For those clamoring for another big...

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 4:10 PM EDT in Draft Comment 25 comments

Canis Hoopus has a breakdown of several big men available in this draft. There's a list of several advanced stats, as well as a table with all their measurements. I strongly recommend checking it out.

They made this list in order to project if they should go for a big with the third overall pick, but thinking about our position, here's what I think you can take away.

1. Outside of Kevin Love, Maureese Speights looks good. He's the third-best rebounder of the group, behind Love and Jason Thompson, who played in a small conference. He's also a very efficient scorer (62 TS%) with his back to the basket, and that'd add a really nice dimension to our second team. He doesn't get to the free throw line enough, and he turns the ball over more than I'd like, but his rebounding strength and ability to score efficiently outweigh those concerns. He's also young, so he might be our best chance of getting a true impact big in the middle of the first round.

2. Just say no to Robin Lopez. His rebounding, which I thought was a strength, is a major red flag, and he turns it over even more than Speights.

3. Kosta Koufos is a better version of O-Pec. I'm down on O-Pec's prospects as a player, and Koufos has his strong points, but I'm not sure we should draft a big that duplicates one we already have. I wouldn't be too upset if we picked Koufos, because those types of centers are useful in our type of offense, but I'd rather we pick a guy with a skill set we don't already have.

4. Roy Hibbert may be a stiff, but JaVele McGee is much worse. McGee may have the longest wingspan in the group, but he's also the weakest, and he's not nearly as efficient offensively as Hibbert. I'd rather have Speights and maybe even Koufos that either of them, but while I'd live with Hibbert, I'd throw a fit if we took McGee.

5. More Hibbert: One thing is Hibbert's favor is his unbelievably strong assist/turnover rate. Only David Padgett's is better (and I agree with Hoopus that Padgett would be a great second-round pick), and Padgett doesn't rebound like Hibbert.

6. Jason Thompson is a darkhorse: All those numbers are against poor competition, but you can't help but think that Thompson looks really good compared to others on this list. He's also one of the few that Ernie actually worked out (along with Speights).

If we're going for a big, my top choice would probably be Speights. Hibbert's probably my second choice, followed by Koufos and then Thompson. Joey Dorsey and Richard Hendrix, two guys that are probably second-round picks at this point, but are productive college players, aren't on this list, but he'd probably be on the same level as Hibbert as far as personal preference. I'd be very upset with McGee or Lopez.

Either way, all these guys have flaws. Expecting any to dramatically alter our frontcourt situation is probably expecting too much. That's why I think Ernie should consider grabbing someone like CDR, Rush or even Chalmers if they're still on the board. They may not fill a need, but they'll probably be able to contribute right away, and all are both good fits for the Princeton and strong individual defenders.

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I definitely agree on points 1, 3 and 4. I’d be REALLY upset with McGee. Expect a long diatribe from me in the form of a fanpost if his name gets called by the Wizards on draft night.

I’m kind of apathetic towards Robin Lopez and actually am not a fan of Jason Thompson. But I definitely agree that the Wizards shouldn’t just lock in on taking a big regardless of who is available.

by MikeMid on Jun 17, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Robin Lopez

seems like he’s grabbing hold of some coattail?
And I’m with you Prada, big 3 board of CDR, Rush, and Chalmers in that order. But this Nicolas Batum kid looks like a good prospect to stash over seas for a year

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on Jun 17, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In my book "Bigs" includes PF's

JJ Hickson, Serge Ibaka, and Darrell Arthur are names that should be added to the article. Robin Lopez has been effective in a high level conference. He has a very good skill-set that I would not over-look and if he dropped to the Wiz , I don’t see EG passing on him. I also feel Opec is highly skilled, but a young Euro and like most young Euro’s there is a large learning curve, I would not dismiss him he can foster during summer leagues.

by LoneWiz54 on Jun 17, 2008 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Canis Hoopus didn’t include those guys, so I didn’t either.

Explain why you’d want Robin Lopez out of the guys mentioned.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not saying I would take Lopez over the guys mentioned

I am saying that I would not be surprised nor disappointed if he was the choice. He is big, smart and unselfish. Plus can clog the middle and can develop his rebounding and defense. It is a wash IMO between him and Hibbert. I think the choice will come down to either J. J. Hickson or Darrell Arthur, which would give the team potentially more of an inside presence when they play small ball and a solid backup for Jamison.

by LoneWiz54 on Jun 17, 2008 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You rarely develop rebounding

It’s the most translatable skill between the college and pro game. That’s not to say it’s impossible to develop, but if you can’t rebound against guys much smaller than you, you probably won’t be able to rebound against bigger and stronger athletes.

