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

Most scouts that I've read have dirty mouths; it's a tough, tough, job. The pay is crappy, you're traveling all the time away from your family, etc...it's not an easy job. It's their decision, though. On topic, I'm not worried about Okafor's passion or love for the game. In fact, I don't think that's well-founded at all.

As far as his weight/conditioning, it's an issue, but I think he's working on it. He's a naturally big guy, though. I think teams can go small on us with Okafor out there and will try to run us out the gym. If he's not in shape, that's what might happen.

 

It's probably the Clippers scout...Michael Olowokandi on lock.

 

Yeah that particular part of it threw me off.

 

Bill Oram‏@billoram 6m6 minutes ago
Emmanuel Mudiay is getting a second workout with Lakers today.

 

Wow, one of those scouts questioning Okafor's love for the game.

 

It's going to be hard comparing ANYONE'S work ethic after witnessing Kobe's entire career. His entire mantra is work ethic.

For Jah, there are things that he could absolutely improve on, it's not like he hasn't tried yet. The thing that puts Okafor ahead of me is the IQ and understanding of the game. Most rookies get off with being hyper athletic or potential skills here and there. Oak has deep roots with basketball and has tuned his game towards his style. You just don't go winning at every level without work ethic.

I'm glad whoever that scout is, is not ours.

 

If we did indeed go with Russell, I would obviously get behind it really quickly although I would by lying if I were to say I wasn't disappointed that it wasn't Okafor. This draft can't come soon enough.

 

We have a top notch strength and conditioning program. If we get Russell, we'll make sure his skinny a** stays in the weight room; if it's Jah, we'll whip is his fat a** into shape. We're good...

 

Give him a year; my approach to any prospect is to bring them along slowly at the beginning part of the season where our newly acquired free agents will handle the main responsibilities and get most of the playing time. Russell could spend a year getting stronger, playing spot minutes, and learning under Kobe while adding more strength to his frame. I have no problem with that.

I love what we did with Clarkson. Brought him along slowly, spent some time in the D-league to keep the rust off, keep in shape, and take off from February through April and play great. I'm not in a rush for these young guys to perform. Let's create a winning atmosphere, take the pressure off of them, and just let them grow naturally/seamlessly into their roles.

 

True, but small teams defending him down low with his awesome game will be getting killed by us offensively. Kobe Bryant knows how to and along with Byron .....feed a great Big Man in the post. What he needs to do and what they need to do. So he will get the ball as much as it's needed to dominate and offset the quicker GS type teams. Jahlil is going to come in being already worlds better than Mozgof with consistency and higher scoring. Too big a problem, rest him a bit and let faster Boom Boom roll at center, or hopefully Davis as well.

 

Savory, I too was writing above while you were posting.

 

I don't think Russell is as good as a shot creator as people are giving him credit for. Does he have a good stroke? Sure. Does he have elite vision? It seems so. But when it comes to creating space, footwork, and finishing through contact, that's not the vibe I'm getting from Russell. He'll have the opportunity for open shots and making his way through the paint, but Harden? Curry? They are completely different players.

 

We'll see. I have some thoughts, but I don't want to get this thread off track, but I understand where you're coming form; a big man controls the pace of the game when you feed him. If we dominate pace, and utilize Okafor and Randle correctly, then I think we could have something special on the offensive end.

 

We've shown before how to slow down small ball teams, and that's with players with size and skill. Bynum, Pau, and Lamar absolutely dominated the Suns with their rebounding and interior play. If Jah and Julius can focus on rebounding, moving the ball, and playing efficient, that'll kill any of this small ball business.