Best 2012 Draft lottery options?
by Jordo on Feb 10, 2012 12:10 PM EST
Email
PrintWhen I look at our roster the only positions that are in lock are John Wall/ Mack. It kind of reminds me of Russell Westbrook/Maynor. You have a star guard who can play reckless at times. Then you have the young college vet back up guard who comes in,controls the pace a little better, and gives you some solid production in limited minutes. The rest of our roster is nothing but holes. This is the first year I've been trying to follow/keep up with all of the college stars, so these are some my favorites i think we should pick up. I can't keep up with some of the more unknowns college players,feel free to throw some names at me that would be good fits for us.
Shooting Guards:
Jeremy Lamb; Good improvement over Nick Young. Maybe a little more athletic, good on defense, keeps composure on the court. Rebounds a little better than Nick. Already has NBA 3-point range. Doesn't seem like a vocal player on the court.
Small Fowards:
Harrison Barnes; We drafted singleton for his defense and we're getting little from him on offense. Barnes is a great scorer, doesn't turn the ball over that much, solid rebounder, great to pair up for Wall. Settles for jumpers a lot instead of attacking. More comfortable with driving with his right than left.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist; if we fell to 5 or 6 I'd go with Kidd-Gilchrist. Seems like brings his team together. Great hustle. Willing to get better. Lacks range on his jumper but is a decent shooter from mid-range. I read nothing but good thing about MKG and his work ethic. Safe pick.
Power Fowards:
Anthony Davis; After watching more and more UK games I've gotten pretty much sold on Davis as the #1 pick. People are complaining that he is a twig but he will get strong as time goes on. He just knows where he should on defense. Whether it be when to switch on pick & rolls. He knows when to go for a block and can do it with out fouling( JAVALE). Almost all of his points come from lobs,put back, and getting to the free throw line. He's athletic enough to go and get all the lobs he'll be catching from John but has little to no post game right now.
Thomas Robinson; Sad story. He was raised in DC . Granddad, Grandmother, and Mother all died within months of each other.Has a little sister here that he doesn't see that much. He's a good in the post which is what we are lacking, but depending on how Booker develops the rest of this year this pick wouldn't make much sense. Books almost the same height and improving in the post and on his mid jumper. But Robinson has a lot of potential and playing for his hometown team and around family would be nothing but beneficial.
Center:
Andre Drummond; Freak athlete but still learning.Wasn't impressed in the few UConn games i watched. Seems like a guy that needs to stay another year and come out with 2 years experience. He has said he was sure he was going stay another year but he could easily change his mind by the end of the season. I honestly could pass on him because he's more of a project.
This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.
110 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
My preference is probably
Barnes
Lamb
Davis
MKG
Drummond
I love Davis, but just don’t think the timeline works with this team if we draft him. But he is SO talented, i think you might have to take him if we luck into the #1 pick.
I think Barnes or Lamb immediately make the team better and also give you a potential down the road star. MKG is another “needs to develop a shot” guy, but has all the intangibles the wiz dont have.
Drummond is just too raw. Needs to go to a team that isn’t currently playing 7 rotational super-raw guys
by Maroon and Black on Feb 10, 2012 1:24 PM EST reply actions
Hate to say this
But any one of those guys would be an upgrade from what we currently have on the roster. If we get the #1 pick, we would have to go with Davis as he has the most talent and potential. Honestly though, I think we will end up in the 3-5 range which would make more sense to grab Barnes for Gilchrist as they would best fit the lineup we have. I agree Drummond is too raw right now and probably would not get much playing time.
Same with me
Barnes and Lamb are clear picks we need if they are available. I doubt we get lucky enough to get the #1 pick again unless we trade for another lottery pick. If we have the luck Cleveland had, that would be scary. Take Davis #1 and Barnes or Lamb at #3 or 4, depending where they fall.
Can I ask
Why Kidd-Gilchrist? Don’t we have enough tweeners who can’t shoot? From what I’ve seen he was a freak athlete in HS who is essentially a 6’6/6’7 power forward by skill set. While being a tough SOB, he’s no longer the baddest man on the floor. He doesn’t have a jump shot or that much of a handle. What John desperately needs is floor spacing, but we’re going to take a 3 that can’t shoot?
Barnes and Davis are blue chippers. I was hoping Barnes might be able to play some 2 but I’m not seeing that from him. Maybe when the ankle gets healthy. Lamb is a sliver beneath them who really cam alive playing internationally.
Kidd-Gilchrist = New, Improved Caron Butler
Read the Draft Express profile for Caron Butler, and I think there is a similarity in their games and approaches. However, I think Kidd-Gilchrist has a better motor, if that’s possible. I don’t think many on this blog are sorry that Caron became a Wizard.
by LotteryNot2Day on Feb 10, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
He's definitely not a power forward.
He’s a fierce competitor who is the complete package at SF (minus the jumpshot). I think he’ll have a great career, but he’s a poor fit on this team, so I thin we should pass.
not exactly
but I see the Gerald Wallace description as fitting. He has a PF’s skill set in a lot of ways. I understand he’s a great kid and a true intangibles type. I might have taken him at 6 a year ago
How does he have PF skills?
he has SF handles, defends the 3 (very well I might add) and is SF size
DX calls him another Gerald Wallace, not Caron. And thats his ceiling. Worst case Corey Brewer. We don’t need another “does all the little things” but can’t do the BIG things player. We can get a tweener athlete from the D League. He’s a 29% college 3 point shooter.
