Introducing: Gani Lawal and Dwayne Collins

[Divide Et Impera]

Gani Lawal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhRwUZ7uVEY

Dwayne Collins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xT8kAN2aNU&feature=related

If there are better vids out there, please post.

I have to say that given what the Suns had, they did a fantastic job tonight. We got ourselves a couple of guys who like to mix it up in the paint, fight for position, fight for Orebs and finish above the rim. We definitely have a couple of guys who can replace Lou so the Suns don't have to pay him what he will command (I typed that as if it would be a king's fortune, but you get my point).

I would have loved for the Suns to have made a play for Whiteside or even Alabi, but I cannot be mad at this draft at all - considering our position.

If all we got out of these guys is some bench length and strength who can contribute from mid to late rotation, then we win and at least we win with the right damned philosophy. When Gambo was talking about some kid who can shoot NBA threes but couldn't guard Asher, I was certain the Suns would trade up for someone like that, but they held and they got a couple of inside PFs. That's exactly the approach the Suns have missed all these years and if this is a preview of next year when we have a first, then we'll be alright long run....

 

[WuRaider]

 

[WuRaider]

31 - Gani LawalGeorgia Tech

Birthday: 11/7/88
NBA Position: Power Forward
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-9
Wt: 233


NBA Comparison: Chris Wilcox

Strengths: A strong, athletic and lengthy 6'9 forward (in shoes), Lawal has been able to use his physical tools to gain the advantage over whoever guards him ... He spends the majority of his time in the post, where he is capable of making short turnaround jumpers, and finishing strong around the basket ... In regards to his post play, he has the ability to create just enough space for himself to get off a comfortable look ... his touch around the rim has seemed to improve, and he has shown signs of being able to use both hands (though limited with the left, but improved) in the paint... His activity level on the interior is very high, as his high motor and athleticism both contribute to his 8.5 rebounds per game, which is impressive considering he plays next to another big rebounder in Derrick Favors ... Scores a lot of baskets on put backs... He has a strong frame and an NBA body, and plays physical on both sides of the ball ... Does a good job at drawing contact and getting to the line, and he runs the floor well for his size, making it a habit of beating his man down the floor ... Defensively his physical play and long wingspan help him contest shots, contributing to his effectiveness defending the post ...

Weaknesses: Lawal is just a little too raw offensively, as he doesn't show you a variety of ways to score... his face up game and outside jumper will both need to improve if he wants to play real consistent minutes at the next level, as he won't be able to use his body in the pro's the same way he uses it in college... For a guy who thrives on contact and physicality in the paint, he shoots a poor 57% from the free throw line, which goes hand in hand with his non-threatening mid range or outside game... His shot selection can be questioned, as he seems to intent at time looking for his own offense down low instead of passing out of the post... Defensively he doesn't have the highest IQ, but if you tell him to body up and bang with the big guys down low, that he understands well...

Overall: What keeps Lawal from being talked about as a legit first rounder is that he doesn't stand out in any particular area... His competitiveness, desire to want the ball and high motor are admirable, but skill wise he doesn't excel above the rest in any particular category... He does however have an NBA body, and good enough hands, athleticism and size to compete at the next level... He looks like your typical hard working, energetic forward who will do the dirty work down low, and has the potential of being a nice 7th man - assuming he continues to polish his footwork and post move in the paint, and improves that mid-range game...

 

[Sunburn]

We didn't have to make a play for Alabi. We could have had him at 46. I don't understand not taking him.

 

[WuRaider]

21 - Dwayne Collins Miami

Birthday: Unknown
NBA Position: Power Forward
Class: Senior
Ht: 6-8
Wt: 241
Hometown: Miami, FL


NBA Comparison: Ben Wallace/Shelden Williams
Strengths: A tremendous physically specimen ... He has a wide frame, a strong and developed body and a fabulous wingspan … Combining his length and bulk, it makes for an intriguing force inside … Catching the ball around the basket, he looks to power his way to the hoop for strong finishes ... He moves well on offense, making good cuts and presenting a wide passing target inside ... Uses his strength to establish good low post position and can hold his seals, making him a very good option in high low situations … He likes to face up when catching the ball in the post, where he can utilize his long and fairly quick first step or a nice midrange jumper ... His stroke is decent, and he is comfortable stepping out to midrange ... He has a nice turnaround jumper, which is hard to defended because shoots it with a slight fade and with a high release point … Rebounds the ball extremely well, and is a terrific offensive rebounder, getting a lot of tips and putbacks ... His strength and width create space inside and he is also very good at using them on the defensive end to push his man off the block …

Weaknesses: A bit undersized as an inside player and does not have great athleticism (his length somewhat makes up for both deficiencies) … Not a reliable or consistent scorer and is not effective having plays run for him ... Not a natural player and it shows in some of his decision making as well as silly turnovers … He depends heavily on movement and energy plays to create his scoring opportunities and on the nights when the ball doesn't bounce his way he can disappear entirely for long stretches ... He becomes predictable by using a spin move almost every time he attacks the hoop facing up … Does not have a good repertoire of post moves inside, and his footwork is fairly limited ... He struggles making counter moves and is often called for travelling because he shuffles his feet inside … Unless he dunks the ball, he has a hard time finishing around the basket because he does not have a very good touch ... At times he makes good moves, but ends up loosing his balance and body control at the last moment, and therefore misses his shot badly … His motor is a bit of a question mark at this point because he has never played major minutes at any point in his career ... Must improve his foul shooting ...

 

[WuRaider]

We got ourselves a couple of guys who like to mix it up in the paint, fight for position

Yea, for a couple of 2nd Rounders, I think we did good. Collins especially looks like a mean mf that can hype up the team with his energy plays.

 

[Divide Et Impera]

We didn't have to make a play for Alabi. We could have had him at 46. I don't understand not taking him.

