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

I've been on the Towns train but yeah, Okafor looks pretty damn good right now.

 

If we have the chance to draft Okafor and don't do it, I will be busting out the powder because the pimp hand slap will be coming to everyone in the FO who thought that was a good idea.

 

The scary thing this is Okafor with conditioning issues. Imagine what he would be like after Laker trainers get a hold of him. Still not a fan of his defense but he's going to be special. I think he's #1 right now, with Towns/Russell fighting it out for #2, although a strong argument could be made for any of the three to be #1. If Mudiay were in the tournament he could be up there as well.

 

Yeah, Okafor is putting on a clinic in this first half. It's a beauty to watch. His footwork and moves in the post are so smooth. He's so efficient, effective, and decisive with the ball.

He knows how to play. You don't see the mistakes you expect from a player his age. He does a great job of keeping the ball up high.

Love watching him fight his way out of a double. His hands and vision are both fantastic. He also has deceptively good handles. Twice today he's taken the defense out to the 3 point line and then dribbled his way to the basket like a guard.

 

Just watched the first half of the Duke game and this is my first time watching Okafor other than in some highlights. Damn he's good. He gets double teamed in the post, knows not to force it, pulls out to the three point line, and then easily takes his guy off the dribble for a nice layup. He definitely looked a lot like Anthony Davis. Obviously he's not as athletic, but in terms of his face-up game and mobility.

 

Was thinking the same. His D and energy looks great. He just doesn't have the build or as much defensive potential as Johnson, I think. Definitely showing that he's the second best SF right now. There's a gap between the two, but I think there's a more significant gap after them and the rest of the SF crop.

 

I've been on the edge of picking Towns before Okafor but watching today's game...... I'd take Okafor in a heartbeat.

 

I would like to see Duke vs Kentucky in the tourney. Okafor is impressive (just watched the game), but there he would have a tough matchup whenever he is on the floor - Towns, WCS. Then we could have a better judgment how his offense translates to the pros.

 

SDSU was undersized. I still think Okafor's lack of lateral quickness and foot speed is his weakness.

I wouldn't put Okafor in with Duncan just yet. Duncan had a face up game that complimented his back to the basket game. Okafor seems to using his size and footwork to get off his shots, but against defenders his size, I don't think he'll be as effective.

He's still more Al Jefferson to me, and Al Ida VERY talented post player. I still prefer the two way ability of Towns, his ceiling is higher even though he needs a little more work. I just think his defense is more what we need in terms of fit, and any development of his offensive game, which has improved with some basic hook shots that very few can get to, is a bonus.

 

^That doesn't include Arizona.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/3/20/8261507/dangelo-russell-highlights-vcu-nba-draft-2015
This is the link t o the article for proper context.

 

Big difference in stats. But i also remembered that before last years draft our FO was inviting Smart-Peyton and Randle-Gordon to workouts. I figure they want to see them go heads up.
This year they will probably do the same:
1. Okafor, Towns, WCS
2. Russell, Mudiay,Grant
3. Johnson, Winslow, Oubre
4. Mitch was on scouting trip in EU, please thats for our 2 round picks...

 

It is a big difference; however, as the article pointed out, it could be a 19 year old Freshman adjusting to the NCAA. Imagine him next year as a sophmore if he didn't decide to enter the draft; he'd probably be much improved just having gone through the experience of facing nationally ranked teams. It's a valid point.

I love Russell's game, though. If Towns and Okafor are gone, he's my guy.