Posted by purple012870:

I know we probably will finish too high to get Teague, Jennings & maybe Curry. And I know that we need a shot-blocking C on the roster (and a 2 guard).

But there are many late 1st round PGs who would really make this team better both in this system & as a change of pace to Duhon (they all have + quickness).

1. Paddy Mills
2. Curtis Jerrells
3. Darren Collison
4. Ty Lawson
5. Eric Maynor
6. AJ Price

That's how I would rank them. Saw Jerrells twice & love him.

Opinions, rankings on these guys from the UK faithful?

I think you have to consider the system these players would have to play in and the necessity for playing off the pick & roll, seeing the floor and having a very consistent outside shot.

I put 2 players at the top of the list --- Nick Calathes and Darren Collison.

Of the (2) I think Calathes might be a perfect fit for D'Antoni's system.

He's big, pretty athletic, knocks down the long ball, rebounds, passes and is an outstanding leader.

The knock is his lack of explosive athleticism but as with Duhon - you can see that the pick & roll that D'Antoni runs offsets some of that requirement and it places a greater need on shooting, court vision and decision making.

I really like Collison as well but sometimes wonder if he can create for people.

Posted by purple012870:

I know we probably will finish too high to get Teague, Jennings & maybe Curry. And I know that we need a shot-blocking C on the roster (and a 2 guard).

But there are many late 1st round PGs who would really make this team better both in this system & as a change of pace to Duhon (they all have + quickness).

1. Paddy Mills
2. Curtis Jerrells
3. Darren Collison
4. Ty Lawson
5. Eric Maynor
6. AJ Price

That's how I would rank them. Saw Jerrells twice & love him.

Opinions, rankings on these guys from the UK faithful?

I'll take Nick Calathes over all of those guys. My sleeper in this draft is Jerel McNeal

[Edited by - BRIGGS on 02-05-2009 11:27 AM]

Posted by purple012870:

Where is Calethes likely to go in the draft (mid teens)?

Draft express has him going in the 2nd round.

Me personally - I think their wrong.

I would prefer Calathes over all the point guards mentioned in this thread.

I'd probably prefer him over Curry as well because he's such an all-around player and his size is so nice for the NBA punishment. Curry's shooting is hard to ignore but I prefer more traditional (natural point guards) and Calathes is a natural (no doubt about that).

Posted by purple012870:

Would comparing Calethes to a better shooting Andre Miller be off base?

Miller has a much stronger build. Calathes needs to get stronger but he's unique that he is 6-5--how many 6-5 PG's are out there? He's able to make up for his lack of athletic ability speed and strength by seeing over his defenders. He's able to get to where he wants to go--kind of like Steve Nash in a way. His size allows him to be a good rebounder and he gets the break going quickly. He's just a really good basketball player. If he had great athletic ability he would be a top 3 pick--maybe 1. The speed and athletci ability put him down the draft line a bit. But no way second round--maybe 8-15 depending on the eye of the beholder.

Papa - well yes, that was stated in the original post.

What I was wondering, if you can allow me the latitude, was what people thought of this slew of laser beam point guards.

Posted by BRIGGS:

Posted by purple012870:

Would comparing Calethes to a better shooting Andre Miller be off base?

Miller has a much stronger build. Calathes needs to get stronger but he's unique that he is 6-5--how many 6-5 PG's are out there? He's able to make up for his lack of athletic ability speed and strength by seeing over his defenders. He's able to get to where he wants to go--kind of like Steve Nash in a way. His size allows him to be a good rebounder and he gets the break going quickly. He's just a really good basketball player. If he had great athletic ability he would be a top 3 pick--maybe 1. The speed and athletci ability put him down the draft line a bit. But no way second round--maybe 8-15 depending on the eye of the beholder.

Sounds remarkably like Marty Collins!

Posted by franco12:

Posted by BRIGGS:

Posted by purple012870:

Would comparing Calethes to a better shooting Andre Miller be off base?

Miller has a much stronger build. Calathes needs to get stronger but he's unique that he is 6-5--how many 6-5 PG's are out there? He's able to make up for his lack of athletic ability speed and strength by seeing over his defenders. He's able to get to where he wants to go--kind of like Steve Nash in a way. His size allows him to be a good rebounder and he gets the break going quickly. He's just a really good basketball player. If he had great athletic ability he would be a top 3 pick--maybe 1. The speed and athletci ability put him down the draft line a bit. But no way second round--maybe 8-15 depending on the eye of the beholder.

Sounds remarkably like Marty Collins!

Mardy was /is probably 40 pounds heavier and more explosive. That being said Mardy Collins was a high 30% FG% at temple for most of his 4 years. I think that Mardy has shown he can be a pretty good player in the nBA--he did it with the Knicks and he has done it with the Clippers. I think the team wouldve been better sending Roberson than Collins--we just gave up on Collins. I think they would like to have that one over.
There is something special about Calathes--he's just a really good player. With the way the Knicks play basketball--I would think that he may be one of a few target choices.

Posted by JohnWallace44:

Nobody likes the 'Cuse product?

Johnny Flynn is just as good if not better than any guy mentioned.

btw....Ty Lawson keeps poppin up in my head...i got a feeling he's gonna be a Knick one day.

He's a good D'Antoni style PG to play backup minutes if we can get him for a purchased #2 pick.