2011 Draft Thread

[slinslin]

RT @TerrenceJones1: Enjoying being a college player & plan on striving to reach my goal of winning #8 at UK. Can't leave the BBN just yet. about 10 hours ago

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/twitter.php#ixzz1LkDQ3u9k
http://www.draftexpress.com

 

[leclerc]

There's often a difference between shooter and shooting guard. IMO we need a talented shooting guard with a decent shot more than an undersized tweener with a great shot. My fingers are crossed for Burks which means we probably won't get him.

 

[slinslin]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213685/Selby_Thriving_In_Pre_Draft_Workouts

Josh Selby has been training at Impact Basketball Academy for eight hours a day, five days a week.

Selby arrived in town at 208 pounds, and in the month that has passed, has trimmed himself down to 195. The daily routine at Impact includes three workouts, ranging anywhere from weights to individual skill drills to 3-on-3 games. ...

He's turned himself into the most impressive prospect among the 30 currently training at Impact under the watchful eye of Joe Abunassar, who works out draft hopefuls each spring and also trains several NBA veterans each summer, including Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

A couple of those veterans — Corey Maggette and Al Harrington — are already back to start their offseason workouts and have spent some time helping their potential NBA opposition.

"(Selby) has been the most pleasant surprise," said Abunassar, a former NCAA Division-I assistant coach. "I don't think anyone knows really how good he is."

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213685/Selby_Thriving_In_Pre_Draft_Workouts#ixzz1MH8TNk2o

Like I predicted. He will rise before the draft. Take him at #13 if Burks is not there. Maybe even take him if Burks is there.

I have a feeling he will be will be a very good draft pick.

Worst case Bayless, best case better Monta Ellis/Gilbert Arenas.

 

[Mainstreet]

Right now both Draft Express and NBA Draft net have PF Markief Morris slotted for number #13. Markief is compared to Drew Gooden by NBA Draft net which is not bad. Selby is listed as a late first round pick or a second round pick depending on the site so he might be a reach. Although I like Burks, PF is a huge need for the Suns as well.

 

[Griffin]

Right now both Draft Express and NBA Draft net have PF Markief Morris slotted for number #13.

So is there a general consensus as to which of the Morris twins is better? Right now Marcus is at #11. It's quite likely that both may be available when the Suns pick. I'd hate to see the Suns end up with the lesser of two brothers yet again.

 

[Mainstreet]

So is there a general consensus as to which of the Morris twins is better? Right now Marcus is at #11. It's quite likely that both may be available when the Suns pick. I'd hate to see the Suns end up with the lesser of two brothers yet again.

As I understand it, Marcus is the more NBA ready player because he has a more polished game. He is a good shooter and has more versatility. He might be able to play both forward positions. Markief is more an underneath the basket type player and does not have all the skill sets to move away from the basket and pose problems. Also Markief is reportedly an inch taller. I like what I have read about both players. I don't think the Suns could go wrong if Marcus is not available and they draft Markief. There is something to be said for a player that knows he is an inside player. Millsap was such a player until this past season when he refined his outside shot.

 

[Mainstreet]

I also read this quote on NBA Draft Net which compares the two brothers:

Comparing him to his brother Marcus, Markieff is bigger, stronger and more athletic but lacks his younger twin's offensive ability...

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/markieff-morris

 

[slinslin]

Red flags all over these two:
They buy the same clothes, finish each others sentences, live together, go to classes together, have all the same classes, the same schedule, the same tattoos etc etc

I am afraid they will be colossal busts unless a team drafts both.

 

[slinslin]

The kid is growing on me, I really want Selby in the draft, he strikes me as a guy who will only be available for us because of bad circumstances, else he could be a top 3 pick.
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/vi...-that-im-like-a-thug-but-thats-not-me-at-all/

I am also coming around on Leonard, but his jumper looks like he catapults the ball with 2 hands, not pretty.. and his dribble seems very high.. if he could be made into a 2 guard..
http://www.draftexpress.com/article...art-One-Joe-Abunassars-Impact-Basketball-3703

 

[slinslin]

Can we get some draft talk going? We got a pretty good record of predicting the BPA available at our picks in the past.

I got plenty of space left on my Josh Selby bandwagon. Considering that I really don't like players that get labeled as tweeners this is quiet exceptional!

 

[chickenhead]

I think we will draft a player at 13 in whom we put too much hope--because we're fans. But on the upside, without D'Antoni here we might actually see him play to judge for ourselves. Although Clark was drafted at #14 after the D'Antoni era and we barely saw him...

All kidding aside, I hope we do land a top pick. It's a lottery--it doesn't actually decrease our odds in a later, deeper draft. Only making the playoffs will.

 

[Magnus]

I can see both Leonard and Selby that you mentioned as good fits for the team. Leonard seems to have excellent work ethics, and that is always a great foundation. And Selby might just be the kind of natural talent to bloom. It will be interesting to see who the suns office chooses.

 

[Covert Rain]

Well as expected we didn't move up. I just have one wish. Draft someone that can play some freaking defense......PLEASE.

 

[jagu]

Anyone that can grab a rebound and play defense? Markieff Morris is who the mock draft sites are picking as the Suns pick. Or Jimmer Fredette who might suck or be unstoppable.
Selby is a serious project and I can't sit around for that project to work out or bust.

In all likely hood we'll end up with another Earl Clark..

 

[Gaddabout]

I'm thinking they either go with Greg Grant or Georgi Glouchkov

 

[jagu]

What do you guys think of Bismack Biyombo?

 

[Gaddabout]

What do you guys think of Bismack Biyombo?

As of right now he's a Top 10 pick. He could drop, but probably not with that body.

 

[mojorizen7]

Well as expected we didn't move up. I just have one wish. Draft someone that can play some freaking defense......PLEASE.

+1

 

[slinslin]

Anyone that can grab a rebound and play defense? Markieff Morris is who the mock draft sites are picking as the Suns pick. Or Jimmer Fredette who might suck or be unstoppable.
Selby is a serious project and I can't sit around for that project to work out or bust.

In all likely hood we'll end up with another Earl Clark..

Selby will be able to score in the NBA right away.

Don't compare Selby (#1 rated highschool player in his class) with Earl Clark.. who for all we know could have developed here if the Suns didn't sign 5 small forwards after drafting him to keep him on the bench at all times.

Markieff Morris has the ceiling of a role player and is probably going to bust if seperated from his brother.

Same for Fredette, role player with worse defense than Steve Nash has ever played.

I just hope we don't pass on someone like Selby who has star potential to take a future role player. Monta Ellis fell to the 2nd round and surely I would rather pick a prospect like him then the next Turiaf or Amundson (Farried).

 

[slinslin]

By the way Minnesota is looking to trade #2 for veterans.

I would make anyone available, except maybe Dudley or maybe him too.

Gortat and whatever it takes for #2, draft Derrick Williams and run with it.

 

[slinslin]

Wonder if something like basically

Gortat for #2 (maybe also swap #13 for #20.)
and
Nash for Calderon and #5 (maybe throw in #20)

could be possible if the Suns tried.

Overall

Suns trade
Gortat, Nash, #13

Suns get
Calederon, #2, #5

Raptors trade
#5, Calderon

Raptors get
#20, Nash

Minnesota trades
#2

Minnesota gets
Gortat, #13

 

[PhxGametime]

Josh Selby can score and has size/athleticism but I'm not sure I can see him as a star. There's maybe 2-4 players in the whole Draft with that potential (if even that)... the thing I like about Selby though is he could be a pretty darn good defensive player (if he choose to be), that can also score.


and has more upside than the other potential PG's at #13 but he also stuggled 2nd half of season at Kansas. He was playing well for his first 8-12 games so there's hope for whoever Drafts him but I'd like to see more playmaking ability; and defensive stopper mentality to consider him close to being a star.


Chris Singleton classified as role player, in your opinion?? Because i see complimentary (sp) player with huge defensive upside, especially if he can measure at 6'9 - 2.0 steals, 1.5 blocks. Decent rebounder, strong athlete, decent passer, etc. but I know you're not as high on Josh Smith (Singleton's best comparison).

 

[Gaddabout]

1. I can say with about 97 percent certainty the Suns are not -- and will not be -- interested in Jimmer Fredette. There's a new focus on defense in the front office and the kid doesn't fit. I've heard this from someone close to the team (but not actually in the front office).

2. Derrick Williams will disappoint any team that drafts him in the top 3. He's probably the most NBA-ready talent in the draft, but he's not a definitive small forward or power forward and his ceiling is probably not as high as people want it to be. I think he's going to have a very good career, but I don't think he's going to be the game-change someone drafting that high wants him to be.

