Draft Prospects thread

panfolk

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I like Noah, but he and Diaw seem redundant.

I've been wondering about that. They're both high post centers for the most part. Noah's length and hustle do set him apart a bit.

I think there is no point in Durant or Oden discussions, myself.

Maybe Splitter wouldn't be half bad with the Atlanta pick considering how badly we need a defensive 7 footer.
 

Russ Smith

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Number #1 I agree, but the #2 I'm not so sure especially if Noah and Brandan Wright declare. If the package is right I can easily see a team sliding down a couple spots from the #2 pick.

That's a huge risk though to move the shot at Durant for either Noah or Wright. Noah is a heck of a player but he's a small PF. I think he'll be a very good NBA player but. Wright is a much better athlete but very skinny, he's like Durant except most of his points are off dunks.

Both are better defenders than Durant but they can't touch him offensively.
 

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I've been wondering about that. They're both high post centers for the most part. Noah's length and hustle do set him apart a bit.

I think there is no point in Durant or Oden discussions, myself.

Maybe Splitter wouldn't be half bad with the Atlanta pick considering how badly we need a defensive 7 footer.

Splitter with the Atl pick?! He's projected to be around for the Cleveland pick. Not to mention that he has to be bought out of his contract, which will be difficult considering that teams can only buy out a very small dollar amount. Splitter does make sense for the Suns later in the draft so we don't have to pay him for a couple years.
 

panfolk

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Splitter with the Atl pick?! He's projected to be around for the Cleveland pick. Not to mention that he has to be bought out of his contract, which will be difficult considering that teams can only buy out a very small dollar amount. Splitter does make sense for the Suns later in the draft so we don't have to pay him for a couple years.

Check out the Splitter thread. He's projected 9th by DraftExpress. I'd a rather have him as a 7 foot defensive specialist (I never get tired of typing that) than Julian Wright (too similar to Diaw), Spencer Hawes (too much of a traditional back to the basket center), Al Horford (offensively limited), Brandan Wright (twig), Josh McRoberts (underachieving), or any other player we'd have a shot at in the 5-9 range that Atlanta will be picking in.
 

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Check out the Splitter thread. He's projected 9th by DraftExpress. I'd a rather have him as a 7 foot defensive specialist (I never get tired of typing that) than Julian Wright (too similar to Diaw), Spencer Hawes (too much of a traditional back to the basket center), Al Horford (offensively limited), Brandan Wright (twig), Josh McRoberts (underachieving), or any other player we'd have a shot at in the 5-9 range that Atlanta will be picking in.

I was going off nbadraft.net. They have him falling in the Cleveland pick range. #9 is pretty high for a guy who probably won't be playing for a year or two. He has pulled out of the draft twice and there is no guarantee that he will ever play in the NBA. It almost seems like he doesn't really want to.
 

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Man I would be a little upset if the Suns Drafted Splitter with Hawks Pick... Splitter is closer to Hilton Armstrong (minus jumpshot) and Cedric Simmons in last years Draft than he is a defensive specialist (Mutombo etc.).


He's not a bad prospect but everyone (but ME anyways) is saying this is deepest Draft in years and I'm expecting Splitter to be around the 15-20 range and with his contract issue, I'm thinking that's generous.


I haven't seen Splitter for 2 years though and it's possible the guy has picked up his offense but for as many years as he's been a Prospect, in the League he's in he should be putting up some numbers...
 

panfolk

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Man I would be a little upset if the Suns Drafted Splitter with Hawks Pick... Splitter is closer to Hilton Armstrong (minus jumpshot) and Cedric Simmons in last years Draft than he is a defensive specialist (Mutombo etc.).


He's not a bad prospect but everyone (but ME anyways) is saying this is deepest Draft in years and I'm expecting Splitter to be around the 15-20 range and with his contract issue, I'm thinking that's generous.


I haven't seen Splitter for 2 years though and it's possible the guy has picked up his offense but for as many years as he's been a Prospect, in the League he's in he should be putting up some numbers...
Hey man, long time no read. Where's the prospects in your signature?
 

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What do folks think about Arron Afflalo as an NBA prospect now? My fellow UCLA fans and I are all assuming he's gone(he's on track to graduate a year early).

Physical limitations, not a great athlete, good not great shooter(tends to shoot too flat not enough arc). Terrific defender, in the last few games he's guarded Marcus Williams, Lawrence Hill and Arron Brooks. He held Hill in check in the first half, they switched up in the 2nd half he guarded Anthony Goods, and Hill promptly went nuts and Stanford beat UCLA.