Count me as a guy who is ready to pay attention to what Wall needs around him and draft accordingly. Rather that than drafting the athlete and letting him figure out the skills part of the game. He is the type that Ernie would take though and thats scary.
No Sullinger?
But as you said, watching Kentucky games, you can’t help but notice the impact Anthony Davis has on games. He is undoubtedly the #1 pick overall and who I would selct if the Wiz somehow gets that pick. Anything else, it has to be Jeremy Lamb.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
The way i look at it, if we get #1 pick Davis is a lock, we fall lower(most likely will) than there is no need to take another PF. We really don’t need another one. Booker is showing some consistency in these last 7 or 8 games as a starter. Blatche is still questionable though. Amesty?Trade? who knows what they do with him. Vesely is just a defender right now. We have guys who can play D but can’t create anything on offense. I’d take Barnes first over Lamb since we had very little scoring from our SF’s
Booker is 6'6.25"
I’m not ready to call him our PF of the future yet because he is facing a size mismatch on a lot of nights. I definitely want to keep him long-term, but I don’t think we should pass on a better 4 because we have him. Robinson and Sullinger are probably top 5 in this draft, and I’d take either one of those guys before Kidd-Gilchrist, and possibly others.
But where is the scoring going to come from at the SG spot?
Because Young is most likely gone. That leaves us with Crawford as the starter which I would object to.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I am probably 50/50 on Barnes/Lamb.
I really think Barnes will be a beast at the next level. And we should just stop talking about Davis, because there is like a 99.9999% chance NO gets the #1 Pick…just like we shockingly got the #1 pick to kickstart a post gungate/new-owner rebuild and Cleveland got the lottery-miracle #1 from the Clips last year.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 10, 2012 5:53 PM EST reply actions
Why is Lamb the only SG?
If we are looking for a shooter, why don’t we consider Beal? He can shoot the lights out and looks like he has a great feel for the game. Some places have him higher than Lamb
I haven’t been terribly impressed with Lamb this year. He’s athletic and can shoot, but that team is loaded with talent and is playing only mediocre basketball. That doesn’t all fall on his shoulders, but you would want/expect a star player to take over some of hte games they have lost, and Lamb often appears content just hanging out. This particularly troubles me on the defensive end, where he has the tools to be an elite defender but lacks the intensity and consistency to get it done. There is a lot of film of Jeremy Lamb standing around on the defensive end. If that’s an ingrained trait in him, he would not fit very well on this team, as that is the exact type of issue we fans want to get rid of but this locker room seems to promote.
I’m not nearly as sour on Lamb as I sound, I would be thrilled to get him, but I am not sold on him being our only option at guard this draft
Yea i said i haven’t been following every top player so i left out the ones i didn’t know much about. I think the last UK game i watched was against Florida but they blew them out. Didn’t really pay much attention to Beal. Also I have us getting a high pick. Most of the mocks have Beal falling lower than lamb. Gotta watch some more beal to compare the 2.
they dont have their coach. kinda heavy air around that team right now...very emotional environment
lamb over barnes. always go with the guy that stepped up and won the national championship if they are close
by les boulez bomber on Feb 11, 2012 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
but i think you all are mistaken…we desperately need a front court all star.
consider how many champs have two perimeter all stars and no interior all stars. now think about how many champs have an all star inside and outside. nearly without exception, they all have an all star in the front and back court…every time
it would be best to play center so we can leverage booker. but booker will not be a all-star, so you have to go PF if drummond does not come out. drummond, davis, robinson and sullinger in that order
by les boulez bomber on Feb 11, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I feel like Drummond is a trap
Huge, but isn’t grabbing that many rebounds? Not scoring in double figures? People talking about how he needs another year in college? Sounds like that guy that comes along in every draft and gets overrated due to his “true center” size. Maybe he’ll be great, but he has the most bust potential, I think. Let him drop to 6th or so, where he should be picked.
Not a trap
But the Lizards (see what I did there?) cant afford to take anybody with too many question marks about actual production. We have waaaaaay too many guys who aren’t capable of using their gifts to grab boards or get 10 pts a game.
He will probably end up a good player, but the Liz are unfortunately in the position of being desperate for actual real life production.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 11, 2012 2:43 AM EST up reply actions
Sullinger has lots of questions marks about his athleticism.
Will he be able to get his shot off against NBA athletes? Will he be able to defend anyone?
Every player in the draft has question marks...
But Sullinger has proven he is extremely productive at a very high level in College….
I’d rather take a guy that has a ton of actual basketball skills (advanced post moves , great footwork, terrific rebounding, uses both hands, mid-range jumper) along with great intangibles (hard worker, mature, great basketball instincts, good motor and intensity)… than another jumping bean with no clue how to play basketball.
Sullinger is an extremely efficient offensive player.. He anchors the one of the best defensive teams in College basketball. He’s even moved the range on his jumper out to the College 3 point line, shooting 42% from there. He draws a ton of fouls, and makes his free throws…
Unfortunately, he doesn’t fit the Ernie Grunfeld mold for a draftee… He doesn’t weigh 190 pounds soaking wet. He’s not erudite… He’s not a “freak” athlete.. He can’t jump over the backboard, and he doesn’t dribble between his legs and dunk from the foul line. He’s a throw back, old school, low post beast with a penchant for physical play and a winning mentality.
