2014 Draft Discussion

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

Parker = Sullinger is just completely laughable. Doesn't matter at this point what he did in high school, he's arguably been the best player in arguably the best conference in college basketball this season.. And he's scoring inside, outside, off the dribble, however you want it.

His biggest problem will be defense at the next level, but his quickness isn't something that's so horrible he can't guard NBA 3's.. It's not like there are any small forward first option guys to worry about out there anyways. After LeBron, Durant there aren't many guys at that position who will be gunning at guys every night..

After all he's only 18 his athleticism is underrated and he doesn't even appear, at this point, to be in as good a shape as he could be. May not be the best player from the class, but I don't see how he can even be considered in a "bust" conversation.

1. Agreed that the Sully comparison is a joke.

2. The ACC is not remotely close to being the best conference in the country right now. Probably around 5th best.

3. I personally am concerned that he won't be able to defend players on the perimeter and will have to transition to playing the 4 in the NBA (which would require turning that baby fat of his into muscle)

4. My gut feeling is that he won't be a bust, but I think there's a very good chance he has a David Lee-like impact in the NBA. I don't mean that as in they have similar playing styles. I mean that I think Jabari will be a guy that looks good on the stat sheet because he gives you 18-20 points a game and decent rebounding numbers, but he gives up around 20 points a game to his matchup as well. And I think there's at least an argument that he could disappoint in the NBA based on the fact that he's struggled to score any time he's matched up against NBA athletes, and if he isn't scoring, he's flat out hurting the team.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

What's people's opinion on Exum? Is he really special?

I have really a hard time making an opinion for myself just by watching highlights of games. I know how deceptive it can be plus the NBA is a whole another level.

People where also really high on Wiggins but apparently not as much now. What happened?

To me, Wiggins and Exum are the #2 and 3 guys in the draft after Embiid. Exum looks like he has the ability to play the 1 or 2 and will be able to come into the NBA and immediately be able to get into the lane at will IMO. He's just lightning quick and is a bigger guard anyways so he'll be tough to contain. I love him as a prospect.

[Caveman24]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

What's people's opinion on Exum? Is he really special?

I have really a hard time making an opinion for myself just by watching highlights of games. I know how deceptive it can be plus the NBA is a whole another level.

People where also really high on Wiggins but apparently not as much now. What happened?

I love Exum game a lot. It will be an adjustment period coming from overseas. With Wiggins he should be thankful Parker and Embiid stepped it up. No way he or anyone can live up to an LBJ comparison I wish talking heads(ESPN,B/R) stop doing that to players it's un fair and most of the times the comparison is way off. Harrison Barnes got the LBJ comparison in HS as well which is why people where down on him coming out the draft.

[jeebs9]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

The one thing that bothers me is when someone called Parker a 4. I know Yeah.. that... Guy and I have been over this a few times in this same thread. But I just don't get it all. How do you put someone with that much skill at the 4?

But I think he'll get his defense better.

Still waiting to see this Exum guy in a real game. Seen all his highlights.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

The one thing that bothers me is when someone called Parker a 4. I know Yeah.. that... Guy and I have been over this a few times in this same thread. But I just don't get it all. How do you put someone with that much skill at the 4?

But I think he'll get his defense better.

Still waiting to see this Exum guy in a real game. Seen all his highlights.

Well first, I think his skillset is overblown a bit. I love his post game, and he's got a nice pull-up, but he struggles to get separation with his moves. I think he can figure it out at the next level, but I think in the very least, it's going to take him awhile to adjust to NBA level athletes and learn how to get better separation.

If you match him up with 4's, he'll have a much easier time since he'd obviously be a great ball-handler for a 4. And defensively, I really question if he'll be able to keep up with most SFs. There's only a few SFs in the NBA that are go-to guys, but I think the vast majority of starting SFs will be able to take Jabari off the dribble pretty easily. I think it's harder to get quicker than it is to get stronger, and if Jabari gets stronger, 6'8" with a 7'0" wingspan and a big frame is enough to hang with most PFs in today's league. If you put him next to a defensive center like a Larry, Bogut, Chandler, etc., I think that can be a really devastating pair.

[redsrule]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

The one thing that bothers me is when someone called Parker a 4. I know Yeah.. that... Guy and I have been over this a few times in this same thread. But I just don't get it all. How do you put someone with that much skill at the 4?

But I think he'll get his defense better.

Still waiting to see this Exum guy in a real game. Seen all his highlights.

He isn't going to be able to guard threes on the wing. He is not a good defender. I wouldn't be surprised if he has to move to the 4 eventually. He's skilled offensively, but he lacks the first step/explosiveness to get by guys and that will hurt him as well.

[MattUM]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

I think him at the 3/4 would be based on the team he gets drafted to. He's definitely not the prototypical 4 but teams are playing a lot of small ball now. Melo plays at the 4 and Lebron does a lot too. I'd definitely draft him thinking that he's a 3, but wouldn't have a problem with playing him at the 4 if that's what the lineup dictates.

[redsrule]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

I think him at the 3/4 would be based on the team he gets drafted to. He's definitely not the prototypical 4 but teams are playing a lot of small ball now. Melo plays at the 4 and Lebron does a lot too. I'd definitely draft him thinking that he's a 3, but wouldn't have a problem with playing him at the 4 if that's what the lineup dictates.

Those two guys are exceptions. Melo is one of the best pure scorers in the NBA. LeBron is a freak that could arguably play all 5 positions.
I just think he isn't as good as some do & is going to struggle transitioning to the NBA.

That is why I could him a tweener before. He has a "set" position at the SF but who knows if he will be able to stay there.

[JODYE]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

Those two guys are exceptions. Melo is one of the best pure scorers in the NBA. LeBron is a freak that could arguably play all 5 positions.
I just think he isn't as good as some do & is going to struggle transitioning to the NBA.

That is why I could him a tweener before. He has a "set" position at the SF but who knows if he will be able to stay there.

That and the fact that Melo has probably the best first step in the league.

Meanwhile Parker, doesn't have one at all.

[MattUM]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

Those two guys are exceptions. Melo is one of the best pure scorers in the NBA. LeBron is a freak that could arguably play all 5 positions.
I just think he isn't as good as some do & is going to struggle transitioning to the NBA.

That is why I could him a tweener before. He has a "set" position at the SF but who knows if he will be able to stay there.

I agree with the Lebron/Melo being exceptional point.

I would bring up PP, but he's only playing the 4 because Brook is injured lol.

He might still be able to guard most 3s defensively though imo. We're talking about him being beat off the dribble, but what if he just plays sag-off defense on athletic 3s? Does he have the length and IQ to contest shots when they shoot over him instead of drive the lane? Obviously the top 3s will be able to score on anybody, but I really don't think Jabari will have a hard time guarding guys like Gallinari, Parsons, Marion, Dunleavy, etc. The list of 3s who are athletic and make plays off the dribble is short.

[ojandpizza]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

Don't really think he's a tweener at all.. I think worst case scenario he ends up being what Evan Tuner is, best case you get what people are expecting him to be when drafting him that high..

Everyone is acting like he has Asik first step or something.. It's not that bad.

[redsrule]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

I agree with the Lebron/Melo being exceptional point.

I would bring up PP, but he's only playing the 4 because Brook is injured lol.

He might still be able to guard most 3s defensively though imo. We're talking about him being beat off the dribble, but what if he just plays sag-off defense on athletic 3s? Does he have the length and IQ to contest shots when they shoot over him instead of drive the lane? Obviously the top 3s will be able to score on anybody, but I really don't think Jabari will have a hard time guarding guys like Gallinari, Parsons, Marion, Dunleavy, etc. The list of 3s who are athletic and make plays off the dribble is short.

From what I have read people are expecting him to come in and be a top 7-10 type SF. I don't see it happening. Quite frankly after seeing everyone play for 6 months I don't see anyone in this class living up to expectations. I think Wiggins has the best shot to be a "top" player from this class though.

[ojandpizza]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

I agree, I don't think any of these guys end up reaching the expectations people were placing on them two weeks into the season. Embiid's potential is really intriguing to me though.

[MattUM]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

If anything I think the underrated guys will exceed expectations. Zach LaVine, Jahii Carson, and Doug McDermott in particular.

[redsrule]

Re: 2014 Draft Class

I agree, I don't think any of these guys end up reaching the expectations people were placing on them two weeks into the season. Embiid's potential is really intriguing to me though.

Embiid's potential is overrated imo. He has a very high ceiling don't get me wrong, but those comparisons with Hakeem are hilarious and so off.

I'd still take Wiggins over him personally. It's a lot harder to come by a potential franchise center than a wing though...