I think we'll contend for the PO's. The west so deep, though. What's been the average of wins that has gotten into the POs as the 8th seed the last few years? 48 wins? It's be a home leap to make the POs but anything is possible.
-Since 2005 the average win total for the 8th seed has been 45.45 wins. -The lowest was 2012 where the 8th seed had only 36 wins. -The highest is tied at 50 wins both in 2008 and 2010.
So, the magic number is 45. Interesting. Thanks for providing that information. 2 significant free agent signings and we might get there...
They should move the Southern Midwest teams (SA, HOU, DAL) to the Eastern Conference for the Northern Midwest Teams (CHI, IND, MIL).
Have we heard anything on Ed Davis & whether he will opt in or not...? I'd love to see him with that group too.