And just what the Wizards need…..
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
by Rook6980 on Feb 12, 2012 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
question Rook:
I don’t watch much college basketball, but what differentiates Sullinger from a player like Sean May? The way i see it, they both were below-average athletes who made up for their physical deficiencies with skill and basketball IQ and were very productive college players. What is it about Sullinger’s game that makes you and others think his game will translate to the NBA when May’s didnt?
I’ve only seen Sullinger play 3 times, so I can’t really answer that question, but you seem to have seen a lot of his games, so maybe you could provide a little insight?
by Alpha_Snail on Feb 12, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There are similarities
Like Sullinger, May was a beast in the paint in College… He had good footwork… and was a very physical player… good rebounder…. good basketball IQ…
However there are where the similarities end… May never was in shape. He never lost the weight necessary to play up to his abilities… He was also 6-7 or 6-8… He had no jump shot what so ever… and his work ethic sucked.
Sullinger has an excellent jumper, with range out to and beyond the College 3-point line. He’s got more advanced post moves than May did at a similar age. May was all about power and strength…. Sullinger is strong, but he also uses angles and leverage well. He was also measured a legitimate 6-10 (with a 7-1 wingspan) at the Nike Skills Academy…
The biggest difference between the two is that Sullinger is an extremely hard worker… with a high motor, and a willingness and drive to make himself a better player. Between his Freshman and Sophomore year, Sullinger worked on his body and conditioning – going from 285 pounds and 16.7% body fat to 265 pounds, 12.1% body fat.
He’s noticeably quicker this year, and seems to have retained all his strength and power around the basket.
I’d say Sullinger has a better chance of having a career like Kevin Love – rather than Sean May.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Sullinger
What about he and Luke Harangody? Everybody always compares within the same skin color. Luke and Sully have very similar games.
Can Sullinger guard NBA PF’s? I don’t think so.
by SpecialSauce on Feb 13, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
This is key right here
Rook, you preach, “what position can the player guard?” I can’t see Sully chasing around the Ant Davis’s, Kevin Love’s, Amare’s, Blake Griffin’s, or even the bigger more bullheaded guys like Zach Rabdolph… He is a matchup nightmare at this level, and in a bad way.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Feb 13, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Sullinger Sullinger sullinger
I agree. Rebounding translates to the pro game. Add Beal in the middle of the first, sign Batum, and this team can make a run at the eight seed.
We make it sound so easy getting a middle of the first pick
I would love to somehow end up with Beal, but how are we going to get the pick to get him? And I bet he’ll end up being drafted higher than most people expect because he has a nice stroke and hes the second best option SG out there. I wish we could get him but I just dont see it happening
That's what i've been thinking too
i like Sully but Robinson seems like he would be a better fit. Sully seems kinda slow and sluggish running the floor but he’s great in the paint. Robinson is good at both.
Id be OK with Sullinger
But would rather get one of the “good now with elite-prospects” 2/3 options. I do also have a serious concern that Sullinger will be a slightly better but not quite starting quality Trevor Booker
by Maroon and Black on Feb 12, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
Dont want drummond
Haven’t we had enough raw players who lack killer instinct? Its a well known-fact that we can’t afford the bullshit this year. Drummond is not an option, at all.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
Can Davis play center at the NBA level?
I know he is probably way to skinny at the moment and just not strong enough, but could he develop into an NBA center? He plays it at the college level yet people only talk about him being a PF at the pro level
Just wondering because I feel like we have a bigger whole at C now with McGee being a complete knucklehead and Booker becoming a beast
Garnett . . .
is probably the best case scenario. He is undersized based on his build, but he has the length to play the position. Even as a PF, he could help mask some of McGee’s deficiencies and help amplify McGee’s strengths at center. I also wouldn’t be tied to Booker as a starting PF. Booker is great, and easily the second best guy on this team, but I still see him coming off the bench on a really good team.
All of the above . . .
would best fit the Wizards needs, even though it’s not a realistic option.
If the Wizards could pick up an extra lottery pick though it would make the decision easier.
If the Wizards are in the position to make the top pick though, I’d lean towards Davis. SG, and SF seem like they’re a little easier to acquire via free agency or trades, although it would be hard to be disappointed with Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist as the consolation prize for not winning the #1 slot.
Yea with this draft it’s like if you don’t get the guy you want there is still a great prospect you could pick up. Miss out on Davis, get Barnes, miss out on Barnes, pick Lamb, miss Lamb, take MKG.
Watching Davis tonight . . .
if the Wizards get the #1, I think it’s pretty clear that they’d have to go with Davis if he is in this year’s draft. The other players are a nice consolation, but Davis is a notch above the rest of the class.
Also in this game
I’d be psyched with Doron Lamb later on in the draft. He was getting to the basket at will and is shooting 50% from 3 this year. Just one game that I’ve seen though
by mrmadrew on Feb 12, 2012 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Lamb and Barnes has not performed up to potential this season...
Thomas Robinson is my guy….I really don’t see anything in the other two. UCONN is in need of a leader…someone to do the things Kemba was doing last year and Lamd is not even half of that. Barnes on the other hand is all hype. He also is yet to takeover for UNC and does not have that killer instinct about him. When in the lottery its not about need, but about BPA.