Arthur’s a good scorer, not such a good rebounder, and measured far worse than expected. Hickson actually looks a lot better ... he’s younger and he scores and rebounds more efficiently. 18 might be a bit too high though, and Speights looks even better than Hickson does and plays the same position.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arthur

It seems as though Arthur is slipping a bit right now. I’m not sure if that’s a product of poor workouts, or just other big men having better workouts than expected and perhaps passing him due to hype.

Although his rebounds are low, could part of that reason be due to the fact that Kansas played such great defense that there werent as many shots being put up? I wouldn’t mind Arthur coming in and giving AJ a break. Having him learn from Jamison would be great, especially since their games have a lot of similarities.

by Romans12 on Jun 17, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No comprende

Kansas played such great defense that there werent as many shots being put up

Wouldn’t that mean there would be more shots missed, and therefore more chances to rebound?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Arthur is slipping because he isn't as good as it seemed

He’s an efficient scorer when weighed against college players, but not against the other bigs in this draft. His eFG% is just 54.5, which is good, but not as good as Hickson, Speights, Hibbert or Thompson. And that’s supposed to be his strong point.

I’m hoping some team will burn an early pick on him, because he has Michael Wright written all over him.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So I take it you think EG will go BAA

with would be a 1 or a 2… ?

AT A GLANCE – Darrell Arthur (from draftexpress. sounds like a Jamison backup, and plays D)
Strengths:

• Athleticism
• Scoring mentality
• Hands
• Ability to score in the paint
• Transition play/Running the floor
• Turnaround jumper
• Budding skills facing the basket
• Excellent lateral quickness
• Solid all-around defender
• Upside

Weaknesses:

• Toughness/Intensity
• Basketball IQ/Experience
• Consistent focus
• Passing ability
• Ability to finish with left hand
• Shot-selection
• Ball-handling/Perimeter shooting polish
• Finishing strong/Not fading away
• Strength
• Consistency

by LoneWiz54 on Jun 17, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

How is it a wash between Lopez and Hibbert? To me (and all the numbers in Hoopus’ link support this) Hibbert scores more efficiently, rebounds better, shoots more free throws, turns the ball over far less, and is a better defender because he’s tall and alters a ton of shots. He might get dunked on more, but shot blockers get dunked on, it happens.

Both were in major conferences, and Lopez had his brother around to make things easier. Lopez is younger, I suppose. Otherwise, Hibbert seems to be a way, way better prospect.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hibbert is just hard to digest, so un-athletic

I don’t think he runs the floor well, nor does he position himself strong on the blocks. IMO he get rebounds and block shots that come to him/fall his way, if you know what I mean. He is not going be a shot blocker/rebounder like Marcus Camby where he just closes the lane and goes after shots and rebounds even those out of his area, but he is big and can clog the middle by just being there. I would not be disappointed with either because I think Opec is more a 4 than a 5 and I just will not comment on Ethan. I have to tell you, you guys have one of the best sports websites I have ever seen and your info about the Wizards and the draft in unsurpassed.

by LoneWiz54 on Jun 17, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hah, well thanks

I sort of get what you’re saying, though I don’t really think it’s as big a problem as you do. Oh well.

This site’s only as good as the readers, such as yourself. The compliments are much appreciated, though.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Un-atheltic, NOT TRUE

Roy dives for loose balls, alters shots, block shots, make buckets, runs the floor very well for man his “size” we are talking 7 2” people not too many of us know what its like to be that height…and yes, he really posts up strong on the blocks, it just that his teammates don’t feed him the ball propely or penetrate to dish to him…believe me, I know, going to those games and sitting where I sit sometimes (almost on court) you can see everything…

by Royhoya on Jun 19, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lopez - I changed my mind..

I was high on Robin Lopez earlier in the draft process, but after hearing about his complete lack of Offensive skill, and the fact that he does not have a high Basketball IQ, bad hands, and cannot pass…. (all skills needed in the Princeton Offense) – I decided to put him in the “great physical tools – high Bust potential” category.

Since there are so many good big men available in the mid-late 1st round – it would make sense for the Wizards to draft big with #18 and then small with #47…

Assuming that Love or Westbrook don’t somehow fall to the Wizards, I’d like to see them take Hibbert.

I keep reading that Hibbert is a “stiff”... But watching him play last year, it struck me that he’s the prototypical 1990’s NBA Center. Back-to-the-Basket skills, not seen in a Center drafted in the last few years (possibly with the exception of Odom).. He seems tailor made for the Princeton offense , or for a Half-court team (Utah? , Cleveland?) that needs an Offensive presence in the paint.

I think he’d be perfect for the Wizards – especially running Eddie’s version of the Princeton. He’s got great hands and he’s an excellent passer. He’s much more experienced than the others…. Has better footwork. More polished Offensive moves.

It’s not surprising that Hibbert is more polished, since he’s a Senior and played the full 4-years at a major University. It also means that he is, RIGHT NOW, the most NBA ready big man in the draft… Most of the rest will take years to develop, which is harder to do sitting on an NBA bench than playing every day in College..

