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

That will help. We'll see how he fares in the regular season...

 

Draymond Green clone

 

If that's all Randle is, I will be completely disappointed.

 

We'll see. In his first year, it will be a struggle. Every rookie in shape or not goes through rookie walls, he'll go through it too if he starts playing at the beginning of the season. That's why I'm more of a fan of bringing him along slowly...

 

Not me, Green is the reason the Warriors had the season they had. Give me that physical play with that heart any day. The best comparison is the way he gets out in transition and can finish or dish.

 

Randle is better in transition, a better facilitator, and a better finisher.

 

well, you can make the case for curry as well.

curry didn't have elite size, defense, athleticism or anything like that. he had a good quick release shot and a heart of a lion. sometimes, you have to look past the measurements and stats, and sometimes look into the character of a player.

towns is particularly elite at one thing, but he does many things well. and at his size, it's invaluable. imagine him on Warriors? he'd be a perfect fit.

russell to me has one really strong thing going for him, his swagger. he has a good set of skills for a guard, but he does have a lot of confidence and poise that really make him stand out. and i'm sure he's been killing interviews based on the way he's been regarded.

 

Meh. Nothing there as impressive as the toy basketball in his hands. But far be it from me to be "annoying guy" around here ..... how about this one even with the tips of his freakishly long fingers cut off? Anyone else think maybe the rest of his body has another inch or more of growing to do to catch up to the hands?

 

I understand what you are saying.

And maybe its because I have been following him a while but I've read things about Russell having a high bust potential and a lot about his athletic ability. I think Russell was able to quiet some of the questions about his athleticism in workouts, but I do think that is a weakness.

I definitely haven't read as much about Towns. I think people have just been blown away by his potential and upside. I think every team thinks they can take the tools he has and make him into a big time player.

But you are correct, there is no greater chance that Okafor will fail than these two or any of the other guys.

 

The thing with Russell's athleticism is that it's not actually hidden, but there's no measurement for explosion.

His vertical measurements are actually up there with Westbrook's. Randle's was on par with Griffin. But we know both of these guys are not nearly as explosive as the aforementioned. I don't think it's out of the question to say that Russell or Randle CAN'T dunk on someone, but not with the ferocity and power as someone with that explosive step.

 

My case for Russell over Towns has more to do with Towns' uncertainty as a centerpiece player.

First comes the thin legs and the injury concern TRD has pointed out repeatedly. Then his lack of elite skill. Because versatility is not a skill. In fact, is versatility important for a franchise player? For a role player, certainly yes, but how do you build around versatility? Honest question.

Russell has the passing and shooting. That's a great combination to have.

 

You don't need explosiveness or athletism to be a great PG. Magic, Stockton, Nash, and Kidd were all average athletes. Lack of athletism is not something I'd consider a weakness.

 

Exactly. Plus you have to figure Ryan West would have had some sort of endorsement on Russell at that point too. Love having him on the front office staff knowing he has to be able go to his dad once in awhile on prospect analysis.