My order of best pick for this team:
1. Davis
2. Barnes
3. Sullinger
4. MKG
5. Drummond (definitely not sold on him)
I also like Beal
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
by DMVLeGenD on Feb 10, 2012 11:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I'd Say...
Davis easily at number one. McGee production for half the price.
Lamb at two. Best two guard in the draft. Shoots and slices to the basket like an even skinnier Clyde Drexler, two aspects the Wiz are clearly missing to their game this season.
Robinson next. Seems like a straight-up big man with skills AND heart. Perfect guy to start ahead of our perfect backup, Trevor Booker.
Barnes. Haven’t seen much of him, but if his offense is as incredible as I’ve heard, then I guess we can’t afford to miss out on him at this point.
I’d like to see Beal with the next pick. Ray Allen Jr. Another 2 guard we’d need.
MKG is the easy next decision for me. The comparison’s to KG make me think that, despite the obvious fact this guy probably won’t be a good scorer in this league, he has the ability to help alter the culture of this much-maligned franchise.
I guess I’d go with Drummond next, if only because it’d be foolish to pass up on this much potential, although I think we’ve all grown a bit tired of projects.
Finally, Sullinger. I think his offensive skill set is too based in the half-court for the Wiz. This is just because I feel we need to tailor a team around Wall’s frenetic pace, but I can see why one would think slowing the team down might actually be the best way to develop some intelligent offense.
If we don’t come out of the draft with at least one of the guys above, I’d be horrified.
by dacornerstone on Feb 11, 2012 6:06 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Not sold on Jeremy Lamb
I haven’t watched enough of Connecticutt’s games to say first hand, but I question if Jeremy Lamb would be the best shooting guard pick for the Wiz. Draft Express doesn’t speak kindly of his defense and I don’t remember him being a defensive standout playing against UK for the NCAA championship. Also, it seems his shooting prowess, according to his season stats on espn.com, have taken a winter vacation. Bradley Beal is as good or better from the outside and brings more to the game (better rebounder, assists, and “highly competitive and fundamentally sound” per Draft Express).
by LotteryNot2Day on Feb 11, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Barnes and Sullinger would be the best fit for this team
STRAIGHT CASH HOMIE
by everybodylookin on Feb 11, 2012 11:07 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
i don't want anyone who's a fit for this team
I want a guy who’s a good fit to build around. besides Wall no one is guaranteed to be around long so need a true building block. Davis is the best building block in the draft.
MKG fits perfectly on any team
but I think we’ll be too high in the lottery to draft him
Follow me on Twitter: @adamvolo
Watching Drummond right now
He really isn’t using his size to his advantage. I don’t know he always does this, but he is going up for a lot of layups and getting them blocked when he has easy dunk opportunities.
Ya know
If I have to pick one current Tar Heel for the Wizards, it’d be James Michael McAdoo. He’s so young, still growing into his body. He’s a freak though. Gets in passing lanes. Already has a decent jump shot and moves on the right block.
No love for Jared Sullinger?
Jared Sullinger is putting up terrific numbers this year (17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds in only 29 minutes a game – His per 40 numbers are astronomical… easily as good as Anthony Davis’ numbers)
AND he brings TWO things the Wizards sorely lack…
Defensive rebounding (for the second year in a row, one of the best rebounders in College)
Low post Scoring
Best of all – He can step in his Rookie year and contribute right away.
Harrison Barnes is my second choice… Big wing that can shoot lights out… and can defend. Great in transition. Decent slasher. Excellent range on his jumper…. Sounds like a good fit next to John Wall. And like Sullinger, he will be able to step in his Rookie year and contribute.
I like Anthony Davis, and I think he’ll be a terrific player… but if the Wizards keep McGee, then they don’t need Davis (who brings essentially the same skill set)… Plus, he has absolutely NO offensive moves… All his points are “hustle” variety (put backs, oops, stuff right around the basket)… Great and all, but the Wizards already have a plethora of offensively challenged big men.
Kidd Gilchrist is a player without a jumper. Mainly a slasher. Not sure the Wizards can use another extremely athletic guy with a good motor but a questionable jump shot.
Drummond is a work in progress… at least 3 years away from being an NBA quality starting Center.
Jeremy Lamb could become a slightly (and I stress slightly) better Nick Young 2.0 in three years…. He can shoot the basketball…and he can defend a little (although bigger, stronger NBA Shooting Guards will give him trouble).. his lack of strength will hurt, especially on defense, getting around screens, and finishing at the rim. And he seems to be a bit streaky… Not sold on him….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I think Davis will show a better offensive game
once he leaves UK. Anyone that watched him in HS knows he’s more skilled than he’s shown.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
by DMVLeGenD on Feb 12, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I'd rather go with a known quantity
Someone who has already proven they can get it done at the College level; than “hope” a player shows some better offensive moves when he leaves College and starts playing professionally.
I’m not worried necessarily about Anthony Davis’ “skill” level for certain things… He handles the basketball extremely well for a big man (having been a guard in High School)… and he seems to have a good court sense. His intangibles are all there (BB IQ, motor, hard worker, etc…)…. I just think that having another long, skinny jumping bean in the front court is a duplication… We’ve already got McGee. Adding Davis doesn’t give the Wizards anything new. Davis is perhaps a bit better rebounder than JaVale, and perhaps a better overall defender…. but putting them both on the court at the same time solves NONE of the Wizards current problems.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
He's 6-10
Typical – Last year, everyone kept saying Kanter was too short to play Center… citing old measurements, and ignoring the Nike Skills Academy measurements that said he was 6-11
This year, everyone is looking at Sullinger’s OLD measurements, and ignoring the Nike Skills Academy measurements, where Sullinger was measured at 6-10 with a 7-1 wingspan….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
no guarantee McGee will be around much longer
and plus no way would I let him deter me from taking a star player. Role player vs star. Go with the star. I was a skeptic of Davis but the more I watch him I can’t help but think “sure fire star”. He gets it in a way McGee never will – at least not unless he gets traded to an organization like the Spurs or Heat.
and I think the #1 current problem (outside of a losing culture) is lack of top notch talent. Can’t win in the NBA without stars. Only way to win without stars is to have a lot of high IQ guys who are dedicated to playing defense. So Davis would help in that scenario too since he’s got a high IQ and plays big time defense.
I think the key thing with Lamb for me
Is that he ADDED the off-the-dribble moves this year to expand his game. Its not his default-mode like it is for NY (except last year).
He moves so well without the ball, and is athletic enough (and I can’t say this enough…has good enough court sense) to get to the rim when his shot isnt falling. Adding the pull-up to his off-screens and penetration game is just gravy.
All Swaggy P can do is shoot. And often times his shooting doesn’t correlate to the ball actually going in the basket. He is OK on the ball for D, but his help D is terribad, and his court vision is bottom-5 in the whole league among players who get 20+ min.
by Maroon and Black on Feb 12, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree on Davis and Lamb
For 1, you are selling Anthony Davis a little short. He doesn’t even get a chance to showcase his offensive talents on that stacked Kentucky squad, not like he needs to anyway.
Same deal for Lamb. Its always a trade-off, stronger guards will give Lamb problems but you don’t his freakish wingspan will come into play at all? And “seeming a bit streaky” is a lot different than being streaky, Lamb is about as consistent a scorer from a wing threat that’s coming out (even with his mid-season slump).
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
The Bullets drafted Rip Hamilton, was THAT a mistake?
Lamb is a winner. He won a championship. He knows how to play the right way. Let’s see: What school does Jeremy Lamb play for? What school did Rip play for? Oh. That’s right.
Kevin Ollie . . .
and Hilton Armstrong also played for UConn. So did Chris Smith and Jake Voskuhl.
In the end, the fact that two guys went to the same school over a decade apart doesn’t mean much. I can think of 20 things that I would look at first and put more emphasis on when evaluating a player.
That's going back...Chris Smith was awesome at uconn
Maybe there is something to be learned here:
Rip Hamilton/Hilton Armstrong
Ray Allen/Hasheem Thabeet
Cliff Robinson/Jake Voskuhl
Rudy Gay/Travus Knight
Caron Butler/Emeka Okafor (relative disappointment)
Apparently it’s not a great idea to pick the uconn centers…
I think you get what he means
Point is he comes from a winning program and was a vital part of a championship winning team.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
No, the mistake WAS trading him.
Thanks again MJ.
Matt of fact
Let’s go ahead and win more games and go ahead and draft him at seven. Fine with me. These lotto picks are crap shoots these days.
When discussing prospects/the draft, I think it's important to note that we could easily get just as screwed in the lottery as last year
Charlotte 3-24
New Orleans 4-23
Washington 6-22
New Jersey 8-21
Detroit 8-21
Toronto 9-20
It’s not too hard to envision us going on another late-season surge – I’d expect us to be a decisively better team in the second half of the season than the first, assuming we stay healthy.
We could quite conceivably finish with only (“only”) the 6th worst record in the league, and if one or two other teams get lucky in the lottery (like the NBA trying to keep basketball relevant in Phoenix after they lose Nash), could end up picking 7th, 8th…
by Max Zamphirescu on Feb 12, 2012 10:56 PM EST reply actions
Unlike last year . . .
there’s likely to be more NBA ready talent in the mid part of the lottery in 2012. e.g. Sullinger, Kidd-Gilchrist could be available. There are even guys like Terrence Jones, who was slated as a potential mid-round lottery pick, who could be available in the late lottery.
Bottom line is that the draft’s depth this year is an insurance policy against not getting a top 3 pick. Of course, it would be best if lady luck smiles on the Wizards. And by “Lady Luck” I mean, that I hope Ted has been schmoozing Stern in order to influence the selection.
Right - I'd like to see more discussion of the top-15 or so prospects
rather than the top-5ish. But only because I don’t follow college hoops at all. This talk of Anthony Davis seems unlikely, given our situation with McGee and given that there’s probably 0% chance we end with the first or second overall pick
by Max Zamphirescu on Feb 13, 2012 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Think things will probably move that direction . . .
once we get closer to the draft.
If we had the chance to pick Davis though, I think McGee’s status wouldn’t matter. If McGee left, Davis would be the default option at center. If McGee stays, Davis would likely play at PF and serve as the primary back-up at center (e.g. the word is that Davis has a jump shot and 3-point range — he was a guard until his junior year in high school — but in the context of the Kentucky offense he plays close to the basket). Those two would be an awesome shot blocking tandem. Of course, the odds are we are probably landing at another spot in the draft.
Highly unlikely but not impossible. The bobcats and Hornets are pretty much in lock for the 1st or 2nd but I like to be optimistic. Davis wouldn’t affect McGee because he would play PF Realistically we fall to 3 or 4 and pick a SG/SF. Only reason i didn’t add the mid to late first rounders is because i don’t keep up with enough of the college games.
techinically
The Clippers won the lottery from the 8 spot, but the pick had been dealt to Cleveland.
The Nets moved up to #3 from 5/6 (tie with Sacramento)
Yeah, but we're the Wizards
and we’ve already lucked out with Wall
it can happen, but the pessimist in me sees us dropping
by Max Zamphirescu on Feb 13, 2012 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
The combined chances of landing outside the top 5
with a 5th record are bigger than landing in, am I right?
We are now 4th worst I believe and I could see us win some games late in the season again and get around 5th or 6th worst.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 14, 2012 4:07 AM EST up reply actions
its irrational
to say “we’re the wizards so we’ll drop”.
I could see us losing every game after the all star break. wa-la, we’re all good.
Yes I agree but my question was if it's correct that the combined chances of landing outside the top 3
are bigger than landing in it if we would have the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th best record.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 14, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
and yet all of those combined chances
led to #8 and #5/6 picking 1st and 3rd. They’re chances, nothing more, which is why I don’t obsess over tanking or winning a few extra games.
Here you go.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Draft_Lottery#Lottery_ceremony
If we finish 3rd worst, then we have a 47% chance of staying in the top 3. If we do get in the top 3, then we have practically an even chance of getting either the 1, 2 or 3.
Skins rule
My take
SGs:
Lamb has fallen off in recent weeks, as has the entire UCONN team. We’ll have to see what he does in the tournament. I still like him and I see him as a definite upgrade to our current duo of shot jackers at the 2 spot but he’s no longer one of my top guys. Worse case scenario I think Lamb develops into another Nick Young type player, but with the right tutelage I see him becoming a very good if not great NBA player
I don’t know much about Brad Beal.
SFs:
It’s between MKG and Barnes here and for me, its almost a toss-up. I love Barnes’s scoring ability (on a team devoid of scorers, especially at the 3 positon) even with his not quite elite athleticism. I can see him becoming the Deng to Wall’s Rose (or the homeless heroin addict’s Durant to Wall’s Westbrook). I initially was low on MKG, but watching him and reading about him this season has raised his profile in my eyes. The only thing he seems to lack is a consistent jump shot. This is worrisome since EVERY SINGLE PLAYER ON THE WIZARDS seems to lack a consistent jump shot. But besides this I love his leadership, his attitude, his fire, etc. It’s a pick em for me.
PFs:
Davis: The more I look at him the less I see of a McGee 2.0 than I used to. His IQ is much higher than McGee’s and even his rough post game is getting better. That being said I’m not quite sure how he would fit on the Wizards, since his skill set is VERY similar to McGee’s. And while McGee may make some of the stupidest decision of all times, I don’t think it’s wise to lose a guy like McGee who we have invested so much into developing only to see him walk and star somewhere else.
Robinson: Came out of the Morris twins shadow this year to be one of the best players in the NCAA. I love his game but I worry about the overlap between him and Booker. If the brain trust truly believes in T-Rob and goes with him, I’d like to see them move Cook Book for additional pieces. I’d say this is true with all of our young forwards, especially guys like Seraphin and Singleton who appear to be getting lost in the rotation already.
Sullinger: I am very up and down with this guy. Some people love him and I can see why. He puts up great numbers in college, his game is refined, and he can contribute right away. But for some reason whenever I look at him all I see is Big Baby Davis 2.0. He uses his bulk to muscle in for post points and boards in college, but I worry about his ability to be successful with that game at the NBA level. We need a guy in this draft who can develop into a star to pair with Wall. I just don’t see that happening with Sullinger.
Drummond: Word on the street is that Drummond is headed back to UCONN for his second year and I’m starting to think it would be for the best idea for him. He’s very inconsistent and seems to coast on his physical talents alone at times. Sound like anyone familiar? We’ve already put in 4 years developing a athletically gifted raw center, why waste what we have already done to try again with Drummond?
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Feb 12, 2012 11:57 PM EST reply actions
lost in the rotation..
It’s true that guys like Singleton & Seraphin are already falling out of the rotation and could be seen as expendable in the right deals.
But then I remember Seraphin looking damn good against Dwight Howard two weeks ago and being the key to a game that we almost won despite Howard shooting lights out from the stripe and the Magic hitting 3s at a good clip (alternatively- despite the refs receiving orders to stop the bleeding in Orlando before Howard threw another fit in the media. 39-9 FT disparity. god i can’t get over that one lol). Obviously we’ve seen major regression since then, same with Singleton since the beginning of the year when he looked like he was on the right track to being the player we thought he’d be.
Between the lockout keeping teams from getting to know each other and the offense, the condensed schedule minimizing practice and rest time, and the coaching change throwing yet another wrench into it, the chances of trading the wrong asset are even higher than normal.
It’s a deep draft and none of our ‘true’ veterans have a place with the team in the future. Is it tanking when the only time you have to really develop guys is gametime? The more “we” know about the current roster, the more we know what to do in the draft. If Blatche comes back and Booker goes to the bench, it’ll be a travesty. Likewise with Rashard/Singleton. Just let ’em play.
