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

Lamar and Metta were examples in which in did work for a time, when all things became in sync. These type of players need to come into a good situation rather be part of the building process I feel. I think when these type of players get into good situations, they put their ego behind them and actually play ball. Unfortunately, it seems that once things stray off the beaten path, they do so easily as well. It's likely they aren't good long term prospects, but essential pieces to teams when given the right situation.

 

I am definitely still on the Russell train. I like his game and his attitude and think (or perhaps pray is the better word) that he and Clarkson would light it up offensively. He and Winslow actually wowed me in their performances throughout the season.

That said, I definitely have an open mind about Mudiay and Hezonja.

At the end of the day, I am hoping this is our last top five pick for the foreseeable future. So, I want us to maximize the pick and get the best guy available, period. I am pretty confident Russell is one of the best guys out there though.

 

You know who I like? Someone who you don't; Oubre. I think he has a good NBA future ahead of him...

 

Willie Cauley-Stein Changed His Middle Name to ‘Trill’
http://www.slamonline.com/college-h...his-middle-name-to-trill/#Odl3dvOA57tWxdgB.97

Well...this instantly rockets him up my favorite prospects list.

 

As a fellow Jayhawk, I really want him to be good. But man, he just didn't show me anything all year.

 

Bill Self doesn't really do anything for college players in his system; nevertheless, I think he'll be a better NBA player. I'm high on him. I think a place like Miami would be perfect for him...

 

I could see that. I think Spo and being around a guy like D Wade could really help him.

 

These highlights do nothing for me.

Okay, so he's long, athletic, and can hit the occasional jumper. Where's the footwork? Where's the skillset? All I see is a guy who finishes in the pick and roll because of his length.

 

Russell doesn't really possess the same speed that Curry does nor does he have the same shot mechanics that allows him to get the shots off that he does.

From what I've seen D'Angelo, he's a smooth operator. Not athletic, but great vision and handles, and a good stroke, buts a slower stroke meant for spot up shots, not off the dribble like Curry does. I see Russell as more a traditional PG with a SG body than the other way around.

 

thing with those two is that we were veteran, contending teams with Phil as coach -- if there's anyone who can handle problem stars, it's him. LO and Ron Ron were also vets so that greatly helped. I think we're too young with too headstrong of a coach for someone like Hezonja.

 

Count me in on the anti Oubre team. Not that we'll be picking in that range, but nothing about him passed the eye test for me in the 6-7 games I watched of his. He would be a late first rounder on my board.

 

Jahlil Okafor, Myles Turner among NBA draft prospects worth debating
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/05/04/nba-draft-debate-myles-turner-jahlil-okafor-andrew-harrison

Article goes through multiple prospects including Okafor, Upshaw, Dekker, and Alexander.

 

I said this a while back, but if Russell can't play pg, I'm worried. he's just not strong or very explosive. I suppose a best case if he can't play the pg would be a poor man's ginobili. I don't know; I think he's a risky pick. of course, I thought curry was a risky pick for similar reasons (lack of strength, explosion, questions about his ability to play pg at the nba level).

 

I don't think that Russell is necessarily a risky pick, I'm just not quite sure about his ceiling. I think Manu probably the closest I can think of. He'll definitely be an NBA'er, but I can't gauge where he's gonna be.

I just think there are a few guys ahead of him that have higher ceilings than he does.