Big Board 7.0 Chad Ford

[ASUCHRIS]

James Harden had the exact same weaknesses coming out of ASU and still does.

Huh? Are you comparing Tatum and Harden?

 

[DWKB]

Besides, I don't think Jackson's problems, on the court or off the court, go away.

What is it that you know about the KU players and program that I don't?

 

[AzStevenCal]

What is it that you know about the KU players and program that I don't?

You've tried to take me down this road before, I'm not going there. Do yourself a favor, search the history of this board involving relevant Kansas players along with my username. I've been far more complimentary of them through the years than perhaps any other regular here, I just don't like Jackson. Yes, I grew to dislike the Morris twins but I was defending them until Markieef finally tore the ground out from under me.

 

[Chaplin]

I'm convinced we're targeting Tatum and have little interest in Jackson or Ball. If Tatum is gone, I won't be shocked to see us trade the pick.

Do you have anything concrete that convinced you? Considering the lack of specific information out there, I find it strange that you are "convinced" of anything in this draft.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

The GM literally said he likes multiple players at the 4 spot in the draft interview I just posted.

 

[Folster]

Huh? Are you comparing Tatum and Harden?

Athletically yes. Go back and read the draft profiles on Harden.

Weaknesses: Ended the season with two very poor performances in the NCAA Tournament, which has unfairly taken some luster off of a great season (he faced zone defenses on both occasions and it forced him to play out of his comfort zone)… Does not posses the great size that many have at his position … His leaping ability and quickness are only marginal, which forces him into tough and contested drives and makes it hard for him to get by people … Even though he has worked on his drives going right, he is still not nearly as comfortable and effective as he needs to be … Defenders have a much easier time cutting of his driving lanes when he does go right … His midrange game will need to become more polished, his ability to make shots off the dribble before the helpside D rotates will be key … He has become turnover prone at 3.4 per game, but this is mostly a result of being asked to do too much …

 

[AzStevenCal]

Do you have anything concrete that convinced you? Considering the lack of specific information out there, I find it strange that you are "convinced" of anything in this draft.

And that's a reasonable question. It's hardly concrete but I based it more on my understanding of the warts on the other players.

 

[elindholm]

I think one problem is that people think "athleticism" means jumping ability, speed, strength, and not much else. But balance is also a big element of athleticism, and I think it's just as good a predictor for whether someone will succeed. You can say that Nash or Harden "lack athleticism," but their balance is exceptional. I suspect that the "smoothness" we all see in Tatum is due to superior balance.

 

[Russ Smith]

I think one problem is that people think "athleticism" means jumping ability, speed, strength, and not much else. But balance is also a big element of athleticism, and I think it's just as good a predictor for whether someone will succeed. You can say that Nash or Harden "lack athleticism," but their balance is exceptional. I suspect that the "smoothness" we all see in Tatum is due to superior balance.

and athleticism is often overrated. The best finisher in my lifetime at the rim is probably Rod Strickland, I don't know if I ever saw him dunk. Last night Webber brought him up talking about Kyrie's ability to finish, again Kyrie is quick and athletic but what makes him special at finishing is he can do it with either hand off either foot, he uses the glass well, understands spin etc. More often than not he's shooting the ball well below the rim.

Curry is not a freak athlete but he may be the 2nd best finisher in the NBA for the same reason, both hands, spin, crafty etc.

I say may be because Hardens' right there too and again not a blows you away athlete but he's so deceptive that he can finish in traffic.

Westbrook is a freak and a great player but he probably misses more shots at the rim than any player in the league, partly because he drives so much, partly because he's never figured out pace so he's always going full speed and is often out of control.

Being a great athlete certainly helps but many really good players are not the elite 1% of athletes in the NBA, they're just better overall players.

 

[Folster]

I think one problem is that people think "athleticism" means jumping ability, speed, strength, and not much else. But balance is also a big element of athleticism, and I think it's just as good a predictor for whether someone will succeed. You can say that Nash or Harden "lack athleticism," but their balance is exceptional. I suspect that the "smoothness" we all see in Tatum is due to superior balance.

Agreed. Also, athleticism, especially explosiveness tends to deteriorate rapidly due to increased likelihood of injury. Smooth players like Duncan, Nash, and Pierce tend to play longer at a higher level than your explosive players like Stoudemire, Rose, Kemp, McDyess. Once they lost their explosiveness they were a shell of their former selves.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Athleticism sure helps on defense though. But generally, I agree about athleticism. There is alot more to it. Muscle memory, balance, quickness (which can be very deceptive), agility, body control etc.

 

[sunsfan88]

Plus, if we move up to the #1 pick then we likely will move Bledsoe.

Moving up from the #4 to #1 would cost much more than just Bledsoe. This is Danny Ainge we're talking about, he doesn't do trades unless he's ripping the hell off the other team.

It would have to be something like Bledsoe + one of Warren/Bender/Chriss and Suns protected 1st rd pick within next 2-3 years for #1. That's being generous, he would likely want more than that quite honestly.

 

[Folster]

Moving up from the #4 to #1 would cost much more than just Bledsoe. This is Danny Ainge we're talking about, he doesn't do trades unless he's ripping the hell off the other team.

It would have to be something like Bledsoe + one of Warren/Bender/Chriss and Suns protected 1st rd pick within next 2-3 years for #1. That's being generous, he would likely want more than that quite honestly.

How did you miss the rest of my post? Let me clarify as well.

I think Philly is a more likely candidate for a trade with Boston.

Plus, if we move up to the #1 pick then we likely will move Bledsoe (to another team).

What do you guys think it would take to get the 1st pick from Boston? I think it would take at least the #4, a Miami pick, and a player like Warren.

I was not saying that we would give up Bledsoe to get the #1. Getting the #1 would likely mean we would move Bledsoe to another team.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Athleticism sure helps on defense though. But generally, I agree about athleticism. There is alot more to it. Muscle memory, balance, quickness (which can be very deceptive), agility, body control etc.

Length as well, both in terms of arms and hands. One of the concerns regarding Jackson is his comparatively shorter arms, and with Issac it's his hands.

 

[Mainstreet]

I think there will be some flip flopping in the top six picks so this draft may be hard to predict. Teams may be drafting players they do not plan to keep. The Suns probably stay put at #4 unless they get an offer they can't refuse... or unexpected players dropping.

 

[Mainstreet]

Here are some comments from Fox.

I bet the Magic really want him although they will have to trade-up to get him.

"I feel like I’m the best player in this draft no matter what," said Fox. "But seeing the lottery and how things fell, I feel like I wouldn’t slot past five. And I feel like if I perform well in my workouts I could move up."

"In college, I got to the basket whenever I wanted. I felt like I created better. Defensively, I feel like that really separated me. Those guys—Markelle is a great scorer, he’s able to distribute; Lonzo is a great passer; Dennis [Smith], his athleticism and being able to score is phenomenal. But I feel like defensively, that’s what sets me apart. But I can also create and I feel like I can create better than those guys and they’re all phenomenal players."

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/246040/DeAaron-Fox-I-Feel-Like-Im-The-Best-Player-In-This-Draft

 

[Matt L]

I really like Fox.

 

[Mainstreet]

I really like Fox.

The same here.

I've been telling myself the Suns do not want another PG so I will not be disappointed.

 

[mojorizen7]

I really like Fox.

I like Fox if Jackson is gone.

 

[Mainstreet]

I like Fox if Jackson is gone.

I think the Suns will draft Jackson if he is there as well.

If Fox is there at #4, I think the Suns will be getting nice offers to trade down. I hope the Suns consider those before drafting Tatum who I believe will be there.

 

[GatorAZ]

Can Jackson and TJ play together?

 

[SirStefan32]

Can Jackson and TJ play together?

I don't see why not. Honestly, I like Warren at 4. That said, Chriss and Bender need minutes too.

 

[GatorAZ]

I don't see why not. Honestly, I like Warren at 4. That said, Chriss and Bender need minutes too.

I don't like TJ at the 4. He can't guard 4's or stretch them out to the 3pt line. In fact I don't think either one of them will shoot 3's at a good clip.

 

[mojorizen7]

I think the Suns will draft Jackson if he is there as well.

If Fox is there at #4, I think the Suns will be getting nice offers to trade down. I hope the Suns consider those before drafting Tatum who I believe will be there.

Agree.

 

[mojorizen7]

Phoenix finished ninth in points/gm IIRC but continue to be awful defensively. I realize we still need scorers who can score in different ways, but we need to add a skilled 2 way player with size and that's clearly Jackson.

I believe Fox can make a defensive impact on the perimeter and he can score. Those are the two i'm hoping we get a chance at and McD pulls the trigger on.

IMO guys being mentioned like Tatum, Isaac, Markkanen, Monk....don't help this team move the needle very much. Good looking prospects and they fit roles and holes for other teams.