CrushAlot wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

knickscity wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:I am starting to wonder if Gobert falls all the way to 24. If so should the Knicks pick him? He is huge.

Bust

can't be a bust that far down.

The last time we took a 7-2 French C in the first round it was a disaster. Using that mentality--Brendan Haywood is not a bust but you missed Tony Parker. So in reality--you busted. He looks soft has very little base strength/balance. He will be a fringe NBA player at best--see what Thabeet does for OKC.

He is 21 and has been heavily scouted for several years. He was in the top 15 for a long time. He worked out for Portland with Steven Adams recently and they had good things to say about him. I think it would be hard to let him go past 24. Aside from Pau, Joe Johnson and Randolph everyone missed on Tony Parker. I am not saying there won't be guys that have better careers but that size is hard to pass up at 24. He also is smart, has good character and his father was a pro.

We already have a 7-2 C who cant play offense? This guy is 3 years away--this is a draft and stash type. Does anyone think he can play on the big stage in the nBA he wasnt very good in the French leagues. Also going by your arguement--why is he falling like a rock? If a 7-2 player was good--hed be gone by 24. Name 1 7-2 player in NBA history picked at 24 or after who was good.

You are being kind of specific with height. The center that stands out as a tremendous steal was Laimber as a second round pick. (I googled it.)

Hes Bill Laimbeer? Hes a slightly taller Dan Gadzurick at best--That exactly who he is--how many of these guys did you see on the NBA finals floor--answer NONE. You need skill players.

I wasn't comparing him to Laimbeer. I was pointing out that Laimbeer was a late pick.

If we drafted him--he would be a bench player for his entire rookie contract--I mean the kind that doesnt get off the bench. How is he physically ready to bang with NBA players? Hes 3-4 years away from playing NBA basketball. He was a bit player in the French league. Why does it seem like he is tanking in the draft? Why would so many teams bypass a 7-2 player if he could play? All of these teams are dumb? This is the type of player you take early 2nd round OR if u have 2 1's and can stash him in Europe for 2-3 years. If we take him--this is our key asset for the next two years--he may not get on the floor. Just because you are 7-2 does not entitle u to play???

According to Ricky Ledo, from his own mouth, he had his best workout with the NY Knicks.

Ledo in NYC =

Luol Deng, Pacers' Danny Granger and Blazers' Lamarcus Aldridge. The Cavs apparently have interest in Deng and he certainly would be a terrific role model and leader-by-example for a young squad; the Cavs also have a gaping hole at that position and if they have interest in vying for a playoff spot next season, a rookie out of this draft isn't going to move them appreciably closer. That said, there is skepticism that the Cavs are actually serious about parting with the No. 1 pick because they keep asking for assets as if it were the first pick in next year's draft.
http://sulia.com/channel/basketball/f/02c5b17d-c5b6-49fa-a05c-64d19f34b477/?source=twitter

VCoug wrote:New Orleans might be trading for Marion and the 13th overall pick.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/393110-report-pelicans-may-take-mavs-13th-pick-and-shawn-marion?eref=fromSI

Fletcher Mackel of WDSU TV in New Orleans reports via Twitter that the Pelicans may acquire the Mavericks' 13th overall draft pick, use it to select Giannis Adetokunbo, give the Mavs a future pick and agree to take Shawn Marion and his $9 million remaining contract off the Mavs' hands.

So the Pelicans will have Marion, Davis, and Anderson at the 4? You would think someone has to be on the way out.

Physical Tools

At 6'7'' with long arms, he has your typical size for an NBA wing. He's a good athlete, but not one that will knock your socks off. He's mobile enough to slash between the defense and finish on the move, though he lacks the explosiveness to make routine plays above the rim.

Bullock weighed in at a hair under 200 pounds, though he's got the frame capable of adding more muscle. He'll need to do so for defensive purposes and finishing at the rim.

Overall, his physical tools shouldn't prevent him from excelling in his projected role as a stretch-forward.

Offensive Identity

Bullock is a perimeter scorer with a lethal jumper. He can score off cuts to the basket, but creating offense is not his forte. He'll be used at the next level to spread the floor and play off a team's ball-dominant scorers.

Shooting

Reggie Bullock's most effective offensive weapon is his three-ball. He shot it 43.6 percent on 5.8 attempts per game. You'll have a tough time finding a better ratio elsewhere.

Through three years at North Carolina, he hit a total of 188 three-pointers and 170 two-pointers.

