NFT: NBA Draft Lottery Tuesday, May 19, 2015 7:30pm

In comment 12292494 Italianju said:

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of college/euro to the NBA. I feel like he is wrong most of the time. As for WInslow ive been saying for weeks that if he can play the 2 he could be a great pro. He would def be 5 for me and maybe 4 depending on workouts. Its a shame that Russell finished so poorly, I was much more excited about him in FEB then i am now.

I'm not against Winslow but "better Leonard" seems pretty crazy to me. Leonard is about to be a clear MAX player and will be 24 next month. Such a player would be going #1 overall over Towns.

Top three pick, please. Please.

impossible to predict how good these guys will be in the pros.

It's a much easier task to find best case scenarios based on height weight specs and skillsets, and seeing if that is a player that makes sense for your team.

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In comment 12292507 Jon in NYC said:

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impossible to predict how good these guys will be in the pros. It's a much easier task to find best case scenarios based on height weight specs and skillsets, and seeing if that is a player that makes sense for your team.

Yeah but wouldn't a player with a "realistic" best case of better Leonard be in the mix for #1 overall and top 3 lock in a "weak" draft? I believe they would be.

comparison is nbadraft.net worthy for how awful it is. No matter which way you slice it it makes absolutely no sense.

for Montrez Harrell is Charles Barkley

In comment 12292518 MookGiants said:

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comparison is nbadraft.net worthy for how awful it is. No matter which way you slice it it makes absolutely no sense.

Well you're wrong, and it's time to give it a rest.

I didn't read that hindu stuff before, but Russell is absolutely nothing like Michael Carter Williams. He certainly could bust, but they play nothing alike.

Indeed, for every executive that questions Russell’s athleticism, there is another that dismisses it as a non-issue. One Eastern Conference exec called athleticism, “the most overvalued attribute in the draft.” Another exec said Russell’s intelligence would make up for any deficiency. One assistant coach cited Warriors guard Stephen Curry. As a rookie, Curry’s defensive issues at the NBA’s summer league terrified Golden State coaches. In time, Curry has developed into a solid defender. And a decent offensive player, too.

Ironically, Russell sees Curry as his closest comparison.

"I don't want to sound like I'm overdoing it since he's the MVP of the league," Russell said. "But when I watch his game, I see myself. The plays he makes, the shots he takes, and passes he makes, I see it before it even happens. I feel like that's what separates me from a lot.”

When asked about his position on the floor, Russell says he is a basketball player. “I can dribble like a point guard and score like a two,” Russell said. But he is clear: Point guard is where he wants to play. He understands the skeptics. Again, nothing new.

“I was always told, if anyone asks, tell them you’re a point guard,” Russell said. “But I’m a do everything type of player. Passing, scoring; I know I have the capability of doing it. Whatever a coach needs. I don’t know if [NBA teams] think I’m a point guard. But I can play it.”

Russell is not expected to go No. 1 next month—that honor is likely to fall to Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, neither of who appeared at the combine. Russell says he should go first, but he’s OK with falling, so long as he falls to a team he believes is the right fit.

“It would be a blessing to be No. 1 but I want to go somewhere where I know I will stick,” Russell said. “Where I can help build a legacy. If that means going eighth, I’d prefer that, honestly. It may sound [crazy], but I’d rather be a guy who is a superstar for one team than a guy that bounces around.”
Link - ( New Window )

supposedly will only work out for the top 3 teams.

is such a cocky prick.

snother 1st and gamble on Upshaw?
Link - ( New Window )

to bring a little attitude to the court.

In comment 12292531 DanMetroMan said:

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Indeed, for every executive that questions Russell’s athleticism, there is another that dismisses it as a non-issue. One Eastern Conference exec called athleticism, “the most overvalued attribute in the draft.” Another exec said Russell’s intelligence would make up for any deficiency. One assistant coach cited Warriors guard Stephen Curry. As a rookie, Curry’s defensive issues at the NBA’s summer league terrified Golden State coaches. In time, Curry has developed into a solid defender. And a decent offensive player, too. Ironically, Russell sees Curry as his closest comparison. "I don't want to sound like I'm overdoing it since he's the MVP of the league," Russell said. "But when I watch his game, I see myself. The plays he makes, the shots he takes, and passes he makes, I see it before it even happens. I feel like that's what separates me from a lot.” When asked about his position on the floor, Russell says he is a basketball player. “I can dribble like a point guard and score like a two,” Russell said. But he is clear: Point guard is where he wants to play. He understands the skeptics. Again, nothing new. “I was always told, if anyone asks, tell them you’re a point guard,” Russell said. “But I’m a do everything type of player. Passing, scoring; I know I have the capability of doing it. Whatever a coach needs. I don’t know if [NBA teams] think I’m a point guard. But I can play it.” Russell is not expected to go No. 1 next month—that honor is likely to fall to Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, neither of who appeared at the combine. Russell says he should go first, but he’s OK with falling, so long as he falls to a team he believes is the right fit. “It would be a blessing to be No. 1 but I want to go somewhere where I know I will stick,” Russell said. “Where I can help build a legacy. If that means going eighth, I’d prefer that, honestly. It may sound [crazy], but I’d rather be a guy who is a superstar for one team than a guy that bounces around.” Link - ( New Window )

I love his mindset. I just can't get past how much he struggled against Hollis-Jefferson in the tournament. Hollis-Jefferson is a really good defender so it's not like he couldn't beat some scrub. It just left a bad taste in my mouth about his pro prospects.

In comment 12292536 Jon in NYC said:

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is such a cocky prick.

Which is what you want out of your star player, no? Jordan wasn't a cocky prick? Kobe?

Again I don't love Russell as a pro prospect but he has the right mentality for a great player.

In comment 12292552 EricNY33 said:

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In comment 12292536 Jon in NYC said: Quote: is such a cocky prick. Which is what you want out of your star player, no? Jordan wasn't a cocky prick? Kobe? Again I don't love Russell as a pro prospect but he has the right mentality for a great player.

I think it can work both ways. If you back it up, all power to you. But Tim Duncan isn't cocky. He's quietly confident. Both work.

but I'm not sure how likely that is.

And I don't think you need to include the date :P

3 or 4 one of the pgs and 5 who the hell knows

so it would be interesting to see if Phil takes him over Mudiay even if Mudiay's the better prospect. I would hope he just goes BPA, but that choice would be a good litmus test.

Sucks that the Knicks are most likely to pick fourth with the second worst record.

In comment 12292570 bceagle05 said:

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so it would be interesting to see if Phil takes him over Mudiay even if Mudiay's the better prospect. I would hope he just goes BPA, but that choice would be a good litmus test. Sucks that the Knicks are most likely to pick fourth with the second worst record.

Taking a worse player because he fits the system would be a real kick to the nuts. I doubt Phil would do that though.

Absolutely cant stand it!
Nevertheless this year I am hoping LA and NY are 1 and 2 without respect to which team gets the top spot.

or even a 4 that can bang enough. I see him as a Ryan Anderson like player who can stretch defenses on the offensive end and have to be "hidden" on the defensive end.

I think Winslow is a very special player and don't think Leonard is too lofty a comparison. He is physically gifted and wired to be an elite defender plus he will attack the rim on O. I continue to think he's the best player in the draft.

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There are teams who would want Porzingis or Winslow more than the Knicks do--Winslow plays the wrong position. I would trade down to the 7 slot and hope to take Cauley-Stein. If he's already taken, along with Porzinis, well at least I would be getting something extra before taking Winslow.

In comment 12292582 Pep22 said:

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or even a 4 that can bang enough. I see him as a Ryan Anderson like player who can stretch defenses on the offensive end and have to be "hidden" on the defensive end. I think Winslow is a very special player and don't think Leonard is too lofty a comparison. He is physically gifted and wired to be an elite defender plus he will attack the rim on O. I continue to think he's the best player in the draft.

Frank is not bad defensively.

Yes, they are both white.

Probably should have read the thread.

I had no idea the lottery was tonight. I love how fast paced the NBA "offseason" is.

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After speaking with NBA scouts and GMs it's still very possible that Hezonja could end up being taken ahead of both Porzingis and Winslow. But will they draft him without the ability to work him out and interview him? Hezonja probably is stuck in Spain through the rest of the draft process because of his commitments to FC Barcelona. It's going to take a GM who is willing to take a risk to draft him above those two. But he has elite size and athleticism for his position, is a terrific shooter and plays with an intensity that few can match in this draft. "He's crazy," one GM said. "But I think it's a good crazy. The type of crazy confidence that elite players need. If he can keep that competitiveness under control and be patient, he's got a good shot to be one of the two or three best players in this draft in five years. He has that 'it' factor that several guys ahead of him don't."

I love the last part.

In comment 12292596 Jon in NYC said:

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In comment 12292582 Pep22 said: Quote: or even a 4 that can bang enough. I see him as a Ryan Anderson like player who can stretch defenses on the offensive end and have to be "hidden" on the defensive end. I think Winslow is a very special player and don't think Leonard is too lofty a comparison. He is physically gifted and wired to be an elite defender plus he will attack the rim on O. I continue to think he's the best player in the draft. Frank is not bad defensively.

He's not. He has short arms which bothers some people, but so did Kevin Willis and he had a fine career.

In comment 12292599 AnotherGiantsFan said:

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Yes, they are both white.

If you're looking to make a white-on-white comparison for Frank I'd say you're looking more at a Keith Van Horn type than Ryan Anderson.

Super Mario is Ginobili like?

in attaining the 5th pick in the draft.

:)

in all honesty good luck- better to have better basketball in NY

For a hot minute. I want to see him on the Magic, personally.

Is basically Lebron? A better Kawhi is a top 3-5 player in the NBA, Kawhi is already basically top 15 at worst.

In comment 12292650 Mike in St. Louis said:

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And this is why I don't think the Knicks will get the #1 pick

In comment 12292536 Jon in NYC said:

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is such a cocky prick.

Jon if you watched "The Journey" episode on the B1G network that featured Russell you'd be impressed. He had anything but a smooth ride at the private school he went to in highschool to play ball. The coach admitted readily that he rode him harder than just about any player he ever had, day and night. He said that just about any other player he ever had that he did that to would have quit or lashed out. Russell took it quietly and just focused on listening and getting better. seemed like a really well rounded good kid. Being a Terp guy I have no reason to blow smoke up his ass...

I could see either (and maybe both) Euros go before him.

In comment 12292670 Stu11 said:

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In comment 12292536 Jon in NYC said: Quote: is such a cocky prick. Jon if you watched "The Journey" episode on the B1G network that featured Russell you'd be impressed. He had anything but a smooth ride at the private school he went to in highschool to play ball. The coach admitted readily that he rode him harder than just about any player he ever had, day and night. He said that just about any other player he ever had that he did that to would have quit or lashed out. Russell took it quietly and just focused on listening and getting better. seemed like a really well rounded good kid. Being a Terp guy I have no reason to blow smoke up his ass...

That's fair. It's always harsh to make broad judgements about someone based on one or two quotes.

That being said, I'm about to contradict myself. The one other quote that really rubbed me the wrong way is when he was asked "who was the best defender you've faced this season." and he responded "nobody." I think that's just a level of disrespect that's completely unnecessary. I just really despite cockiness.

but none of the particular prospects really gets my juices flowing. I guess Im rooting for Towns or Okafor. Okafor is the most exciting -- he could dominate. But he could also suck, and has massive red flags (defense, shooting, soft body).

and a franchise changing player...

Leonard is going to be the face of the Spurs when Duncan retires...

Winslow doesnt have the mid range or versatility on offense that Kawhi does..

His 3 point shot is not even that good...

Leonard is already a top 10 player...

In comment 12292677 Jon in NYC said:

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In comment 12292670 Stu11 said: Quote: In comment 12292536 Jon in NYC said: Quote: is such a cocky prick. Jon if you watched "The Journey" episode on the B1G network that featured Russell you'd be impressed. He had anything but a smooth ride at the private school he went to in highschool to play ball. The coach admitted readily that he rode him harder than just about any player he ever had, day and night. He said that just about any other player he ever had that he did that to would have quit or lashed out. Russell took it quietly and just focused on listening and getting better. seemed like a really well rounded good kid. Being a Terp guy I have no reason to blow smoke up his ass... That's fair. It's always harsh to make broad judgements about someone based on one or two quotes. That being said, I'm about to contradict myself. The one other quote that really rubbed me the wrong way is when he was asked "who was the best defender you've faced this season." and he responded "nobody." I think that's just a level of disrespect that's completely unnecessary. I just really despite cockiness.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson... and everyone saw it. LOL

Somehow. Kick right in the balls

Okafor is the best player in the draft

In comment 12292689 Deej said:

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but none of the particular prospects really gets my juices flowing. I guess Im rooting for Towns or Okafor. Okafor is the most exciting -- he could dominate. But he could also suck, and has massive red flags (defense, shooting, soft body).

Regarding the last part, he really is getting into shape. Look at the video Vin posted on the Knicks thread. He lost a lot of that baby fat. He looks really good.

but to be fair leonard is in his 4th season and nobody coming out thought he would be anywhere near this good. So its not like you can compare current Winslow to current Leonard. Again im not saying i think winslow will be leonard (or better).

In comment 12292689 Deej said:

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but none of the particular prospects really gets my juices flowing. I guess Im rooting for Towns or Okafor. Okafor is the most exciting -- he could dominate. But he could also suck, and has massive red flags (defense, shooting, soft body).

Every player has their flaws...

Towns potential to be a 2 way player but still has a lot of growing to do in his game..biggest upside but biggest chance to bust...

Okafor is polished offensively i think his worst case is Al Jefferson, he is going to be able to score in the NBA from day 1, the question with him is his conditioning and his defense...

Mudiay no one knows yet..he had times in China where he played very well, he shot the ball well and the NBA players that are playing in China now all rave about him...Question is can he make his jump shot consistent to keep defenses honest and can he be the defensive player he has the potential to be, i actually think he ends up the best player in this draft when all is said and done...

Russell biggest question is his athelticism, can he get into the lane enough to utilize his insane passing ability and BBIQ, his he quick enough to guard PGs int he NBA

Winslow can he develop his shot where he becomes a consistent player and can he play the 2? he was horrible from mid range and was only good from 3 on one side of the court...

In comment 12292696 bxgiants4 said:

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Somehow. Kick right in the balls Okafor is the best player in the draft

I hope we get one fleeting moment of hope this evening. Let us spend the next month dreaming about Okafor/Towns with Melo and a bundle of money to spend on FAs.