3. That said, there aren't but a handful of players that look ready to play in the NBA in this draft. Every year I think we've hit a new lowpoint, but this group is really weak in terms of early returns. There are a lot of players that will require some long-term investment to get something out of their picks. If there were a year to trade out of the draft, of all things, I won't be ashamed if the Suns decide to do it this year. Bust factor will be high for the first 20 picks, IMO.

 

[TJ]

1. I can say with about 97 percent certainty the Suns are not -- and will not be -- interested in Jimmer Fredette. There's a new focus on defense in the front office and the kid doesn't fit. I've heard this from someone close to the team (but not actually in the front office).

Fredette is going to be an Eddie House type of player in the league. One trick pony - shooting. Can't play defense, is slow and won't be able to penetrate. If he's left open, he'll hit open shots. Type of guy you want on your bench. Not worth a first round pick IMO

2. Derrick Williams will disappoint any team that drafts him in the top 3. He's probably the most NBA-ready talent in the draft, but he's not a definitive small forward or power forward and his ceiling is probably not as high as people want it to be. I think he's going to have a very good career, but I don't think he's going to be the game-change someone drafting that high wants him to be.

Hater!!!

He is probably going to be a SF in the league and play PF in small rotations. I think of him as a shorter version of Amare because he has all of the talent on offense (penetration, outside shot, draw contact, pick and roll and ferocious dunker) but needs polishing on defense.

Williams will need a season to adjust to the speed of the NBA and changing positions, but I think he's going to have a productive career. He will not be a disappointment if drafted in the Top 3. He is that good.

3. That said, there aren't but a handful of players that look ready to play in the NBA in this draft. Every year I think we've hit a new lowpoint, but this group is really weak in terms of early returns. There are a lot of players that will require some long-term investment to get something out of their picks. If there were a year to trade out of the draft, of all things, I won't be ashamed if the Suns decide to do it this year. Bust factor will be high for the first 20 picks, IMO.

Hasn't this been the case for many seasons? I hate the NBA draft these days because it seems like there is a slim-to-none chance of actually finding a player of consequence anymore. This was the year to win the lottery or bust. Irving, D. Williams and K. Walker are going to have the best careers out of this draft IMO.

 

[Covert Rain]

#1 - Cleveland in no way shape or form gives up the #1 pick IMO. They have a bruised ego and they are not passing on Irving.

#2 - The #2 spot will probably go to Williams and he is a SF IMO in the NBA. A tweener who is used to playing like a PF but will only do so when a teams plays "small ball". Probably very tempting to the Suns but that is exactly why I hope they don't try and give up everything and the kitchen sink for this guy. The Suns and their obsession with small ball over the years would be tempted to play this guy at PF. The Suns giving up too much to get this guy flat out worries me.

#3 will probably be Knight. Again, no way Utah passes up on replacing Derek Williams. They will not deal this pick for Nash but it's not outside the realm of possibility if Utah wants to win now. If the Suns could pull this off your doing so for Knight or Kanter. There are questions about Kanter's knees and I don't know you could package Gortat here for someone that might end up being physically challenged with knee problems. Price is too high IMO to give up Gortat, Nash and the #13 for him. So, the more feasible scenario is the Suns would be going for Knight here. So, maybe #13, Nash and future pick. As stated above though, I doubt Utah passes on getting a replacement for Williams here.

#4 then goes to Cleveland. Considering Irving is no LeBron caliber player it's going to take more than one player this draft to appease the organization. Cleveland keeps this pick and probably takes Kanter if Utah doesn't. If he is off the board they take Knight.

#5 - Toronto at #5 is a possibility because they could take Valanciunus or or Vesely because the want a big man but are rumored to also want a PG. However, if you trade Gortat here to take one of these guys it doesn't make sense. If you trade Nash your doing so to get Walker (PG) or Burks (SG) at this spot. To me trading Nash here and swapping our #13 is the most feasible and something the Suns should consider to get Burks.

That leaves picks 6 and on and the only guy worth giving up something for is Burks IMO and you would have to convince the teams drafting before us that swapping our pick and Nash is worth it. The rest of the big men left on the board are almost interchangeable and none of them are great rebounders IMO. They are certainly not worth giving up Gortat. Those same teams are probably not looking to get a PG. So, it will probably cost the Suns swapping the #13 and a future pick to move up if they want one of these PF.

Are any of these PF or Centers left on the board worth that? I say no. The Suns don't have much of a shot landing any of top 4 picks via trade. The Suns should make a move to get Burks and if that doesn't pan out, stick at #13 draft your project PF and start looking at free agency and trade scenarios.