Draft Prospects thread

[Mainstreet]

David Stern announces all 1st round draft picks and then is replaced by I believe the deputy commissioner for the 2nd round picks.

This is what I thought. However, maybe he could be persuaded to turn it over to the deputy commissioner for the Suns picks.

Knick fans have been doing this for years. They show up and it is basically a 2 hour long chorus of boos.

Knick fans, I hope you are in fine form.

 

[slinslin]

Marcus Williams kind of sounds like Raja Bell in his interview, Afflalo also reminded me of someone but I can't figure out who, probably Kobe, fat minus for Afflalo for being a Lakers fan however.

 

[slinslin]

Just saw a poll on a Blazers board that asked if they would trade Roy for Durant and almost 50% on over 100 voters voted for Roy.

Am I the only one who isn't excited about Roy at all? He won ROY but this class was terrible and Bargnani might have actually beat him if he started earlier or was on a bad team like Portland.

To me that is like saying you would rather have Kevin Martin than Dirk Nowitzki.

 

[azirish]

Just saw a poll on a Blazers board that asked if they would trade Roy for Durant and almost 50% on over 100 voters voted for Roy.

Am I the only one who isn't excited about Roy at all? He won ROY but this class was terrible and Bargnani might have actually beat him if he started earlier or was on a bad team like Portland.

To me that is like saying you would rather have Kevin Martin than Dirk Nowitzki.

My guess is that most of them have not seen Durant play.

 

[azirish]

DX Sleeper Special

Jonathan Givony, of Draft Express mentions Ukrainian big man Fesenko as the guy who might be a real sleeper.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1065

June 13, 2006
The Pistons were reportedly initially hoping to draft Ukrainian big man Kyrylo Fesenko late in the 2nd round, and asked his agent to “hide” him overseas with a 2nd round promise so no one else catches wind of him. Fesenko smartened up, though, and decided to make his way over to the States to work out for NBA teams, which likely nullifies his promise by Detroit. He reportedly measured out as a legit 7-footer in one private workout, but still looks like he has a long ways to go skill wise. He has an NBA body with long arms and great raw core strength.

From the tapes we’ve acquired, it’s quite obvious that he is very athletic for a player his size, European or not. His quickness is especially impressive, as he's both nimble with his feet but also runs the floor extremely well. His leaping ability is just average, though. The impressive numbers he put up early on in the season in the Ukrainian first division before moving to a new team seem to be in spite of the little coaching he’s received, not because of it. His footwork, post moves, and go-to moves around the basket all need serious work, as does his overall feel for the game. He's also not a great rebounder, and his defense is terrible any way you slice it.

Fesenko’s really getting by solely on the fact that he's very athletic, plays hard, and is that much bigger than anyone else. He doesn't shy away from contact and definitely has some fight in him.

The best NBA comparison for him would be Mehmet Okur, but he is very far from making a similar impact. His best bet would be to pull out of the draft, go to a better league, and enter the draft again either next year or the year after, as he’s only a 1986 born prospect.

Should he stay in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him drafted somewhere in the 2nd round, as his buyout is reportedly affordable. He wanted to play at the Eurocamp in Treviso, but requested to be added to the camp roster too late and was turned down.

Actually he was invited to Treviso but couldn't get there due to visa issues.

Assuming he doesn't pull out on Monday, it would be worth while for the Suns to take a look at him at #29. He is just the kind of player they could leave in Europe.

 

[PhxGametime]

Sessions is a nice Prospect, I've only seen 2/3rd's of Game so far but he's playing pretty well and the broadcasters talked about how he was originally struggling and looking at stats for game, he ends up with a pretty solid Game... the only problem I have is he looks like a pretty good athlete but NBADraft.net lists him pretty poor in that area and I was hopng to find the Combine results somewhere but I can't lol


I should've copied them from Draftexpress but I glanced at site and the measurements were there but I couldn't find the combine results... maybe when i have more time I can have more of a look.

 

[Mainstreet]

I saw Steve Kerr on Fox news (channel 10) in Phoenix. He reportedly gave Marcus Williams the secret UofA handshake but they didn't show it because... it's a secret. I don't even know if the UofA has a secret handshake. It might have been a joke.

Anyway if I heard correctly, the Suns have worked out some 50-60 prospects. If true, the Suns are very serious about the draft. They also showed some of the players working out (besides Marcus Williams), but I did not recognize them.