Bullock looks incredibly locked in when he's able to catch and release without contest, rarely ever missing the target by much.

He can catch, square and release as quickly as any shooter in the field:

Using Screens

Bullock uses off-ball screens effectively to free himself up. He knows how to get open, which is typically half the battle for perimeter-oriented scorers:

Below, Bullock uses a down screen to pop out behind the arc. He's a guy you can set up quick-hitter plays with in the half court:

One-Dribble Pull-up

He's also capable of putting it on the floor for a dribble or two before pulling up. This helps increase Bullock's scoring opportunities, as he's able to dribble over screens and stop-and-pop in space:

Defense

Bullock projects as a defensive asset. Given his size, length and athleticism, he's got the tools to lock down opposing perimeter scorers.

He shows good energy and active hands when defending on the ball and is quick to get over screens if they're not properly set:

Weaknesses

Bullock is limited off the dribble, and it affects his ability to generate half-court offense on his own. Most of his scoring opportunities come as a spot-up shooter, line-driver or a catch-and-finisher.

He averaged .6 free-throw attempts as a sophomore and 2.1 as a junior, illustrating how little a threat he is one-on-one.

Without the ability to create, Bullock's upside is fairly limited. He doesn't project as anything more than a role player, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Draft Breakdown and NBA Outlook

Bullock will enter the draft with an established identity, which should make it easy for teams in the market for a "Three and D" wing to seek him out.

He's a guy who can come in and contribute immediately given his three-ball, NBA-level athleticism and defensive tools. Playoff teams looking to improve in 2013-14 can get a cheap source of offense from him at the end of Round 1.

BRIGGS wrote:When Muscala puts on 15 pounds--hes going to be really really good. Id much rather get a player that has all of the skills you need as a big man(rare these days) and let him work hard with our professional staff putting on those 15 pounds and have a fundamentally sound 6-11 245 pound PF with a wide array of talented offensive skills who is proven to be a very solid rebounded and defender. I think Dirk N was something like 220 his first year and got up to 245 by years 2 and it showed in his stats. Im not comparing the two--BUT Muscala has a very unique skill set for 6-11. If his downside at this point is 15 pounds--to me its an easy decision. If we can acquire a second pick for a PG or a project C fine--but lets get the fundamental skill player and lets work with that.

My board is like this

Big men realistic for 24

#1 Mike Muscala
#2 Tony Mitchell

I do not like Gobert or Withey

PG's
1 A 1B tie between Nate Wolters and Erick Green
2 Ray McCallum/3. Dennis Screoder
Larkin is a bit smallish to me.

Sg's

Except for Ledo none of the projected 15-30 2's can handle the ball well---they are all spot up shooters. Ledo is a bit of a risk with his lack of any body of work and character red flags. I think we can find spot up shooters in the D league and not use a pick on one.

Sf's
1. Jamal Franklin

So my board of players is
Tier 1
1. Muscala
2 Green
2b Wolters
3. Mitchell
4 Franklin
Tier 2
5 McCallum
6 Ledo
7 Schreoder

I also believe we *could* get two of these players with execution of securing a high 2nd round.

Guys that have value to us after 45 or undrafted. Colton Iversen Peyton Siva Eric Murphy Branden Davies Carrick Felix
Im looking for a big and small but two good players from two different positions will also suffice.

Id be happy with Muscala and any combination of other player. To me Muscala is the no brainer pick. He's NOT a C and I would not have fairy tales that he was being picked as a 5--hes a mobile 4. I know he can rebound and score from a variety of ways at over 6-11. He's smart and hes got good character and hell work hard to put those 15 pounds on. When you can get a skilled 6-11 player--you do it. I do think Green and Wolters will both be gone by 33 and I do not know if its plausible to get a pick that high. I mean one or both could fall--but I doubt it. McCallum is a player that Ive come to like a real lot at the end of this process. I really like him. Hes fast athletic tough w good size and represents a player with significant value between 35 and 43

If Muscala could play C maybe I could see us drafting him. However, I doubt he'd be able to guard most NBA PFs.

I think Mitchell is a lock at 24 if he's available. I doubt Brooklyn and Indiana pass on him.