Heard the guy who runs the Nets D-League team in Springfield (Mass?) talking about how cheap the whole D-league enterprise is. I can’t even fathom why Leonsis isn’t sprouting a squad in Richmond or B-More or something. However it works, pulling one solid rotation player out of it every 3-4 years would pay for the whole thing.
sorry
about the topic hopping ramble.
go Buzzards!
That’s not gonna happen with the hornets willing to match any offer for him. Plus it would be risky to sign a guy that has misses 50 games the last 2 seasons and has already missed half of this season and will most likely miss the rest of this season because he just had knee surgery. The bobcats have a better chance of getting #1 pick btw.
Perry Jones
is someone who’s name doesn’t come up in discussion anymore, but might be a perfect fit for our roster. I understand why people have cooled on him due to him disappearing in some games, especially recent ones against Kansas and Missouri.
But what I had to remind myself of, is that he’s playing out of position for Baylor. He’s been used as their interior presence because of his size, but his skills and style of play are best suited on the wing. He’d we best used as a 3 that can move to 4. Jones is a prospect with tremendous talent and supposedly good character and work ethic. Use him the way his skills dictate and put him in a situation where he can be the #2 guy. I think he’s a great fit for the Wizards as we’re already a team with a lot of hybrid players who create all types of mismatches, both positive and negative.
I think he’d be an excellent sidekick to Wall who has the personality to defer, he can shoot or drive, but he’s also 6’11" and allows John to run the pick and roll/pop. He’s also has the wing skills to complement Jan as the other forward. The length and athleticism of the two of them on the floor would give problems on offense and defense and allow them to guard other teams forwards based on whatever is the best matchup. His skills also allow him be on the floor without problem with Vesely, Booker, or Singleton. Rebounding is also a major problem for us and rather than have Jan play the 3 to get a better rebounding PF, draft Perry to significantly improve rebounding at the 3 and as an overall frontline, have 3 good rebounders rather focus on getting one dominant guy.
I know this is a very Ernie pick, but since we already have some good potential pieces, we should consider complementing them with more players that fit with them. And adding Perry’s talent isn’t a bad way to keep building. Just think about a lineup with Wall, Perry Jones, Vesely and McGee. That’s a lot of length, athleticism, shot blocking, pick and roll potential, oops and potentially, shut down defense. McGee is really the only one with low IQ. Vesely and PJ would know how to play their roles well.
I like Jones too.
If he had the same fire and hunt for his shot as his teammate Quincy Miller he’d be a top 3 pick.
From the Big 12 . . .
I’d rank higher Thomas Robinson higher. He consistently has an impact on games — Jones’s measurables are solid, but he sometimes disappears in games. Jones will be a lottery pick, but in this draft it’ll probably be in the late middle to late part of the lottery (e.g. 7 or later). As far as Robinson goes, it sounds like he’s returning to Kansas next year. If given the choice though, between the two, at this point, Robinson is the guy.
Drummond ánd Robinson going back to school? Dayum. That waters down the draft
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 15, 2012 4:57 AM EST up reply actions
CNNSI draft preview
right here.
Says A. Davis is going #1
I like the Bullets
by K-Bro on Feb 16, 2012 10:11 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
good read
not that much i haven’t seen though. Davis is clear cut #1 and it’s pretty much a toss up after that. I like how they brought up potential vs production. Some of these guys are safe picks and others or just projects that could be great down the line.
Amazing analysis
The analysis in this post is truly amazing. Personally, I’m in the camp of having to get either Barnes or Sullinger, but if we got the number 1 pick, I’d go with Anthony Davis (at least because it opens up a lot of trade options).
In any event, Max rightfully notes that we could easily end up with the 6 or 7th pick, which would mean no Davis, Barnes or Sullinger.
Does anybody think EG would try to trade up if we got the 6th or 7th pick? Or would he just say again that moving up a couple of slots isn’t worth the cost? This may sound trivial, but in reality, there is a big difference historically between the top 4 or 5 picks and the rest of the field.
The 7th pick is actually a good place to be, historically speaking
6, not so much.
It’s a very strong freshman class, and there are two guys that should have been at the top of last year’s draft in this draft (Barnes and Sullinger), so I think we’ll still get very good quality at 6 or 7. I think there will be top 5 type guys all the way down to number 10 or so.
Sullinger . . .
will probably still be on the board around 6 — possibly even at 7 or 8. This draft is deep enough that there will likely be a quality prospect at 7. At this point I’d go Anthony Davis, Harrison Barnes, with a toss up between Thomas Robinson and Kidd-Gilchrist near the top. Even though he is down on a lot of boards, Terrence Jones has made steps forward this year. You also have guys like Sullinger and Perry Jones III, who are a notch below the top tier, but who will be around if the Wizards fall in the lottery.
Are we talking about Booker or Robinson here?
Strengths: The 6’9, 240 lb Robinson is an impressive physical specimen, with nice strength, a good frame, and adequate length as a prototype PF prospect for today’s NBA … Robinson is also a great athlete, with very good explosiveness and quickness for a guy his size … Runs the floor well … A high energy player who competes hard, Robinson was able to see time and have relatively great production behind two 1st round picks in the Morris twins at his main positions … Will cut to the basket for high % looks … He can get points around the rim by way of his motor, and his athleticism makes him a good finisher … Great rebounding skills, with outstanding per-minute rebound rates, and will go out of his immediate area to chase down shots … Not afraid of physical contact down low and will throw his weight around on both ends … Shows signs of a developing mid-range jump shot…Has the 1st step to be a mismatch threat as a straight-line slasher against slower PF’s … Can get free throw opportunities due to his aggressive nature … Not bad defensive ability, and will get a block or so every now and then … Willing to put his nose in for charges … Ability to play through all the distractions that surrounded him last year speaks to his mental toughness … Still has substantial upside remaining … Very good role player potential for the next level as a PF …
Weaknesses: Robinson is a bit unpolished a player and needs to refine his game some on both ends of floor … He isn’t very skilled as a player on either end yet and is a bit reliant on his athleticism and physical tools … Doesn’t have a reliable post game and can be slowed down significantly when his athleticism is matched by the person he’s matched up against at PF … As a face-up player, his ball-handling skills aren’t very good and his jumper isn’t quite good enough to keep the defense all that honest … Defensively, Robinson competes hard, but he’s also a bit foul prone and will have to get that ironed out before he’s ready to play legit NBA time at PF … Robinson likely will have to iron out his polish on both ends a lot more to be the rotation player in the NBA he could be … Has a lot to prove after not playing much his first 2 years, and will have to show that he’s capable of being as productive as his adjusted stats indicate, while also keeping a rebuilding Kansas team as the crown jewel in the Big 12 …
I have only seen 1 game and some youtube highlights. Can someone with more knowledge tell if he is an upgrade over Book?
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 19, 2012 7:17 AM EST up reply actions
Likely significant . . .
closer to 6’10" too — so size-wise he is a natural for the position. Not to take anything away from Booker either, who is a great guy to have on the roster. I don’t think that Book’s presence on the roster precludes acquiring Robinson. Especially likely if Blatche gets amnestied.
It says he is 6'9 here but in his personalia it says he's 6'8
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Feb 20, 2012 4:32 AM EST up reply actions
I'm going based on . . .
the information posted on the Kansas site, which is probably also the source for Wikipedia and ESPN. Of course, he may actually be 6’9" or 6’9-3/4"
Hard to say if he's an upgrade or not, because we haven't seen him in the NBA, but...
Comparing apples-to-apples, you can see the following differences:
Listed height w/shoes: Booker 6’8" ; Robinson 6’10" (Booker’s adding 1.75" via shoes, so if Robinson’s height is exaggerated, he’s still probalby 2" taller)
College stats:
Looking at junior year vs junior year, per 40 minutes, pace adjusted (added Sullinger’s sophomore year too):
Booker – : 19.5 pts 12.4 rbs 2.1 ast 1.9 stl 2.5 blk 2.3 TO 2.1 PF TS 61%
Robinson: 22.5 pts 15.0 rbs 2.0 ast 1.4 stl 1.4 blk 3.3 TO 3.4 PF TS 59%
Sullinger : 23.5 pts 12.5 rbs 1.2 ast 2.0 stl 1.1 blk 2.7 TO 3.8 PF TS 63%
Robinson scores and rebounds more, while Booker was a little more efficient and had better TO/PF and defensive stats. It’s kind of a wash, statistically, but I think Robinson’s the better prospect because you have to factor in that he didn’t play as much his first two years and that he has better size for his NBA position. The Wizards still need a PF, in my opinion, and they especially need an interior scorer, so I’d take Robinson or Sullinger once Davis and Barnes are off the table (I like Robinson’s rebounding, so I’d probably go with him, but he and Sullinger are both good prospects in my eyes. Sullinger’s younger and the better/more efficient scorerl, so I could definitely be sold on him.)
if that happens
and we aren’t pick in the top 3, then the goal should be to pick the best player who has an NBA position. I’m getting greedy but a jumpshot would be nice too.
Barnes has been growing on me the more I watch him play
Another great performance tonight. 24 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls. His stroke is a thing of beauty.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
by DMVLeGenD on Feb 18, 2012 9:44 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Nice game today . . .
he’s also a good ball-handler and does a great job of moving without the ball on offense. Smart player as well. Anthony Davis is a notch-above everyone at this point, but if the Wizards are picking at 2 or lower, Barnes is probably the next guy on the draft board.
Weekend Update
The entire Connecticut team looks like a mess. Likely a side effect of not having Calhoun on the sidelines. They aren’t much better with him though. Napier and Boatwright dominate the ball. They don’t do much in the way of creating for others. Lamb looked ordinary in the moments I thought he’d try to take the deficit from 8 to 6. He has a few one on one moves. Jumper is decent. I’m not seeing a reason to pick him in the lottery though, versus a guy like John Jenkins, Jeff Taylor, William Buford later in the first/early second.
Drummond is a big kid. Thats about it. He also had a chance to pound inside against a smaller Marquette defender and chose a jump hook instead. His size and decent energy will get him drafted if he comes out. Even the announcer wondered what the point was of he and Lamb returning given that UCONN is not eligible for the 2013 NCAA tournament.
Meanwhile, in Chapel Hill… Harrison Barnes chose not to wait for the second half to be himself. He got buckets off of spot up jumpers, one on one moves and offensive rebounds. Rebounds well with his feet. Ended the game with 24-7-2-2.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Bullets Forever
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
- Kevin Durant is tired of hearing about the Spurs
- The 10-man rotation, starring your Indiana Pacers
- Blake Griffin highlights, ‘NBA Jam’-style (VIDEO)