I'm not at all mad at the Lawal pick. You know what though? I forgot to mention Varnado. I would have liked him in the mix somehow. We'd have our poor man's Theo Ratliff.

Oh well. I stand by my original post. We did great with what we had. There are other likes out there, but we drafted for in the paint play and that's an approach I have never seen out of this club. Unless you count Malcolm Mackey....

 

[Sunburn]

Alabi was projected as a lottery to late first round pick. You don't pass on a guy like that at 46, especially when his position is an area of need.

 

[Tyler]

Drafting 2 PF all but guarantees Amare wont be coming back.

 

[Mainstreet]

Alabi was projected as a lottery to late first round pick. You don't pass on a guy like that at 46, especially when his position is an area of need.

I too think the Suns should have drafted a center at #46 or bought a pick to get Whiteside. I have nothing against Lawal as a player. Collins is physically a beast. He looks like Ben Wallace on the court.

 

[carey]

Drafting 2 PF all but guarantees Amare wont be coming back.

Why? We had no real back-up PF. I mean I don't think he's coming back, but I'm not sure a couple of undersized second round PFs really say much about that.

 

[Tyler]

Why? We had no real back-up PF. I mean I don't think he's coming back, but I'm not sure a couple of undersized second round PFs really say much about that.

I just see it as filling a position they know will be even thinner after the departure of black jesus. You dont consider Dwayne Jones or Earl Clark real backups?

 

[WuRaider]

Alabi was projected as a lottery to late first round pick. You don't pass on a guy like that at 46, especially when his position is an area of need.

Chad Ford's twitter said his physical scared a lot of teams.

But then again, thats what they said about Dejuan Blair.

 

[Sunburn]

Chad Ford's twitter said his physical scared a lot of teams.

But then again, thats what they said about Dejuan Blair.

Blair's physical was a lot worse. . .and it's number 46! What does a team want? That's the perfect spot to take a guy like that. You get potentially tremendous value for very little risk there. Case and point, as you mentioned him, Blair last year.

 

[Irish]

The Suns took a couple of dirt workers. I don't know all the other prospects, so I can't say if these were good picks or just another set of Alton Ford type players.

 

[azsportsfan01]

Alabi was projected as a lottery to late first round pick. You don't pass on a guy like that at 46, especially when his position is an area of need.

I don't get the Alabi love. He reminds me of Thabeet who is a massive bust. His only good quality is his height. He has no offensive game, and he defense isn't going to transfer to the pros since he will be out muscled by many players (including the two guys we did draft).

 

[Griffin]

Considering the Suns only had two second-round picks, they did fairly well. A-. Considering that we had two first-round picks in this draft including a lottery selection that we gave away to save money, that's an F. Just because those picks were sold years ago and not on draft night this time, that doesn't make it any more excusable. I guess it just makes it a little easier to accept, because the fans have already gotten over it.

 

[Sunburn]

After further research on Alabi, I retract my previous indignation at our passing on him. Lawal is a solid pick.

 

[AzStevenCal]

After further research on Alabi, I retract my previous indignation at our passing on him. Lawal is a solid pick.

Uhm, you need to post this 11 more times to cover all your posts for Alabi. Plus, I think you owe us an extra one just on principle.

Steve

 

[Divide Et Impera]

The Suns took a couple of dirt workers. I don't know all the other prospects, so I can't say if these were good picks or just another set of Alton Ford type players.

Hmmm. I liked Alton Ford. I wish he had gotten more of a shot. He was like a poor man's Turiaf or Etan Thomas....

But, your greater point stands. It's a good night considering where we were. So, I'm very happy overall....

 

[binkar]

Lawal is a solid pick. Should be a solid role player for us.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

i too like the gani lawal pick. i think some of you are going to be surprised by him. starter? no. but valuable in the second wave and as a spot starter.

the collins kid looks like Mark Bryant II to me.

 

[slinslin]

Why? We had no real back-up PF. I mean I don't think he's coming back, but I'm not sure a couple of undersized second round PFs really say much about that.

I'd say that with Frye and Amundson we had 2 back-up PF and a half PF in Clark.

Do we have a legitimate center other than Lopez? No.

 

[Sunburn]

I do agree we needed a center.

 

[Joe Mama]

Considering the Suns only had two second-round picks, they did fairly well. A-. Considering that we had two first-round picks in this draft including a lottery selection that we gave away to save money, that's an F. Just because those picks were sold years ago and not on draft night this time, that doesn't make it any more excusable. I guess it just makes it a little easier to accept, because the fans have already gotten over it.

you should probably gripe about the pick that was given away to Oklahoma City. A deep-pocketed owner who didn't have to worry about paying Kurt Thomas $15 million ($7.5 million salary + luxury tax implications) would never have made that trade, but you know the biggest reason why? As bad as it is to give away draft picks the worst part of that trade was losing Kurt Thomas. The real kick in the nuts was the fact that without him I doubt San Antonio could have beaten us in the first round in 2008. At the time I was hoping they could get PJ Brown to help fill his place, but that didn't happen.

Most of the experts thought that in this draft difference in talent between late first rounders and guys like Gawai was pretty minimal. I have to admit that I was a little intrigued by Whiteside because of his potential and ridiculous length. Since we had 46 & 60 I'm happy with what we got.

Now regarding that Utah lottery pick that was traded in order to unload Tom Gugliotta...

I wish I could find my post after that trade, but moving him at that time saved the Phoenix Suns something like $40-45 million when you considered his salary, the luxury tax penalty, and getting under the luxury tax and receiving the payout. For the life of me I can't remember if that was Googs final contract year. I'm pretty sure it was. It would have been really nice to have that draft pick, but their trade of Googs saved a boatload of money.

Joe