I got very good vibes about Steve Kerr as a hands-on GM because he was there at the workouts. He also seemed very enthused. Also I think he made the traditional comments about trades... something like you always have to listen. Anyway I came away liking that the Suns are being very conscientious about the draft and that Kerr is manning the ship so to speak.

 

[PhxGametime]

OK, apparently the Draft combine results are with measurements... lol


Julian Wright of all my favorite Draft Prospects was the biggest disappointment, I do like Davidson but 6'11 bigmen don't always test well (last year Aldridge didn't test that great as well). Durant really doesn't count, as there is no way the Suns even have a shot...


Oden, Durant, Horford, Conley, Brewer, Green, Thornton, Jian-Lian, Noah, J Wright, T Young, Crittenton, R Young, Law; are all solid (not the biggest of B Wright's fan but he's decent enough to be selected up in top 10), Stuckey (have never seen), Pruitt, McRoberts, Sessions, M Williams, J Smith, Davidson, Splitter, Cook, Tucker, Brooks, Dudley (maybe? don't know his game that well), Terry, Nichols, Shakur, B Brown, etc. - wow getting tired going back and forth to sites; those are some of the Prospects I like...


I don't know Belinelli, Byars, Almond, McGuire, Visser, etc. games at all; haven't even really read profiles (I hardly read those though anyways)...


So I pretty much should be happy for Draft day. Fernandez I wouldn't mind I suppose but I hope they don't reach for him, he didn't impress all that much like 3-4 years back (obviously things can change in that time) and Fazekas at #29 for offense I could live with and he does have size... but he's not as rated as high as others are on my Draftboard... who did I forget? lol =D

 

[Mainstreet]

OK, apparently the Draft combine results are with measurements... lol


Julian Wright of all my favorite Draft Prospects was the biggest disappointment, I do like Davidson but 6'11 bigmen don't always test well (last year Aldridge didn't test that great as well). Durant really doesn't count, as there is no way the Suns even have a shot...


Oden, Durant, Horford, Conley, Brewer, Green, Thornton, Jian-Lian, Noah, J Wright, T Young, Crittenton, R Young, Law; are all solid (not the biggest of B Wright's fan but he's decent enough to be selected up in top 10), Stuckey (have never seen), Pruitt, McRoberts, Sessions, M Williams, J Smith, Davidson, Splitter, Cook, Tucker, Brooks, Dudley (maybe? don't know his game that well), Terry, Nichols, Shakur, B Brown, etc. - wow getting tired going back and forth to sites; those are some of the Prospects I like...


I don't know Belinelli, Byars, Almond, McGuire, Visser, etc. games at all; haven't even really read profiles (I hardly read those though anyways)...


So I pretty much should be happy for Draft day. Fernandez I wouldn't mind I suppose but I hope they don't reach for him, he didn't impress all that much like 3-4 years back (obviously things can change in that time) and Fazekas at #29 for offense I could live with and he does have size... but he's not as rated as high as others are on my Draftboard... who did I forget? lol =D

Artem Zabelin, center, Russia?

 

[Mainstreet]

Just a random thought. I think the old NBA draft used to run like 7 rounds. Alvin Scott was a 7th round pick with Phoenix and as I recall he had a decent career as a role player with the Suns. I still wish the NBA had a 7 round draft just so I could watch every minute.

 

[azirish]

I think the combination of expansion and player union pressure is what led to the draft being just two rounds. The truth is that in seven rounds (or whatever they used), guys could drafted that the team would not even bring to camp. If they waited a year they would be free agents, but that was not really fair. There are a fair number of rookie free agents that make teams, but they need to be the right fit.

The sad thing is that there is so little coverage of the summer leagues. That's where the rookie free agents try to make their mark and there are some interesting "discoveries".

 

[MastersofCombat]

http://scoutingthenba.com
Independent Scout:

I like the chances of landing some quality players

 

[sunsfn]

Cal center Devon Hardin stating he's staying in the draft and Marquette point guard Dominic James pulling out of the draft

Word is that two international players, Finland's Petteri Koponen and Italy's Marco Belinelli, are staying in the draft.

ESPN Draft watch: Weekend update June 18, 2007

http://nbadrafter.tripod.com/

 

[Russ Smith]

Cal center Devon Hardin stating he's staying in the draft and Marquette point guard Dominic James pulling out of the draft

Word is that two international players, Finland's Petteri Koponen and Italy's Marco Belinelli, are staying in the draft.

ESPN Draft watch: Weekend update June 18, 2007

http://nbadrafter.tripod.com/

The Hardin reports are wrong he actually stated he's staying at Cal.

ESPN was the only one reporting he was staying in the draft directly contradicting his dad from the day before so whoever ESPN got it from had it wrong. Edit I guess they got it from SF chronicle which has reversed it and said he's staying at Cal.

Seattle papers are reporting Hawes is staying in the draft but I don't know if that's official.

 

[azirish]

The Hardin reports are wrong he actually stated he's staying at Cal.

ESPN was the only one reporting he was staying in the draft directly contradicting his dad from the day before so whoever ESPN got it from had it wrong. Edit I guess they got it from SF chronicle which has reversed it and said he's staying at Cal.

Seattle papers are reporting Hawes is staying in the draft but I don't know if that's official.

DX is definite that Hardin is out and fairly sure Hawes will remain in. His stock is terribly high and he has too much to lose by droping out.

 

[Errntknght]

I hope the Suns are keeping their eyes open for some guys in the David Lee, Paul Milsap, Ronny Turiaf mold. I know its a rather vain hope because D'Antoni is so enamoured of shooters but this team could sure use a hard nosed, energetic rebounder. Obviously, there are players like that around even is lesser years that show up at the end of the first round. I'm a little more hopeful this year than last because of Kerr being in the mix.

 

[azirish]

I hope the Suns are keeping their eyes open for some guys in the David Lee, Paul Milsap, Ronny Turiaf mold. I know its a rather vain hope because D'Antoni is so enamoured of shooters but this team could sure use a hard nosed, energetic rebounder. Obviously, there are players like that around even is lesser years that show up at the end of the first round. I'm a little more hopeful this year than last because of Kerr being in the mix.

I remember Lee being profiled as being a good shooter when he came out.

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/davidlee.asp

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Strengths: Uses his size well…Quicker than most big men, and can slide through players in the lane… A good rebounder who really works on the glass… Relentlessly hits the offensive boards … He can step out and hit the occasional 18-footer …decent handle for a big man and can drive past slower post players…gets great position in the post, and has excellent footwork… A sound passer… Solid defensively and gives great effort He's tall. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6'10 with long arms and very quick for big man…crafty player who knows his strengths and plays to them. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Excellent athlete with very good quickness and explosiveness. Has a great feel for the game.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Weaknesses: Not strong enough and can be overpowered down low … Really must focus on expanding his range ... Has some moves on the block, but not a real threat offensively… He can block shots, but not as great at it, and you'd expect with his height/length and leaping ability that he would swat more.
[/FONT]

In workouts he showed very good shooting, but even with out it he looked promising.

Milsap actually had a good reputation as a shooter, but was considered too slow.

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/paulmilsap.html

NBA Comparison: Malik Rose
Strengths: Tremendous rebounder who gives great effort every time out ... Long arms and good strength and leaping ability allow him to play bigger than his actual size ... Crashes the boards extremely hard, especially on the offensive end ... Has a real knack for anticipating boards, great reflexes ... Offensive skills inside are good, has a decent mid range jump shot out to 12 feet ... Good scorer, finisher, has good touch around the basket with contact ... Has good agility, runs the floor well. Solid in transition ... Explosive leaper ... Solid defender, holds position well, doesn't bite on fakes ... Offensively creates a wide target inside and seals his man well ...

Weaknesses: Listed at 6-8 but closer to 6-7, far below standard for an NBA power forward ... His size is his biggest detriment ... Lacks great passing ability ... Doesn't play a high caliber of opponent on a regular basis in the WAC ... Free throw shooting is below average ... A true power forward, lacks the foot speed to play the 3 position ... Likely to struggle to get the same inside shots and rebounds against bigger and more athletic players on the next level ...

Notes: Led the nation in rebounding as a freshman and sophomore and has increased upon those numbers as a junior. (Could be the first player to ever lead the nation in rebounding 3 consecutive seasons.)

 

[slinslin]

Morris Almond podcast with draftexpress

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2122

Think he had the best interview on Suns.com so far.

 

[sunsfn]

Chad Ford's Mock Draft, Version 4.0: Picks 6-30


http://nbadrafter.tripod.com/



Kyrylo Fesenko
Power Forward (Rank: #29) | 7-1, 270 | Age: 20
Ukraine
Hometown: Ukraine

Draft Projection: Late first to early second

Similarities: Andris Biedrins

Notes: Plays for Mariupol in the Ukraine. Declared for the 2006 NBA Draft but withdrew when he wasn't given a first-round promise.
Positives: Long, athletic big man with good agility and quickness. Aggressive. Loves to dunk the ball. Already has a decent NBA body. Has a decent low-post game from five feet in.
Negatives: Very raw offensively, especially facing the basket. NBA executives are looking into a number of off-court issues with Fesenko.

Summary: A sleeper thanks to his size and potential. The question is whether a critical number of NBA decision makers will get a good look before the draft.

 

[slinslin]

UGH Almond gone at #22 and we take Fernandez and Fesenko.

I don't even want to think about it but its not going to happen anyway. Those foreign players are definately not ready to help a championship team as rookies and thats partially what we are looking for.

Where is the workout video from last night? Still not on suns.com. Mustafa Shakur will workout today, no idea who else.

 

[azirish]

Fesenko gets left in Europe.

I think the Suns should try to get two rookies who can contribute. I'm not interested in projects, although I suspect they may go for a big PG anyway.

 

[slinslin]

nm this maybe interesting enough for an own thread.

 

[sunsfn]

Chad Ford's Mock Draft, Version 4.0: Picks 6-30


http://nbadrafter.tripod.com/



Kyrylo Fesenko
Power Forward (Rank: #29) | 7-1, 270 | Age: 20
Ukraine
Hometown: Ukraine

Draft Projection: Late first to early second

Similarities: Andris Biedrins

Notes: Plays for Mariupol in the Ukraine. Declared for the 2006 NBA Draft but withdrew when he wasn't given a first-round promise.
Positives: Long, athletic big man with good agility and quickness. Aggressive. Loves to dunk the ball. Already has a decent NBA body. Has a decent low-post game from five feet in.
Negatives: Very raw offensively, especially facing the basket. NBA executives are looking into a number of off-court issues with Fesenko.

Summary: A sleeper thanks to his size and potential. The question is whether a critical number of NBA decision makers will get a good look before the draft.

Just want to make sure you all read this on #14.

--------------------------------------------------
PICK
TEAM
PLAYER
VITALS

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L.A. Clippers

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Julian Wright
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 20
School: Kansas

The skinny: The Clippers like Acie Law, but from what we gather the team is talking with the Suns about trading the No. 14 pick and Corey Maggette to Phoenix for Boris Diaw, this year's No. 24 and No. 29 picks and the Suns' first-round pick in 2008.
The Clips might want to rethink that if Wright slips this far. He's the type of heady small forward that coach Mike Dunleavy has craved for years. If the Suns do get the pick, I think they'll go for Wright or Thaddeus Young -- two guys with some of the best upside in the draft.

http://nbadrafter.tripod.com/

 

[Errntknght]

Azirish,

I remember Lee being profiled as being a good shooter when he came out.

In support of this statement you included a profile that said, "He can step out and hit the occasional 18-footer …" I don't think that is Mike D'As idea of a good shooter.

Milsap actually had a good reputation as a shooter, but was considered too slow.

In support of this your quoted profile says "Offensive skills inside are good, has a decent mid range jump shot out to 12 feet ..." Again not D'As idea of a good shooter.


I'm not sure I understand the point of your post... are you trying to say that D'Antoni will pass on tough players that rebound well even if they are decent shooters?

 

[azirish]

Lee did not really show he could shoot until the workouts. I remember the discussions about Lee on this board and I felt he would be a good pickup. My hope when the KT - Q deal went down that the Knicks were picking Lee for the Suns. Rats.

Why did the Suns pass on Milsap? Size, lack of athleticism, and lack of speed. 6'7" power forwards who can't jump are always long shots to make it in the NBA. Milsap had the good fortune to go to a team which doesn't run.

Every year teams miss good ones and take dogs. Usually it comes from chasing potential or not visualizing how the guy can help; but often it's just luck.