With the 2013 NBA draft a mere week away, Insider gathered five of its experts to draft the first round: Dave Telep, Kevin Pelton, Fran Fraschilla, David Thorpe and Amin Elhassan. They drafted in snaking order and here's how the first round turned out.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Nerlens Noel, Kentucky Wildcats

When you're picking No. 1 and thinking of taking a guy with a major injury, "Sam Bowie" comes to mind. The thought here was to take the top shot blocker and pair him with Kyrie Irving, whose passing ability instantly makes Noel a better offensive player. -- Dave Telep

2. Orlando Magic
The pick: Ben McLemore, Kansas Jayhawks

I offered Dave Nikola Vucevic for Tyler Zeller to move from No. 2 to No. 1, then tried to trade down. If Orlando is forced to stay put, I prefer McLemore to Trey Burke because of the possibility of an Eric Bledsoe deal. I think PG will be an easier need to fill. -- Kevin Pelton

3. Washington Wizards
The pick: Anthony Bennett, UNLV Rebels

Bennett's ability to rebound and shoot from the perimeter as a PF will translate nicely to a team with outstanding young guards John Wall and Bradley Beal. With Bennett and Beal spacing the floor, Wall will get to the basket more easily. -- Fran Fraschilla

4. Charlotte Bobcats
The pick: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Hoosiers

Oladipo might be a bad fit if he cannot become a serious scoring option, considering Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an offensive liability. Oladipo could be a special defensive talent and with MKG gives Charlotte the future best wing defensive duo in the league. -- David Thorpe

5. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse Orange

The Suns get a player with upside who can contribute right away. Carter-Williams has the size and the length to allow Phoenix to play with a big backcourt with Dragic, although he'll need to improve his perimeter shooting considerably for that vision to be realized. -- Amin Elhassan

6. New Orleans Pelicans
The pick: Otto Porter, Georgetown Hoyas

New Orleans takes advantage of Porter's slide and selects a guy who is both the best player available AND fits a need. Porter's size, feel and defensive versatility fits the Pelicans, who are building their culture around hard workers. -- A.E.

7. Sacramento Kings
The pick: Trey Burke, Michigan Wolverines

I love adding the sweet-shooting Burke to this team of gunners, especially because Burke is the true point guard that they need. His leadership will help build a winning culture. Burke can make the Kings' talented but troubled roster better in a few different ways. -- D.T.

8. Detroit Pistons
The pick: C.J. McCollum, Lehigh Mountain Hawks

I was a little disappointed with my selection (No offense, C.J.) given that my top four guard selections are all off the board and the Pistons are desperate for backcourt help. I do like McCollum's versatility as a scorer/playmaker. --F.F.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia Bulldogs

Minnesota's shopping list is obvious -- a young shooting guard, preferably with size, preferably a good shooter. Caldwell-Pope fits the bill, and given how well he rates statistically, this was an easy choice with McCollum off the board. -- K.P.

10. Portland Trail Blazers
The pick: Alex Len, Maryland Terrapins

This was the first "value pick" of our draft. There are many who think he's No. 1 for the Cavs and other teams. But he slid and Portland needed a big. It was a solid meshing of need and potential for a team ready to take that chance, especially at No. 10. -- D.T..

11. Philadelphia 76ers
The pick: Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

This pick took seconds to make. The 76ers have all kinds of frontcourt questions. They need someone they can trust and Zeller is tougher than advertised. He's the best of the Zellers. All the more reason to believe he's a guy who plays immediately in Philly. -- D.T.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh Panthers

I was looking for a project big who could eventually replace Kendrick Perkins in the middle. I would have preferred Adams to Len if both players were available. I think Adams has superior upside and might be capable of contributing next season off the bench. -- K.P.

13. Dallas Mavericks
The pick: Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Some draft picks ooze long-term potential and some are ready to help immediately. Olynyk has the size, skills and smarts to help the Mavs right away. He can score around the basket and make jump shots. At worst, he adds solid frontcourt depth to a rebuilding team. -- F.F.

14. Utah Jazz
The pick: Shane Larkin, Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Quickness is a huge asset on both ends of the court, and Larkin helps out Utah here. He's going to be very good in the pick-and-roll game with the team's young bigs and can play alongside Mo Williams as part of the second unit, giving the Jazz some punch in the second quarter. -- D.T.

15. Milwaukee Bucks
The pick: Rudy Gobert, Cholet Basket (France)

In the grand scheme of things, Milwaukee isn't going anywhere as a franchise. Gobert represents a chance to look to the future as a talented but raw big with elite physical tools. He's a gamble, but a gamble is what the Bucks need. -- A.E.

16. Boston Celtics
The pick: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA Bruins

Much like Jared Sullinger last season, Muhammad is a player who fell out of favor with evaluators for all the things he isn't. Boston snatches him up for what he can do: score the ball, something the Celtics desperately need. -- A.E.

17. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Gorgui Dieng, Louisville Cardinals

Atlanta likely loses Josh Smith, so they need length and athleticism. Dieng should work immediately with Al Horford as an inside-outside threat, and the two of them can anchor a strong defense. Dieng provides cheap help, which allows them to spend money elsewhere. -- D.T.

18. Atlanta Hawks
The pick: Dennis Schroeder, Braunschweig (Germany)

The Hawks need help everywhere. And with point guard Jeff Teague testing the market as a restricted free agent, help in the backcourt is imperative. Schroeder, who has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo, is a very good fit for new coach Mike Budenholzer. -- F.F.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers
The pick: Sergey Karasev, Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia)

Having added Noel, the Cavaliers could still stand to get some help on the wing. Karasev could eventually settle in at either shooting guard or small forward depending how Cleveland builds its roster. His shooting and feel allows him to complement the Cavs' young stars. -- K.P.

20. Chicago Bulls
The pick: Jeff Withey, Kansas Jayhawks

He'll easily assimilate to the Bulls' culture of defense and gives Tom Thibodeau another long rim protector. Three years ago, the kid couldn't score and now he's a viable player. He's an ideal role player because doesn't have the ego. Bulls brass can thank me later. -- D.T.

21. Utah Jazz
The pick: Reggie Bullock, North Carolina Tar Heels

Good shooters tend to improve when they hit the NBA and carve out their niche with the big boys. Utah had a desire to address this, and Bullock's stroke is a major asset. Mix in his attention to detail on defense and he gives you more than your typical specialist. -- D.T.

22. Brooklyn Nets
The pick: Glen Rice Jr., Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBDL)

The Nets want immediate help off the bench, and with Dieng and Withey going ahead of them, along with the other wings in this range, that leaves Rice as the best option. His pro experience in the D-League should help Rice contribute quickly in the NBA. -- K.P.

23. Indiana Pacers
The pick: Isaiah Canaan, Murray State Racers

There were "high fives" in the Fraschilla draft room when Canaan was available. It is not only an area of need for them, but to get a strong, quick, savvy point guard with NBA range at No. 23 is a steal. He could turn out to be as good as any playmaker in this draft. -- F.F.

24. New York Knicks
The pick: Lucas Nogueira, Estudiantes (Brazil)

The Knicks are now less athletic on the front line than almost any team. Lots of banged-up old men. Nogueira gives them a chance to add a player who can help them significantly down the road. That is more important than drafting for a specific need for the upcoming season. -- D.T.

25. Los Angeles Clippers
The pick: Allen Crabbe, California Golden Bears

It remains to be seen what the Clippers' roster will look like opening night, but in the immortal words of Cotton Fitzsimmons, "you can never have too many shooters." Crabbe is one of the best shooters in the draft, and would fit in nicely as a spacer for the Clippers. -- A.E..

26. Minnesota Timberwolves
The pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Filathlitikos (Greece)

Antetokounmpo is just 18, but he's already 6-foot-9 with playmaking skills to drool over. If small ball reigns in the NBA, he's got a good mentor in Andrei Kirilenko. -- A.E.

27. Denver Nuggets
The pick: Erick Green, Virginia Tech

We don't know who the coach is, but it seems likely the Nuggets will still try to play ultrafast. Green is one of the top pace players in the draft, and he fills a need for Denver, who relies on the ageless Andre Miller more than they should. -- D.T.

28. San Antonio Spurs
The pick: Tony Mitchell, North Texas Mean Green

This a great fit for both parties. The Spurs get another athletic young forward with a penchant for rebounding, and Mitchell gets a team that will nurture his prodigious talent in a professional environment and winning culture. -- F.F.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder
The pick: Grant Jerrett, Arizona Wildcats

The Thunder can swing for the fences again with No. 29. Mitchell would be perfect here. After cursing Fran for taking Mitchell one pick earlier, I went with Jerrett, an intriguing yet raw prospect who combines shooting ability with rare athleticism for a stretch four. -- K.P.

30. Phoenix Suns
The pick: Ryan Kelly, Duke Blue Devils

If not for the foot injury, Kelly would have shot his way into the first round. Kelly measured out at 6-11 3/4 at the combine. Who's going to pass on a high-character, intelligent player with a proven 3-point stroke? Kelly has NBA size as a stretch player and a desired skill. -- D.T.

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