I’ve also read that he’s opening eyes during private workouts… and potentially moving past players like DeAndre Jordan and Javale McGee. DraftExpress is reporting that Hibbert outplayed both in recent workouts. Not surprising that he’s taking all this seriously – wearing a suit and tie – putting forth maximum effort…The kid is smart, and a very hard worker.

As a backup to Haywood, I think Hibbert would be able to step in right away and play the 15-20 minutes needed… He would also give the 2nd unit some more options on Offense (definately better Offensively than Pech or Etan Thomas).. He’ll never be a franchise player. He may never even be an all-star…. but he’ll be a serviceable Center for many years – a good pick at the end of the 1st round.

Having said all that, I wouldn’t be upset if the Wizards took Speights… He looks like a good low post presence at the PF position…I’d just worry that Eddie Jordan would use him as an undersized Center…or that Speights might hamper Blatche’s development by taking away his minutes.

I also like Chalmers (I like Westbrook better)... and I think he could bring some long range shooting to the 2nd unit. I especially like his perimeter defense – something that the Wizards sorely lack. With the exception of Stevenson, the Wiz don’t have anyone else that takes pride on the defensive end. I could see the Wizards taking a chance and drafting Chalmers at #18…

by Rook6980 on Jun 17, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ideally

Speights would take Songaila’s spot in the rotation, not Blatche’s. Realistically, that’s probably a year or two away.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 17, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I sat a few seats down to Hibbert at VC in the playoffs

and he looked strangely thin

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on Jun 17, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thompson's numbers were helped by playing at a small school, HOWEVA...

I’m encouraged by how well he played against Michael Beasley. Granted, I, like most everyone else, didn’t actually get to see the game so I don’t know how often the two were paired against each other, but you’d have to think that Thompson had to have some effect on Beasley’s less-than-average night.

Right now, Speights and Thompson are 1A and 1B on my bigs list, with Hibbert coming in a respectable 3rd.

I’d still rather take Chalmers though.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jun 17, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn those are some big numbers

across the board. Small conference of not, it takes a lot of somethin to put up 20, 12, and 2.7. I like that…

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on Jun 17, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FYI

There’s a replay of the Wiz at Boston on Comcast Sports Net at 7 tonight

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on Jun 17, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the heads up

It was good to relive those feelings.

by Truth About It on Jun 17, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting options

I am intrigued by Speights, but a detailed description on Draft Express of a workout he had a while back at IMG or one of those training centers raised some serious concerns. Draft Express raved about his athleticism and skills, especially shooting, but said that his game savvy was nonexistent. He didn’t know how or where to play offense or defense within a team concept. I’m all for drafting skilled, talented, big men, but after having to deal with guys like Kwame Brown and Andray Blatche for the last decade, I’m a little worn out on projects and would love to see one yield some results. When we land the next Jermaine O’Neal, I must ask that he actually, you know, produce a little like O’Neal has. I don’t think I’m being too demanding on this one.

As for either Lopez, I say just say no. Jennifer Lopez, sure, but I’ll pass on Brook or Robin.

I’m intrigued by both Koufos and Hibbert and agree with Prada that Pecherov has been disappointing. He’s a shooter who doesn’t hit many shots, and although he appears to be big and athletic, he doesn’t do much in the way of defense or rebounding. I’d be willing to sacrifice his “shooting” in our second unit for superior defense and rebounding from someone like Hibbert or Koufos.

As for Thompson, I say buyer beware. I can think of very few big men from such small conferences who pan out in the NBA. I’ve followed small conference ball very closely, and I think their guards have a much better chance in the NBA than their big men. There are VERY few decent big men in the small conferences, so when a guy like Thompson falls through the cracks, he tends to dominate the weak league, because everyone who’s within 3 inches as tall as him is a total spazz. When he finally faces players as talented as he is, he’s generally not ready for it. I realize that Thompson posted good numbers against Beasley, but I’m still pretty skeptical.

"Now, obviously individual production does not unilaterally equal better team production, but there's a high level of causation."

by Vanilla Gorilla on Jun 18, 2008 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Roy is not a stiff

Believe most big men are stiffs, but no Roy he led us to the Sweet 16 and Final Four and tournament again….so go figure…

by Royhoya on Jun 19, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I mean

If you read any other post here, you’d know that while opinion is divided, we’re liking Hibbert more and more. In fact, we took him in the SB Nation mock draft.

That might be more effective than simply reading one word.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jun 20, 2008 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah easy there hoya

no one’s hatin on Roy, this is a civil site with calm individuals posting rational comments. And getting to the sweet 16 and Final Four when you also have a good coach and good teammates doesn’t really mean that he’s a beast or that he will be a beast.

by DC Pain on Jun 25, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs