2012 NBA Draft Discussion

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I'm not sure on Beal. I really like him as a player, but any combination of DJ/Kemba/Beal gives us a very small backcourt.

Plus I'm pretty sure that Henderson/Barnes is better than any thing we can get for Hendo/Beal. Henderson is one of the better defensive wings in the NBA and is improving his range offensively. Not sure I want to give him away yet unless it's for a proven star (ie to make room for Harden).

At this point, I would be happy with Robinson or Barnes but prefer Robinson who I think is the pefect PF prospect in today's NBA aside from his lack of height (but he does have a solid wingspan). He has the capability to defend and score from out to the perimeter...something we've only ever had when Diaw was occassionally skinny.

I don't know too much about Beal yet, but he has like 6'8" or 6'9" wingspan so I don't think you'd be overmatched size wize with a lineup like that.

Edit: And yeah, I think Henderson is kinda underrated.

[mdmgrand]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I'm excited for this draft as a Trail Blazer fan... Two picks in the lottery and cap room can help this team reach the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed..

This would be the perfect scenario:
- Keep Batum for a three or four year deal around 9 to 10 mil a year (I'm not a fan of his, but this short deal is good both for the Blazers and Batum. If he develops he'll be in line for a huge contract after this as he will be only 26 or 27)
- Sign Chris Kaman to become a full-time starter at center, and resign Pryzbilla as the backup...

Draft:
6) Damian Lillard PG, Weber State
- Lillard would be able to step in as the starting point guard for the Blazers. The Blazers need a guy who can handle the ball and score from all points on the floor. After watching videos of him, he can go left or right and score efficiently.

11) Perry Jones III PF/SF, Baylor
- PJ3 would be a potential pick. He has great potential, and he would come into a fan base that would give him a few years. He initially could play backup PF and rotate in for Batum every now and then. From what I've seen, Perry could develop into a quality Point Forward with his athleticism, handling and passing ability.

(If Kaman can not be had in free agency, I would like to add Leonard or Zeller at 11)

[da ThRONe]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I thought it was reported that other than doing measurments, he didn't participate at the combine?

Anyway, I still stand by my prediction that he'll be an updated, athletic version of Bruce Bowen, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing since Bowen was one of the best man defenders in the league.

I see him more as a more athletic Rip Hamilton. I think he'll be better than Bowen offensively and not as good defensely.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

You think Barnes is that inept offensively?

Not inept but definitely nothing special as we've seen from him in UNC.

I said he'll be a more updated, athletic version of Bruce Bowen and Bowen wasn't exactly an athletic type dude either. My comment was moreso giving Barnes props even though his handles were god awful at UNC.

[justblaze09]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

The Wizards are not taking MKG unless they have to. They are just blowing smoke right now.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

Not inept but definitely nothing special as we've seen from him in UNC.

I said he'll be a more updated, athletic version of Bruce Bowen and Bowen wasn't exactly an athletic type dude either. My comment was moreso giving Barnes props even though his handles were god awful at UNC.

He ranked 8th out of the top 100 prospects in scoring lol.

Reminds me much more of the older Paul Pierce than Bruce Bowen. Doesn't wow you with his dribble moves or anything, but knows how to use his body and knows how to create just enough space to get his shot off. And with his high release, he doesn't need much space to get a good shot off.

[da ThRONe]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

He ranked 8th out of the top 100 prospects in scoring lol.

Reminds me much more of the older Paul Pierce than Bruce Bowen. Doesn't wow you with his dribble moves or anything, but knows how to use his body and knows how to create just enough space to get his shot off. And with his high release, he doesn't need much space to get a good shot off.

I don't think he'll ever be on Pierce's level at creating his own shot, but like I said Bowen may be selling him short at the same time.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

He ranked 8th out of the top 100 prospects in scoring lol.

Reminds me much more of the older Paul Pierce than Bruce Bowen. Doesn't wow you with his dribble moves or anything, but knows how to use his body and knows how to create just enough space to get his shot off. And with his high release, he doesn't need much space to get a good shot off.

"Numbers don't lie, but they also don't tell the whole story".

[BlueNGold]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

The problem with Barnes is that his dribbling ability is worse than remedial. It's horrendous. If he could handle the ball with even capable abilities, he'd be an easy top 5 selection. But he cannot.

Beal, on the other hand, was severely hindered by having worse than poor point guard play and adjusting. His stroke is sweet, smooth, pure, ect. He can dish the ball, rebound incredibly for his size, and is gifted athletically. He's about average size, maybe slightly below average, but his skills are that of a great player.

This among other things is the reason I don't want Barnes. At this point he's only good for a 1 or 2 dribble pull-up and it's not like he has great explosiveness or a good first step to get to the rim. To me he just doesn't strike me as a dominant player, which ideally is what you'd be getting out of a top 5 pick.

That's why I brought up Thomas Robinson. I know the Cavs need a perimeter player and that Tristan is already there at the 4, but in the NBA I don't like drafting by need, especially for a rebuilding team. Robinson just stands out to me because he's probably the best rebounder in the draft, has a great motor, and seems to be a solid character/hard working guy. Plus he has a pretty decent jumper, so I think a pick & roll game with him and Kyrie could be deadly.

I'm just turned off by Barnes. The fact that he was already concerned about his "brand" before he even played a game at UNC rubs me the wrong way. It doesn't help that the Cavs have had a recent history with a guy who was so worried about that same thing.

I just hope the top 3 doesn't turn out to be Davis, Beal, MKG. Right now I feel like it'll go Davis, Robinson or Barnes, and Beal to the Wizards. Either way as long as the Cavs come away with Beal or Gilchrist, I'm happy.

[bigeastbumrush]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I think Barnes can be a poor man's Danny Granger.

Not incredibly athletic but can shoot, score, be physical, etc.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I think Barnes will end up giving you 13-17 points per game and solid defense. I don't know. He just kinda has that Pierce/Joe Johnson smoothness to his game. His athleticism is underrated. His standing vert was one of the best ever recorded at the combine from what I've read. He graded out as the 2nd best athlete at the combine. And he's not a great ball-handler or anything, but he does enough with his ball-handling to create scoring opportunities for himself. Regarded as having possibly the best mid-range game in the draft and has good mechanics on his shot. I think he's going to be a very solid player in the NBA.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

2 Words: Combine Stars. They're at every combine where they have the best measurements, impressive times and whatnot but usually never transfers out to their actual game.

I guess we've seen two different versions of Harrison Barnes then at UNC lol. But it's cool, if he proves me wrong then it just be on the long list of things I've been wrong about on here.

[BlueNGold]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

2 Words: Combine Stars. They're at every combine where they have the best measurements, impressive times and whatnot but usually never transfers out to their actual game.

I guess we've seen two different versions of Harrison Barnes then at UNC lol. But it's cool, if he proves me wrong then it just be on the long list of things I've been wrong about on here.

Yeah, combine stats and measurements are the LAST thing I'm concerned with.

[BurnsideAdmiral]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

I actually like the Pierce/Johnson comparisons, I can definitely see it. I don't think Barnes needs to have a great ability to dribble past 2 defenders and split another 2 in the lane before posterizing the last defender on a dunk. I'd be much more happy with him in a shooter's role with Kyrie and also knowing he can get his own shot, which believe it or not, most of you don't give him any credit for. I really hope the Cavs take him or Drummond at this point. I think Barnes can easily come in and average 16 and 6 this year playing with Kyrie, possibly even more points.

[l3ulvl]

Re: 2012 NBA Draft Discussion

2 Words: Combine Stars. They're at every combine where they have the best measurements, impressive times and whatnot but usually never transfers out to their actual game.

I guess we've seen two different versions of Harrison Barnes then at UNC lol. But it's cool, if he proves me wrong then it just be on the long list of things I've been wrong about on here.

That's pretty much how I feel about Leonard. A lot of guys on a Pistons forum are high on him but from watching his actual games I was unimpressed. I don't want to throw that all away because he was a combine star.

But then again I'm the same guy that likes Henson and I get crushed on that site for it.