Just a great kid, one of my favorite Bruins ever. I think his big problem is he's a bit undersized for SG since he's not that athletic, and he's not quick enough for SG. But he's an absolute warrior on the court, never lets up, loves the big shots. I thought he was a better player than Farmar in college not sure if he will be in the NBA though.

Probably fits a team like San Antonio better than the Suns. I still suspect he's not going to get a first round guarantee, he can't test the waters again so I suspect he's going to have to take a leap of faith?

I would compare him to both Raja Bell and Bruce Bowen, probably a little smaller but same combo of defense and ability to make shots. Has to extend his range a bit though.
 

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Hey man, long time no read. Where's the prospects in your signature?


lol


Well I don't think the Suns are going to keep the 2 lower First Round Picks for some reason (hehe), and I only have 1 Tv/VCR to tape games this year, and I'm constantly taping the Suns... so i only have off days to tape Suns and I'm becomming addicted to the Tv show Heroes. Which totals, I don't have a lot of gamefilm this year lol but i have seen some of the Prospects from previous years and I'm sort of only going to keep track of the Hawks Picks potential suitors...


As of right now, I have:


Oden, Durant, Noah, J Wright, Horford, B Wright. These are my top choices as of now, I'm having hard time finding gamefilm on Florida State (Thornton) but I figure he's more of a combo forward minus the point skills and lights out shooting ability - so if I get one game before season ends great, if not oh well.


I wasn't impressed as much with Thabeet as i thought I'd be but depending on where the Hawks Pick lands he could fit a Diop type role on Team (giving the Suns one more option). Also, Davidson (Alabama) was the one Prospect I've been taping games of (of the 2nd and 3rd tier players), as I've liked his game since Freshman year but if doesn't improve his FG PCT, Coach D wouldn't play him. Wouldn't mind him with say the Suns own Pick but again, I think the Suns will keep the Hawks Pick and Trade away the other two (maybe Trading away KT or Banks) or moving up, etc.


Should be a fun summer...
 

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As long as the Suns take a big guy early, I expect he'll be able to help. However, other than Oden and Durant, I don't see any "no brainers". Every profile of the lottery guys shows serious holes in the guys games which might be dealt with some which would discourage me from taking them.

BTW, the only way the Suns get Oden is if the Hawks get into the top three and Oden stays in school for another year. I'm not wishing for this, but it is far from impossible. Otherwise, forget about him.

The rest of the top ten seems to be in constant flux. Noah's stock is down from last year when he would have been the #1 pick, but I expect a big tournament will get into the race for the 4-6 slots with Wright and others. Noah would be a nice addition, but unless his shooting becomes more impressive, he might now help enough to be worth the pick.

Horford is another guy who has offensive limitations. However, he is very strong to go with length and athleticism. Based on the way he handled Oden back in December, I think Horford could be the next Ben Wallace ("could" does not mean "will"). I'm not sure if the Suns would have the patience to help him develop the offensive side, but he could be a much for physical verison of what Hunter offered.

I'm guessing Splitter will slide to the second ten, but the only way he falls to the Cleveland pick is if the Suns pull a Carbacapa and get him not work out for anyone else. Considering the general fear that he might stay in Europe, that's not as far fetched as it sounds. He may not want to join a bad team and decide playing with Leandro would be worth the reduced money. He'd be a steal at the Cleveland pick (athletic, solid defense, and good low post offense).
 

panfolk

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I think Horford might be the best bet if the Suns brass feel like he can improve his shot when they see him in workouts. I like the idea of Splitter or Noah still but I'm just thinking where we land (5-9) Horford would be the best fit.
 

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Draftnik: I understand your time is finite, but have you seen any of Herbert Hill? I'd like the Suns to draft him as an insurance policy with their own pick. http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1519


I'd like to record a game, judging by his stats this is the 1st year that he's been a legit Prospect though, and i don't have any games of him this year.


May have a game or two last year, and I know early in his career (Gomes was 1st round material a few years back) but thats too far back.


I didn't even get my Lindy's collegiate book this year lol, man what a year to pick the username (Draftnik lol) - usually get those Collegiate books, glance at seniors with decent stats in book and the 1st and 2nd Team Picks and they have top 15-20 position lists (it's for the collegiate game though) not really an NBA Prospect list and then overlook the top incoming Freshman to get an idea on who I should record... also go to NBADraft.net, ESPN Insider, and Draftexpress.com as well to get an idea as well on who to record. lol Just with everything thats happened this year and Sarver's reluctance to use Draftpicks... I am thinking of just recording the top 10 Prospects but a select few.
 

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With Kurt only playing 1 more year, we could pick two bigs. Atl's for Noah/Horfort and Cav's for Splitter and let Splitter stay oversea for another year. Perfect!
 

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I was just thinking that, if the Hawks pick does fall in the top 3, we can at least be comforted that they won't take a big- they'll probably just take a 6'8'' swingman.
 

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For some reason, I am firmly on the Horford bandwagon, but I also think Noah would be good for us....

Noah just seems perfect though. He's defensive minded, a good shot blocker, and can run the floor. We'll see. The prospect of adding top ten draft talent to the team has me stoked. Plus, I think everyone enjoys watching a rookie grow and mature.
 

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What do folks think about Arron Afflalo as an NBA prospect now? My fellow UCLA fans and I are all assuming he's gone(he's on track to graduate a year early).

Physical limitations, not a great athlete, good not great shooter(tends to shoot too flat not enough arc). Terrific defender, in the last few games he's guarded Marcus Williams, Lawrence Hill and Arron Brooks. He held Hill in check in the first half, they switched up in the 2nd half he guarded Anthony Goods, and Hill promptly went nuts and Stanford beat UCLA.

Just a great kid, one of my favorite Bruins ever. I think his big problem is he's a bit undersized for SG since he's not that athletic, and he's not quick enough for SG. But he's an absolute warrior on the court, never lets up, loves the big shots. I thought he was a better player than Farmar in college not sure if he will be in the NBA though.

Probably fits a team like San Antonio better than the Suns. I still suspect he's not going to get a first round guarantee, he can't test the waters again so I suspect he's going to have to take a leap of faith?

I would compare him to both Raja Bell and Bruce Bowen, probably a little smaller but same combo of defense and ability to make shots. Has to extend his range a bit though.

raja is exactly who i'd compare him to, without the same jumper. i've never been impressed with afflalo. his physical limitations will mean he's a benchjockey.
 

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It's a matter of preference, really. Noah is longer and taller than Horford, but Horford is just as good as Noah at putting the ball on the floor, he's a better athlete, stronger, and, unlike Noah, shows signs of a promising post game and mid range jumper. He already has a lethal spin move that he uses to get by his defender at will, and his jump shot, while inconsistent, has very good form and is much improved over last season. He even drew Karl Malone comparisons from some scouts in the offseason. That doesn't mean he'll be a Karl Malone, but he has the same type of game as the Mailman.

Horford's rebounding, defense, and ability to run the floor, on top of his promising, yet developing post game, should firmly entrench him into a top 7 pick, and he could go top 5 depending on how workouts go. I can tell you that his game against Oden while playing on a hobbled foot really helped his stock, though. I was at that game and sitting next to some of the scouts... they were thoroughly impressed.

Again, it's a matter of preference. Noah's probably a slightly better player for the Suns' system, and will be a good pro himself. I think Horford, though, could eventually develop into an NBA All-Star, I really do. He's got all the tools, and is a very smart player.
 

Russ Smith

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raja is exactly who i'd compare him to, without the same jumper. i've never been impressed with afflalo. his physical limitations will mean he's a benchjockey.

Yeah he's on an ESPN chat right now and he said he hasn't made his mind up he loves UCLA, thinks they have great players(Kevin Love) coming in next year. Wants to win a title before he leaves etc.

I love the kid he's everything that's good about college athletics, but I agree he's not likely to be an NBA starter just not good enough. His career high is only 27, that's a great quarter for Kobe(his idol). Great defender, smart kid, plays hard, will be a solid role player but he needs to extend the range on his jumper.

Great kid one of my favorite Bruins ever. I think Bell is a good comparison a guy who took several years to find his niche.
 

Ouchie-Z-Clown

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Yeah he's on an ESPN chat right now and he said he hasn't made his mind up he loves UCLA, thinks they have great players(Kevin Love) coming in next year. Wants to win a title before he leaves etc.

I love the kid he's everything that's good about college athletics, but I agree he's not likely to be an NBA starter just not good enough. His career high is only 27, that's a great quarter for Kobe(his idol). Great defender, smart kid, plays hard, will be a solid role player but he needs to extend the range on his jumper.

Great kid one of my favorite Bruins ever. I think Bell is a good comparison a guy who took several years to find his niche.

i know you're a big fan russ, but i gotta say, i also don't fully understand the overwhelming love for kevin love. i've watched him play 3 games now, and i think he's rather pedestrian, it's just that he's playing against kids that either much smaller than him, or they're oafs. i have yet to see him play against someone with any athleticism. i could be way off, but i'll be surprised if love is a great impact player. he reminds me too much of that kid who was highly rated outta utah that went to duke and never really saw the light of day (burgess maybe?).
 

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