We should implement some tactics like the "7-seconds or less" offense. If that doesn't work, resort to Wes isolation.
I ran the sim earlier on ESPN and LAL got #2. Okafor went #1, but Lakers passed on Towns and took Mudiay...weird.
I know I've said it before and call me greedy (I should be happy with a top 5 pick regardless of who it is) but I REALLY want a top 3. I know we won't finish in the top 3 as far as the standings go, so I'm hoping for just a hair of luck on lottery night. I want us to have the choice of taking whoever we want and I feel like after 3, you're pushed in certain directions by the talent pool. Depending on who would be in the top 3 with us, we have a shot at one of the two bigs (say Philly is ahead of us and take Mudiay). But at 3, if we lose out on the bigs then we get to evaluate which of the guards we like better. We get to let them go head to head (if willing) in a workout, bring them in for interviews and see where their heads are at, and ultimately decide which guard fits our franchise best going forward. Ball is in our court. We pick at 4 and we're stuck (still a good position to be in) with whichever guy is left. I like Johnson and WCS and there's other value to be had like Frank and Winslow, but I think there is a sizable drop off after the first group. In my group A, I wouldn't have Russell but I know we will so I included him there anyway. The NBA (F you Stern!) and the basketball gods could do us that much -- I'd love #1, then we can do whatever we want. But being a bit more realistic, I'll take #3.
@JSM Why settle for top 3? I think the drop-off you speak of happens after the 2nd pick, and 3-5 is a toss up.
Because in the top 3 you still have a chance, albeit slim, for one of the two bigs. At 4 that chance is completely gone. At 3 you can take who I believe to be the best guard in the draft and a potential franchise player. Two things could happen...1) I could be wrong with that assessment. Everything leading up to the draft could change that (workouts, pre-draft camp, interviews, etc) 2) Mudiay could be there at 4. BUT if you take him at 3, then we all get to exhale and be assured that's how the franchise views him. WE are making the decision instead of him being the last kid left when picking for dodgeball and you're forced to take him...you're stuck with him. Because if you're in the top 4 and you're LA, you are selecting out of the Okafor, Towns, Mudiay, Russell grouping. Based on our needs, that's your draft board right now. I prefer options, even if the option I want is the last man standing at 4. If that logic makes any sense..
@Kenzo I would say they couldn't be THAT dumb, but it is Philly we are talking about so draft logic goes out the window. Who knows, they might trade out of it to get two future 1sts. Got to keep at least 5 first round picks in each of the next 10 drafts so they can keep recycling their "next year" plan and continue to shovel that s*** to the die hard loyal sports fans in Philadelphia.
ORL playing MIL today. This game is close @ halftime. Keep an eye on it. If the Magic somehow wins this, our #4 is suddenly a lot more safe.
Jerry Khachoyan@TheArmoTrader @brosales12 Lakers would essentially have to match their best 7-game stretch (4-3) for the season to *tie* with ORL.
If the Magic could win 1 or 2 more games that would be great. I say this because I really want to beat the crap out of the Clips twice and Queens twice, while keeping the 4th spot. Yea it's having the cake and eating it too, but damnit we deserve some dessert after this horrid season.
As I said... good job by Orlando, and we're very likely safe now. We have to play .500+ ball to lose #4. It's just not going to happen.
^ This is why I'm not freaking out about the so called rumor that Rondo to LA is a lock. I would hate for that to happen, but lets first see if we make it out of the draft without picking a nice PG. If we dont draft a pg then i get a little more nervous.
I would be surprised if Russell went before Mudiay. Also... I knew Orlando wasn't catching us. That's why I wasn't worried. Also how could you put Turner over Kaminsky at this point?
