Posted by SlimPack:
COmmander, If the Knicks get screwed and wind up with the 5th pick, who do you think they should draft? do you think they should draft Mayo (who I'm guessing would still be available)? From what I've seen of him he isn't that great, What position would he even play in the nba? pg or sg....
I mean, the Knicks have so many holes, you go after the best player available. David Lee is the closest thing you get to a keeper and he's a complimentary piece. So If someone from the top five slips, that's who I want. Having said that, if things work out the way they should, there are a few guys I would give heavy consideration to (in order):
(1) Blake Griffin - I just love his scouting reports... literally every word of from every scouting report (from a reputable source) I love. He's exactly the type of player this team needs. Take this excerpt from nbadraft.net:
A coach's son, Blake definitely has the mental game and winning attitude it takes to become a great player. His high school team is seeking its fourth straight state championship this year and has lost only a couple games the past three seasons... A fiery, emotional leader, the team undoubtedly goes as he goes... He has an almost mindless killer instinct and intensity level, giving 110% every time he steps foot on the court... Has incredibly intimidating size for an NBA small forward, but is probably going to be more comfortable playing in the post for the time being...
It's an old review, but I like what I've seen thus far. He's also an effing beast on the glass.
(2) Mayo - he's got polish and he's playing for a terrible coach. I actually think this experience is really going to humble him, which is going to be good on the next level. NExt time you watch him, pay attention to how he moves without the ball and how he doesn't really seem to force things. I love it, because this guy traveled with an entourage and wanted to be the basketball version of QB Matt Leinart. Rookies with immense talent and something to prove are usually a great recipe or success.
(3) Chase Budinger - I think he's had a better season than Mayo and I suppose he should be two on this list. I guess I'd rather go with the higher ceiling. Anyway, he does it all. He scores at an elite level, he rebounds and dishes some too. I'm pretty sure he'd be much higher on my list if Lute Olsen was actually coaching him this year (he's away with family issues). It's tough to say if Lute is good at finding great swingman or if his coaching contributes.
Honorable mentions: Nicolas Batum - I haven't seen him play because he's a French player, but I've heard good things from guys who actually watch Euro ball and trash all the hot prospects. Jerryd Bayless - he's a scoring point, so essentially his upside is Stephon Marbury or Gilbert Arenas (who is also an Arizona grad) and I don;t see the point of swapping Marbury for Marbury II; I will say he's going to be good though.
Out of the five names I listed, Arizona has two of them. January 31 at 10:30 they play USC, so three of my top Knicks prospects if they get shafted and get the fifth pick will be playing... so make sure you watch that game.
[Edited by - supremecommander on 01-05-2008 12:32 AM]
1/4/2008 4:34 PM